 Poster: A snowHead
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Just back from Whistler and managed to try out my new Dukes in a range of conditions. Overall, I think these live up to the hype and are great as a binding which is as solid as a decent alpine binding, but which also has a touring mode. I don't think these are really a true touring binding - they are too heavy and are biased towards the downhill for hut to hut touring.
Downhill performance: you notice a really solid clunk when you step into these bindings - reminiscent of an alpine race binding (think 916/p18). You're still higher off the ski than you would be with one of those bindings but much lower than with a Fritschi or Naxo binding. The interface with the ski is VERY good. With Fritschis you can make the toe wobble around just by flexing your ankle. None of that with the Duke. Carving fat skis on hard slopes is much easier. I did pop out of the bindings a couple of times when I shouldn't have. I am assuming this was me not clearing snow off my bootsoles properly for now but I'll have to keep an eye on this.
Touring performance: this is OK - stride is fine - wouldn't say it's better or worse than a Fritschi. Haven't used a Naxo so can't compare with that. This is a heavy rig though and it gets pretty tiring hauling it uphill for a desk jockey like me. Wouldn't want to be going uphill for much more than an hour or so unless I get myself fitter. We know all the niggles about having to step out of the binding to go from tour to ski mode. The climbing bale is also a bit of a fiddle compared to more touring oriented bindings.
Overall, this is the perfect binding for strong skiers who want the flexibility to skin for 30 mins from the lift to access the goods. It is unlikely to be the right choice for serious touring (ie when the amount of time climbing exceeds the amount of time going downhill).
For the record, I have these mounted on 186cm Legend Pros and 190cm DPS Lotus 120s
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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I love you. You have a gear problem.
Top review, thanks.
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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Arno, I want videos of your 30ft cliff hucks or STFU 
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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parlor, did you receive my pm about Verbier?
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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Arno, do you think they are solid enough for the steeps of La Grave/Chamonix etc?
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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PP, They are made for Cham/La Grave. 
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SMALLZOOKEEPER,
Got any on Demo skis...?? I'll be popping by your shop soon..!!
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PP, yes - and people have been skiing steep stuff on much less solid gear than the Dukes for ages
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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JT, Sorry mate, nearly sold out, can't find any to put in rental. 
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interestingly, the Duke is one item where mainstream UK shops seem to offer good value. Ellis Brigham was offering them for GBP225 last time I looked which is cheaper than any of the usual online suspects
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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Yes, including some people I ski with. Its just that when I look at these ‘flimsy’ bindings I cant persuade myself that under difficult conditions they will perform as well as alpine bindings. It is this (probably unfounded opinion) that has stopped me from using them. The marker duke binding on the other hand at least looks solid and I am tempted.
Thanks for the review its always good to hear 1st hand reports from people without a commercial interest.
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And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
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SMALLZOOKEEPER,
No probs, I'll pop by anyway and will hire something interesting...... I'll see what you have on the day...
Dukes...?? seems to me to be solid but heavy so you will not want to go far..but they may have opened up the way forward and others will now make solid lighter AT bindings. The initial problem with FR+'s in my mind, was that they didn't appear to substantially connect with my feet...
I almost had a feeling they were too flappy...but will take more notice this year. It may have been a hurried set-up job but the snow was deep so I didn't really notice throughout the day.... so that is a good thing.
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PP, Dynafit? They seem to perform better or aswell as Alpine in terms of stability.
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You know it makes sense.
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plectrum, last season one of our group ( in fact the guide) who is on these had a nasty tumble on the middle couloir of Pas de Chevre. The release mechanism of the heel piece got stuck under the free edge of the opposite leg. Not something i would like to happen when skiing routes with more consequence in case of a fall.
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Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
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PP, I hope you're not suggesting i maybe be biased due to a commercial interests. I choose what i sell based on quaility and pre testing, not margins or commercial interest. If that's not what you're suggesting all the better.
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Poster: A snowHead
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SMALLZOOKEEPER, Dukes on Bridges? a marriage made in heaven or a waste of good kit? (I'm thinking of buying new toys this season)
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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SMALLZOOKEEPER, as per your last sentence.
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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FenlandSkier, Great idea, my ideal allround setup.
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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Arno, I vote that unless the 30ft huck video is posted promptish your Dukes are removed and carefully packaged and sent to me!
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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plectrum, they're yours for EUR389 per pair plus postage 
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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Arno, It is about fit for purpose .... Fit For PURPOSE  now Jump!
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Arno, BTW I will let you know early Feb whether I am available for La Grave. Hopefully places will still be there. Sorry after looking at my money situation after all teh current touring expenditure lets just say .... bread and water!
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FAQ
