It’s been a while since most of the Quiver Killer (QK) vs. Binding Freedom (BF) comparisons were written, and a lot has changed in the insert game. Many of the old discussion threads are out of date, so I wanted to put together a fresh look at where these two products stand today, especially in terms of use cases and key differences.
TL;DR
Both Quiver Killer and Binding Freedom inserts serve the same core purpose: allowing you to swap bindings between skis (or between different bindings on the same ski) without compromising strength. They’re both stainless steel, threaded inserts that replace traditional binding screws, but the key differences really come down to design, ease of installation, and real-world durability.
Key Use Cases
• Travel & Multi-Ski Setups: If you want to travel with fewer bindings but multiple skis, inserts let you bring one set of bindings and swap them easily.
• Mixing Touring & Resort Bindings: Want to run a resort binding some days and a tech binding on the same ski for backcountry days? Inserts make that possible.
• Durability & ski Longevity: Over time, repeated standard installation of ski bindings is expensive and compromises the ski integrity- requiring hole fills and more. Simply put, standard mounting screws just won't cut it if you need the versatility of what inserts have to offer. Need a pair of rock skis for early season? Look no further, a simple insert mount moves your binding set up from ski set to ski set, as the conditions demand.
• DIY vs. Professional Install: If you’re comfortable drilling and tapping your own skis, installation between QK and BF is largely the same, but with a few nuances - discussed below. For the professional installer, new developments have made installation easier and faster than ever.
Quiver Killer vs. Binding Freedom – Key Differences
1. Insert Design & Water Resistance
Water is not your ski's friend. Sealing out moisture from all mounting types is critical to maintaining the ski's binding mount integrity. Generically, the use of an epoxy helps to secure mounting screws and insets into place, and offers the benefit of sealing out moisture from getting into the hole and the core of your ski.
• Binding Freedom: Features a flat-head slot for installation, which allows for correction of install mistakes. However, this slot leaves an opening directly to the ski core when the insert sits flush with the topsheet. This can allow water to enter over time, potentially weakening the core and leading to failure. (Source: Binding Freedom)
• Quiver Killer: The latest insert design has an embedded hex-drive slot in the bottom of the insert, allowing for easy installation and removal—even using a power driver. The flush-top design of the insert leaves no gap for water entry, resulting in a better-sealed, more professional looking installation that helps prevent moisture damage. (Source: Quiver Killer)
2. Thread Design & Fit
Both inserts have roughly the same functional design; an external wide thread for securing against the ski's core and an internal M5 thread to accept standard machine screws. The dimensions of the inserts are also similar, although Quiver Killer additionally offers a Rescue Insert product that has a wider overall dimension and is intended as a replacement for heli-coils or other blown hole repair techniques.
• Quiver Killer: Uses a fine external thread with a tapered entry, making them a bit easier to install and self-center during insertion. It also increases the surface area of contact with the core. The bottom of the insert has been updated and flattened some to accommodate the newer thinner ski designs. As described above, the standard insert now has a hex drive slot in the bottom so that they can be driven in, or removed, with a hex driver - speeding installation.
• Binding Freedom: Features a coarser external thread that provides better grip in soft-core skis but requires precise tapping during installation. (Source: Teton Gravity Research Forums). Binding freedom uses a flat head slot cut into the top off the insert, which was ideal for removing the insert in the case of mis-installation, but suffers from the design issues noted above.
3. Tooling & Installation
• Quiver Killer: Quiver Killer offers complete tool and installation skits, both for the DIY-er as well as the ski professional. QK manufactures their own installation tools, including step bits for hole drilling with high-end CNC machining equipment. The insert is slightly more forgiving for DIY installs due to the design. A dedicated installation tool is recommended but not absolutely necessary. (Source: WildSnow Install Guide)
• Binding Freedom: Offers tools and materials on their website. Requires exact hole prep, and the inserts tend to be tighter fitting, which means more precision is needed during tapping. Source: Teton Gravity Research Forums)
4. Screw & Fastener Compatibility
• Quiver Killer: Offers a full range of spec'd binding fastener kits for nearly every binding on the market. Their team has close relationships with most binding manufacturers and works directly with those engineers to determine the best fit, and often custom, fasteners that are hand selected and pre-packaged for you. Pozi-drive fasteners have recently been added to the line up and will replace most standard binding fastener sets in 2025 going forward.
• Binding Freedom: Offers a select number of pre-packaged kits and wholesales raw screws in various lengths for those who know the dimensions they need for their set up.
Which Should You Choose?
You really can't go wrong, but there are some key considerations worth pondering.
• If you’re a DIYer and want the easiest possible install and all the materials needed for the most solid install → Quiver Killer
• If you want the best hold in soft core skis → Binding Freedom
• If you’re constantly swapping bindings and want longer thread life → Toss up, but our opinion is go with Quiver Killer with their pre-packaged Pozi-drive fastener kits.
• If you prioritize ease of use and long-term water resistance → Quiver Killer
Final Thoughts
Both systems have their fans, and both work well if installed correctly. The biggest difference is in installation difficulty and long-term durability. If you prefer a slightly easier install with better, water resistance and a more polished final look, Quiver Killer is the way to go. If you’re meticulous with prep and want the most solid insert for soft-core skis, Binding Freedom might be the better choice.
References & Further Reading
• Binding Freedom Official Site
• Blister Gear Review – Ski Binding Inserts