Resort skiing on dynafits

[iscariot]

You should NEVER,EVER resort ski on Dynafits. That's just a stupid idea.

[xtrmjoe]

I have skied mine on many resort days in soft snow with no issues. I wanted to gain confidence on them prior to taking them to the bc. With sollyfit plates or inserts I don't see the need to ride them on firm resort conditions.
I don't ski as hard in the bc as I do at the resort in in the side country so they have worked great for my needs. I started with dukes and the weight got old fast especially when paired with DPS pures. Then went to dynaduke plates and am now I am sollyfit plates and could not be happier with the health of the quiver.

[bbense]

Dynafits are "good enough" for me, but they are inferior to most of the other touring bindings out there, and definitely inferior to Alpines

Hahahahahahahaha

Hahahahahahahaha

Hahahahahaahhaha[/QUOTE]

Even if he only meant release characteristics, I still think its worth a giggle or two. Every AT binding is a compromise in the release department because they have to work with AT boots. They remind me of ski bindings before the boots were standardized in the late 80's. The one exception to the might be Alpine DIN soles in Dukes, but other than that I see no evidence that any AT binding has any better release characteristics than any other. They might look more like standard alpine bindings, but that really doesn't mean much if they don't have standard "slip pad" like alpine boots do.

PS. I would love to be flamed as an ignorant old fart for this by some real data.

[Hugh Conway]

I think he was talking about release characteristics.

Indeed I was. I ran them on my skis because they were lighter and toured better, despite certain issues elsewhere, like release characteristics. They are great for what they do well - going up and down when touring and the "tech" bindings best around currently at that.

Even if he only meant release characteristics, I still think its worth a giggle or two.

Because you are too ttips to understand the progression would be dynafits < some other touring bindings < alpine bindings? If you think they are all the same you are fucking retarded. Simply noting that a number of other AT binding have adjustable toe release.

[bbense]

Because you are too ttips to understand the progression would be dynafits < some other touring bindings < alpine bindings? If you think they are all the same you are fucking retarded. Simply noting that a number of other AT binding have adjustable toe release.

Dynafits have two release values, upward at the heel and twisting at heel.

AT bindings that look more like alpine bindings have two release values, upward at the heel and twisting at the toe.

Whether the twisting release is set by the heel or the toe is doesn't mean jack, it still releases in exactly the same way.
You are assuming that because it looks like an alpine binding it has to work better.

When you've got some real evidence, let me know.

[Hugh Conway]

You are assuming that because it looks like an alpine binding it has to work better.

I'm stating from experience they do work better. I could give a fuck what they look like you dumb pompous twat

[bbense]

I'm stating from experience they do work better. I could give a fuck what they look like you dumb pompous twat

Thanks for the compliment.

But what do you mean by "work better" ? Pre-release less often, sure. All rail bindings are much less affected by ski flex, they still pre-release
compared to any modern alpine binding, but they aren't as sensitive as dynafits. I can live with the dynafit pre-release, I am much more concerned
about the other side of the question is do they release when they are supposed to? Are they "safer"?

If you're doing sidecountry, at least in the Tahoe Basin, you're often skiing in heavy deep snow. While there's no binding thats safe in that kind of snow and slow twisting falls, if there's an AT binding that gives me a better chance than the rest, I'd really like to know about it.

What would be at least nice to look at is to put the bindings on a bench test and run them through both release modes and
seen how consistent they are through a few dozen trials. That still misses a lot of the crud that can affect what happens in the
real world of snow, ice and dirt, but it'd be nice to know.

[Hugh Conway]

Thanks for the compliment.

But what do you mean by "work better" ? Pre-release less often, sure. All rail bindings are much less affected by ski flex, they still pre-release
compared to any modern alpine binding, but they aren't as sensitive as dynafits. I can live with the dynafit pre-release, I am much more concerned
about the other side of the question is do they release when they are supposed to? Are they "safer"?

If you're doing sidecountry, at least in the Tahoe Basin, you're often skiing in heavy deep snow. While there's no binding thats safe in that kind of snow and slow twisting falls, if there's an AT binding that gives me a better chance than the rest, I'd really like to know about it.

What would be at least nice to look at is to put the bindings on a bench test and run them through both release modes and
seen how consistent they are through a few dozen trials. That still misses a lot of the crud that can affect what happens in the
real world of snow, ice and dirt, but it'd be nice to know.

fewer prereleases = fewer chances to screw up your knees

[tromano]

I have skied dynafits a handfull of days at the resort. I think they ski quite nicely. The release is adequate as well IMO, but certainly not as good as an alpine binder. If the snow is good enough to make side country attractive and you're just skiing good snow and not hucking on them I would think its fine to use at the resort form time to time.

[skiing-in-jackson]

I used to know guys skiing 100+ inbounds w/ some side country on Dynafits. I would have to say inbounds skiing on Dynafit has fallen out of vogue for a number of reasons.

[GeezerSteve]

Lift skiing on tech bindings is a common sight at Alpy. We saw a dozen at Central today. I'm not saying whether or not it's smart to lift ski with Dynafits, but is not uncommon.

rug wheelie, the only time I've seen a smooth skier with chronic prereleases on Dynafits was a guy with a pair of Scarpa boots with bad inserts a few years ago. Scarpa warrantied them and he hasn't prereleased in 150+ days since then on the same bindings. IMV, your boots are the prime suspect.

[srsosbso]

If the snow is good enough to make side country attractive and you're just skiing good snow...

Maybe that's the problem, I always think the side country looks attractive.

I would have to say inbounds skiing on Dynafit has fallen out of vogue for a number of reasons.

