Thread: Silvretta Whats?

My dad just gave me a pair of Silvrettas he never used and I'm trying to figure out what type they are and if they are compatible with my 26.5 alpine boot. They are yellow and have a din setting maxed at 9, with the rollbar front. I'm guessing the 404 but want to know for sure. Also, are these things worth mounting on a pair of newer fat skis or should I not waste the mounting and save up for a newer AT setup. Any input would be sweet.

add a picture or something and maybe someone will be able to help.

With the wire toe bail the Silvretta accepts any boot that a step in crampon will fix to. Ski performance is however less than desirable, certainly on a fat ski the lateral twisting issues would only be magnified. Would make a great binding for mountaineering approaches or ice climbing.

Disclaimer, I did see a guy at the resort last year killing it on a pair of old 404s however that guy was the exception that proves the rule. Essentially they ski like your feet are in mayonnaise jars instead of ski boots.

Originally Posted by TahoeFreeRider

are these things worth mounting on a pair of newer fat skis

Frankly, no. They are lacking torsional rigidity.

I used 402s (same binder except the heelpiece) for many years. As long as you aren't too hard on them they hold up and work fine. The good thing about the front is the compatibility for almost any (even ice climbing) boot. On a skinnier ski for long approaches in order to reach a wall/climbing spot ect. they still make sense since you don't need to carry separate boots along.

However if mere skiing on a wider ski is the purpose then better look for s.th. different. Mine are collecting dust for almost 10 years now.

Edit: Chugachjed beat me to it.