Binding Settings

I was setting some bindings today, and although I knew the particular DIN settings, I researched various sites on the issue, just to make sure I was up to date. Unsurprisingly, there was some variation, but only by 0.5, and the majority agreed with what I already "knew".

However, I thought the following was interesting:

http://www.bobski.com/safety/french_binding_system_self_test.pdf

I was already aware of Mike Langren, since I have used his advice on my long term knee injury. I know the paper is 3 years old, but my view is that the thoughts are still valid.

I'm not sure if I could twist my foot out but here's a tip, do not try and kick your toe out using your other foot if it is boot-less :( :lol:

I do that test on new (to me) bindings, and on bindings that I haven't used for a while. As Ross suggest, it needs some care, and you can feel, it would be possible to injure yourself.

I also like to start out on a lower setting for new bindings, then up the DIN if there is a pre-release. Not everyone likes this method, but it really depends on the terrain, and the commitment factor of where you will be skiing.

Trencher

Trencher wrote:I do that test on new (to me) bindings, and on bindings that I haven't used for a while. As Ross suggest, it needs some care, and you can feel, it would be possible to injure yourself.

I also like to start out on a lower setting for new bindings, then up the DIN if there is a pre-release. Not everyone likes this method, but it really depends on the terrain, and the commitment factor of where you will be skiing.
Trencher

I give a sideways push on the front of the boot, with the heel of my hand, obviously when I'm not wearing the boot! Also, wearing the ski, angle the ski sideways and kick into the snow. When I was working in resort, I could do the pull test as specified, but my leg muscles were stronger then. I still use the same DIN setting as 40 years ago, I have obviously lost muscle, but I do ski more quickly nowadays.

I think the same as you do Trencher, I would rather err on the side of caution, but not too much. I thought that some of the other aspects written about were good. Pavel raised the issue of relaxing bindings, but that was specifically in relation to spring relaxation, an issue that I dealt with. Binding corrosion is a different aspect.

When I had my boots fitted in Les Arcs at new year he asked my weight - I told him him 52 kg "but I may have put on a few pounds over Christmas, ha, ha, ha". He said "absolutely non madam, ha, ha, ha" (as the French do). I fell about 21 hours later, skis did not release, I honestly believe the DIN was too high.

I've since figured out that 4 may be the best for me so I ask for it. I'm now obsessive about weighing us all before we travel. It could be the difference between injury or not.

I think you are about right with 4, Caron, maybe even 3 1/2. However, given your history, maybe the thinking in the article is right, can you press your way out of your binding? What setting would it take?

I have mine set at 7, should be nearer 8, but, it isn't the big fast falls that cause ruptures, it's the slow, twisting falls. I have just set my OH to 5, but we had a discussion, and in view of her leg break last year, we may knock that back to 4 1/2.

I am interested in the proposition though, so I am going to trial both of us, just to compare Mike Langren's proposition with our current settings.

caron-a wrote:When I had my boots fitted in Les Arcs at new year he asked my weight - I told him him 52 kg "but I may have put on a few pounds over Christmas, ha, ha, ha". He said "absolutely non madam, ha, ha, ha" (as the French do). I fell about 21 hours later, skis did not release, I honestly believe the DIN was too high.

I've since figured out that 4 may be the best for me so I ask for it. I'm now obsessive about weighing us all before we travel. It could be the difference between injury or not.

Dont fly Ryanair then, you'll get charged excess baggage :wink:

Tony_H wrote:

caron-a wrote:When I had my boots fitted in Les Arcs at new year he asked my weight - I told him him 52 kg "but I may have put on a few pounds over Christmas, ha, ha, ha". He said "absolutely non madam, ha, ha, ha" (as the French do). I fell about 21 hours later, skis did not release, I honestly believe the DIN was too high.

I've since figured out that 4 may be the best for me so I ask for it. I'm now obsessive about weighing us all before we travel. It could be the difference between injury or not.

Dont fly Ryanair then, you'll get charged excess baggage :wink:

baggage is the least of my worries with ryanair :evil: