Bindings used to fall into two main styles. Fixed resort style bindings, and alpine touring (AT) bindings. A binding for the backcountry will have a walking mode to allow for trudging uphill ... because of this they are probably not the choice for everyday resort ripping. Regular resort bindings are built to survive the abuse you heap upon them at your local ski hill.

Over the past few years a third catagory has popped up, A sidecountry binding if you will. Bommber and secure like a resort binding ... but allowing for a tour mode, these bindings offer the best of both worlds ... but one caveat, they are heavy!

Just ask yourself these questions about any binding: Will they hold you in? Shed snow easily? Release when you eat shit under the lift while snot-nosed school kids laugh there asses off overhead?

The reality is that all bindings are subject to the same stringent international DIN standards.