Thread: Salomon 916s

My 916s scare me a little bit. When I step into them with a DIN of 12 on the heel it really feels like I will never come out of that binding. I swear that 12 doesn't feel the same as the 12 on a pair of Salomon 914s I have. Has anyone else noticed this (Arty maybe)?

The binding is more bomber. The spring is stronger and more stout. However, with regards to the releasability, a 12 is a 12 is a 12. You'll come out just the same. I love my 916s.

Originally Posted by slim

The binding is more bomber. The spring is stronger and more stout. However, with regards to the releasability, a 12 is a 12 is a 12. You'll come out just the same. I love my 916s.

So are you saying that with the stronger spring it will feel different when you step into the binding? I know a 12 is a 12, but it just feel like I need to step in so much harder and use a lot more force with my pole to get out of the binding.

The 916s are sweet for sure.

Originally Posted by slim

I love my 916s.

You have P18's too right? Do you prefer one over the other? (aside from the fact that you have to bend Look brakes for fatties).

Originally Posted by runethechamp

So are you saying that with the stronger spring it will feel different when you step into the binding? I know a 12 is a 12, but it just feel like I need to step in so much harder and use a lot more force with my pole to get out of the binding.

Because of the stronger spring you do need to push harder. Rather than having a weaker spring maxed out like on the 912 or 914, you have an absolute brute of a spring just lightly tensioned.

With regards to P18's vs. S916s: I don't think I really have a preference. I really like how both ski. I don't notice any difference in perfomance. They're not that different in terms of weight either. I have 2-pairs of 916s (one on spats and one of G4s) and 1-pair of P18s on my LP's. That said, the difference between these two bindings and any of the others I've skied (912s, 914s, p12s, p14s) is huge. Now that I've made the investment in Green Springs, I'll never go back.

Originally Posted by slim

Because of the stronger spring you do need to push harder. Rather than having a weaker spring maxed out like on the 912 or 914, you have an absolute brute of a spring just lightly tensioned.

Just dug into my old linear spring theory knowledge and it actually makes sense.

Originally Posted by Tyrone Shoelaces

You have P18's too right? Do you prefer one over the other? (aside from the fact that you have to bend Look brakes for fatties).

I have a pair of P18s on my Stormrider DPs and have no complaints. Since I never injured myself on them they have come off when needed and I've had no prereleases. I don't have much experience on the 916s (first day on the Spatulas yesterday), but again they stayed on all the time. And those skis are so sweet.

Originally Posted by slim

The binding is more bomber. The spring is stronger and more stout. However, with regards to the releasability, a 12 is a 12 is a 12. You'll come out just the same. I love my 916s.

What Slim said. I've found that 11 is the perfect setting for me on my 916s. For what it's worth (since every binding is a bit different), I have my Rossi 140s set to 11 also. The 916s have always come off when I needed them to, but never when they shouldn't.

And I love that click when you step into the 916s. It makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside, since there's no doubt that you're in. You get to know that click; and when you don't hear it or it doesn't sound right, you know something's amiss (ie. excess snow on your boot sole). No other binding gives you positive feedback like that.

Also, why have you set them at 12? This may be right for you, but I'm curious. Is it because your 914s are at 12? You can run 916s at a lower setting than 914s. They'll hold you in a lot better. My 914s prereleased often at 11 and even 12, while my 916s have NEVER prereleased at 11.

Thanks for the info guys. Just wanted to be sure everything was as it should be.

I guess I have them at 12 because that's what I have my other bindings at right now. I nearly lost one of my irreplacable AK Launchers on a 10 or 11 under oops January 1st, but that was on a pair of neon yellow 900s. Maybe an 11 would work fine on the 916s.

S900s are great binders from what I can tell, unlike the 914s. Hopefully I didn't come across as telling you to lower your DIN. That's entirely up to you. I just wanted to throw my experience up here. Obviously we're all of different height, weight, boot sole length, and ability. So the right DIN is different for us all.

And on a similar but different note, maybe losing a ski is better than losing your knee.

Originally Posted by Arty50

And on a similar but different note, maybe losing a ski is better than losing your knee.

That's definitely better. I just realized that you probably saw that setup (AK Launchers) when we were waiting in line on 88 January 9th. That's when I cranked them up to 12...