Look Pivot 2 11 Review

The Look Pivot 2 11 (GW) brings the iconic turntable heel into a modern, GripWalk‑compatible package aimed at all‑mountain and freeride skiers. With a 4–11 DIN range, a Race Aluminum toe offering 45 mm of lateral elastic travel, and 28 mm of vertical heel travel, it delivers standout retention, shock absorption, and a lively ski feel thanks to its short mounting zone.

Who is it for?

Intermediate to advanced skiers with DIN settings roughly in the 5–9 range.
All‑mountain/freeride skiers who value suspension‑like elasticity and consistent re‑centering.
Freestyle and mogul skiers seeking powerful hold without surprise pre‑releases.
Not ideal if you regularly need DIN > 10, are very heavy/aggressive (consider Pivot 14), or want touring sole compatibility.

Performance and on‑snow feel

Retention and release: The 180° multi‑directional toe (45 mm lateral elasticity) and turntable heel (28 mm vertical elasticity) soak up chatter, bumps, and landings. Long elastic travel helps resist pre‑release while maintaining predictable release when required.
Snow feel: The short mounting zone and Rolling Control preserve natural ski flex and deliver a connected, damp, and precise feel underfoot.
Usability: GripWalk‑ready with B75/B95/B105 brake options. Step‑in can be slower in deep snow due to the heel’s rotation; once clicked, it feels locked‑in and confidence‑inspiring. Weight is on the solid side rather than featherlight.
Durability: Metal‑rich build (race aluminum toe, steel components) and protective shields contribute to long service life under hard use.

Specs and what they mean

Type of binding: Alpine (GripWalk compatible). Built for downhill performance, power transfer, and durability.
DIN / release value: 4–11. Best if your personal DIN falls mid‑range; provides room to tune retention without maxing out.
Elastic travel: Toe 45 mm; heel 28 mm. More travel = better shock absorption, fewer pre‑releases, smoother re‑centering.
Brake width: 75/95/105 mm. Choose ≈5–15 mm wider than your ski’s waist to avoid rubbing without excess overhang.
Weight: ≈1010–1245 g per pair (varies by SKU/brake). Not ultralight, but reassuringly stout and damp.
Compatibility: ISO 5355 Alpine, ISO 23223 GripWalk. Not for touring soles (ISO 9523/Tech).
Materials: Aluminum and steel. Enhances rigidity, power, and long‑term durability.

Comparisons

Marker Griffon 13: Lighter, easier step‑in, and a higher DIN window (4–13). Pivot offers more heel elasticity and a damper feel; Griffon is more user‑friendly and often cheaper.
Tyrolia Attack 12 GW: Low stack and very light with easy step‑in. Less elastic margin than Pivot under harsh impacts, but a superb all‑rounder.
Salomon Strive 12 GW: Modern low‑profile toe and light weight. Pivot wins on turntable feel and re‑centering; Strive excels in effortless handling.
Look Pivot 14: For heavier or very aggressive skiers needing DIN > 9–10. Heavier, but with more headroom in retention.

Pros and cons

Pros: Exceptional elastic travel and re‑centering
Pros: Short mounting zone preserves natural ski flex
Pros: Robust metal construction; GripWalk‑compatible
Cons: Turntable step‑in can be fussier, especially in deep snow
Cons: DIN tops at 11; strong/heavy skiers may outgrow it
Cons: Heavier than the lightest competitors

Frequently asked questions

Q: Which brake width should I choose?
A: Aim for 5–15 mm wider than your ski’s waist (e.g., 95 mm brake for ~88–95 mm skis; 105 mm for ~96–105 mm). This prevents rubbing while avoiding excessive overhang.

Q: Is the Look Pivot 2 11 GripWalk compatible?
A: Yes—compatible with ISO 23223 (GripWalk) and ISO 5355 (Alpine). It is not compatible with touring/Tech soles.

Q: Who should pick the 4–11 DIN range?
A: Lighter to average‑weight skiers and many advanced riders whose DIN settings land around 5–9. If you run higher DINs, consider the Pivot 14.

Q: Why choose a turntable heel?
A: The rotating heel provides smooth vertical elasticity and quick re‑centering, helping reduce pre‑releases and softening landings—reasons many freestyle and mogul skiers swear by Pivots.

Key takeaways

Elastic security: Long toe/heel travel boosts control and confidence.
Lively feel: Short mount zone maintains the ski’s natural flex.
Smart pick: Ideal for all‑mountain/freeride skiers with DIN ≤ 11.