Why do you think that is? What are those reasons? A few years ago I would have said it was because there wasn't much in the way of dynafit compatible boots, especially to drive bigger skis. But now?

the only time I've seen a smooth skier with chronic prereleases on Dynafits was a guy with a pair of Scarpa boots with bad inserts a few years ago. Scarpa warrantied them and he hasn't prereleased in 150+ days since then on the same bindings. IMV, your boots are the prime suspect.

Interesting.......... and hopefully helpful to the rug.

[le dog]

I have been using Dynafits for resort riding (skiing, sorry) for a couple of years now. I did have problems (broke the front piece while skiing on a pretty steep run, that was not fun) but it turns out that that part was defective. The other pair worked flawlessly so far (the latter is mounted on Wailer 105, the former on Wailer 112).
I will continue using them either for touring or for the groomers.

[gregL]

Why do you think that is? What are those reasons?

Some people who insisted on skiing Dynafits inbounds regularly paid for it to the tune of several failures a year - mostly broken heel pins, bend pivot posts, and exploded top plates (usually not toe problems). Plus the nagging curiosity of when it was going to happen again. Other people who skied them occasionally saw what happened to the first group, and now choose their tech days carefully. If you see me on tech bindings in the lift line it's usually only because I'm getting a late start and trying to save some skinning, skiing groomers slowly with my wife, or getting a feel for a brand new pair of skis, not because I plan to spend the whole season doing it.

[yapajake]

i didn't want to start a new thread but since people are talking dynafits i figured i would just ask here. i just got my first pair but don't have the manual. i'm trying to figure out how to set the lateral DIN. i realize that the hash marks represent DIN 5-10 but i don't know what to line up with them to set it where i want it. i've got the vertical DIN figured out but the lateral is just bothering me. any help, or anybody know where i can download a user manual.

[saxon]

The edge of the screw-head has a thin little ridge on it that you line up with the hash marks.

[gregL]

For example, Lee Lau's heel is set at 7 in this pic:

http://www.leelau.net/2008/heelpiecescrewupIMG_8631.jpg

[srsosbso]

Some people who insisted on skiing Dynafits inbounds regularly paid for it to the tune of several failures a year - mostly broken heel pins, bend pivot posts, and exploded top plates (usually not toe problems).

Pretty much what I was hoping to avoid.

[GeezerSteve]

Some people who insisted on skiing Dynafits inbounds regularly paid for it to the tune of several failures a year - mostly broken heel pins, bend pivot posts, and exploded top plates (usually not toe problems).

the wedge-shaped thingie holding the heel pin also sometimes breaks. Dynafits on my two pairs of dual-duty powder skis for 4 seasons and I broke one heel pin and had no other failures. I've broken two other heel pins while touring, bashing in late season dirty firm forest with a pack and my big fat butt -- those skis got no lift use other than a couple of dial-in days. Heel pins are going to occasionally break if they are subject to repeated use in firm conditions, e.g., late spring (May-July in the PNW) touring or firm resort conditions. I won't hesitate to again lift ski on Dynafits on a big powder day -- sometimes switching to my Duke-equipped skis after things are cut up.

[DAFTC]

srsosbso - fyi, I thought the Barons weren't a good tourer or a particularly good alpine binder, just felt like a compromise on both counts and I tour much more. Sollyfit plates might be a good option if you're willing to switch with storm cycles, and I don't have any proof but I like the wider mount pattern on my wider skis.

[Scotsman50]

I know I'm going to incur the wrath of Hugh and GregL but I've used dynafits exclusively for the resort for the last two seasons ( 80+ days each season). I've got dynafits on my Wailer 105's, RP 112's and Voile Drifters. I've had maybe two pre-releases in over 200 days ( resort and BC). One occurred when I was skiing icy moguls and one when skiing breakable spongy crust. I've never had a breakage or a single problem with any of the three sets of dynafit ( other than the plastic volcanoes on my old comforts...since retired)bindings I ski on.
When the season starts rolling I usually spend about 50% of each day doing about 4000-5000 ft of sidecounty touring out of the Crystal gates which is the reason I sold my Fritschis and Barons and converted totally to Dynafit.
No big deal.... to each his own.... but it is possible to ski exclusively on dynafits in the resort without any problems( so far).

[tone capone]

This sounds really good and how I hope I can use my radicals on a good day. 4 or 5 runs at the ski hill then hopefully more than double the vert I could do on dukes in the sidecounry. But then I think I "need" another pair (lighter and less abused) for big tours. Fuckin A this shit gets expensive, I need to work more and ski less. Goddamn first world problems.

[TWINS]

I also run FT 12`s at the resort maybe 40 days a year/186 Lhasas the last 2 years.No issues except 1 pre release last season on a icy mogul field. My fault as I new they would release but still went for it/last run of the day.
They are fine inbounds if you ski centered and realize that there is no elasticity in the boot/binding interface.
I had to smooth out my skiing style to accommodate dynafits which is fine for me.I am old and slow.
Ride them inbounds and decide for yourself.You just might adapt to them like myself. The benefits of skiing a lightweight setup shines at the end of the day.

[Mathematics]

Curious how much you inbounds dynafit guys weigh, and skiing style (centered/balanced vs. a more aggressive pushing fwd style)? A few have already answered, but I'm wondering if its the lighter guys that are having success inbounds. I am in the not light & not centered/balanced column.

[gregL]

I know I'm going to incur the wrath of Hugh and GregL

Yeah, Scotsman is a notable exception who's bigger than me and seems to get away with it . . . but I'll hold the wrath. There are others as well. More power to ya.