- Joined
- Aug 24, 2017
- Posts
- 361
Hi. This goes out to all the folks out there who have experience testing bindings and release values.
How common is it that a binding/boot system will produce release values other than that at which the bindings are set? For example, say one sets the release value to "7." How common is it that a binding will release at significantly above/or below that setting, and therefore require adjustment to perform within the specified range?
Another way to ask this question is, "How sensitive are bindings to different boots/conditions? If you set up and adjust a binding to one boot, and then set, test, and adjust the release value correctly, and then set up the binding for another boot, is it common that the release values will need to be adjusted again to accomodate the slightly different interface of the new boot?
I ask for the following reason: I have a ski touring set up, and I read with interest a study published in the superb Skialper buyer's guide from Italy. The study showed that the great majority of touring bindings (pin bindings or tech bindings) 1) Do not release anywhere near the set values, and 2) perform very differently with different boot and pin combinations. I am aware of the differences between touring bindings and alpine bindings, and I am not surprised by the results, except perhaps by the uniform and substantial inconsistency across brands and models. I think the interface of pins and sockets makes this inevitable.
I would simply like to know if the same or similar inconsistency is seen in alpine bindings--I suspect that there is some variability, but not nearly as much as with touring bindings.
Thoughts?
Bruno
How common is it that a binding/boot system will produce release values other than that at which the bindings are set? For example, say one sets the release value to "7." How common is it that a binding will release at significantly above/or below that setting, and therefore require adjustment to perform within the specified range?
Another way to ask this question is, "How sensitive are bindings to different boots/conditions? If you set up and adjust a binding to one boot, and then set, test, and adjust the release value correctly, and then set up the binding for another boot, is it common that the release values will need to be adjusted again to accomodate the slightly different interface of the new boot?
I ask for the following reason: I have a ski touring set up, and I read with interest a study published in the superb Skialper buyer's guide from Italy. The study showed that the great majority of touring bindings (pin bindings or tech bindings) 1) Do not release anywhere near the set values, and 2) perform very differently with different boot and pin combinations. I am aware of the differences between touring bindings and alpine bindings, and I am not surprised by the results, except perhaps by the uniform and substantial inconsistency across brands and models. I think the interface of pins and sockets makes this inevitable.
I would simply like to know if the same or similar inconsistency is seen in alpine bindings--I suspect that there is some variability, but not nearly as much as with touring bindings.
Thoughts?
Bruno