REASONS TO BUY
Solid
Reliable ski bindings
Excellent toe piece entry and easy heel lifter transitions
REASONS TO AVOID
No ski brake option
Heavier than bindings with the same or more features
G3 Ion 12 Review
These Canadian bindings use a now-proven overall design and include the latest of the greatest usability benefits; we only wish they were lighter
Credit: G3
Our Verdict
The Ion family of bindings from this Canadian innovator is a proven dynasty now. In some ways, the Ion bindings are ahead of the curve, while we have always wished the weight would come down. With the G3 Ion 12, the promise of light weight loomed. However, the rest of the market races forward. With the Ion, the “LT” qualifier is best used to compare to bindings of five years ago. For the features, these would have been light bindings half a decade ago. As the market stands now, there are lighter and more featured bindings. However, there are unique attributes, particularly for beginner skiers, that set the Ion LT apart. 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.
Editor's Note: We updated this review on November 7, 2023, to share info on the updated version of this binding.
Compare to Similar Products
 This Product
G3 Ion 12 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awards |  Best Overall AT Bindings | The Other Best Alpine Touring Binding |  Best Ultralight Touring Binding |  Best Bang for the Buck | |
| Price | $611.65 at Amazon Compare at 2 sellers | $700 List | $800 List $649.95 at Evo | $650 List $519.96 at Amazon | $279.95 at Backcountry Compare at 2 sellers |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Bottom Line | Solid, simple ski bindings that cram some unique attributes into a reasonably priced package; we only wish they were lighter, included brakes, or both | For the weight, these bindings cram in all the important features in innovative and usable fashion | If you truly need more performance features than this lightweight binding provides, you fall into a tiny sliver of skiers at the hard-charging end of the spectrum | Ultralight bindings with broadly adjustable release values | Through all the turmoil, its lineage remains reliable, simple, and affordable |
| Rating Categories | G3 Ion 12 | Black Diamond ATK R... | Atomic Backland Tour | Dynafit Superlite 150 | Dynafit Speed Turn |
| Weight (35%) | |||||
| Downhill Performance (25%) | |||||
| Touring Performance (20%) | |||||
| Ease of Use (15%) | |||||
| Durability (5%) | |||||
| Specs | G3 Ion 12 | Black Diamond ATK R... | Atomic Backland Tour | Dynafit Superlite 150 | Dynafit Speed Turn |
| Weight (pounds for pair) | 2.13 | 1.61 | 1.26 | 0.79 | 1.63 |
| Weight of one binding and screws. Lightest possible configuration w/o brakes (in grams) | 492 | 366 | 286 | 179 | 370 |
| Weight of 2 bindings Multiple options are noted where we have tested multiple options. (in grams) | 983 | 732 | 572. 770 with brakes | 358. 492 with adjustment plate | 740 |
| Release value range | 5 to 12 | 5 to 12 | Men, "Women", "Expert" | 4 to 13 | 4 to 10 |
| Stack height: average of toe and heel pin height (in mm) | 46 | 37 | 37 | 36 | 38 |
| Toe/heel delta: difference in height between heel pins and toe pins (in mm) | 12.5 | 12 | 10 | 10 | 17 |
| Brakes? | No | Yes | Optional | Optional | No |
| Brake width options | N/a | 86, 91, 97, 102, 108, 120 mm | 80, 90, 100, 110, 120 mm | 75, 90, 105 mm | N/a |
| ISO/DIN Certified? | No | No | No | No | No |
| Ski Crampon compatible? | With aftermarket part. Only G3 brand. | Yes. "Standard" style. Not all crampons will be cross-compatible | Yes. "Standard" style. Not all crampons will be cross-compatible | Yes. "Standard" style. Not all crampons will be cross-compatible | Yes. "Standard" style. Not all crampons will be cross-compatible |
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Our Analysis and Test Results
The G3 Ion LT we tested (left) and the updated Ion 12 (right).
Updated Since Testing
G3 updated the Ion 12 binding since our last test cycle. The photos above show the old Ion 12 (left) and the newest model (right). The newest iteration is a bit heavier, but includes a wider plastic stop for step-in guidance and now features brakes and associated anti-friction device. We are now linking to the updated 2023/2024 model, which is more readily available. However, our review still tells of our experience with the previous version.
G3 updated the Ion 12 binding since our last test cycle. The photos above show the old Ion 12 (left) and the newest model (right). The newest iteration is a bit heavier, but includes a wider plastic stop for step-in guidance and now features brakes and associated anti-friction device. We are now linking to the updated 2023/2024 model, which is more readily available. However, our review still tells of our experience with the previous version.
The G3 Ion 12 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 (different from “expert” resort skiers) don't need ski brakes.
Performance Comparison
Great skiing in great ski gear. Simple, proven, reliable, sturdy. This describes the Ion LT.
Credit: Jediah Porter
Weight
The Ion LT is among the heaviest of the non-TUV certified bindings. This greater weight, as compared to something like most of our award winners, 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.
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 these 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.
Deep powder ski binding “testing” in Wyoming's Tetons.
Credit: Jediah Porter
Touring Performance
The frictionless 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.
G3 Ion LT is sturdy, versatile, familiar and proven. You might have been an early adopter and have used these for nearly a decade now. If you like 'em, stick with them.
Credit: Jediah Porter
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.
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 Ion LT, as tested in 2022 on our Editors Choice skis. These are great skis and the Ion LT took nothing away from them. Other bindings are now more sophisticated, but the Ion doesn't detract from the experience.
Credit: Jediah Porter
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 the locked position, but our extensive testing revealed no such problem. As initially compared to the construction of otherwise similar all-metal bindings, 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.
The G3 Ion LT is now one of the longest-running models on the market. As such, if you are a long time Ion user and are looking for a new version of something you know well, especially as for an expedition like this one on Denali, the Ion LT is still viable.
Credit: Jediah Porter
Should you buy the G3 Ion LT?
At the time of its first appearance on the market, the G3 Ion LT was a solid, reliable, relatively lightweight entry. It is getting, as they say, “long in the tooth”. Others, even those from the same manufacturer, are considerably better now in many ways. Nonetheless, if you find a spectacular deal on the Ion LT, snap it up. They're still good and reliable bindings.
What Other AT Bindings Should You Consider?
The best comparison is to the G3 Zed. We found the Zed to have exactly the same important performance attributes at a much lower weight. It is hard to justify the Ion over the Zed now.
—
Jediah Porter
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