Binding JONG question

[mnflyfish]

Last spring I had a little work done on a ski at a resort. In the process they tested the bindings a came to the conclusion that the left toe was testing way out of range and the toe piece was "shot". I should note they are a few years old, Rossi Power 140 bindings on my ice skis. The only positive thing about this was it happened on my last day, I did ski very cautiously the rest of the afternoon but I figured I was going home so just get through and deal with it when I got home.

This weighed on my mind and had them tested again at a local shop, they didn't say anything was wrong. So now I'm really confused, put on the boots and did my won test and can twist out of them without undue pressure, so they don't seem to have a problem.

So the question is, these are the skis I use for patrolling in Minnesota, no major skiing, basically the only action these skis see is from little kids skiing over them in lift lines while waiting for the big 200+ vert at the end of a short lift ride. Should I try to contact Rossi about repair? Should I assume the second folks were right and something was mixed up at the resort shop? Was the resort just trying to sell a new set of bindings, or am I setting myself up for a ACL issue?

Thanks,
Jay

[pechelman]

test them again by someone you know who knows what theyre doing

did they test too high or too low by shop 1?
was it a repeated test or just one fluke that did/didnt measure where it should have from shop 1 and 2? is it repeatable if you turn the din higher or lower to compensate for it being off?

sounds like the resort shop had an unexperienced person perhaps testing them incorrectly or something.

[cpj.slc]

That is a tough question to answer for someone I have never met. I have worked in a ski shop (six seasons) and have tested many many bidings on the machine. Those machine are kind of iffy sometimes. So it is quite possible the first, failed test was a fluke. I would get them tested again so you have a 2 out of 3 possitive or negative test and go from there. Use common sense though, is a torn ACL worth the $200.00 you would spend on new bidings?

[El Chupacabra]

Generally speaking, as bindings get older, don't the springs tend to get weaker (i.e. DIN release setting is actually lower than indicated), and not the other way around?

I suppose an old binding might have something mechanically affecting the release (gunk buildup/ mechanical interference with the movement of the binding's release mechanism).

Shop gurus? Mechmaster?

[mnflyfish]

They tested too high. And yeah, I'm all about picking up a new pair, I can't handle a knee issue. I just want to be certain before I shell out the money for new bindings. I did leave a message for my local rep to see if by chance they have an extra toe lying around but these are older bindings. It's just odd, I've been incredibally hard on equipment over the years and I've never blown up a toe. I guess I'm questioning the machine, and the duribility of the bindings. These haven't been abused at all. In fact I can't remember ever falling on these skis to a point where they would require a release. Like I said, they are the patrolling skis, so basically herding 5 year olds on to the lifts.

Good Luck,
Jay

[pechelman]

a properly designed and used spring should never set or plastically deform <period>

I suppose the housing in which the spring resides could have deformed or been bent or tweaked or something. Im unfamiliar with the mechanics of looks, but maybe it just needs a little TLC, ie clean and lube. Maybe theres some metal part inside thats rusted since it doesnt sound like you're hard on them at all.

The question still stands that if you lower the din, will it release repeatably at the level you want?

[mnflyfish]

The question still stands that if you lower the din, will it release repeatably at the level you want?

Frankly, when I twist out of them in the livingroom, I can't imagine how I would be injured in a fall. I know that's not at all sceintific but side by side the skis seems to release with the same pressure.

My next question is, if I take the toe piece apart are springs and shit going to pop out before I can see how it's put together? I liked to idea of shooting a little lube in there then having them retested. That kind of makes sense. But I had a fly reel once that when I opened it up to lube it springs shot all over the room and it took getting a manual emailed to me from the company to get it back together. Just don't want any surprises.

Jay

[pechelman]

mechanically I do not know the bindings
someone else will have to chime in

dont know if you have these and if they will help
http://www.tetongravity.com/forums/s...Binding+Manual

edit:
also just a thought here, but could it be your boot thats the problem, if there is any problem at all
ie boot too worn etc

[Young Yeezy]

I recomend you take them over to Pierce Skate and Ski in Bloomington to get a preseason binding check. They're the best shop in MN and they've sold Rosi for years. If anyone around the Twin Cities can help get you a solid answer it's Bart and the crew over at Pierce...

[Rossimo]

ok, Couple things to think about, new pair of bindings- $300 maybe since you patrol you prob can get hooked up. $15,000 + for a new knee. Just because you havnt been hard on the bindings doesnt mean anything. they go bad dirt, constant thaw and free of water goin in and out side, alot can go into the durability of a binding. As bindings get older they also get dropped off of a emdimnafication chart, which means the shop or resort wont even let techs touch them for any sort of adjustment, because of the age they cant make sure that the release will be accurate.

Dont take them appart, springs will go everywhere, just like if you blew out the toe piece. I agree with cpj.slc machines and testing is iffy, trust the shops that dont sell bindings and are just shops. No binding company fixes bindings either, they replace them. I throw out alot of bindings through the corse of a year.

One other opption would be to find a spare identical binding toe piece and throw it on and then test it. Also check the toes on your boots make sure they are not worn to thin.

Late

[Rossimo]

ok, Couple things to think about, new pair of bindings- $300 maybe since you r patrol you prob can get hooked up. $15,000 + for a new knee. Just because you havnt been hard on the bindings doesnt mean anything. they go bad, dirt, constant thaw and free of water goin in and out side, alot can go into the durability of a binding. As bindings get older they also get dropped off of a emdimnafication chart, which means the shop or resort wont even let techs touch them for any sort of adjustment, because of the age they cant make sure that the release will be accurate.

Dont take them appart, springs will go everywhere, well one spring will, just like if you blew out the toe piece. I agree with cpj.slc machines and testing is iffy, trust the shops that dont sell bindings and are just shops. No binding company fixes bindings either, they replace them. I throw out alot of bindings through the corse of a year.

One other opption would be to find a spare identical binding toe piece and throw it on and then test it. Also check the toes on your boots make sure they are not worn to thin.

Late

[davep]

Dont take them appart, springs will go everywhere, well one spring will, just like if you blew out the toe piece. I agree with cpj.slc machines and testing is iffy, trust the shops that dont sell bindings and are just shops. No binding company fixes bindings either, they replace them. I throw out alot of bindings through the corse of a year.

Rossi toe pieces are easy to take apart and put back together (so are solly). There is 1 spring in there, it does not fly out when you back the DIN screw out all the way.

[mnflyfish]

Wow. I never thought about the boot being an issue. I did have well worn boots when the test occured, now I have new boots. I think I will take the new boots in with the skis and have them tested and see what comes of it.

Thanks for all the help and advice. I just looked at the old boots which are set up to be tossed and they did have some significant wear on the toe. If they test high again, then it's time to replace.

Thanks,
Jay