Latest posts for the topic "Bindings"

Bindings

Mon, 4 Oct 2010 09:31:14 GMT

Ok so i understand how skis can vary from make and model depending on width etc. What i dont understand is how bindings differ so much. Please can anyone explain what the main differences are with Bindings and what should i be looking for?

I am currently looking at buying either the scott Neo or Scott crusade all mountain skis.

Thanks

Re:Bindings

Mon, 4 Oct 2010 13:15:38 GMT

Bindings get made to do different jobs! We all have our own preferences, and you can do some research online, to find if what you are offered to fit a ski is good enough, or has a poor reputation.

My current preference is for these...

http://www.skis.com/wide-brake-ski-bindings/c1000000018/dynastar-px-12-lifter-wide-brake-ski-binding-2010-p176185.html

and these

http://www.evo.com/alpine-touring-ski-bindings/fritschi-diamir-freeride-plus-at-90mm-brakes-medium-2010.aspx#utm_source=googlebaseUK&utm_medium=shoppingengine&utm_campaign=googlebaseUK

I have friends who ski on these....

http://www.facewest.co.uk/Dynafit-TLT-Speed-Bindings.html

Your aim is to get a reliable safety binding, which will have a brake wide enough for the skis you want. Check the DIN range, aim to be around the middle.

Is there a glide plate?

Does the construction feel sturdy, some of the all plastic bindings seem a bit flimsy to me, and I've received trade advice to avoid certain models.

Does it look like it will be a pig to step into the binding in heavy snow? ...Thinking of every pair of Markers I've owned here :mrgreen:

Re:Bindings

Mon, 4 Oct 2010 13:33:57 GMT

Thanks Bandit for taking the time to reply, This has given me a few different options to look at...

I didnt realise how much a specialist pair of bindings cost tbh. Now i need to find a pair that will be ideally suited to the skis i want....hmm this could take some research... )

Re:Bindings

Mon, 4 Oct 2010 20:50:19 GMT

A couple of other points to add to Bandit's

Although not popular for that type of ski, a rail type binding allows for moving the binding easily for different conditions, or skier stance. Newer rail bindings have a wider base for wider skis.

If you have spent a lot of money on boot fitting, stance analysis, etc, look for a binding with the same delta angle (that is the difference in height between the toe, and heel pieces). The heel piece is higher (by varying amounts) to tip the boot forward in the binding. This difference varies between bindings significantly, and can throw out your stance without you knowing why.

As Bandit said, ideally you want to be toward the middle of the din range. So no point in spending an extra 50 pounds on a 12din binding, if you a 7 din skier, a 10din binding would be fine. Bindings are built more sturdy, as the max din increases. You are unlikely to damage, or distort the binding if you are toward the middle of the range.

Re:Bindings

Mon, 4 Oct 2010 21:13:22 GMT

Trencher, it's my view that with the added weight of the rails, seeking out a rail binding for the Neo or the Crusade would make them a pretty dismal ride.
I've owned skis with rail bindings, and by the end of a day skiing in bounds off piste, I could barely walk, by legs were so tired.

Without exception every guy, who picked up those skis to hand them to me after a break uttered expletives, some more than others :lol:

Re:Bindings

Mon, 4 Oct 2010 21:18:55 GMT

I prefer non-rail bindings, on my skis. Again it is the weight issue, my wife shouldn't have to carry all that extra weight! -)

Re:Bindings

Mon, 4 Oct 2010 21:22:47 GMT

True, some are heavy. Tyrolia rail bindings are not much heavier than most regular bindings though.

Re:Bindings

Tue, 5 Oct 2010 07:49:17 GMT

Trencher wrote:True, some are heavy. Tyrolia rail bindings are not much heavier than most regular bindings though.

Weight issues aside, I think that there are also issues with a rail, on the effect on the flex of the ski over a greater area than with a conventional binding.

I have owned a couple, and now sit firmly in the non rail camp!

Re:Bindings

Tue, 5 Oct 2010 12:56:25 GMT

I think it's the riser plates that rails are often mounted on, that have the most effect on flex. An important benefit of rails, is the more constant release values of the binding.

Interestingly, those riser plates are on the way out, and in the future we are going to see isolation plates like the Fischer flow flex taking over. These plates can have almost no effect on flex, depending on the design. Nearly all the GS/SL racing snowboards at the Olympics used them. They are so effective, that snowboard racers can't be competitive with out an isolation plate anymore.

Re:Bindings

Tue, 5 Oct 2010 19:22:44 GMT

TBH just reading your replies makes me realise how little i knew about bindings. Im not going to be able to try all the different options before deciding on a pair, id think thats pretty much impossible.

For an advanced intermediate skier looking to gain a better skiing style in powder and build more confidence all over the mountain, i think i need to advised and steered in the direction of "whats going to be the best option for improving me on the skis/terrain i will ski"

Re:Bindings

Tue, 5 Oct 2010 19:37:17 GMT

It's not fair to fill you full of confusing viewpoints, and technical waffle. I believe that the Dynastar PX 12 or 14 will be really sweet on either of those skis. I have skied both skis in extended tests on the mountain.
The binding has a sound reputation, very popular with freeriders and has been on the market for many winters, very sturdy. Was recommended to me by CEM on here.

I'll stick my neck out and say avoid the Salomon Z range of bindings, because they are not a patch on the old 8/9 series.

Re:Bindings

Tue, 5 Oct 2010 19:45:42 GMT

Bandit thanks again.. I cant say im a freerider as such, merely a skier who is wanting to ski piste but with the option of skiing powder when the time suits but also being able to do so without worrying that my ski isn't upto the job.

My current carving ski (salomon aero x) is a good piste ski but in april when i was in Tignes everytime i ventured into the deeper stuff or hit the crud towards the end of the day it was all over the place, either sinking or being knocked off line.

Ill certainly check these bindings out, if there are any other alternatives you can think of similar then id also be happy to hear about those.. :D