From what little I actually know, Hirscher made the move to the Marker EPS 30.0 Comp binding and the Marker Piston Plate largely because of the Piston Plate's performance on his skis. And for him, "performance" meant one thing. How his total equipment setup enabled him to ski a SL, or GS {and the occasional SG} course faster than he could on anything else. There have been discussions, and posts here, ad nauseam, that report with some degree of accuracy that almost none of his material was made by Atomic. Including most of his supply of skis {most discussion about his SL skis}. His team probably tested more extensively than anybody, and what was fast was very clear.
The "older" EPS comp bindings, the all metal 16.0, 20.0 and 30.0 are generally considered to be the best match for the piston plate. There is very good reason that they are still used, particularly by men, on the WC, EC, NorAm and NCAA circuits. Though as mentioned above the X Comp is getting good reviews.
My two "kids", now in their thirties were comp'd skiers who raced on the bindings and plates for many years. They were fortunate to work with coaches and techs who really knew Marker bindings well. At first, each season, a number of bindings would not bench test well. Often they would release to one side very differently than the other. They would be sent back and swapped out until they worked. In time, it seemed like what was shipped to the kids might have been tested first, as maybe only one of every eight pairs had an issue.
I think the "pre-release" lore is a complete non factor IF:
1. They bench test so that they release left and right with accurate consistency.
2. The forward pressure is set properly. This is, IMO the cause for most issues. Critical.
3. The boot lugs and soles are routed and planed with near perfect accuracy and precision. If you have too much, or two little toe lug, the bindings will "work", but they will not work for the forces that a Hirsher of relatively high level racer will put on the bindings.
Set up the right way, you will be rock solid in the setup, and yes, if you really need to come out, you will. In a few hundred race runs, I do not recall a pre-release or "throwing a shoe" with my kids. I recall a few pretty scary crashes {DH, SG} when they did come out, as they should have. May have bent the ski first, but they came out.
This has zero to do with x Cell bindings and Marker system bindings.....but might help the Hirscher {and others} choice re: bindings. Then again, what they need, and what we need....different planets.
. I am looking at Nordica Dobermann Spitfire 76 skis and they all come with Xcell 12 Fdt Bindings. I have been told I believe in the past that Marker bindings are dangerous with release and was curious with the marker bindings these days if better and if those Xcell bindings are any good. Also curious about thoughts on the ski itself seems like a good ski.
