| Ski boots & bindings are probably the most important | | | | want more flex. You also want more flex in a boot if |
| parts of your ski gear. You may think the skis are | | | | you ski on mogul runs or powder snow. Less flex is |
| important as their design determines how fast you | | | | better for hard snow or tight turns. |
| go or how effectively you can turn but the boots | | | | Ski Bindings |
| and bindings are essentially how you communicate | | | | Bindings are the connection between your boots and |
| with the skis. Your weight and balance control how | | | | the skis. They are designed to give you control of |
| the skis perform. By shifting your weight you are | | | | the skis without feeling the forces exerted on the |
| altering the force on the skis and this is | | | | skis. They are also designed to release the boot if |
| communicated through the boots and binding. This | | | | you fall or the ski gets stuck thus prevent feet and |
| article will discuss some of the considerations when | | | | leg injuries. |
| selecting the best ski boots & bindings. | | | | The two considerations of bindings are the |
| Ski Boots | | | | performance and the safety they give you. |
| Ski boots are not like any ordinary shoe. The chances | | | | Some skis are sold without bindings so it is up to you |
| are you will be wearing them for most of the day in | | | | to select the right type of binding for the ski. This |
| cold and wet conditions. It is important that you fit | | | | can add extra complexity to the buying process. It is |
| into then comfortably but not so that you a loose. It | | | | more common now for skis to come with integrated |
| goes without saying that you should measure the | | | | bindings. This is probably the best option for a |
| length of your foot. You should also measure the | | | | beginner as you don't have to worry whether the |
| width. Some people have wider feet than others and | | | | bindings will be compatible with the ski in performance |
| they need boots that will cater for this. | | | | terms. |
| Ideally the boot should fit snugly around the foot and | | | | As far as safety goes, you want to get bindings that |
| calf | | | | will fit your release settings. The release setting is the |
| The flex of the boots is also important. The flex is | | | | point at which the binding will release the foot. It is |
| the resistance that a boot has to being bent | | | | determined by your weight, ability and even age. If a |
| forwards or backwards. Flex determines the amount | | | | binding does not fit into this criteria then it is not for |
| of control that you have over the skis and the | | | | you. Release settings are rated by a DIN number. |
| responsiveness of the skis. For instance, ski boots | | | | Your DIN number should be in the medium range of |
| with less flex are more responsive but less forgiving. | | | | the binding so that it can be adjusted if variables |
| Thus an experienced skier will have a boot with the | | | | change. |
| minimum amount of flex, however a beginner will | | | | |