ZED 9

I've been using the Zed bindings for around 10 years. I love the way the toe piece has a good solid and definitive spring action when you click into it. The toe piece also tends to ice up much less frequently than other tech bindings. It makes it easy to know that I'm properly attached to my skis before launching into a run. I also find the heel riser system very easy to use and durable.

I've been using the Zed bindings for around 10 years. I love the way the toe piece has a good solid and definitive spring action when you click into it. It makes it easy to know that I'm properly attached to my skis before launching into a run. I also find the heel riser system very easy to use and durable. The toe piece also tends to ice up much less frequently than other tech bindings.

The brake locking mechanism failed after roughly 20 days. The locking mechanism is made of plastic and will eventually fail. The release spring is held by small plastic ring. If it cracks the brakes will fail. Binding is solid if you don’t plan on using brakes

After 20,000 m of vertical gain, I’ve had zero issues with the Zed 12. They’re easy to use, solid, and impressively lightweight. The DIN range up to 12 gives real confidence when skiing fast, sending cliffs, or hitting jumps.

The option to add stomp pads is a great touch, providing better heel support and a more alpine-like binding feel, especially for skiers using leashes instead of ski brakes.

Overall, the perfect binding to explore the backcountry and send big lines. Highly recommended.

I upgraded from Ions to Zeds this season and have been SO happy with the switch. They deliver the same sturdiness with a significant decrease in weight. I find them easier to spin when transitioning than the Ions and the toe piece makes it simple to line up and click into boots.

I doubt that this review will get posted, but credit to G3 if it does.

I will never buy G3 again. This product was, in my opinion, the worst binding I've owned, poorly constructed, and frankly unsafe for use in the backcountry.

The reasons for this are that the product pre-released numerous times, which gave me a concussion on more than one occasion. In the end, I rarely used it, and if I did, I always skied them locked out on DIN 12 (84 kg male & 185 cm) to prevent pre-release. Another issue with them was that pin that holds the brake spring in place came out on several tours, which due to its awkward angle, takes a while to get back in with a good multi-tool (leatherman type was the best for this), and a while is uncomfortable in the cold fiddling with a little metal pin. If you can't get this pin back in, the binding would again be un-useable, preventing you from clicking your heel in (telemark mode), as the spring sits up and prevents the boot from contacting the pins (ALWAYS carry a good multi-tool and ski straps with this binding).

The big issue comes when a couple of years later, after minimal use due to the above described issues (and relative to my other pin bindings), the heel pin on the heel turret completely exploded at the top of a tour when I tried to click in (see photos). This was simply using the binding as usual, same boots, same setting as always, under normal foot pressure clicking in, again in bad weather and heavy snow conditions. This pushed out the side of the unit and ensured that I then had to ski down without my heel attached (telemark-time) and the toes locked out as usual. When I pursued a replacement, I then found out that the unit was out of warranty, and I had to pay for a replacement unit (albeit at a 'good will' price).

I have, and will continue to strongly recommend not buying or stocking this product. Stick with ATK, they work.

Positives - although the screws on the attachment unit repeatedly loosened and need retightening, the crampons were good and solid. Another positive, we now have good jokes about G3 being the makers of great telemark bindings.

I purchased these bindings and had them set up professionally. I used them a total of 5 times and they completely snapped mid run

This good deal on a very good binding should be a no-brainer. As a guide, it's an easy recommendation to clients putting together their touring kits, as well as helping me do some Christmas shopping for the fam. Take advantage of the deal... there aren't many left in this world of inflation and $200+ lift tickets

I bought these for a teenager to introduce her to the joys of the backcountry. The bindings are super light which will help create a super light set-up for her. The DIN range is perfect. I have gone with ski leashes and will get brakes after a season or so when she decides on her ski preference.

I bought a set of Zed 12 in early spring 2020.
Cons: Heel piece turret got loose within a few weeks of skiing. A friend of mine had the exact same issue. Another consideration is that this version will build up ice and snow within the turret, making it very loose (+-10 deg, see attached video). What a great way to get in serious trouble on a steep and icy incline... Thanks G3! I was told the problem was known and got fixed in 2019. I was told by the customer's service that I was unlucky and that it was not considered a "manufacturing issue but an improvement" and was invited to spend another $300, basically the price point of a brand new, very sturdy and lighter german-brand binding, to buy a new pair of heel piece even if I bought mine a full year after the fix was rolled out (Really?). Turrets relies on a friction mechanism to stay put on ascent. This feature also got destroyed throughout the use opf the product.

Pros: Toe piece is probably the best on the market, too bad the heel piece quality doesn't follow. I would say the Ion LT were better as far as durability goes.

Following my experience, I would recommend buying anoter brand or opting for another model. I wouldn't trust the newer version either.
Very disappointing.

ZED 12

I've been on a set of Zeds now for a season. I'm a huge fan of how easy it is to step into a g3 tech toe piece. The Zed toe stands out extra bomber with what I've experienced as the best tow retention in the game. Its just a simple binding and thats a win for me. 10/10 would recomend to a friend

Easy to mount, adjust and use, can’t wait to put more miles on them!

ZED 12

Really happy with the build quality and materials used in the binding. Very simple design which functions well. My only criticism would be the risers have a tendency to flip up while touring if you’re not careful. Overall very happy with the performance.

I've been on G3 bindings for a while now and never had a single issue. As a ski guide reliability is key and both the Ion and Zed bindings perform very well, they never brake and therefore are super trustworthy.

Just tried both Ion and Zed Bindings on uneven terrain going up and down and they perform more than what I expected! So light they stayed "on track"

I ski these backcountry, and at times in resort, and I find them very reliable, only releasing when really necessary, which is perfect!

These bindings balance functionality and weight beautifully. If you want a light binding, but don't want to sacrifice usability or adjustability, they're perfect.

Super user friendly, fully featured at a reasonable weight. Brakes are beefy and actually effective.

Good bindings, no issues. Enjoyed these little ones when ski touring in Patagonia

Awesome service and fast delivery

These bindings have been awesome! I love the intersection of weight and performance. I feel very confident knowing I have an adjustable din and forward pressure for aggressive skiing, while still being impressively light for the uphill. The ease of swapping between brakes or no brakes is very convenient because I use quiver killers and can run a narrower light and fast ski, or throw brakes on a bigger ski and not have to worry about losing a ski, or getting tangled in a leash in a fall. Overall this binding skis much better than others I have used in the same weight category, and has all the features to be comfortable skiing aggressively.

They hold super well! Easy to use too

Great value for money and low weight.