New Dynafit binding design

**Trackhead** · 09-28-2006, 05:05 PM

That's right bitches, the new Dyanfit binding. Supposed to be 20% stronger in the heel. Looks to have ditched the red 'volcano' that would sometimes (rarely) break.

Not sure of the weight difference. But either way, a good time to stop using your heavy, cro-mag bindings of old. Time to walk upright, and evolve.

**summit** · 09-28-2006, 05:06 PM

does this mean it is DIN 12? whats it called and can we get it in the group order?

**Yossarian** · 09-28-2006, 05:28 PM

Seriously. It'd be pretty lame if we all jumped on Comforts right now right before these hit the stores.

Details???? PPLEASSSSEE?

**Trackhead** · 09-28-2006, 05:32 PM

Originally Posted by Yossarian

Seriously. It'd be pretty lame if we all jumped on Comforts right now right before these hit the stores.

Details???? PPLEASSSSEE?

Naked pics of your sister, and I'll give you more info.

No, seriously. I'm not sure of availability yet. They aren't even on the Dynafit website yet. Or I couldn't find them there.

Looks promising though. Another leap ahead of Fritschi/Naxo/Silveretta.

As far as the Hardcore Mofo, I need a DIN of 12 crowd. If that's the issue, pull the toe piece up for 'lock out'. Supposed to act like a DIN of 12. Not verified by a torque test.

**Jonathan S.** · 09-28-2006, 05:36 PM

The new Vertical ST has a longer toe lever and stronger heel elevator. Still maxes out at 10.

The new Vertical FT is the same as ST but with a toe-heel connector which does . .. . probably absolutely nothing, since the toe and heel are still mounted directly to the ski, and the promoted torsional rigidity of the toe-heel connector has to be absolutely trivial compared to the inherent torsional rigidity of that section of the ski.

Overall, except for those who want to treat the heel elevator harshly (i.e., leveraging the Comfort volcano in a way that puts lots of stress on the volcano yet applies no rotational force to the heel unit along its post), these new models seem designed more for those skeptical of other models’ minimalistic appearance (and don't mind a bit more weight).

U.S. retail for the FT will be $550. Unclear if Life-Link will import the ST.

**Yossarian** · 09-28-2006, 05:37 PM

Edit: thanks!

**Trackhead** · 09-28-2006, 05:40 PM

From TelemarkP

Bent Gate is currently selling them (pre-order)

**Yossarian** · 09-28-2006, 05:41 PM

Originally Posted by Jonathan S.

The new Vertical ST has a longer toe lever and stronger heel elevator. Still maxes out at 10.

The new Vertical FT is the same as ST but with a toe-heel connector which does . .. . probably absolutely nothing, since the toe and heel are still mounted directly to the ski, and the promoted torsional rigidity of the toe-heel connector has to be absolutely trivial compared to the inherent torsional rigidity of that section of the ski.

Overall, except for those who want to treat the heel elevator harshly (i.e., leveraging the Comfort volcano in a way that puts lots of stress on the volcano yet applies no rotational force to the heel unit along its post), these new models seem designed more for those skeptical of other models’ minimalistic appearance (and don't mind a bit more weight).

U.S. retail for the FT will be $550. Unclear if Life-Link will import the ST.

Any possibility the toe-heel connector would make the binding behave a little more like an alpine binder longitudinally (re: floating heel discussion, ski flex vs. boot non-flex, etc)?

**Jonathan S.** · 09-28-2006, 05:42 PM

Choose Germany or Austria on the Dynafit website and you can see the new models. (They still haven't updated the Comfort pic, although Euro retailers say it is indeed identical to the new ST/FT plate -- also see the pic at wildsnow.com and on p. 142 of October Skiing mag.)

Early March summary from a trade show:
http://pistehors.com/news/ski/commen...binding-range/

**Yossarian** · 09-28-2006, 05:43 PM

Originally Posted by Trackhead

From TelemarkP

Bent Gate is currently selling them (pre-order)

REEEEEEEAAAAALLLLY

**Trackhead** · 09-28-2006, 05:44 PM

Originally Posted by Yossarian

Any possibility the toe-heel connector would make the binding behave a little more like an alpine binder longitudinally (re: floating heel discussion, ski flex vs. boot non-flex, etc)?

The typical Dynafit Comfort heel piece is adjusted by a threaded screw, with zero play. So I think the answer is no. Unless they changed something.

The longer pin length of the Comfort vs the TLT leaves more room for ski flex. I weigh 190lbs and have never pre-released from the Dynafits. But I suck, do a million turns in 100 feet, and am generally a pussy overall.

**Yossarian** · 09-28-2006, 05:50 PM

ugh, that yellow is heinous too.

Are all Comforts this year necessarily the black/charcoal color, or are some gold and I'll have specify/choose? I have to start planning my apres tour outfits now.

**Jonathan S.** · 09-28-2006, 05:52 PM

Although a Dynafit binding certainly could be designed so that:
- the heel unit is on a spring-loaded track that is in turn screwed into the ski; or,
- the heel unit is free to float along some sort of rails and is connected to the toe piece somehow;
...based on this picture:
http://www.dynafit.at/img.php?id=262...name=cbid&no=2
...and relatively modest weight increase, I highly doubt this is the case with the FT.
(Though if someone will pay me $550 I will research the matter thoroughly and report back immediately once they arrive!)

**Sphinx** · 09-28-2006, 06:12 PM

Originally Posted by Yossarian

Any possibility the toe-heel connector would make the binding behave a little more like an alpine binder longitudinally (re: floating heel discussion, ski flex vs. boot non-flex, etc)?

Obsess much?

The answer is nope. Sorry. Unless they radically change the design before it hits the market.

**Jonathan S.** · 09-28-2006, 06:18 PM

Originally Posted by Yossarian

ugh, that yellow is heinous too.

Would go really well with this:
http://www.sport-conrad.de/2A_00_Det...ummer=74609416
Maybe add this for a ski?-
http://www.sport-conrad.de/2A_00_Det...ummer=70600507
(Glacier glasses required to protect your eyes from the glare!)

**pde20** · 09-28-2006, 08:53 PM

Dawson had a write up on his site somewhere on this when he was at ski industry show in SLC last winter. He basically echoed what is being said here: There is virtually no change performance wise between the Vertical Freeride and the current comfort. Same DIN, probably heavier. Only real change is plastic heel volcano going to the metal pyramid looking shape, which from personal experience (1 broken volcano) isn't a bad thing. I also thought I read somewhere that the brake interface had changed somehow and were more integrated (not necessarily a good thing)...but can't find that tidbit...check that, it is in the pisthors link mentioned above.

Here is Dawson link:

http://www.wildsnow.com/?p=125

Verticals are 350 through TP...ouch. Don't see a lot of reason to go with a newer version...when they up the DIN, then it might prove worthwhile, but cosmetic changes don't warrant the cost, IMHO.

**harpo-the-skier** · 09-29-2006, 10:13 AM

Anyone know the weight differences between last years Comfort (without the improved toe plate), this years Comfort, and the various Vertical models?

**Jonathan S.** · 09-29-2006, 10:21 AM

The German/Austrian version of dynafit.at lists weights for the new models, although some aspects of the site are clearly incorrect, so who knows about the weights.

A Couloir mag editor also posted some weights in this thread:
http://www.tetongravity.com/forums/s...ad.php?t=62630
...although I don't understand how the Vertical Race Ti can be heavier than the Comfort (which has a heavier toe plate, a heavier heel mounting plate, and an almost identical heel unit) and how the ST and FT can weigh the same?