Light-is-Right or Fully-Featured
There are enough tech binding options available these days that choosing a binding requires some real homework. Generally, the first step in narrowing down tech binding options is to decide whether you want a fully-featured model or a light-is-right model. Typically, fully featured tech bindings have brakes, heel elasticity, a wide release-setting range, multiple heel-lift options, and weigh north of 1kg (2.2lb) per pair. Lightweight, bare-bones tech bindings often offer no brake, a single heel-lift setting, a fixed release value, and weigh less than 1kg/pair. And then there’s the G3 ZED Binding. The ZED has just about all the features of most fully featured bindings, yet it weighs a remarkable 750g (1.6lb) per pair. Sure, you can find lighter tech bindings, but the G3 ZED is more binding for the weight than most of its competitors.
G3 ZED vs. G3 ION
You can think of the G3 ZED as a refined version of the G3 ION binding. The toe pieces share many similarities, but the ZED toe sheds grams through some cosmetic sculpting. The heel piece is where you will find the biggest differences and the bulk of the weight savings between the two models. The ZED heel features a different internal design. It uses a single screw to adjust lateral and forward release, while the ION (and most other tech bindings) use a two-screw system. The result is significant weight savings and user simplicity.
The Brake
Another change between the ZED and ION is the brake. The ZED comes without a brake and can be used with or without one. The ION comes with a brake, and it cannot be removed. I see the optional brake as a plus since not everyone wants brakes. Removable brakes also let you move the binding to a new or different width ski by simply updating to the correct width brake versus buying a whole new binding if the old brakes don’t match the new ski width.
Other Features
Despite its lightweight, the G3 ZED is a fully featured tech binding. It offers a release value range of 5-12 for lateral and forward release (also avail as a 4-9 release), two heel lift height options, 10mm of heel elasticity and can be used with a brake. It has the same wide hole mounting pattern as the ION for today’s big boards. The high-clearance toe design, which is designed to eliminate snow buildup under the toe and ensure consistent step-in and hold, works well. It raises the boot off of the ski more than other tech bindings, especially a Marker Alpinist or BD Xenic, but it’s still easy to step into and closes with a definitive snap every time. The ZED is also compatible with the same easy-to-use G3 ski crampon as the ION – read our G3 Ski Crampon review.
What’s Not to Like
The G3 ZED drops half a pound over the ION with its svelte toe and redesigned heel. Operationally, it’s essentially just like the ION and works great on the up and down. For most dedicated backcountry skiers, the ZED is an easy choice over the ION. If you’re notorious for being hard on your gear or want that extra peace of mind that comes with knowing the ION has more years of field abuse and refinement behind it, go with the ION. For those who want a fully functional tech binding that walks the line between lightweight and fully featured, the G3 ZED is an easy choice.
Check prices and availability on the G3 ZED Binding.
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Read our other tech binding reviews: G3 ION review, Marker Alpinist review, Dynafit Radical 2.0 review or Dynafit TLT Speedfit review
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