The revolutionary Boost 12 improves on standard tech bindings for a better skiing, more efficient, and hassle-free backcountry binding. The Boost 12 combines several ingenuous performance innovations: an extremely solid boot/ski connection, no torsional movement, precise release and great descending feel – but is headlined by it's unique toe-mounted brakes!
The always active brake of the Boost 12 binding is a huge improvement over the front brake on the old Core 12, which required a two-step process: 1. Lock the toe, then 2. Retract/lock the brake. On the Boost 12, those steps are combined into one. Locking the toe piece for uphill mode also retracts the brake. One lever does both in one step. Quite ingenious.
This means the brake always deploys when the boot isn't in the toe. No more watching a dropped ski take off down the mountain. Astute tourers will understand the benefit. The non-traditional brake placement may cause some initial visual resistance, but think over the major advantages of an always active brake combined with brake operation that is MUCH easier and quicker than other brands' heel brakes.
Forge your own path.
Trying to decide between the Boost 12 and Core 12 Pro? This will help!
Improving on the proven performance of tech bindings takes knowledge of what works and what doesn't. The Boost 12 is made for HAGAN in partnership with ATK and is the same, except for color, as the ATK Front 12. The Front 12 is distributed in America by Black Diamond, but we sell the Boost 12 for less, will match any legit price and provide better customer service and faster response. ATK is well respected for exceptionally high quality, craftsmanship and functionality and manufactures a wide variety of bindings and other alpine touring gear in Italy. HAGAN partnered with ATK to bring what we feel are their best products, serving the largest needs, to the U.S. Wide toe and heel mounts effectively transfer power. The patented E.R.S. ® (Elastic Response System) system absorbs energy resulting in consistent release values while allowing the ski to flex naturally under compression for improved downhill performance. The heel pivots rotationally to provide consistent release and retention. The patented CAM heel system adjusts to impact forces, providing far better control and skiing precision than simple “U Forks.” Vertical and Horizontal release are independently adjustable. Available Free-ride spacers further improve performance.
Touring bindings spend the majority of their time going up, and the Boost 12's refined Magneto® heel climbing aids are easily flippable with pole or hand for five (five!!) climbing positions. Two climbing positions can be selected without any need to twist the heel piece, making for far safer adjustments in precarious situations. At only 380 grams, the Boost 12 is the second lightest high-performance free ride touring binding in the world! (The lightest is the Hagan Core 12 Pro, which also has independent heel tower operation, but doesn't have the always active automatically deploying brakes.)
The Boost 12 features easy toe entry and quick and secure clamping that is far superior to standard tech bindings. The toe is designed for much easier step-in, even with older and worn boots. The heel piece can be turned in any direction. The ski brake is toe mounted. Not only is it incredibly easy to operate, the front mount brakes are the only system in the world that deploys any time the boot is released (uphill and downhill mode), so unlike other bindings, you don't have to worry about losing a ski when the binding is in walk mode. (Ever drop a ski while taking off skins?) The brake arms are extra long with wide hooks to stop your skis quickly when they go airborne without you. Integrated crampon hooks allow stress-free ascents up bulletproof snow or in no-fall zones. All adjustments on the binding can be made with a standard Phillips screwdriver, so you can leave a few extra tools out of your pack.
INTEGRATED CRAMPON HOOKS ®: crampon hooks integrated into the toe piece.
Material:
70mm, 86mm, 97mm, 108mm and 120mm Crampons
86mm, 91mm, 97mm, 102mm, 108mm and 120mm Ski Brakes
Two types of ATK toe shims are available if you would like to reduce the ramp angle - the ATK AL12 toe shim and ATK R16A Raider Toe Plate.
Instructional Videos
Toe brake operation - click the CC button for English subtitles:
How to adjust the heel length and retention values (Note: the labeling of the heel adjustment steps is in the wrong order.)
How to use the magneto heel flaps:
Heel Cam Release System and Easy Step In:
Toe Easy Step In:
Risers flipping forward when you don't want them to? Stop it in one second!: