bindings

[Gina23]

OK, I'm one of those people who will "do their homework" so to speak about buying anything of significance... so when I ventured into Colorado Ski and Golf the other day I knew exactly what I wanted and what size. 160 cm K2 True Luv's. However, the model I wanted was being sold without bindings... so that threw me off a bit, for my research decision had been made with the factory (assuming) bindings that K2 offers. Therefore, I had to make a decision in-store with the help of a "skater-dude" about what bindings I wanted. He suggested that since I was a beginner and would more than likely outgrow my skis in a couple of years and want to move up to something better, to get some LOOK bindings. They go up to a 10.0 DIN setting and were about $100 bucks. So I decided, yes, this was what I was going to do. Then I got to thinking... surely there is more to a binding than just strapping you down to the ski and setting you free when you put enough force on it to let go and save you from injury. So my (long-winded) question is, what do I need to know about bindings and what else do they do besides try to prevent injury when I fall :o ? Is there anything I might be missing about bindings that are especially made for women? In your opinion, do you think binding technology has evolved sufficiently alongside women's specific equipment?

Thanks divas! :D

 

[persee]

My impression was that the integrated binding systems worked especially well for women by both being lighter and the integration allowing transfer of pressure to the edges more efficiently.

I'm a newbie but that is my understanding. In general the binding you buy if you don't get an integrated system will be determined by personal preference for the performance of one brand over another and then by the range of DIN settings availabled to suit you. If you are a light skier, no matter how agressive you ski you'll probably never top out the available DIN settings on an adult binding, even a lower level one. Essentially you want your proper DIN setting in the middle range of the DIN settings available on the binding - so for me I'm presently a "5" and probably won't go up too much more regardless of how much more agressive I do or don't get.

 

[altagirl]

I refuse to buy a ski with integrated bindings because I know what bindings I trust and love and won't use anything else. It's a matter of preference, I guess. But I LOVE the Look Pivot/Rossi Axial bindings (they're identical other than the brand and color) because of the elasticity.

 

[volklgirl]

FWIW, Marker bindings (although unfairly hated by many) are the least affected by boot sole wear and contamination because they use an actual moving metal plate for the AFD (Anti-Friction Device) where almost all other manufacturers use and plastic stationaryTeflon plate. Atomic bindings have the capability to move forward and backward changing the way the ski behaves. Some flat bindings and most system bindings also have a floating heel or toe piece so that the ski can flex throughout its length with no flat spot caused by the binding/boot.

Other than that....most any current adult binding where your current DIN setting is right in the middle of the binding's DIN range is adaquate when properly mounted, adjusted, and maintained.

Things that may require a resetting of the binding DIN or forward pressure include; weight gain or loss, new boots, change in ability or cruising speed, change in preferred terrain. When you have your bindings mounted, ask the tech to show you how the the forward pressure and DIN setting adjustments work on that binding (then watch their jaw drop :D ).

 

[Little Lightning]

Gina,

If you haven't bought your skis and bindings yet, check Outdoor Divas in Cherry Creek. They sell only women's products and are very knowledge about women's skis and equipment.

Skis are over 40% off and they have bindings geared toward women.

https://www.outdoordivas.com

Kathi

 

[volklgirl]

The only problem I see with "women's" bindings is that they tend to use more plastic parts in an effort to save weight. Personally, I prefer as many metal parts on a binding as possible.....I' rather deal with the additional weight and be secure in the rigidity, durability, and fatigue resistance of the parts.

ps...bindings made with more metal parts also tend to be indemnified longer due to the fatigue factor of plastic.

 

[Little Lightning]

Volklgirl,

I bought my Lotta Luv's from Outdoor Divas. They were flat so I had a choice of Marker M11 IBC without pistons or the model with pistons (the recommended binding for the K2 Lotta Luv's).

After much debate I chose the model without the piston thinking that with my weight (105 lbs) I probably wouldn't feel the difference. I also thought, based on the weight of the Burnin Luv with the integrated piston system, that the ski would be lighter to carry without the piston binding.

Do you think the piston is worth the extra $40? BTW, the ski I demoed had Salomons and I liked them without the piston system.

They had other bindings, namely Look, but I have Markers on other skis so I decided to stay with that brand.

Kathi

 

[altagirl]

FWIW, Marker bindings (although unfairly hated by many) are the least affected by boot sole wear and contamination because they use an actual moving metal plate for the AFD (Anti-Friction Device) where almost all other manufacturers use and plastic stationaryTeflon plate.

Looks and Rossis (the Axial/Pivot model I like anyway) have a moving plastic/teflon plate for the AFD.

 

[Gina23]

Kathi - thanks for the store recommendation... I haven't spent much time in CC yet, I live in NW Denver and work in the Northern Suburbs. I'll check it out! I already have my equipment, I got LOOK bindings with my K2 True Luv's (I'm a beginner). The bindings have the pivoting head, I believe. In the store, they showed me a floor model where the head pivoted? with the skiier.

Also, I'm assuming Rossi = Rossignol?

Other than that... my next door neighbor just went skiing and I'm so so so so red with jealousy!!!

 

[volklgirl]

Little Lightning,

JMHO, as damp as the K2s already tend to be, I don't think you've lost anything by going piston-less. On a more active lively ski, I think the piston is a very good choice.

 

[Little Lightning]

Thanks Volklgirl,

Right now the ski seemed perfect for me, a beginner bumps skier. Later on I may want something different.

The only other ski that Divas recommended was the Dynastar Legend.

Kathi