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