Bindings......I know nothing

Ok, so it's admission time!


I've been skiing for about 6 years and can probably ski most pisted runs, although not necessarily with much style, and am pretty confident off-piste if guided and if the snow conditions are good.

I've been hiring skis every season so far having used at least one incarnation of the Saloman Tornado, Scott Aztec Pros and this year Head Monster IM78s which I loved.

I'm looking to buy my first pair of skis ready for next season and can probably have a stab at what kind of ski I want for the type of skiing I enjoy but I have no clue about what to look for in bindings!

It's probably because I can understand talk of radius and underfoot width etc etc and relate it to skis I have used but what defines a "good" set of bindings? If the boot stays on when I'm skiing and comes off when I fall over isn't that enough! I imagine not but I would be grateful if the more expenienced of you could enlighten me!

If it makes a difference I'm 183cm tall about 85kg with size 11 plates of meat, and tend to ski a 177 - 180 depending on the model.

Oh, and if anyone has a pair of Head Monster Im78s for sale, I'm in!

Paul

Strangely enough, Bandit who posts on here has a pair for sale, not sure if they are as long as you would like.

Scott Aztec's are a great ski, there are some good deals on new ones from previous seasons if you want to consider them?

As for bindings, I would personally recommend Marker M12 or Salomon Z12's which is what I have on my current Scott Neo's.
I dont think you'll want to go higher than 12 on your DIN settings.

My Monsters are going to be too short for Hudman, they are only 163. For bindings, I suggest the Look/Dynastar PX14, or the Rossignol Axial 140.

There are bindings reviews available online, and the web will also turn up any safety recalls. I have recently learned that some plastic cased bindings, whilst lighter, may be less durable.

The m12s don't have a great rep either. I have some on old skis and they have developed some slop.

There are a wide range of well made bindings, while individuals may have preferences. Some bindings do wear quicker than others, and I too have a pair of M12s that are a bit flappy, fitted to some old skis. I think the rotation pins are designed undersized. It doesn't concern me, in that I rarely need them, and when I do, they operate OK.

Fairly often, you will see a ski/binding combination offer. Many of these are established combinations, some technical, some commercial partnerships. You can check the binding spec review online.

When it comes to the technical bit, everyone should know their DIN setting, and also understand how it is arrived at. How else would you be able to check that your rental or ski technician hasn't made an error? Forget about DIN settings of up to 12. I don't know anyone who has a need to go much past 7, maybe 8.

To start your understanding, look at: http://www.dinsetting.com/
You can find charts for most makes, but they are mainly based along the same principle.

Thats odd, as I had M12 on my old Blizzards and they are currently on my wifes K2's (actually just checked and they are M10s but basically the same binding) and they are fine. In fact, I think they are the queitest bindings I have come across to clip into. If thats relevent?

Tony_H wrote:Thats odd, as I had M12 on my old Blizzards and they are currently on my wifes K2's (actually just checked and they are M10s but basically the same binding) and they are fine. In fact, I think they are the queitest bindings I have come across to clip into. If thats relevent?

Not really relevant. A lot of people prefer bindings with a good solid click (impression of security I guess). One of the most 'plasticky' bindings out IMO. I doubt they have had a great deal of use between you and your wife, especially not going at any reasonable speed, on the other hand, the OP will use them off piste so should probably go for something a bit more substantial.

Cheers All!

Shame your Monsters are too short, Bandit!

I tend to ski with a DIN just below 7 which seems to work although they did fall off when I landed a big jump in a park in Meribel recently. May however had something to do with my landing though!

Tony, where do you normally look for last seasons skis? I know Google should be my first port of call but are there an online/in store retailers people would recommend?