The foundation of alpine ski bindings

Regardless of whether you buy a basic model of alpine skis or a more expensive branded product, the binding is the foundation of their quality. It determines not only the reliability and durability of the skis but also your safety on the slopes, preventing injuries and falls. The binding must be adjusted to your dimensions — it is very important that this is done by a specialist.

The main parts of the binding, which, for example, Atomic alpine skis have, are the toe piece and the heel piece. The toe piece is the front unit designed to release the toe of the skier's boot in a fall. More advanced binding models have been developed that trigger not only in forward falls but also to the side and backward. Importantly, the toe piece responds not only to an actual fall but also to a sideways deviation, gently pressing the boot toe back to its original position instead of releasing it. This property is called the toe piece's elasticity — it can be lateral or vertical. It is important that all alpine skis, both children's and adult models, have increased toe-piece elasticity values — lateral elasticity should reach 45 mm, and vertical — 20 mm.

Another element of the binding is the anti-friction device. It is intended to minimize the friction force between the toe of your boot sole and the binding base if the boot exits the toe piece sideways. Usually the anti-friction device is a Teflon plate under the toe, which does an excellent job of reducing friction.

At the rear, the skier's foot is protected by the heel piece of the binding — it is designed to release the rear part of the boot in a fall. The heel piece also has elasticity characteristics — the higher they are, the more reliable the model you choose. A special platform connects the toe and heel pieces, while also increasing the height of the boot relative to the ski surface. It is important that the platform damps vibration during motion, does not transmit it to the boot, evenly distributes the load across the entire surface, and does not disrupt the skis' natural flex.

The newer your ski model, the higher-quality and more advanced the binding base will be, so if you want to buy high-quality alpine skis, you are unlikely to be interested in sales. Do not skimp on buying alpine skis — quality products are the key to your safety and will help protect you from injuries.