Marker Squire 11 vs Salomon Strive 12 GW: Which Ski Binding Should You Choose?

Compare the 2027 Squire 11 and Strive 12 GW on release range, intended skier, soles and US prices. Have a qualified shop fit either binding.

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Pick the Marker Squire 11 if a qualified shop confirms its range suits you and you want the lower starting price, especially as a newer skier. Pick the Salomon Strive 12 GW if you're an intermediate or advanced skier and the shop finds its release range appropriate for your setup. These are unisex resort bindings. Your required setting and boot compatibility should decide this before the number in either model name does.

We haven't tried these two for this comparison.

The specs side by side

The Marker Squire 11 and Salomon Strive 12 GW were in stock at US shops on 5 Nov 2026; the prices below are in USD.

The range matters at both ends

The Squire spans release values from 3 to 11, while the Strive spans 4 to 12. Choose around the setting determined by a qualified technician. The Squire is the relevant candidate when that setting falls below the Strive's minimum; the Strive deserves attention when the required value exceeds the Squire's maximum.

A lighter skier may need the lower part of the Squire's range, while another skier may be better served by the Strive. Only a qualified shop assessing the actual skier and boots can decide whether either range is appropriate. Boot sole length is relevant as well as body size and skiing characteristics.

Have a qualified ski shop mount the Squire or Strive, determine the release settings and test the finished system. Do not copy a friend's settings or select a higher value to make a binding seem more advanced. If neither range suits the assessment, this pair is the wrong shortlist.

Match the purchase to your resort setup

The Squire is aimed at beginner skiers and freeride or park use. The Strive is aimed at intermediate and advanced all-mountain skiing. Start with the Marker for a first setup focused on learning and keeping costs manageable. Consider the Salomon when your regular day involves varied resort trails and its release range suits you.

For a newer skier buying a first resort setup, the Squire's lower starting price and lower minimum may make it the first option to discuss. For an intermediate who already owns compatible boots and skis varied trails, the Strive is a sensible rival to examine.

If both bindings suit your required setting, compare the price of the version that fits your ski. The Squire's lower starting cost can leave more room for well-fitting boots or lessons. The Strive's narrower price range makes budgeting straightforward when you already know that it matches the rest of your equipment.

Check the boot and brake combination

The Squire accepts alpine and GripWalk soles; the Strive is a candidate for GripWalk boots. Bring your boots to the installer so the sole type, sole condition and binding adjustment can be assessed together. For an alpine-soled setup, start with the Squire and have the technician confirm the complete fit.

The appropriate brake width depends on the ski and binding variant. Have the installer choose a brake that clears the ski properly and works with the selected binding. Compare prices for that version before ordering, particularly if a discounted option uses a different brake from the one your setup needs.

For skis that have already been mounted, let the shop assess the existing holes before replacing the bindings. Bring both the skis and boots so the technician can plan the position and adjustment together. Include any mounting work in the total cost when deciding whether the Squire or Strive is the better purchase.

Which should you buy

Choose the Squire 11 when its lower range and price fit a shop-approved setup. Choose the Strive 12 GW when its range matches your needs and its all-mountain purpose suits your intermediate or advanced skiing.

The Squire 11 starts below the Strive 12 GW, though the price ranges overlap. Use our ski binding buying guide to prepare for the shop discussion, not to choose your own release setting.