Question: What bindings for Line Celebs

[SnowflakeADK]

I've been searching for bindings for my newly acquired Line Celebrities (90 mm waist). I have to admit that I'm not well versed in binding technology, so I thought I'd ask the Divas for some suggestions.

First of all, my current DIN setting on my Atomics is 6, and that is set as a type 2 skiier. I will probably be increasing this year, but from what I understand, even if I have them set at type 3 it will only raise the DIN to maybe 7.
First question: Would a binding w/ a max DIN of 10 be ok, or should I look for 12? I've seen that you want to be set approx in the middle the range. Is there going to be an enormouse difference btwn 10 and 12?

Next question: What about lifted bindings? Supposedly easier to bring the ski up on edge...extra leverage, right? Should this be a priority, or just a bonus if I find one that I like for the price I want? How much difference in edge to edge performance lifted vs non-lifted? Assume that this ski will indeed see lots of hardpack/groomed in addition to the softer stuff/tracked up that I purchased these skiis for. Just can't avoid it in the NE!

I saw a binding I liked at a nice price and it's set up as a jib binding. If I'm correct this is, simply put, just some extra shock absorption for park use? Not sure that I intend to be getting more than alittle bit of air on these things (yet! lol ) My question is, does this extra bit of "padding" affect other qualities of the binding?

I love learning about all things ski! It's nice to have even a very basic understanding of the equipment I'm using. And the shock value is good for times when some guy is trying to sell you the "pretty" stuff!

A sampling of bindings I have been looking at:

Look PX12 lifted

Rossi SAS100 (this is non lifted)

Marker M10 ccsi (lifted, I believe)

Marker ?piston control? interesting concept

Solly z12 (nonlifted)

As I understand it, Look/Rossi/Dynastar are basically the same?
Would appreciate any comments you can offer re: the above or any others you think I should look at. I'd like to keep the cost below approx $200, but I also want a good quality, effective binding.

Thanks in advance for any input you can offer.
Beth

 

[Severine]

Take this for what it's worth because I know little about bindings... but I ended up going with Rossignol Saphir 120 Pro (WB) because hubby scored a great deal on them on Tramdock. These go up to a DIN of 12, even though I generally run a 5.5 to 6.

I can't recall the details, but I rememer reading something last year about a preference for non-lifted bindings on skis like these... I don't remember why though. I just remember reading that when I was looking for bindings for my Dynastar Marie Martinods last year (also a twin tip).

I'm sure the other ladies on here can offer more useful insight.

 

[Severine]

RIGHT NOW on Tramdock.com:

Look PX 12 Jib Troublemaker Ski Binding
$110.00 61% off
Reg. $278.95

The Dynastar PX 12 Jib Troublemaker Ski Binding's construction makes for a bombproof, yet lightweight binding that slays it in the park. The Jib's mounting platforms consist of 3mm shock absorbers that give awesome cushion when you're stomping rails and crushing the pipe and park all day long. The spring loaded heel piece creates a boost effect as you launch out of the pipe, or just transition out of turns—giving you added responsiveness from every ounce of power you put into the binding.

[These were on my "to be considered" list, BTW, which is why I'm mentioning them...]

 

[volklgirl]

I'd veer away from most lifted bindings for a fatty. The main function of a lift is to get your boot up above the ski to avoid boot-out when carving at high edge angles. This is rarely an issue with fat skis. In fact, anything more than minimal lift can be detrimental to good edge hold on fatties by concentrating the pressure closer to the center of the ski rather than the edges.

The exception to this would be if you plan to use your fatties for all mountain/hard snow and are looking at plate bindings with some form of vibration damping.

Look here for additional information:
https://www.theskidiva.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5172

 

[SnowflakeADK]

Thank you Ladies for the info. Very helpful as usual. So I'll eliminate lifted from the list. I was looking at them as they were a rec from one of the ski shops.

Sev, thank you for the tramdock post....great deal...that I missed again! LOL The Rossi you have is definately on my list of high probability.

VG your linked thread is wonderful. I had read it before, but needed to go back and reread. Yes, this ski will probably be more of an all-mountain tool in reality. If I like the way it skis, I can see myself using it all mountain w/ the exception of very hard/icy days (which I do see quite a bit of of depending on which of the 2 local mtns I'm at). If I waited for pure powder days around here, they would probably rarely be used.

Can you give me alittle more info on the plate bindings you mentioned. Marker Piston? in particular. I can't really tell but from my little bit of research it seems you can adjust the piston control? Am I correct in assuming "on" for hardpack/groomed and "off" for softer?
Also it appears that with the connector plate you have the ability to adjust the the toe/heel for different boot soles. How about being able to adjust fore/aft without redrilling? It sounds like a good idea. Does this effect soft snow performance, since the toe/heel are not directly mounted to the ski?

