12 best ski bindings

Ski bindings are one of the most important groups of elements, making it possible to attach a boot directly to the ski. Like any other unit of inventory, fixtures are divided into mountain and cross-country. If the former have a universal look, the latter give the consumer a serious reason for reflection. Cross-country ski bindings are divided into three main types:

• Nordic 75 - involves the presence of the front pads for fastening the toe. Obsolete view, gradually out of service;
• SNS is a “gutter” system having one common lashing strip. The shoe brace is fixed right in the toe, so that such fastenings can be used with both classic and skating.
• NNN is a rail-type system with two protrusions for fastening. Due to the fact that the nose clip of the boot when shifting is shifted back, is used mainly by adherents of the ridge stroke.

In addition to the subtleties with fastening options, each set has its own stiffness, which also affects the riding style and performance features.

According to the established tradition, the development of ski bindings is carried out mainly by the ski companies themselves, each of which seeks to introduce into the products as many useful innovations as possible. It is very difficult to make an independent choice in such a situation, especially since skiing is beginning to completely attract the attention of beginners. Therefore, after conducting a market research, we selected for you 12 of the best ski bindings that earned praise from amateurs and recognized professionals. The rating was based on the following criteria:

• manufacturer credibility in the territory of the Russian Federation;
• opinion of users about the presented kits;
• abundance of operational characteristics;
• the degree of constructive reliability;
• matching fastener cost to overall workmanship.

The best mounts for cross-country skiing

3 ROTTEFELLA Xcelerator Pro Classic bulk

A series of racing mounts Xcelerator has acquired a new bright representative, which has incorporated a number of very significant differences from previous models. According to the ardent supporters of this brand, Pro Classic bulk has become much more convenient due to the introduction of Quick Lock technology into the system. Thanks to her, the rider has the opportunity to freely move and securely fix the mount on the NIS mating platform. Of course, such a function is slightly redundant for those who like to ride classics, but for professionals (who are the main target audience) comes in handy.

In addition, the material manufacturing ROTTEFELLA Xcelerator Pro Classic bulk slightly added to the stiffness, slightly changing the balance and increasing the accuracy of the transfer of effort on the skis. Not disappoint and appearance of the kit: the Norwegian company has provided users with a great option colors, meeting all the expectations placed on it.

2 FISCHER TOUR STEP-IN IFP

According to consumers, the FISCHER TOUR STEP-IN mount is one of the best in its class. Made for an IFP platform interface, they have a good locking effect and do not interfere with the proper transfer of effort to the ski. They are used mainly under the classic style of riding - this is facilitated by the rigidity of the mount, and recommendations for use.

No less pleasant is the fact that FISCHER TOUR STEP-IN IFP is installed and adjusted without the use of any additional tools. The cost, taking into account the general trend of the market, is excellent, especially because of the charge of fasteners for a long service life. In general, this is an ideal purchase for progressive and semi-professional athletes, for whom it is very important to feel good skiing.

1 Salomon Prolink Carbon SK2

Racing mounts under the ridge of the ultra-light class. Made of durable and weightless carbon fiber, which very accurately transfers energy to cross-country skis. The connection to the sole of the boot is low-profile, due to which a great feeling of the track is provided (as confirmed by the professionals). The added convenience of the Salomon Prolink Carbon SK2 comes from the expansion of the platform at the base of the toes — an innovation that Salomon has been testing for several years.

In general, the highest level of performance "rail" fasteners Prolink Carbon SK2 is expressed in the details, such as:

• the presence of a carbon lever for easy fixing and opening the lock;
• the presence of a small understatement in the heel area to lengthen the repulsion phase and increase the slip control on the edge;
• no extra inserts and deliberately introduced backlashes to ensure effective sliding and acceleration on the slopes.

Given all the above parameters, the cost of a professional kit looks very appropriate.

The best mounts for skiing

3 HEAD SX 10

Regarding the versatile ski mounts HEAD SX 10, consumers had a double impression. On the one hand, low cost causes some skepticism and mistrust of consumers (especially professionals), because of which the popularity of the kit suffers. On the other hand, the bindings really have everything that is needed to perform at the most prestigious competitions.

