Touring Bindings & the New G3 Zed

Touring Bindings & the New G3 Zed

Author: BLISTER April 20, 2018 Duration: 50:07

G3 (aka, Genuine Guide Gear) is introducing a new touring binding — the Zed — that they’re calling the lightest fully-featured AT binding on the market. So we talk to G3’s engineers about their design philosophy and development process, current trends in AT bindings, and the compromises inherent in any AT binding.

TOPICS & TIMES:

  • Introductions (2:15)
  • When did work begin on this binding, and what was the primary aim? (4:55)
  • The “Dark Swamp of Despair” (8:03)
  • The difficulty of naming products (11:09)
  • The G3 ION as the precursor to the ZED (12:37)
  • Cutting weight on the ZED (17:14)
  • Why choose the ION over the ZED? (26:03)
  • Why choose the Zed over "ultralight" bindings (29:07)
  • Using ultralight bindings on wide skis (30:19)
  • Carbon reinforced plastics (33:51)
  • Current binding trends and U-Spring bindings (37:15)
  • Understanding the inherent compromises in bindings (44:55)

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For anyone who has ever stood in a shop debating the merits of a new jacket or stared at a trail map while thinking about their skis, GEAR:30 is that conversation. This BLISTER podcast goes far beyond basic specs and marketing claims, offering a nuanced, often technical look at the equipment that defines our time outside. The discussion is driven by the people who live with these products: our own reviewers who are putting gear through its paces in real conditions, the designers who obsess over materials and intent, and the athletes whose livelihoods depend on performance. We also check in with the seasoned folks from our network of recommended shops, who see what works and what doesn’t after a season of hard use. Episodes dig into specific items, broader trends in innovation, and the sometimes-surprising realities of long-term testing. It’s a deep, authentic resource for anyone who appreciates the intersection of sports, design, and technology, and who believes the right tool can transform an experience. Tune in for honest, detailed talk that treats outdoor gear with the seriousness and curiosity it deserves.
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