My assumption is that my limited experience wouldn't allow me to notice huge differences at this stage. I may be overthinking this in some respect. I'm really just trying to become educated so that I can make good, solid decisions for myself along w/ recs from the pros. Yes, I've had "buyers remorse" in the past due to not doing my homework. :(

Bottom line is, I'm either going to like this ski...or I'm not, In which case the Divas will be offered up a good deal. I'm just trying to cover all bases so that my chances of loving it are improved.

 

[ZealouslyB]

FYI I just bought a pair of Celebs for me this year..... and mounted them with the Marker M11 Free from a year or two ago (they're black & yellow).... got them for about $100 on ebay, but you can find them on evogear, rei, etc. No only do they match the skis nicely; they're rugged and meant for a variety of conditions, and already come with wide brakes.

They're freestyle bindings, although I never set foot in the park. But what they do offer is protection to joints in twist-outs.

I'm a pretty hardcore skier, my DINs are set at 9. A max DIN of 11 is fine for me, I'll never need it. So 10 should be fine for you.

You definitely don't want lifted bindings, those are primarily meant for racers and very hard conditions when you need "oomph" when laying an edge in. Not desirable for many skiers.

You also have the option of buying or taking off another pair of skis a "normal" binding and just buying wide brakes for them, which cost around $25-40.

I know nothing about "piston" control, etc, etc. Sorry. I do know that I don't ski with bindings that adjust easily without tools, as I do not trust their ability to hold me in. I've had bad experiences with the old Line bindings that you could move a lever to adjust- while skiing at Snow Basin in UT the bindings loosened on me twice.... not ok. It's a pain, but I'd rather have to tke them to a shop and know that I'm safe!!!

 

[volklgirl]

Can you give me alittle more info on the plate bindings you mentioned. Marker Piston? in particular. I can't really tell but from my little bit of research it seems you can adjust the piston control? Am I correct in assuming "on" for hardpack/groomed and "off" for softer?

You are correct. The switch forces a plate underneath the binding plate to press against an oil-filled piston when in the "on" position, placing the piston into a pre-compressed conditon. This quiets vibrations underfoot and stiffens the ski for better hard pack performance. In the "off" position, it skis just like any other plated binding.

Also it appears that with the connector plate you have the ability to adjust the the toe/heel for different boot soles. How about being able to adjust fore/aft without redrilling? It sounds like a good idea. Does this effect soft snow performance, since the toe/heel are not directly mounted to the ski?

The 11/12 piston doesn't include the ability to move the binding forward or backward within the track currently, but does allow for pretty large variations in boot sizes.

My assumption is that my limited experience wouldn't allow me to notice huge differences at this stage.

I think you'd be very surprised at how small a difference you really will notice.

 

[SnowflakeADK]

Hi ladies. First of all, I'd like to thank each of you who responded for the time and info you provided. It was certainly most helpful.

Ok...so as an update...I finally purchased bindings today and they are at the shop being mounted. I decided on the Marker Griffons. I'm pretty confident that these are going to be a great set up and CANT WAIT to go grab some turns on them. They were a bit more than I really wanted to spend but the shop waived the $50 mounting fee since I purchased my boots from them in September. Everyone is saying this an awsome ski and I probably wont want to ski my Foxys (exept for the icey days) once I take a ride on the Celebs. I'm hoping I love them that much because NOW they've become an expensive purchase!! LOL

Also spent a couple of hours and had my boots fitted. (first time for me) Ended up grinding/canting the soles, adjusting the cuffs so that the ski feels flatter to me. I've always felt like I'm riding my inside edges, yet when I flex, my knees feel like they are pushing OUT (kind of like being bowlegged. I was suprised that the adjustments were to move my ?knees inwards. Quite the opposite of what I expected. Sorry for the lack of proper terminology here, hopefully you understand what I mean. I'm certain that it will take a few runs to analyze any further issues or if there are improvements. I was kind of suprised that he didnt feel footbeds where necessary, especially after hearing that the great majority feel they are. He believes that they will just make my boots more comfortable and wants me to ski with the adjustments make today and then revisit it.

Boots are my nemesis and a complete mystery to me.

Anywho...just wanted to let you know the outcome of the bindings and thank you all.

 

[Lefty Lucy]

Good choice on the bindings, I just put the Griffons on my Line skis too because I kept reading such great things about them. Now if it would just snow so we can try them out!