Great bindings

By Schwerkraft Ranked #45 - Alpine Touring Bindings December 29, 2008

Being so different from all the other bindings, I was concerned about the release mechanism, especially after having had ACL reconstruction. I was also concerned about stiffness, especially torsion stiffness of the binding, since there are no plates that connect the front to the back part.

The obvious advantages of Dynafit versus the more classics styles are:
* Much lighter weight.
* For climbing, the attachment mechanism with the two pins in the front minimzes friction.
* You do not have to lift part of the binding for climbing.

These advantages where the primary driving factor for me trying Dynafits. My previous binding was a Fritschi Diamar Freeride+. No doubt a fantastic binding.
The release mechanism of the Dynafits looks to the user very different from that of a traditional binding. The front piece has a ski and a climbing mode, but no DIN adjustment at all. In climbing mode you lift up the little lever which prevents the front piece from opening for all practical purposes. If you do not lock the binding in the front when climbing it will come off easily. The downside of this binding is that if you get in an avalanche during climbing, your skis will probably not release.

The back mechanism has two DIN adjustments. One adjustment controls the release around the leg-axis and the other adjustment controls the binding release around the axis that is perpendicular to the ski in the ski's plane, e.g. if you fall forward.
I only have one major crash on the binding so far in which the binding released without any problems. Based on that crash, comments from my primary touring partner, I have gotten a lot more confident in the bindings release mechanism. Keep in mind though that my experience with the binding is not statistically significant.

Torsion stiffness of the binding seems better than on my Fritschi Diamar Freeride+. One theory is that the boot has no play in these bindings compared with traditional bindings and therefore prevents any torsion flex that would have been provided by the loose traditional binding to boot connection. You are also much closer to the ski with these bindings. That certainly reduces the leverage on the binding and may reduce torsion flex, too. Overall, I was very positively surprised. I also swapped the ski from a K2 Shuksan to an Atomic Kailas when I bought the Dynafit. It could be that some of the improvement comes from the ski change.

There are a few disadvantages: The front holes on the boot can easily collect snow or ice. This can make it very hard for the binding to clip in properly. It is also much harder to adjust the climbing angle on the binding with your poles. The leashes that come with the binding are not great.

Any tips from more experienced Dynafit users much appreciated.

So far, I am in love with these bindings.

View Details: Dynafit TLT Comfort Alpine Touring Binding

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