G3 Ion LT 12 Review

The G3 Ion LT is a carefully engineered and designed, solid-functioning, all around backcountry ski binding. The lack of a ski brake somewhat limits its appeal, but we'd argue that expert backcountry skiers (as opposed to "expert" resort skiers) don't need ski brakes.

Performance Comparison

With solid performances across the board, the Ion LT was a contender for our Editors Choice award. If it shaved a few ounces and included ski brakes at that lower weight it would handily exceed the scores of the Editors Choice Atomic Backland Tour. Therefore, if you do not need brakes, and aren't super fastidious about weight, you might want to consider the G3 Ion LT.

We do wish the Ion LT were actually lighter. For this set of features and performance, there are options on the market that are many ounces lighter.

Touring Performance

The friction-less pivot and three levels of heel elevation put the Ion LT right in the mix with the best of the best in this category. Beginner skinners really appreciate the option to lift their heel to one of the three different levels. For 2018 basically all of our tested bindings include three lift levels. Only the Plum Tech Race 150 and Top Pick Black Diamond Helio 180 do not have three levels of lift.

The toe piece of the G3 is simultaneously minimalist and confidence inspiring.

Downhill Performance

Downhill performance is a wide-reaching category. We look at two major categories of information in this scoring metric. First, we consider how the bindings perform in normal skiing. How well is your boot held and what is the binding geometry as it pertains to downhill performance. We experienced no "pre release" of the G3 bindings. This is good. The design includes a little bit of "forward pressure" at the heel that, at least theoretically, allows for greater binding elasticity in high energy downhill skiing. The stack height and heel-toe delta (difference in height) are almost exactly average. Of the simpler tech bindings we tested (all those that aren't the Marker KingPin and Top Pick Fritschi Tecton), the G3 is the only one with this forward pressure consideration.

Release value chart on the heel piece of the Ion LT.

Next, we consider what happens in non-standard downhill skiing situations. Essentially, how reliably and adjustably does the binding release, and is the ski braked when it comes off. The bindings have a non-certified "release value" adjustment and no ski brakes. In these ways, the G3 Ion LT is relatively non-sophisticated. It compares most closely in these ways to the Dynafit TLT Speed and Best Buy Dynafit Speed Turn. The Plum Guide and Editors Choice Atomic Backland both include ski brakes and have the same sort of non-certified release adjustment. The big gun Marker and Fritschi bindings have brakes and TUV/DIN certified release values.

Ease of Use

We can rate the ease of use of the Ion LT very highly. The toe piece is optimized for easy entry and the heel lifters flip around very readily when you want to change them. In most ways, the simple yet carefully designed Ion LT is the top scoring in terms of ease of use. The Dynafit TLT Speed comes close, but switching from ski to tour mode on the TLT can be very strenuous. Doing so with the Ion LT never gave us any trouble.

G3's flip heel lifters are widely loved. Indeed, it is nice to be able to use them from either side and to be able to move them with your pole basket.

Weight

The Ion LT is tied with the Plum Guide XS for the heaviest of the non-TUV certified bindings. This greater weight, as compared to something like the Dynafit Speed Turn or Editors Choice Atomic Backland Tour is attributable to greater usability features and the downhill "forward pressure" attribute. These things could very well justify the extra weight, for you. Our test team definitely prefers lighter bindings, even if it means a little compromise in performance.

Durability

We had no problems at all with the durability or function of the Ion LT. Other users have briefly mentioned issues with the toe piece getting stuck in locked position, but our extensive testing revealed no such problem. As initially compared to the construction of the otherwise similar Plum Guide XS, the inclusion of plastic in the Ion LT is a little unnerving. However, the plastic is clearly carefully chosen and well engineered. We experienced no breakage.

Close-up of the smoothly contoured and very user-friendly toe piece lock lever.

Best Applications

We handily recommend these bindings for the all-around user. Others are a little more refined, lighter, or include more features and performance attributes. However, the Ion LT strikes a balance that many will prefer.

Value

These bindings are widely available, reasonably priced, and are backed up by a customer service system we have had good experiences with. There are better values out there, but not by much. If you find any sort of sale on the G3 Ion LT that purchase will definitely rival even the value of our Best Buy award winner.

Transitioning from tour to ski on the G3 Ion LT can be done with the ski on your foot or off. Your personal style will inform.

Conclusion

Solid bindings that are widely available and include performance attributes that belie both weight and purchase price.