Dynafit Blacklight Carbon Pro+ — Review

Overview

The Dynafit Blacklight Carbon Pro+ is a featherweight tech (pin) touring/ski-mountaineering binding with fully adjustable release (DIN 6–12), roughly 11 mm of heel elastic travel, and included brakes (75/90/105 mm). It targets fast-and-light tourers who still want real brakes and precise adjustability.

What it is and who it’s for

Ideal for: ambitious ski tourers and ski mountaineers, spring missions, long traverses, and technical descents. With brakes, it doubles as a light mixed resort/backcountry setup.
Why choose it: very low weight, easy stepping thanks to Easy Entry/Step-In towers, meaningful heel elasticity, and fully adjustable lateral and vertical release (FAR).

Downhill performance

The carbon-laminated heel feels torsionally solid and predictable. The ≈11 mm of heel elasticity maintains consistent forward pressure as the ski bends, reducing unwanted releases and keeping the ski calm on hard or variable snow. Fully adjustable release lets you fine-tune retention to your style and mass.

Uphill and transitions

At about 242 g per binding, efficiency on long approaches is excellent. The Easy Entry toe and Ice Breaker pins reduce fiddling in icy conditions. The Speed Step climbing aid is simple and effective; the Pro+ brake locks for the climb and deploys confidently for the descent.

Durability and construction

An aluminum toe, stainless steel pins, carbon-reinforced heel, and high-tech polymers strike a strong stiffness-to-weight balance. As with any lightweight tech binding, periodic screw checks are wise, but the parts selection inspires confidence for multi-season, fast-and-light use.

Comparisons

ATK Raider 12: slightly heavier with freeride-spacer options and more downhill punch. The Dynafit is lighter and simpler, with comparable adjustability.
Marker Alpinist 12: lighter/cheaper without brakes, but vertical release relies on a U-spring (not fully independently adjustable). The Blacklight Pro+ offers full adjustability and more heel elasticity.
Plum Oazo 12: even lighter and very minimal (often brakeless); the Dynafit wins on usability, brake options, and dynamic length compensation.
Dynafit Superlite 175: similar weight class; the Blacklight’s carbon heel feels notably quiet and the step-in is among the easiest.

Potential drawbacks

Single primary climbing aid; those who constantly vary steepness might want more riser options.
Brakes add grams versus pure race/minimal bindings.
Premium pricing.

Specs explained

Type of binding: Tech (pin) — uses toe/heel pins that engage boot inserts; maximizes touring efficiency at low weight.
DIN/release: 6–12 — fully adjustable lateral and vertical release for controlled retention and release.
Elastic travel: ≈11 mm — dynamic length compensation maintains pressure as the ski flexes, reducing pre-release.
Brake width: 75/90/105 mm — choose about 5–15 mm wider than ski waist for best fit.
Weight: ≈242 g per binding — saves energy on long days and big vert.
Compatibility: ISO 9523 tech-insert boots — requires touring boots with tech fittings.
Materials: aluminum, stainless pins, carbon laminates, advanced polymers — built for stiffness, durability, and low mass.

Key takeaways

Light yet adjustable: full DIN 6–12 with real heel elasticity.
Easy to live with: very easy step-in, solid brakes, quick transitions.
Best for: fast-and-light tours, ski mountaineering, and everyday touring with minimal compromises.

Frequently asked questions

Q: Is the Blacklight Pro+ safe for occasional resort laps?
A: Yes for moderate resort use, especially with brakes. It’s still a tech binding; for heavy resort abuse, big drops, or frequent hardpack pounding, a burlier freeride-tech or alpine binding is more appropriate.

Q: What brake size should I buy?
A: Generally pick 5–15 mm wider than your ski’s waist. For an 88 mm waist, 90 mm is ideal; for a 102 mm waist, 105 mm fits well.

Q: Will it work with my boots?
A: It works with touring boots that have tech inserts (ISO 9523). Alpine soles without inserts are not compatible.

Verdict

The Dynafit Blacklight Carbon Pro+ blends near-race weight with real-world features: brakes, easy step-in, adjustable release, and useful heel elasticity. For ambitious tourers, it’s a top-tier choice with very few compromises.