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Post by JimRatliff on Mar 13, 2014 17:13:40 GMT -7
Todd: I second Living Proof's interest in your thoughts. As you know, Lynn and I use the Power Rail "system binding" on all of our skis, and they are all plastic except for the metal cogs that lock the bindings in place. We have had zero problems with this setup or with our frequent movement of the bindings from one set of skis to another.
Share your opinions or knowledge with us.
Jim
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Post by livingproof on Mar 15, 2014 8:18:41 GMT -7
It seems that the term "system binding" needs some definition. My thinking is the term "system binding", generally, refers to bindings that are integrated into the design of a ski and cannot be changed out with other bindings. Such skis are sold paired with a binding, and, in most cases the binding is adjustable. Many skiers do not like being locked into this arrangement, and, argue that those bindings are lower end, sometimes heavy.
I would argue that all bindings are "binding systems" as the front and rear pieces are designed to coordinate and work as a unit. Not sure how "flat mount" or "rail mount" on any flat ski bindings are called to differentiate them from "system bindings". Some ski companies, like Head, may sell their skis with a mounting bracket that locks the skier into a Head branded binding, but, the skis could be mounted with any other traditional binding, so it's not a system binding.
BTW, had a major yard-sale fall yesterday, thanks to my free-flex bindings, the only bruises were to my ego.
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Post by ToddW on Mar 16, 2014 16:15:21 GMT -7
LP and JR,
I spent the weekend pondering a good detailed reply on the chairs and in the lift lines. Bottom line is that I'm hesitant to discuss less effective safety equipment in a public forum in our litigious world but don't mind discussing it over a beer. To a degree, a bad binding is like pornography -- you know it when you see it and it's not hard to find.
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Post by ToddW on Mar 16, 2014 16:28:59 GMT -7
You ski 150 flex boots... you hate flimsy bindings... and you like responsive skis... we should ski together sometime. It would be fun to watch your first four turns ... and then see you dwindle to a speck on the horizon :-)
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Post by livingproof on Mar 17, 2014 8:03:38 GMT -7
LP and JR, I spent the weekend pondering a good detailed reply on the chairs and in the lift lines. Bottom line is that I'm hesitant to di scuss less effective safety equipment in a public forum in our litigious world but don't mind discussing it over a beer. To a degree, a bad binding is like pornography -- you know it when you see it and it's not hard to find. Todd, I respect your thoughts, and, concur that public airing of opinions has little benefit. The scientist in me would always ask to see the data supporting any conclusions, I doubt any data exists relating specific bindings and injuries in the skiing public. The manufactures of the "kneebinding" have not made inroads with their data regarding claims of reduced ACL injuries. In my electric utility career, we always struggled with the concepts of safe, safer and safest with respect to keeping workers free from injury. We all assume risk when on the mountain, I'd like to think that I've mitigated my risk with appropriate binding selection, but, have to admit that I really don't know much about the differences in bindings. I'm just following the masses. Would you be willing to share what bindings you choose to use?
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Post by livingproof on Mar 17, 2014 8:08:03 GMT -7
You ski 150 flex boots... you hate flimsy bindings... and you like responsive skis... we should ski together sometime. It would be fun to watch your first four turns ... and then see you dwindle to a speck on the horizon :-) Been there, done that. I've ridden chairs with HelluvaSkier, can't say I've ever skied with him. I once asked him to slow down so that I could follow him, ha, ha, ha! Well, he did ski slower, but, still just pulled away. It is easy to follow his tracks, not so easy to stay in them. His tracks scream "HelluvaSkier was here".
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Post by HeluvaSkier on Mar 19, 2014 9:39:15 GMT -7
It would be fun to watch your first four turns ... and then see you dwindle to a speck on the horizon :-) Been there, done that. I've ridden chairs with HelluvaSkier, can't say I've ever skied with him. I once asked him to slow down so that I could follow him, ha, ha, ha! Well, he did ski slower, but, still just pulled away. It is easy to follow his tracks, not so easy to stay in them. His tracks scream "HelluvaSkier was here". I'm getting better at the going slower thing!
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Post by JimRatliff on Mar 19, 2014 13:48:59 GMT -7
"Slower" in whose framework. Your "slowest" is probably still my OMG fast?
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Post by HeluvaSkier on Mar 19, 2014 14:54:44 GMT -7
"Slower" in whose framework. Your "slowest" is probably still my OMG fast? I'm not sure exactly. Using frame work from your training, probably black level coach speeds when just skiing... and I'm working on improving my slow-speed demos. I was recently informed that I need to find the "off" switch.
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Post by JimRatliff on Mar 19, 2014 15:36:15 GMT -7
Kidding aside, I would think that will be really hard to do. It's like driving west of the Mississippi where there are some 70 and 75 mph speed limits (and most are driving 80+). Driving 30 mph in town is just agonizing - I hope you can find a way to still make that fun skiing. I'm not sure who said you needed to find the off switch, but it's got to be harder than they can comprehend. I imagine most people have trouble understanding that you are actually in control while skiing just because your speeds are beyond anything they can comprehend.
Someone once told me that it takes 21 straight days of new behavior to begin to break the pattern of past behavior. Best wishes for success.
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