First Look: Dynafit Blacklight 2.0 Binding

The pin-binding landscape in North America has shifted drastically over the last decade or so. Pre-COVID, it seemed somewhat rare to see non-Dynafit bindings out in the wild; folks that were tuned in ordered ATKs and Plums from Europe, but for the average ski tourist, Dynafit was still the only player they were familiar with. With ATK’s push into North America, they have anecdotally taken the helm. I would estimate that 60% of folks I see in the Tetons ski ATK bindings of some variety. This all makes sense in a world where most folks are looking for a “full-featured” touring binding. The Dynafit Rotation is a tough sell in a world dominated by the ATK Freeraider. In the lightweight space, Dynafit is certainly competing much better. The Superlight 150 is a great, robust, and lightweight binding that we quite like here at THR. A step heavier in the 250-300g weight class, the likes of the Trab Vario.2, Marker Alpinist, and Salomon MTN join the fray. Dynafit used to have the Speedfit/Blacklight line, which wasn’t great….This year, along with the Blacklight 2.0 boot, they released a Blacklight 2.0 binding that offers much more than the old model. 

With a materials list that includes carbon fiber, I was intrigued by initial reports of this binding. Upon its arrival, it is certainly a unique binding and seems like a relevant addition to the space. As has often been the case with the Blacklight line, this binding fits the story of upgraded and lighter materials in a design similar to the “normal” product; in this case, perhaps the baseline product would be the trusty old Speed Radical binding. They feature a similar independent pin heel design with adjustable lateral and vertical release, flat + 2 heel riser options, what looks like a lower delta, and a trim-looking toe piece. Unlike ATK, Plum, or Salomon, these bindings are mostly carbon-reinforced plastic and carbon fiber, with some aluminum. This style of construction seems to be a benefit in bindings like the Marker Alpinist, which is often praised for dampness. 

Coming in at 264g with screws and crampon mounts (no brakes), the Blacklight is right in the mix with the Plum Oazo, Alpinist, Salomon MTN, etc., as a mid-weight option. I’ve been skiing a pair of Alpinists as well and am interested in doing some side-by-side testing to see how the Blacklights and Alpinists compare in damping with their all-metal counterparts; while all-metal is compelling from a reliability standpoint, this seems to be the best selling point for alternative constructions. On the whole, a 264g, fully featured binding (2 risers, full release adjustability, worm screw adjustment, etc.), is a strong addition to the market given that most everything else in the weight class has some compromise (though the lack of compromise of the ATK Haute Route Plus is hard to ignore). 

We’ll be back with more on the Blacklight once we have them mounted up and get some time to assess performance and initial durability. 

Basic Specs

Lateral release: 4-10

Vertical release: 4-10

BSL adjustment: 20mm

Risers: 2 + flat (must rotate binding 180-degrees from pins forward to engage flat + 2 risers.

Price: $450.00