Marker Duke PT 16 vs CAST Freetour Comparison

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Originally Posted by fbw360

Curious if anyone else has more input on comparing the two after finishing up the season and maybe some spring tours?

PTs seem nicely self contained and a bit less fiddly (obviously still somewhat though), easier to mount. Cheaper cost for an individual setup is obviously big. Minus for being kinda large and uggo lol.

Being able to mount up multiple sets of skis with just the CAST extra second ski kit is really appealing though after the initial upfront - especially cuts the cost if I can just use some of the Pivot 12/14 heels I have lying around. AFD swapping between alpine and gripwalk is a bit annoying but seems an easy process and no worse than adjusting the AFD screw. Seems a mixed bag about whether people experience icing or difficulty in the transition?

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I have no problem with my duke pt’s. As for mounting multiple pairs of skis, do inserts. It’s pretty simple and a 5 minute swap out. The clamps ski well enough to use as a alpine only clamp. And the chance you will use either cast or duke pt on long tours is very low, side country missions are the most common for both set ups. In my opinion duke pt is superior to cast due to the easier transition and less fiddling.

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Originally Posted by SoVT Joey

I have no problem with my duke pt’s. As for mounting multiple pairs of skis, do inserts. It’s pretty simple and a 5 minute swap out. The clamps ski well enough to use as a alpine only clamp. And the chance you will use either cast or duke pt on long tours is very low, side country missions are the most common for both set ups. In my opinion duke pt is superior to cast due to the easier transition and less fiddling.

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I can't comment about the superiority of one binding vs. the other in use but ...

We all know that frequent swapping with inserts just doesn't happen - much as people say they're gonna do it.

In contrast, scavenging a P12 or P14 heel and buying a second ski kit is as easy as 1-2-3, and a "binding swap" is the same as a transition - takes seconds.

... Thom

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Originally Posted by galibier_numero_un

I can't comment about the superiority of one binding vs. the other in use but ...

We all know that frequent swapping with inserts just doesn't happen - much as people say they're gonna do it.

In contrast, scavenging a P12 or P14 heel and buying a second ski kit is as easy as 1-2-3, and a "binding swap" is the same as a transition - takes seconds.

... Thom

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thanks for proving my point. The number of people that actually use two different skis to tour with cast or duke pt is .000001% of the population.

if you have pivots and extra parts stick to cast, if you have markers and extra parts stick to Duke pt. There won’t ever be a winner figured out between look and marker lovers. So just do the same thing with power tools, pick one and be a dick about it.

I have both. I prefer the look/cast but would grab another Duke PT if the price were right.

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Originally Posted by SoVT Joey

I have no problem with my duke pt’s. As for mounting multiple pairs of skis, do inserts. It’s pretty simple and a 5 minute swap out. The clamps ski well enough to use as a alpine only clamp. And the chance you will use either cast or duke pt on long tours is very low, side country missions are the most common for both set ups. In my opinion duke pt is superior to cast due to the easier transition and less fiddling.

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Originally Posted by galibier_numero_un

I can't comment about the superiority of one binding vs. the other in use but ...

We all know that frequent swapping with inserts just doesn't happen - much as people say they're gonna do it.

In contrast, scavenging a P12 or P14 heel and buying a second ski kit is as easy as 1-2-3, and a "binding swap" is the same as a transition - takes seconds.

... Thom

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Originally Posted by SoVT Joey

thanks for proving my point. The number of people that actually use two different skis to tour with cast or duke pt is .000001% of the population.

if you have pivots and extra parts stick to cast, if you have markers and extra parts stick to Duke pt. There won’t ever be a winner figured out between look and marker lovers. So just do the same thing with power tools, pick one and be a dick about it.

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Best I can understand it, your original post was your advocating inserts for the purpose of swapping, but whatever.

I have no horse in this race. I'm making one. single. point... that people who think they'll swap bindings with inserts on a regular basis rarely end up doing so.

... Thom

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Originally Posted by Eastside

I have both. I prefer the look/cast but would grab another Duke PT if the price were right.

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This is too middle of the road. You are supposed to pick one then back off into your corner and fight about it.

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Originally Posted by Eastside

I have both. I prefer the look/cast but would grab another Duke PT if the price were right.

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I’m in the exact same boat. The cast system does feel more durable for inbounds skiing.

Dumb Frankenbinding question..... Could a regular Griffon heelpiece be used with the PT16 track to be a cheaper PT13 if someone had both lying around? Does this even save enough weight to be a less than pants on head dumb idea?

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Yes, it works. I swapped Griffon heels to my PT12's.

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Originally Posted by 1000-oaks

Yes, it works. I swapped Griffon heels to my PT12's.

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That actually makes more sense and seems like a better idea

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I used the current generation Griffons, which are easier to step in than prior gens, especially with a 50/50 boot that has partially-rubber sole pads.

Shit I checked, the griffons sitting here are the old non grip walk pre ID ones. Don't think that would work. Oh well no Frankenbinding for me

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Originally Posted by Duffman

Shit I checked, the griffons sitting here are the old non grip walk pre ID ones. Don't think that would work. Oh well no Frankenbinding for me

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you should be able to use a old non id heel. The heel is the same height Din and gripwalk. If your heels are super old and sloppy though you won’t be gaining much. What are you running for din?

Non ID heel is probably fine, just harder to step in.

Some good labor day deals on the P12s.

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Originally Posted by kc_7777

Stated weight per binding set up (from the internet...not confirmed) is pretty similar:

Duke PT 16

•Uphill Mode (alpine toe removed): 1,050 grams

•Downhill Mode (alpine toe attached): 1,350 grams

CAST Freetour

•Uphill Mode (alpine toe removed): 1,000 grams

•Downhill Mode (all parts included): 1,525 grams

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CAST 2.0 Downhill mode weighs in at 1340g.. so according to internet weighs both a bit lighter on the up on the down.. while still utilizing the pivot which skis so well.

If marker is your thing go for it.. but others have already mentioned the pivot 18, and even CAST, is a proven binding/system. And you're supporting people who care about skiing.

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Originally Posted by gretch6364

Some good labor day deals on the P12s.

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Got a link? can;t see anything at the usuals.

P16 were $274 or soa couple weeks back at Evo with 10% off. Picked up a pair. Sure they are heavy, but some impressive engineering. Works with my existing holes

Attachment 498998

Above…..Ravens/Renegades with Duke PT’s and Hoji now with CAST (remounted after this pic)

Hoji’s skis deserve a binding that you can walk on. Don’t really notice any diff between the setups skiing inbounds or sidecountry. Both products are really good IMO.

I think the Duke PT wins on reliability as less chance the mount can get f’d up.
But CAST is dope.

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Originally Posted by kc_7777

Attachment 498998

Above…..Ravens/Renegades with Duke PT’s and Hoji with CAST.

Hoji’s skis deserve a binding that you can walk on. Don’t really notice any diff between the setups skiing inbounds or sidecountry. Both products are really good IMO.

I think the Duke PT wins on reliability as less chance the mount can get f’d up.
But CAST is dope.

Sent from my iPhone using TGR Forums

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Our Rens are twins!! I have the 191.

I'm planning to grab 184 Raven's this year and some new Shifts. I want something a bit lighter to tour on than the Duke's.

What’s the max width people have been stretching the duke pt brakes to? I’m thinking about putting a pair on some lotus 138s but 13 extra millimeters seems like a lot


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Originally Posted by Stuntmonkey

Got a link? can;t see anything at the usuals.

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Sorry, just saw this. They are on Evo. Looks like available at $299 now.

I got them to throw on a pair of Bent 100s I bought last year that I didn’t love (the 115s are amazing though). I will likely use them for morning exercise inbounds and then just ski them when we don’t have the snow for the 115s.

Will pickup another 100 ski next season since I am shelling out for boots this year…again. I ski the Salomon S/Pro 130 and was on the carbon before that. They fit like a glove so I was going to grab the shift alpha 130 and another custom footbed. Thoughts? Other then…heavy and not for all day touring in the BC ;-)

I need to get back into skinning so the kids can get some avalanche training and trips as they get older and before their friends goad them into situations they are not prepared for.


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What’s the max width people have been stretching the duke pt brakes to? I’m thinking about putting a pair on some lotus 138s but 13 extra millimeters seems like a lot

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In my experience, duke pt brakes are not very stretchable - much less than other non-touring royals. I had problems with 100 brakes on my 104 sick days, they are still rubbing against sidewalls.

I put the 100 brakes on 108 skis with no issues.

My 100mm Duke PT’s are on 104mm Ravens.
They barely touch (no scraping) without any bending.

Attachment 499837


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