Nowadays, skiing is a favorite type of winter recreation. Even an inveterate lover of hot summer will not refuse to breathe fresh air in a snowy forest. And some athletes cannot imagine their life without skis!
It should be noted that currently, skiing is actively developing, and the stores offer the broadest range of equipment for its different types. Some people prefer cross-country skiing, while others, on the contrary, like leisurely walks. Some find the flat terrain boring, and they ride from the mountains.
For all these activities, different types of skis are needed, and the higher the level of the athlete, the more stringent his equipment requirements. The tiniest nuances are taken into account, which beginners and amateurs may not even suspect — for example, ski mounting.
Today installing ski bindings on alpine skis is a responsible business but not tricky. Of course, it is best to contact a service where specialists will supply you with fasteners quickly and efficiently, but you can do it yourself.
Integrated Bindings Vs. Separate Bindings
Ski manufacturers offer the modern consumer a wide range of sports equipment of various types. This includes models for beginners, recreational kits, and skis for athletes training or competing in particular disciplines. In such conditions, you have to use various production materials, group products depending on the width, length, and type of fasteners.
Special requirements are imposed on the last category — the accuracy of entering turns, reliability of stopping, and general safety depends on the quality of fixation of the leg. Therefore, ski bindings must be installed with all seriousness.
To ride confidently and safely, it is not enough to put on special boots and insert them into the ski bindings. The ski bindings still need to be configured. It is not as difficult as it might seem at first glance, but there are a few nuances. Bindings are an essential part of ski construction. They transfer forces from the foot to the ski, setting the direction of sliding.
When choosing skis, there are two options for bindings:
- Skis with integrated bindings. With this type of mount, skis are made immediately with built-in mounts from the manufacturer.
- Skis with separate bindings. This means that you are buying skis and bindings separately.
Installing and ski bindings mounting is a process that requires specific knowledge and skills. However, both a professional ski track and a beginner in sports can do these. However, you cannot jump into the setup right away. Learn more about this. Keep in mind that the process requires drilling unique holes in the skis. If you don’t do it right, you can damage your skis.
What You’ll Need
Usually, the instructions recommend that you seek help from specialists, but such an operation is quite capable of performing on your own. You need a little confidence and the necessary tool:
- skis and bindings;
- template for markup;
- blunt cross-head screwdriver and drills;
- ruler;
- marker;
- PVA glue.
Many people want to know how to mount ski bindings at home and do it without problem. In this case, it is worth remembering that installing skis requires some knowledge. It would be best if you were sure that you are ready to drill the holes correctly and attentively calculate the center.
Using A Jig To Mount Ski Bindings
The adjustment of the bindings is carried out taking into account several factors: considering the experience and manner of skiing of the skier and adjusting the ski bindings according to the user’s weight.
Firstly, you need to start by determining the center of gravity:
- Find the center of gravity of the ski, or as it is called, the ski balance line. For this, take one ski.
- Set the ski roughly centered on something thin and sharp. For example, on the edge of the ruler. Moreover, the ruler should be perpendicular to the ski.
- Find a position where the tip and heel of the ski are in balance.
- Mark with a pencil. This is the balance line.
- Place or lay the side of your ski by the side and transfer the balance line to the second ski.
Before drilling, it is better to check the distance between the points on the mount and align them with the points on the skis. In each case, the same depth is observed — exactly one centimeter. After adjustment, it is essential to attach the ski to the special jig. This helps to hold it in place.
Then you can safely drill holes. In the end, you should make sure that there are no remnants of wood left inside the holes and that everything is clean. Blow the finished holes to remove dust and fill them with glue. Sometimes it can come complete with mounts, but then a simple PVA will do if it is not there. This will help to fill the cracks formed during drilling, waterproofing, and providing a more reliable fixation.
Experienced professionals pay attention to several other factors that determine the correct setting of the mounts. Inexperienced skiers usually ignore such a parameter as the force with which the boot is pressed longitudinally. This refers to the pressure at which the shoes are pressed against the heel of the bindings and the front head. Correct actuation is mainly dependent on pressure, not force readjustment.
Where To Mount Ski Bindings
It should be noted that all bindings can be attached in different ways if they are adjusted in other places. Many are interested in how to install ski bindings and what is the best place to do it. There is no universal answer to the question — everyone chooses for himself. There are several of the most common ways of attaching ski bindings, and these affect the skiing method.
Traditional Style
The traditional method assumes that when the specialist is mounting ski bindings, he must check the midpoint of the sole and whether it coincides with the desired position of the foot on the ski.
Most often, the distance corresponds to 2.5 centimeters behind the true center of the ski. This option is especially relevant for downhill skiing. Therefore, those who want to ride this type of equipment should pay attention to the place between the true skiing center.
Park Riding
Pipe skis have a characteristic symmetrical shape. Why do manufacturers strive for perfect symmetry? Because skiers love to ride backward after doing the trick.
For this reason, many athletes place their bindings directly at the true center of the ski to further maintain symmetry.
Powder Riding
There is an option for those who plan to ski mainly in deep snow. In many cases, powder riders will attach their bindings further behind the traditional bindings.
This gives the chance to shift the skier’s weight onto the skis. Consequently, it provides additional lightness when riding in deeper snow.
Conclusion
Bindings are an essential element of ski equipment. The store usually installs the bindings, but some skiers can find out how to mount ski bindings and do it themselves.
Installing the bindings is an easy process if you do it every day and have all the necessary tools and knowledge. It is essential to install the mountings correctly. The safety of the skier depends on the correct setting of the bindings. Improperly secured skis can threaten broken ankles, so this knowledge and skills should not be neglected.
