Is It Safe to Ski on Old Bindings?

There are a few reasons why it is not safe to ski on old bindings. Those reasons include the fact that you cannot be sure whether they are still safe and you are unlikely to find ski shop technicians who can adjust them for you. It is also a good idea to get a new pair of bindings once your old ones have lost their performance. Keep reading more about it in our article about ski tuning.

Indemnified Bindings

When you are buying used skis, it is important to make sure the bindings you buy are still indemnified. If not, you will run the risk of them not releasing when they should. This is especially true if the bindings are older than 5 years. You will also be unable to legally get them adjusted by a ski tech.

Many binding manufacturers publish a list of bindings that are no longer covered by indemnification policies. These older bindings are not guaranteed to perform safely, and you will probably have trouble finding a tech to adjust them. You might even need to sign a waiver before they will even attempt to adjust them for you. The manufacturer is not responsible for any injuries caused by non-indemnified bindings.

Traditional Piste Bindings

Traditional piste bindings are usually rail-mounted or drill-mounted. They feature levers and common screws for adjustment and stability. You should be familiar with your ski boot size and length before determining which style of binding will suit you best. This will also allow you to select the appropriate release value.

The best way to check your ski bindings is to visit an authorized retailer and have them tested. They can perform the test in as little as 15 minutes. If you're planning on skiing in summer, reduce the spring tension to the lowest numerical setting. Remember to get your bindings tested again before the new season begins.

The bindings are essential pieces of equipment. Choose the right ones to protect your joints and limit the risks of injury from falls. Make sure you buy the right type for your skiing style and practice.

Easy-to-adjust By Hand

While old bindings may look pristine, you shouldn't ski on them. Ski manufacturers don't service bindings that are 10 years or older. This is because older bindings may not release correctly due to dust on lubrication or corrosion. It may also be a sign of major damage, such as cracks in plastic parts. If the bindings are still in good condition, they're safe to ski on, but they should be swapped or replaced.

If you are unsure of your bindings' DIN settings, read the label. Look for the DIN value (a number that indicates the release force). This number will be on the toe and heel pieces of the binding. The higher the number, the more difficult it will be to release yourself from the bindings.

Brakes That Prevent Skis From Flying Away

When skiing, it is crucial to have brakes that prevent your skis from flying away. Ski brakes should be about an inch above the base of your ski. If the brakes are too wide, they will not prevent your skis from flying off. This can cause your skis to travel further and kick you sideways. If they do not have brakes at all, they will fall sideways and can cause a crash. To prevent this, take your skis to a professional to make sure your ski brakes are properly fitted.

A typical ski brake has a stirrup-shaped spring wire attached at its forward end. This spring wire includes offset portions that project from the bight and are connected to the actuator. When the ski is displaced toward the surface, the spring wire bends and swings upward. Watch out if your ski edges are too sharp.

Rebuilding Instead of Remounting

If your bindings have small holes, it might be cheaper to rebuild them rather than remount them. A rebuild involves putting new parts on an old ski frame. Though the new parts are more durable than the original ones, they will still break over time. A remount is the same as rebuilding, but the new binding will last longer. Intrested to find out more about ski waxing and how long it lasts? Learn more about skis in our articles.