Ski Bindings: Understanding DIN Settings For Safety

Like when you ragdoll down the mountain, bindings are made to keep you hooked to your skis and release when impacted with enough power. When your bindings are installed at a ski shop, your DIN setting is computed using your weight, height, and skiing skill. Although the table below offers a broad direction, we advise having your DIN calculated and changed by a qualified professional.

Boot Sole Length

The plastic heel and toe of your boot may gradually wear down and release differently as you ski. This can lead to a DIN value too high, which slows down release when you fall or releases too early, so possibly causing injury. For this reason it's better to have a qualified ski technician mount, change, and service your bindings. This is the only approach to guarantee exact DIN settings, so guaranteeing optimal safety while skiing. The suitable DIN setting will be determined by your ski shop using a chart based on your Mondopoint size—the length of your foot in centimeters—and boot sole length. Though manufacturer may vary, the following table provides a broad guideline.

Skier Type/Ability Level

Preventing undesired pre-releases that could result in a catastrophic crash depends mostly on the setting of your ski bindings. It also guarantees that, should a fall occur, your boots will release, therefore preventing some really major injuries. A formula using your height, weight, age, boot sole length determines the DIN (release setting) on your ski binding. One should have this figure computed and set by a qualified ski technician. Snow or ice build-up between your boot and the heel piece or inside the toe piece will probably cause your bindings to be difficult to step into or rattle when snapped into. Before your next trip, have them checked and cleaned in a store. Having them checked and modified at the start of the season is also a wise idea. The shop may make sure all screws are tightened correctly and look for any possibly loose components that might need replacement.

Age

Since she could walk, Stasia has been skiing. She also spent some time working at a ski shop where she gained the minute knowledge of the many dozen available bindings. This clarified for her the several tech specifics that, even the most seasoned shredders sometimes find perplexing. The Marker Griffon 13 ID bindings' adaptability to both hybrid boots and regular boots as well as GripWalk soles appeals particularly to her. Regarding their DIN settings, which may be changed for performance and safety, they also perform as actual alpine bindings. The one exception is that they need a particular alpine boot with a tech toe piece. Though not really important, this should be kept in mind while looking about.

Weight

More than just how the bindings feel and look on your skis, their weight is crucial for their performance. Specifically, what force the bindings can hold before they release? A ski binding uses more force to detach from a boot the higher the DIN level. While novices or smaller skiers might choose a lower DIN level, aggressive or larger skiers may like to start with a higher setting. While most skiers are at ease reviewing their own DIN settings, it's always a good idea to have a competent tech check them either before the season starts or following any type of crash. A store like REI has a staff of experienced ski techs ready to assist you in any necessary changes to guarantee slope safety. Usually, just tightening a few screws will be all that's needed. More complicated problems, nevertheless, need for expert advice.