How To Set the Proper Binding on My Rossignol Ski

ski image by Andrzej Kaluza from <a href='http://www.fotolia.com'>Fotolia.com</a>

A ski binding has two types of adjustments easily performed with a screwdriver. Bindings often need to be readjusted for changes in boot sizes, meaning the heel plate needs to be moved forward or backward. Different skier abilities and conditions necessitate adjusting a binding's DIN (Deutsches Institute for Normung, or German Institute for Normalization) setting, otherwise known as the release setting. Getting bindings adjusted by a professional can be unnecessarily expensive, especially if switching between boots, using borrowed skis, adjusting release tension for different conditions.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

Mounted ski bindings
Ski boots
Flat work area
Large bore Phillips head screwdriver

Step 1

Click ski boot into ski binding. If the binding is too short, adjust the screw parallel to the base plate of the binding in the counterclockwise direction until the boot fits between the heel and toe pieces.

Step 2

With the heel piece in the closed position, adjust the screw parallel to the base of the ski in the clockwise direction until it can no longer click forward. Turn the screw counterclockwise until the heel piece clicks, and then tighten the screw in the clockwise direction to set the heel pieces distance.

Step 3

Check your DIN settings on the toe and heel pieces. There is a see-through plate with a scale where the DIN is marked by a small line. Adjust to your desired release tension, higher numbers mean a larger force is necessary to release the binding. Generally the more force necessary to release the binding the more likely you are to be injured by the twisting of the leg without release of the ski. Some online DIN charts are available, but you should obtain a DIN chart for your specific model from the manufacturer.

Tips & Warnings

To ensure a proper fit of the boot in a recently adjusted binding, click the boot into the binding, and lift the whole assembly by the boot. Twist the boot vigorously from side to side to check for any wobble where the boot meets the toe and heel pieces. Wobble means that the heel piece needs to be adjusted forwards to hold the boot tighter.

Properly setting binding DIN and position reduces the risk of injury while skiing. Improper binding adjustment can result in injury from unintentional release of the binding or non-release of the binding during an accident. Non-release of a binding can lead to severe injuries of the lower leg. Unless experienced with understanding DIN settings, professional service should be sought to avoid potentially fatal accidents. Additionally, a shop will perform release tests using equipment that tests the release force of your specific boot and binding combination. Different boot shapes and geometries interface differently with different bindings.

Article Written By Marie Scribe

Marie Scribe has been writing for more than 10 years. Her specialties include copywriting, advertising and editing. She has a journalism degree and extensive experience with business and technical writing. She has been published on Trails.com and eHow.

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