The world of bindings has changed a lot since the Marker Duke hit the ski scene a few years back. The result of which is that some of us have had to switch to softer skis to compensate for the stiff spot under our foot due to the Maker construction. On the other side are the Dynafit-type bindings, which have their own flaws (although I have never tried one due to price inhibitors). There are plenty of skiers that make either system work, but guys like Flylow's own Lars Chickering-Ayers have trouble with both of the systems and would rather lock into a race binding before dropping in but need to climb efficiently to be safe and fast in the backcountry. So, what does a crafty guy like Lars do? He built his own binding system. Enter the Send System, a binding plate system that he has made to climb and ski with efficiency and without ruining the flex of your stiff skis or pre-releasing. ESPN.com recently covered Lars' new binding -- see that story here.

Look for Lars' new binding system to take over in the next few years.