The HEAD SX 10 carbon body provides a slight increase in the total weight of equipment, which improves the balance and accuracy of the ski on the rider’s actions. There is a wear-resistant coating that increases the service life of the product to at least several seasons. Also, ergonomic indicators of the front and rear fasteners increased slightly: the redistribution of the load allows you to relieve the heel and toe area in a timely manner, without letting the user's legs get tired during the entire training session (or competition).

2 Salomon GUARDIAN MNC 16L

One of the most advanced and expensive mounting models in the assortment of Salomon. Ideal for dynamic, somewhat aggressive freeride and backcountry, it provides reliable fixation of the leg and accurate transfer of force to the edge.

The main feature of the model Guardian MNC 16L is based on Multi Norm Certified (MNC) technology, which provides a high degree of fastening flexibility. They are compatible with a huge amount of boots with the standard WTR, Alrine Touring and Alpine. Triggering force varies in the range from 7 to 16 din, the height of the toe and the width of the platform is automatically adjusted. If it were not for the exorbitant cost that justifies itself only in professional skiing, the Guardian MNC 16L could easily claim to be the most popular mount.

1 Rossignol PIVOT 14 DUAL WTR B115

Rossignol PIVOT 14 DUAL WTR B115 can be called a benchmark among ski mounts of the highest level of performance. This kit was built on the basis of the Dual Standard technology, which suggests the possibility of coupling the mounts with the soles of the two standards - WTR and classical. Triggering force ranges from 5 to 14 din - a great result for a professional model.

Consumers are especially fond of the Full Action nose reinforcement technology, which provides optimum power transfer and (together with a swing heel) cushioning. This fact largely determines the use of PIVOT 14 DUAL WTR B115 for freeride, especially aggressive descents on the slopes of various profiles, as well as for freestyle. The cost of fixtures can very hard hit the wallets of ordinary consumers. And not so simple, since the new PIVOT model is designed exclusively for professional skiers.

The best ski bindings for children (mountain and cross-country)

3 Nordway 13NNNJR

According to the unwritten rule of consumers, Nordway is a supplier of "debut" equipment and equipment for children - that is, the one that is in time to buy for the first sports experience. Nordway 13NNNJR is not an exception to the rule - it is an ideal option for the training process in the early stages of the development of a young athlete, as well as to form a clear concept of good equipment.

The main problem of these fasteners is strength: the plastic case does not contribute to the durability, which is attributed to their assets. Rejecting this fact is unlikely to succeed, because users (in rare cases) have to change this “consumable” several times during a season. However, if you treat Nordway 13NNNJR with care and develop, in general, a neat tactic of the classic move, the number of breakdowns can be significantly reduced ... and at the same time show outstanding results at a distance.

2 FISCHER XC JUNIOR

Universal mounts for cross-country skiing for children, suitable for both skating and classic skating styles. Maintain compatibility with all soles of the standard NNN, contribute to ensuring stability and good sensitivity of the track.

Despite the fact that FISCHER XC JUNIOR is made from a combination of plastic and carbon, young users and their parents note good operational durability to match Fischer's reputation. The resource of fastenings is guaranteed to be enough for several seasons, and their further preservation in working condition largely depends on the riding style of the young athlete. For all his classiness, it’s impossible to call this kit professional: it is rarely used in serious competitions, preferring to “uncover” in training and free rentals. There are some difficulties with fixing the boot, as it is made by hand, but when fully prepared, these problems simply dissipate.

1 Elan EL 4.5 AC

Independent ski mounts Elan EL 4.5 AC is an inventory of a solid approach to training a professional athlete, created in the image of a full-size adult kits. It combines exceptional ergonomics and safety for children's feet, complemented by all the "chips" mounts for aggressively conquering the slopes.

According to user reviews, Elan EL 4.5 AC perfectly fix the boot, providing a stable (and very accurate) transfer of energy from movements to the skis. This, in turn, gives the young rider the necessary psychological comfort and forms the correct picture of the key characteristics of an ideal inventory.The cost (provided that the child is engaged professionally) is not too high, so that the attachment and are popular with domestic consumers.

The best mounts for hunting skis

3 "Lighthouse"

A set of simple ski bindings "Lighthouse" can be found in almost any hunting store in the country. The main feature of this model is unexpectedly high quality, due to the use of "tenacious" materials.

