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Binding selection

#1
Rating: 1
10/1/09 at 4:21am
  • Joined: September 2009
  • Post Count: 22
I'm curious as to what you look for when selecting a binding for any given ski. What characteristics does a binding have that makes it appropriate for one ski but not another?(asides from the width of the brakes) I will read people saying that binding A would be great on this ski but not on another, why is this? What about lifter plates, what is the consensus/opinion on them?

Just trying to learn a little, the ski in question is the 185 Volkl Bridge, myself-190lbs, level 7/8.

Thanks.
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#2
Rating: 0
10/1/09 at 11:05am
  • Joined: March 2006
  • Location: Berthoud, Colorado
  • Post Count: 1,036
Most bindings are part of a system.  I ski almost exclusively on Atomic, for example, so even though, in some cases, Atomic bindings aren't absolutely required on Atomic skis, they work together so well as a system and are so easy to mount and set up that I'd be an idiot to use anything else.  Then it comes down to which binding model for the application. All of my race skis have Atomic 1018 bindings on them, my Atomic R:EXs have a 6-14 range binding with wider brakes, and I forget what the model is. 

Volkl is not part of a Volkl branded system, but they used to be packaged with Marker bindings and associated with Technica boots.  Talk to somebody who knows Volkl (I don't) and he or she can give you a better specific recommendation....



Quote:
Originally Posted by tmay11 View Post

I'm curious as to what you look for when selecting a binding for any given ski. What characteristics does a binding have that makes it appropriate for one ski but not another?(asides from the width of the brakes) I will read people saying that binding A would be great on this ski but not on another, why is this? What about lifter plates, what is the consensus/opinion on them?

Just trying to learn a little, the ski in question is the 185 Volkl Bridge, myself-190lbs, level 7/8.

Thanks.
 


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#3
Rating: 0
10/1/09 at 11:22am
  • Joined: October 2005
  • Post Count: 3,090
There are 'Flat Skis' and 'System Skis', flat skis are often twintips, fatter skis, etc., and they often ski best with a low stack height (binding pretty flat to the ski). A System ski is often more carving oriented, they tend to ski best with a little bit of added leverage of 'lift ... a flat ski can accept any non-system specific binding (any biding that basically screws directly into the top of the ski...) system skis need their dedicated binding. Sort of.

Anyway, you have a Bridge, a great ski. It is what is called a 'Flat Ski' so you have a pretty wide open binding selection, every brand makes a binding that would suit your ski. Start with brand preference, any brands you love or hate?

Next how do you want your new skis to perform? Do you want a playful park ski that can handle a little bit of everything the mountain has to offer or are you looking for an all mountain ski that carves well on groomers, slays crud, will be good in bumps and the trees and maybe can be skied 'switch' once in a while?

For park ski feel and performance, mount them as with a low binding in a more forward mount line. If you want a more 'all mountain' feel that carves well but is versatile, go with a rearward mount point and a binding with a little bit of lift.

... or buy a Marker Schitzo Griffen (it moves forward and back 6cm).

skiershop.com
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