Marker announces recall of 2017/18 Kingpin 10 and 13 models

Announced today, Marker is recalling all 2017/18 Kingpin 10 and 13 models. According to the binding manufacturer, this recall is due to the potential for breakage in the toe piece’s steel pins that present the potential for lower release forces. Only 2017/18 Kingpin models are affected.

The recall affects the toe pieces of all 2017/18 Kingpin 10 and 13 models. [Photo] Tyler Cohen

Marker is replacing all affected binding toes at no cost to the consumer. To proceed with the recall, Kingpin owners should contact their local Marker dealer or contact their national Marker distributor at marker.net/en-us/contact.

Marker launched the Kingpin, their first tech binding, in 2014, and it earned a pair of Backcountry Magazine Editors’ Choice Awards in 2016 and 2017. The binding, which matches a pin-style toe with an alpine-like heel, became the first tech binding to meet DIN ISO 13992:2007, the international safety-release standard for alpine touring bindings. Last year, Kingpin distribution throughout North America was put on temporary hold while Marker dealt with a patent dispute.

Marker has also asked all retailers to discontinue sales of recalled bindings. See below for Marker’s official press release.

Marker says they discovered the recall through extensive internal testing. [Photo] Tyler Cohen

PRESS RELEASE: MARKER RECALLS CERTAIN 2017/18 KINGPIN MODELS 10 AND 13 

German ski binding specialist Marker recalls certain 2017/18 Kingpin models 10 and 13 / Possible breakage of steel pins in the toe pieces may lead to lower release forces of the binding and a resulting fall hazard / Toes of affected bindings will be replaced at no cost to Marker customers

Lebanon, NH July 26, 2018 – Based on the results of extensive testing and quality procedures for the possible breakage of steel pins in the toe pieces of a limited number of Marker Kingpin bindings, Marker has decided to conduct a voluntary recall of the affected products. The potential safety issue is related only to 2017/18 models of the Kingpin 10 and 13 pin tech binding. All other populations are not affected by this recall.

Under rare circumstances, the breakage of the steel pins of the 2017/18 models may lead to lower release forces of the binding causing a potential fall hazard.

The toes of the affected bindings will be replaced at no cost to the customer. Customers should contact their local Marker Authorized Retailer, or contact their national Marker distributor (https://www.marker.net/en-us/contact/) for a list of retailers. Additional information is at  https://www.marker.net/en-us/support/recall/ to assist customers in determining whether their product is being recalled. Retailers have been requested to stop sales of recalled bindings. New bindings have a modified logo treatment on the toe pieces to distinguish them from recalled bindings.

“Highest quality and best-in-class technical standards are two of our company’s distinguishing features. Moreover, we are aware of our responsibility as a manufacturer when it comes to safety, especially with regard to ski touring in the backcountry,” says Jonathan Wiant, President of MDV brands. “This is why after extensive and serious testing and evaluation we decided to recall the whole population of the 2017/18 model, even if the problem affects very few bindings. With the counter measures we have taken, the Kingpin remains an excellent, highly reliable product for ambitious and demanding skiers.”

Marker tirelessly pursues the aim of fulfilling the highest quality standards. The company continuously upgrades its product line, including the Kingpin, based upon customer feedback and continuous internal testing.

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Comments

  1. Nicolo Weiss says:

    Serious testing should take place before main commercial launch.

  2. Sheldon McNeil says:

    Is there any way to be sure that I have a 2017 and not a 2016, I bought a paire last year but don’t remember which year.

    Many thanks.

    Sheldon

  3. Well I have had both bindings fail ( towe piece) the first time on approach to a couloir back side and no alternative to ski it and the second putting my skis on at the start of a day teaching.
    Both failures happened within two weeks of each other.
    My first visit to the retail outlet ( local market distributor) I was told it was my fault and it was perticuliary cold conditions! Then I managed to talk to the rep and I had a more positive response.
    However they did not replace both bindings at the same time. This could have avoided a potentially fatal accident.

    • I just returned from a ski tour in the Canadian Rockies where my buddy’s Kingpins suffered this exact failure. Fortunately it snapped on a traverse not on a descent

  4. Peter Gold says:

    Marker press release states that the toe piece WITH the new marker logo is the affected toe piece.

  5. Christian D Mason says:

    Will the dealer also cover the labor cost of mounting the new toe piece?

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