Plum R 170 Review

The Plum R 170 is an ultralight, ISMF-compliant tech (pin) race/touring binding built for maximum uphill efficiency and minimalist downhill performance. At 170 g per binding with fixed release values of 8 (vertical and lateral) and Plum’s quick “TOO FACILE” toe, it targets racers, weight-focused tourers, and expert skiers who understand the trade-offs of a pure race design.

Who is it for?

• Competitive skimo racers wanting a reliable, ISMF-legal binding.
• Speed-tourers/expedition users who count grams but still want the solidity of CNC’d metal.
• Steep-skiers who prefer direct power transfer and predictable, fixed RVs.

Uphill and downhill performance

• Uphill: At 170 g with a flat mode and a single high riser (~41 mm), heel rotation is smooth and transitions are fast. The TOO FACILE toe snaps in confidently, even with icy inserts.
• Downhill: Fixed RV 8 (both directions) provides a firm, precise connection. There’s effectively no dynamic elastic travel, which enhances precision but can feel unforgiving on chattery snow. Works best with light-to-midwidth skis (often up to ~100 mm) and well-matched tech boots.

Notable features

• CNC-machined 7075 aluminum toe, steel pins/forks, POM heel body: light yet robust.
• Heel baseplate with about 20–25 mm adjustment: handy for BSL tweaks or a second boot.
• Heel rotation (flat/90°) with a single high climbing riser (~41 mm).
• Optional brakes (e.g., ~100 mm) and removable crampon slot; compatible with Plum crampons.
• ISMF compliant for racing.

Specs and what they mean

• Type of binding: Tech (pin) Alpine Touring / Race – ultralight with minimal moving parts; prioritizes uphill speed and direct feel.
• DIN / release value: Fixed 8 vertical / 8 lateral – simple and predictable for average to heavier skiers; not tunable lighter/heavier.
• Elastic travel: 0 mm (non-dynamic) – razor-sharp feel with less shock absorption; precise mount/boot setup is critical.
• Brake width: No brake stock (optional ~100 mm) – leashes are typical; brakes add safety and grams.
• Weight: 170 g per binding – top-tier efficiency and reduced fatigue on big vert days.
• Compatibility: Tech-insert touring boots (ISO 9523 with inserts); not compatible with ISO 5355 alpine soles – you need pin inserts.
• Materials: 7075 aluminum, steel pins, POM – high stiffness/durability at very low mass.

Comparisons

• ATK Trofeo Plus (145–155 g): lighter with multiple fixed RV spring options; Plum’s toe often feels the most positive to step into. ATK offers more heel height options on some models.
• Dynafit Low Tech Race 105/115: even lighter and ultra-minimal; the R 170 adds practical usability via an adjustable heel track and optional brakes.
• Plum Oazo 8 (~200 g): more touring-friendly with adjustable release and a bit more comfort; heavier but more versatile for everyday use.

Potential drawbacks

• Fixed RV 8 won’t fit everyone (very light or very heavy skiers may need different values).
• No measurable elasticity: can feel less forgiving on hard, chattery snow and requires meticulous setup.
• Only one high riser; no mid-height option.
• Optional brakes add cost and weight.

Verdict

The Plum R 170 is a pure, metal-machined race tool: fast, solid, and impressively durable for its weight. It shines in competition, speed missions, and technical lines for experienced users who accept the pros and cons of fixed-RV pin bindings.

Key takeaways

• Ultralight (170 g): maximum uphill efficiency and less fatigue.
• Fixed RV 8: simple and predictable, but not adjustable.
• Zero elastic travel: hyper-precise, less forgiving in rough conditions.
• Useful extras: heel track adjustment, optional brakes, crampon compatibility.

Frequently asked questions

Q: Is the Plum R 170 good for daily touring?
A: Yes, if you’re experienced and RV 8 suits you. For broader comfort and tunability (elasticity, more riser choices), bindings like Plum Oazo or Marker Alpinist are more user-friendly.

Q: What skis pair well with the R 170?
A: Light to midwidth touring skis (often up to ~100 mm waist) are ideal. Big, heavy skis typically benefit from more elasticity than a race binding provides.

Q: Is the R 170 ISMF legal?
A: Yes. It is ISMF-compliant and widely used in skimo competitions.

Q: Do I need brakes or are leashes enough?
A: Leashes are common to save weight. If you want extra security or ski in places where runaways are risky, optional brakes are a smart add-on (with a weight penalty).