I have been asked a few times why Hagan, known for its focus on lightweight touring skis, would produce a relatively heavy (compared to tech bindings) binding.
Here is my opinion:
I believe the primary reason is that the ski touring market is quite different in Europe. That is, in the U.S., the market is largely divided between racers and free riders, with a relatively, compared to Europe, small middle ground of “recreational” ski touring. In Europe, the “recreational” touring market is much bigger. And for “recreational touring” an easy to adjust and operate, and good performing binding is important, but that neither extreme lightweight or extreme “burliness” are that important. That is the market Hagan aims to serve with the Z bindings.
My belief is that recreational ski touring is the segment of the ski touring market that will experience the largest growth in the U.S. in the future. Recreational ski touring in the U.S. still appears to be 15-20 years behind Europe. Europeans have been “recreationally” ski touring for over 50 years – well before there was any substantial racing or freeriding. Thus, most all ski touring was recreational and it is still by far the biggest segment. Ski tour racing and free riding developed later. When ski touring crossed the pond, it was largely due to American pioneers in either racing or free riding picking up the sport and bringing it here. Those two market segments grew first, and recreational ski touring is catching up. In Europe it was the other way around.
And “recreational” ski touring in Europe means significant uphill climbing – NOT short hikes from the top of a lift. Hour long climbs are considered the starting point. European tourers start from the valley floor and climb from there to the peaks. And generally find a “hut” or two serving hot food and beverages. So the tours are long and they do not want the extra weight of a bulky freeride binding (or skis). They do not need a high DIN setting to show their toughness. Instead, if anything, they will compare how far, high and fast they went.
Also, in Europe, there is a much more pervasive practice of bundling skis, bindings and sometimes boots into packages at steep discounts. Hagan having its own binding helps it compete better in the “discounted packages” arena.
