Grizzly.ski GR Olympic 🔓 : test review, opinions, price, features

OUR REVIEW OF THE GRIZZLY.SKI GR OLYMPIC BINDING

Grizzly.ski is a new Slovak manufacturer entering the insert binding market this season. Their range is very competition-oriented with an atypical design and above all a weight that defies all competition. We tested the GR Olympic model which weighs only 240g per pair WITH ski brakes! This model is not marketed now by chance. Indeed, from 2021, ski brakes will be mandatory in competitions.

To achieve such a weight, Grizzly.ski abandoned the classic low-tech system at the front in favor of a lateral closure system. In the field, it’s a bit less practical to put on, especially when you can’t lay the ski flat since you have to bend down to position and engage the binding (that said, you also have to bend down to lock a low-tech binding on the ascent). Positioning is still quite easy and closing is not a problem even with a bit of snow in the system. Here, there is no locked or unlocked position. The Grizzly.ski system has a unique clamping value at the front whether on the ascent or descent. In practice, the clamping is well dosed and it does not release on the ascent even when you have to hit the ski on the ice. However, you must remember to adjust the width properly using the small lateral screw. The downside according to us is that the absence of true locking limits the binding on very exposed passages where you must ensure that the binding does not release no matter what, both on the ascent and descent.

The ski brake also has an atypical design: it locks at the front on the ascent with a small latch to avoid dragging in the snow when you lift the heel and unlocks in the same way to descend. It’s simple and effective, especially since it’s possible to switch the ski brake to descent mode with a pole. However, you should not expect a ski brake of a freeride binding. The ski brake is quite thin and you should not force it. It is quite easy to bend it especially with its positioning at the front. In short, it’s good to meet competition requirements but not great for freeride in the resort.

For the weight of only 240g per pair, Grizzly.ski even managed to add a knife support.

The rear of the binding is much more classic with a wedge that covers the rods for ascent mode. As with many “competition” bindings, you cannot ascend without a wedge. Some skiers see no inconvenience, others may be bothered on flat terrain. For the descent, the release is done by rotating the rear and the release value is fixed but to be chosen at purchase (6, 8, or 10). No surprises there and it works well in the field.
Note that Grizzly.ski bindings have the same drillings as ATK and are therefore compatible with ATK adjustment plates… perfect if you want to change bindings without redrilling. It should also be noted that the Grizzly.ski system has a patent pending validation.

THE PROS

– incredible weight
– well-designed front system
– perfect for competition use
– compatible with ATK drillings / plates

THE CONS

– no possible locking
– no ascent position without wedge
– thin ski brakes (but sufficient for light skis)

MANUFACTURER’S OPINION

A new brand from Slovakia is entering the world of insert bindings. Grizzly.ski offers this season no less than 5 ultra-light models oriented towards competition but usable otherwise for skiers who want to ascend light. The GR Olympic, the flagship and heaviest model, will weigh only 240g per pair with ski brakes!!
Then we find the GR98 still with ski brakes but at 196g per pair, then the models without ski brakes, the GR78 (156g per pair), GR58 (116g per pair), and GR48 (96g per pair). The operation of the rear of the binding is quite basic with a rotation of the heel piece that allows release and a single ascent wedge. The front is more original with a lateral lever that allows locking the inserts whether on the ascent or descent. The ski brake located at the front is also uncommon. It is locked by a latch on the ascent and retracts with the pressure of the shoe on the descent. It should also be noted that this binding meets the future standards of ski mountaineering competitions with ski brakes.

This binding won a GOLD ISPO AWARD, more info here: https://www.ispo.com/en/ispo-award/2020/winner/snowsports/GRIZZLY-SKI-GR-OLYMPIC

The top of this binding offers us a comfortable and simple patented GRIZZLY FIX locking system.
GRIZZLY FLEX makes possible to adjust pins spacing to enable the use of the most common ski boots on the market.
GRIZZLY STEP improves precision of positioning ski boot while clipping into GRIZZLY.SKI binding.
Completely new and revolutionary is the swiveling rear part with a new design and construction. Allows safety release of the ski boot. Switching off to both sides and up too. Release force 6, 8, 10.
The ski boot heel clamp is the same as all tech systems.
In the upper part has a tilting bar with a lock that always and clearly settles.
The plastic ends on the brakes have a special shape to prevent the skins from getting trapped while having excellent braking properties.
GR OLYMPIC also meets the rules on the slopes so you can safely move with it anywhere.

BE SMARTER, GO LIGHTER.