ATK Raider 12 touring binding

The Raider 12 from ATK features a significantly longer and wider drilling pattern compared to its predecessor, positively impacting stability and release resistance. The step-in has been further simplified with a new boot stop.

What is truly revolutionary is the closed system at the toe: Similar to the Revolution binding, ATK has moved away from using springs on the lever arms in the Raider models, opting instead for a hidden spring that runs perpendicular to the lever arms. This change is less about weight savings and more about optimizing the clamping effect. For this reason, this binding offers various clamping angles to perfectly adjust the force to the (unfortunately still) varying width of the inserts in the boot.

The arms of the Raider 12 are perfectly shaped in the new housing when closed. This means the arms are not just hanging on the axes but are actually guided along their entire length. This is another aspect that contributes to the enormous stability of the Raider head. When closed, no snow can enter the binding, which could lead to icing and functional limitations.

The Raider 12 also features a stopper at the back, similar to the Crest. There are two magnetic heel flaps that allow for five walking modes when the head is rotated.

Of course, the optional Freeride Spacer is very cool, allowing for perfect adjustment of the base plate to the sole thickness of the boot, achieving optimal power transfer, just like with the Raider 2.0. The 25-millimeter adjustment range at the back is sufficient, even if you own two very different boots.

All these features at just 330 grams are quite impressive.