DIN setting versus DIN max on binding

[SkierGolferNH]

I ski with a DIN of 7, can I use a binding with a max DIN of 10? Is that enough cushion?

 

[Doug Briggs]

You don't need 'cushion'. You just need a binding that can be set and calibrated to your required release setting. It is a fallacy that you need to be in the middle of the range of your bindings settings. Bindings work pretty much the same at any setting for which they are designed.

 

[Philpug]

Welcome to the site. We have talked a lot about bindings, settings and what "range" is acceptable. When you are considering a binding, you are not just thinking about spring but the housing. A binding that will have a 3-10 range tends to be designed for juniors and light weight skiers, most adults can overpower it and compromise it's functions. As a golfer, think about swinging a junior or womens shaft, it will flex all over.

Take a look here at some indepth binding discussion.

• Numbers Game: Binding
  • Part 1
  • Part 2
  • Part 3

 

[Dakine]

If you are at a lower setting on a high DIN binding , the binding has more ability to recenter in a near release according to Phil.
I like my Excel 16 clamps set at DIN 7 but the real reason I chose them is the Excel 16 is a much better built piece than the Excel 12.

 

[Eleeski]

I'm a light freak and bindings are heavy. Really heavy for high din bindings. So I use plastic low din bindings to keep the weight down. @Philpug gives me a hard time about my Fisher-Price bindings.

Modern bindings seem much better than older bindings. I rarely release with a setting of 7 on a max 10 binding as there is lots of recentering to keep the ski attached in chatter. There's a lot of design that is independent from how strong a spring is.

Higher din bindings running at light settings should last longer - but I buy new bindings for most of my new skis (and hopefully I'm mostly skiing and liking my new skis).

Eric