Ski Equipment | Ski Bindings and Settings |

Ski Bindings

Settings

Settings

General

Bindings are well-designed, complex pieces of machinery and need to be set correctly if they are to give maximum security. A binding that releases early can be as dangerous as a binding that doesn't open at all.

To set a binding, the position of the heel piece must first be adjusted for correct forward pressure. The height of the toe piece is adjusted next, so that the anti-friction device (AFD) can effectively release the boot when necessary. If applicable, the wings on the toe piece are then adjusted so that your boots are centred. Finally, the DIN settings are adjusted.

Plates

All bindings now have some sort of plate mounted between the ski and the actual binding. The resulting extra height increases the leverage you have onto your edges. It also helps to prevent 'booting out' - a term used to describe what happens when you go over onto your edge and your boot touches the snow.

Some of these plates are also designed to flex with the ski, reducing the dead spot under the binding and therefore improving the snow contact.

DIN Settings

This scale - otherwise known as the Deutsche Industrie Norm - is standardised across all makes of bindings. The appropriate setting depends on your weight, boot size, height and level of skiing. Any injuries should also be taken into account.

Front and rear bindings tend to be set on the same number and both skis are usually set the same. Injuries may affect these.

As a guideline the following chart can be used:

ADULT DIN CHART (UNDER 50)
Weight Kg	35	40	45	50	60	65	70	80
DIN	3	3.5	4	4.5	5	5.5	6	7

We do strongly advise that you get a qualified or experienced technician to set your bindings and always get it done with your own ski boot.

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.