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Changes to 2013 Duke / Baron: mo' wider = better & worth mo' cash?

post #1 of 9
3/19/12 at 2:28pm
Thread Starter 

I've been following some of the post-tradeshow reporting of design changes for the 2013 Marker Duke as well as the good news that Solomon & Tyrolia are going to provide some competition in the downhill-oriented AT binding category with their Guardian & Adrenaline bindings.

 

From what I can gather, the new Duke will gain some weight, but will be on a new, wider chassis that Marker claims is more stable & resistant to torsion.

 

Q1;

Has anyone actually been able to demo the 2013 Dukes, or have any further insights into whether the new design is worth waiting for vs. buying one of this season's bindings at a discount?

 

Q2:

Does anyone know if the 2013 Baron will also feature the same design changes as the Duke (albeit with more plastic), or will they just carry over the 2012 Baron design for next season?

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post #2 of 9
3/19/12 at 7:40pm

Q1: although the new Duke will be slightly better, it probably isn't worth the discount you get for this year's model. I just got my Dukes, knowing the EPF model will be coming out. I don't think the Duke will be gaining any wait, however, as they are shaving off metal in places to compensate for the added metal. I'm not sure about this however. Check out this site for more info: http://www.earlyups.com/featured/gear-burly-at-binding-feature/

 

Q2: the baron stays the same for next year, only this years Duke is changing.

 

Overall, I think the Salomon Guardian will be the better deal next year, but then again, it hasn't really been tested yet, so it might be dangerous getting the first iteration. I think it's better to just get a Duke that's currently on sale now, but, that's just my oppinion.

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post #3 of 9
3/20/12 at 1:43am
Thread Starter 

Thanks for that link that directly addresses my Baron question.

 

As for the Duke weight, earlyups lists Marker's claimed weight, I've encountered another write-up that indicates that the actual weight of the new EPF will be 2790g, which is about 1/2 lb more than the current version.

http://www.ski-review.com/ski_news/article/marker_duke_epf_2013/

 

Given how the Marker reps I've seen giving interviews from the trade shows have been deliberately even when pressed about the weight of the EPF, and how the new Salomon is actually lowering the bar weight wise by coming in a full pound over the current Duke design, I'd be willing to wager that the production version people will be buying in the fall will be closer to that 2800g mark than the current 2500-2600g range of the 2012 Duke.

 

I really like the low stack height & the external access to walk mode on the new Guardian, not to mention that it looks pretty darn sweet, but I'm going to take a pass on the 1st gen version of the binding and watch to see how it holds up.

 

Truth is, I don't need the burliest metal binding on the market.  I only weigh 160lbs, ski DIN 9.0 for most conditions, have been well served by Marker Griffons for the last 3 seasons, and am thus inclined to go with Marker's proven Baron design, which will save me 3/4 to 1-1/4 lbs over the EPF & Guardian weights while touring.

 

On a related note: is it just me, or does the new Tyrolia Adrenaline design look to have the most ridiculously-exposed walk-mode release ever?

Check this promo video:

http://skiblog.powder7.com/tag/2013-nordica/

If I can casually flip up that lever with the flick of a pole basket, what's to keep it from opening if I cross my tails in the air?

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post #4 of 9
12/18/12 at 1:55pm

Anyone have some more info on this?  I have last year's Duke still sitting in its box because the winter was so pathetic that the only skiing I got in was 5 days in Utah.  I'm debating selling them and picking up this years version if the 28% wider platform is worth it.

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post #5 of 9
12/18/12 at 2:08pm

that's a personal thing really, for the hit you'll take, its probably not worth it. FWIW- I just put on some trackers on my 112's but I also have a brand new pair of Baron's from last year I scored cheap that are going on my Lotus 138's. for the price difference, I'll ski those.  You probably won't get more than 250ish...

 

regarding tripping the release lever on the tracker/guardian- can't happen, check one out.

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post #6 of 9
12/18/12 at 3:19pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Finndog View Post

that's a personal thing really, for the hit you'll take, its probably not worth it. FWIW- I just put on some trackers on my 112's but I also have a brand new pair of Baron's from last year I scored cheap that are going on my Lotus 138's. for the price difference, I'll ski those.  You probably won't get more than 250ish...

 

regarding tripping the release lever on the tracker/guardian- can't happen, check one out.

That's what I was thinking.  Thanks Finndog

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post #7 of 9
12/20/12 at 11:36am

...yeah, def keep what you have, it's looking like we could have a game changer next year. 

Dynafit Beast 16 -

http://www.tetongravity.com/forums/showthread.php/254872-2013-2014-Gear-Rumors-What-you-got?p=3846271#post3846271

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post #8 of 9
12/20/12 at 12:03pm

wow, that's crazy...^^^

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post #9 of 9
12/20/12 at 1:21pm

^^ As is the reported price tag.

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