Dynafit Radical ST - any issues running at max release value 10?

[gramboh]

So I found a good deal on some used skis with Radical ST's that I am considering for my first tech setup. Is there any issue with running the bindings at the max release value? Some folks think running alpine bindings at minimum/maximum DIN is a bad idea, anything similar with tech bindings?

I weigh 200lbs naked and probably 230 with gear/pack. I ski my Guardians and STH916's at a DIN of 11 as I had some releases at 10 that felt a bit too easy (the chart puts me at 8.5). That said, I do not huck big and am a pretty conservative/smooth skier in the backcountry. I'm more concerned about losing a ski in a bad spot from lack of adequate retention than I am about "aggressive" ski performance.

Cheers

[Lindahl]

Some folks think running alpine bindings at minimum/maximum DIN is a bad idea, anything similar with tech bindings?

To kill 2 birds with one stone... what happens when you run alpine bindings at the maximum DIN? Do you get more DIN, less DIN, does the DIN degrade over time, etc.?

[CaliBrit]

Short answer, any din within the din range of the binding is fine.

Long answer, search, it has been discussed at length.

[HHTELE]

According to the folks at dynafit, its fine.

According to you, it may not be: "I ski my Guardians and STH916's at a DIN of 11 as I had some releases at 10 that felt a bit too easy. "
If you release too easily out of guardians at a 10, why would you expect dynafit to e more secure at 10?

[Mr. Toad]

That said, I do not huck big and am a pretty conservative/smooth skier in the backcountry. I'm more concerned about losing a ski in a bad spot from lack of adequate retention than I am about "aggressive" ski performance.

Cheers

Use a leash or lock the toes.

[1000-oaks]

If you put a washer behind the horizontal release spring, it'll push the horizontal release value up to about 12. That doesn't change the vertical release value though.

[gregL]

The vertical release is usually the problem. I have occasional unwanted forward releases with Dynafits set at 10 and you outweigh me by 35 lbs. The forward release mechanism itself has no moving parts once set for release value, so the usual arguments against using a binding set at its DIN max don't apply, but don't expect the Radical ST "10" to be the same as the Guardian/916 "10."

[XXX-er]

Yeah i got a smoking deal on some 10's which are fine for my size but you probably want to go for a tech binding that goes to 12 which probably = mo money

[gramboh]

Thanks guys, tried to search via Google but only coming up with FS/WTB gear swap threads. Have folks that have skied the ST and FT noticed much of a difference on the FT retention @ 11/12 RV vs. ST @ 10 RV? Trying to search again and only finding this thread: http://www.tetongravity.com/forums/s...uge-difference

According to the folks at dynafit, its fine.

According to you, it may not be: "I ski my Guardians and STH916's at a DIN of 11 as I had some releases at 10 that felt a bit too easy. "
If you release too easily out of guardians at a 10, why would you expect dynafit to e more secure at 10?

My OP was poorly worded, I should clarify I have not experienced any pre-releases from Guardians/STH916/Dukes @ 10, but I've had a couple falls in recent weeks on my Guardians where they released easier than I was expecting (but I had no problem with the fact my skis came off), because of that I am running at 11. Those falls were inbounds skiing in a style and conditions I would not encounter in the BC.

If I end up buying new I will go the FT/Ion/Vipec route, but this is a great deal on a used setup that should work well enough for the ski touring I plan to do the next couple seasons. Greg and XXX'er are definitely giving me pause though. Might grab the setup and test extensively in low risk conditions/terrain and do a binding upgrade if necessary.

[1000-oaks]

Or get the Beast, which can be found for $600 this time of year.

[gregL]

Personally I'm going to let others do the beta testing on the Vipec and Ion. I'd buy the Radical ST setup and try it out; if you experience problems with premature vertical release you can buy some Plum Guide heels that will fit the same holes (I've never been convinced that they actually change anything with the vertical release part of the FT's, they look exactly the same as the ST). All this assumes you are not especially sensitive to ramp angle, which is a whole different can of worms.

[gregL]

Actually you might have trouble finding separate Plum heels in North America . . .