Black Diamond

Helio Heel Adjustment Plate - 2023

Light but picks up snow

In warm conditions, under your heel is where snow is most likely to build up and turn to a little brick of ice. These plates work fine for adjusting the binding (I can fit a 26.5 and 29.5 on the same ski), but the propensity for icing could be improved. For example, I’ve skied these side by side with partners whose bindings have plastic components under the heel, and their bindings didn’t pick up snow like these. Maybe a more polished surface would help, rather than the somewhat rough matte finish these have. Bottom line is that these pick up snow under the heel worse than all my other bindings, so there’s room for improvement. I’ll try putting some tape or water repellant on top of there and update this review if that solves the problem.