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Path: utzoo!watmath!clyde!burl!ulysses!ucbvax!decwrl!dec-rhea!dec-amber!kaepplein
From: kaepplein@amber.DEC
Newsgroups: net.rec.ski
Subject: Bindings
Message-ID: <1187@decwrl.UUCP>
Date: Thu, 31-Oct-85 16:49:46 EST
Article-I.D.: decwrl.1187
Posted: Thu Oct 31 16:49:46 1985
Date-Received: Sat, 2-Nov-85 07:12:46 EST
Sender: daemon@decwrl.UUCP
Organization: Digital Equipment Corporation
Lines: 58


OK, here is something on bindings.  I didn't post before because I'm
no expert or 20+ year skier.  Here is a summary derived from reading
and conversations in ski shops:

I've been looking for new bindings for my new skis (3G's).  I got Solomon
647s for my other pair of skis last year and they work fine.  Here are some
of the bindings under consideration:

ESS:	These can be moved for and aft on the ski.  A nice feature allowing
compensation for conditions and your mood.  ESS claims these have small
mounting area, and heel movement for minimal ski flex impedence.  No
friction compensation device to ease forward twisting falls (where the
toe pressures the anti-friction plate) is a caveat.  Price is $200 and
availability is poor, however the bindings can be moved between skis
with extra $50 mounting plates.

Look:  The new XM releases in backward falls.  The only other one to
do this is Geze.  Turntable heel aids release in twisting falls.  Probably
one of the safest bindings on the market.  Disadvantage of the XM is that
the toe upward release setting is not seperate from the lateral release
(as can be done on Geze) so safety suffers when cranked down for anti-
shock use in racing.  Price ~$150

Geze:  I havn't really considered these much.  I've heard that they
don't allow for much lateral toe travel used in racing.

Marker:  Seems to be a favorite for racing.  Toe has good anti-shock
travel.  New MR "twincam" toe eliminates need for anti-friction pads
and their problems with wear and dirty boots.  Two upper models have
lightweight turntable heel with small mounting area (and effect on ski
flex), but it is NOT step in - you have to set it.  A conventional
step in heel is also available.  Price ~$150.

Tyrollia:  Has dual diagonal system with heel that travels laterally.
I'm not sure when this wins (backward twisting falls?) but it offers
more saftey than a fixed heel.

Plastic vs. aluminum bindings:  Plastic is lighter and less expensive,
but not used in racing models because it will flex a little supposedly
giving poorer control.

Top vs. next to top binding:  Generally the next to top binding has all
the features of the top binding, but softer springs and lower DIN ranges.
These are fine for most people and actually safer when set in the midrange
of the scale.

Saftey:  I wish that I had some Look's as a beginner.  Low speed falls offer
the best chance for getting hurt.  When moving fast there is enough energy
around to release bindings reguardless of angles, friction, and directions.
I too have bad knees. I've sublexated (dislocated) my left patella (knee cap)
4 times already (only once skiing) and don't want to loosen it up again
and have surgery.

Conclusion: None.  For me its between ESS, Look XM and Marker MR but I
still havn't made up my mind.

Mark Kaepplein