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More in Gear
Ski Bindings
Ski bindings
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General
| | In terms of safety, bindings are the most important piece of your equipment. They need to hold the foot firmly to the ski and yet be sensitive enough to release should a fall put excessive strain on your leg. They need to retain enough elasticity to pull your boot back to the centre of the ski in the event of a near-release. There are many different types of binding on the market and which one you chose will depend on your skiing style and the type of terrain you ride (piste/off-piste/park etc.). | | |
Salomon sth 14 binding: super solid construction for the most aggressive freestyle skiers. | | |
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The Parts of a Binding
| | Most makes of binding consist of three components: a heel-piece, a toe-piece and a brake. Sometimes the heel and toe are mounted separately; sometimes they are attached on one plate.
Heel-piece: This releases upwards, opening in a forward fall. Some models offer a diagonal or sideways heel release Toe-piece: This allows sideways release in the event of a twisting fall. A Teflon anti-friction pad under the toe allows the boot to slide easily even when your weight is pushing down on it during a fall. Brakes: When you step in, the brake lifts out of the snow. If your binding releases, the brake springs back down, preventing the ski from escaping down the mountain and causing injury to other skiers. | | |
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Where to Buy?
So, you've decided to take the plunge and kit yourself out with some new gear. Do you buy at home or abroad? We've always been fans of supporting UK grown snow wear retailers, and with the combination of the current exchange rate and competitive UK prices, buying gear locally can now leave you with more beer money in your pocket than buying abroad. Plus there is the added advantage of sales assistants that speak the same language and not having to take a plane if something goes wrong with your equipment and you need to return it!
For a great selection of ski and snowboard wear, see what our friends atSnow and Rock have to offer.
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