Properly adjusting the ski bindings greatly increases the safety of the skier. Follow this guide to learn how to best adjust your bindings.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Alpine Skiing (Downhill)
Step 1. Calculate the DIN
The DIN (so called because it is standardized by the Deutsches Institut für Normung) is the number that indicates how much force is needed to release the boot from the binding. It depends on various factors such as the weight of the skier, the height, age, length of the boot and the skill of the skier. Use a calculator to find the DIN, or ask the shopkeeper for advice.
Step 2. Adjust the front of the binding
Use a screwdriver to turn the screw located in the front of the attachment until the number partially reaches the DIN value. Put a boot in the binding so that the toe is inserted in the front.
Step 3. Adjust the back
It slides the back of the binding so that it is hooked to the heel of the boot. Turn the screw on the back until you reach the DIN number.
Step 4. Repeat the process on the other ski
With a few rare exceptions, the DIN should be the same as the other ski.
Step 5. Test the seal
Grab a ski pole and put your boots on. Attach the boots to the bindings starting from the toe and then with the heel (when the bindings are open the stop will be parallel to the ski and once closed it will have an angle of approximately 45 degrees). Use the stick to press the catch and open the binding - to succeed in this you should make a little effort, not effort. Then you can use your free foot to open the other attack.
- Make adjustments if necessary. If you find it difficult to open the attack with the stick, you could try to set a lower DIN. But be careful: with too low a DIN you could risk losing your skis downhill and hurting yourself.
- Contact a professional. If you still have problems with the bindings, go to a specialized shop, experts will be able to help you to adjust the bindings perfectly.
Method 2 of 2: Cross Country Skiing
Step 1. Calculate the DIN
The DIN (so called because it is standardized by the Deutsches Institut für Normung) is the number that indicates how much force is needed to release the boot from the binding. It depends on several factors such as the weight of the skier, the height, age, length of the boot and the skill of the skier. Use a calculator like this to find the DIN, or ask the shopkeeper for advice.
Step 2. Adjust the front of the binding
Use a screwdriver to turn the screw located in the front of the attachment until the number partially reaches the DIN value. Put a boot in the binding so that the toe is inserted in the front.
Make sure you have the right bindings for cross-country skiing. Cross-country type bindings are lighter and narrower, ideal for well-groomed and fairly flat tracks. Those with a metal edge are wider and heavier, suitable for more bumpy tracks
Step 3. Repeat the process on the other ski
With a few rare exceptions, the DIN should be the same as the other ski.
Step 4. Check for tightness and how far you can move
The bindings for cross-country skiing engage only at the tip of the foot, leaving the heel free from the ski. If you have adjusted the binding well you should be able to move well and have good control of the ski. Put on your boots and try them on. You should be able to release them by partially pressing the big toe with the stick or with your hands.
Step 5. Adjust the tightness
If you feel the skis are too light and you feel that the boots can come off at any moment, then you have to increase the DIN, if instead you feel them too heavy and you find it difficult to move lower it at intervals until you find the point that seems to you. right. Adjusting bindings in the middle of a ski run is much easier with cross-country bindings than with downhill ones and you may need to adjust them for different track conditions.
Advice
- If you are a beginner, get your bindings regular in a shop. This way you will be safer during the descents and you will learn to adjust the bindings on your own. Watch the process carefully and ask questions so you can fend for yourself if you need to.
- Your DIN will change if you gain or lose weight, with age and with your skill level. Adjust your bindings accordingly.
- Buy boots and bindings at the same time. Not all attachments are interchangeable.
- Make sure they are properly mounted on the skis. The type of ski you do (downhill or cross-country), as well as the gender (men and women have different centers of gravity) influence where the bindings will be mounted.