The platform for a foot in fastenings "Beacon" is made of hard rubber, which does not solidify to the state of kinks at low negative temperatures. In addition, on the inside of the pad there is a softer pad, which guarantees a good hook with the sole of the shoes with a weak hold. Heel and noskovy leather belts that can withstand three or four high-grade hunting seasons. Sometimes there are defective fasteners, when using rivets that fly off the belts. But there is little terrible in this: such problems are easily eliminated in a purely domestic environment. Thus, “Mayak” is a good representative of the mount for hunting skis, worthy of getting into the TOP of the best.

2 NovaSport KM 009

NovaSport KM 009 is a great attempt by a Russian company to disguise a product from cheap plastic and rubber under the skin, creating from it such an explosive mixture quite usable fastenings. Despite its, in general, unsightly appearance and simplicity, it is very difficult to find such a set - they are distributed only in the chain of hunting stores or in the dealer outlets.

As noted by the hunters, use NovaSport KM 009 is possible only with close attention. With a constant temperature difference, the structure of rubber is disturbed - it loses its strength properties, stratifies and leads to the failure of the product. Actually, the only weak point in the model is the straps, but replacing them is not worth anything. This is the key meaning of hunting ski mounts.

1 NovaSport KM 011

Another model from the NovaSport company, KM 011, is offering the first line of the rating, offering users a more comprehensive approach to ensuring that the legs are properly secured on the hunting ski. Actually, the main advantage of this model over the rest is a single profile under the foot - the heel and toe are not separated, but interconnected (without losing the possibility of fitting the size). Leather straps provide support for the sides and heels, as well as girdle the foot in the area of ​​the lift, thereby ensuring reliable fixation of the ski.

As practice shows, failures overtake NovaSport KM 011 is quite rare. Mounts can last a couple of seasons under the most demanding conditions, but after that they will inevitably require a complete replacement. With minor malfunctions can be easily repaired at home, the benefit does not contain any high-tech components.

How to choose good ski bindings

The choice of ski bindings involves many difficulties, the main one of which is the multidimensionality of this type of product. In order to choose the right kit and not be disappointed in the purchase, we recommend that you pay attention to the following parameters:

1. Ski type. This is the easiest and most basic criterion for the selection of fixtures. Like skis, they are divided into running and mountain, each of which has its own structural features and options for fixing shoes. Sometimes in a separate group stand for mounting on the hunting model.

2When choosing ski mounts Three criteria should be considered:

• Fixation method. Ski bindings can be fastened manually, in a semi-automatic (manual setting, and the latching occurs automatically) and automatic (zipping is done with a single press) modes. The more expensive the mount, the more advanced the method of fixation.
• Trigger value. Criterion, showing at what effort the fasteners can unfasten. Consult with the consultant on this matter thoroughly, as the gradation of the efforts being made is a rather “blurred” thing.
• Skistop. The system is triggered when the skier falls and the boot is released from the mount. It is a set of metal rods descending automatically in the absence of pressure from the shoe. It is desirable that the width of the skistop was slightly larger than the width of the ski.

3. When choosing mounts for cross-country skiing pay special attention to five aspects:

• Manufacturer. Many skiers advise you to look at Alpina, Artex and Salomon products as one of the most advanced in the field of manufacturing ski bindings. We, in turn, will add to this list Fischer, Rossignol and a number of other companies noted in the rating.
• Mount type. This parameter was mentioned at the very beginning of the article. Decide what type of latch you need: front, chute or dual lane (“rail”).
• Footwear. The overwhelming majority of the company manufactures shoes for the installation of SNS and NNN systems - the most versatile mounts than the N75. Give preference to just such a pair of ski boots, and you will not lose at all with the choice.
• Type of fasteners. The method of securing the boot can be automatic and mechanical. If in the first case it is enough just to insert the bracket into the mounting groove until a characteristic click, then in the second case the fastener will have to be screwed manually. But, contrary to conjectures, mechanical fasteners are more reliable and more often found among professionals than their automatic “brothers”.
• Rigidity. Depending on the level of rigidity, fasteners are divided into four types and have their own (common) marking: white - “hard”, green - semi-rigid, black - standard, red - “soft”. In general, rigid fasteners are more sharpened for the ridge, and soft fasteners - under the classics. However, for greater certainty on a particular model, it is better to consult with a specialist.

Popular vote - who is the best manufacturer of ski bindings?
We vote!

Alpina

Artex

Head

Fischer

Rottefella

Salomon

Rossignol

NovaSport

"Lighthouse"

Total votes: 8

Vote results