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Both good options. The FKS is a little dated though as its a binding which was first released back in the 80's. So allthough they function well they suffer from a few hangovers from the past. One is a small mount pattern. This can be good as it gives only a small dead spot to the ski, but they can also pull out easier then most bindings. I have seen more FKS heels pull out then any other binding. The other issue is teh brakes. Back when FKS were designwed they were for use by racers. racers never rode switch so they was not an issue with the binding releasing when switch and the brakes bending. Therefor there was never a need to make the brakes easily replaceable. These days having a brake which is not easily replaced is a real issue. In terms of adjustment they have adjustment then track bindings but really i dont see this as an issue but it may be somthing to consider. The final thing to consider is your only getting teh driver toe if you go for the 180 version. The 140 uses the same toe as the px bindings which although good is not really a durable toe piece so if you ride hard I would avoid the 140.
The sth2 is the updated version of the STH which was derived from salomons old racing bindings. The heel has been updated from the original sth and now uses the Gaurdian heel. It uses a track similar to markers and is a very burly heel. It also features a tool less brake making them very easy to switch if you do have any issues. The toe on the sth is in my opinion the best on the market. It features true height adjustment rather then a ramped afd which most brands use. It also has wing adjustment so you really can get the boot really secure in the toe. Overall the sth2 is a really good binding and I would say pretty much the best all round option on the market currently.
I really like the attack bindings too though and personally i would recomend an attack before either a griffon or an fks.
But yeah thats just the way I see the binding market after selling them for over a decade.
They're both good. But they both have their own issues.
FKS/Pivot brakes are harder to replace and more difficult to adjust for forward pressure.
Salomon Driver toes have weak wing AFDs, and have been known to develop slop in the wings if not adjusted properly.
FKS/Pivots have a very elastic heel, which a lot of skiers like because the can set their DINs a little lower and not worry about as many pre-releases.
The Salomon/Atomic heel is VERY positive when you step in. It goes THUNK. It's one of the things I like best about them. When you step in, you know you've stepped in.
It comes down to personal preference. I like Salomon race bindings. I don't like FKS/Pivots. That's not to say that the FKS/Pivot is a bad binding, I just like the other.
There are FKS/Pivots and Salomon bindings out there that are 20 years old, and still going strong.
I would first recomend going with whatever is cheepest cause australian pricing is sooooo god damn high. If money is no issue read on.
I have both fks14s and sth14 and prefer the release on my fks. When the fks is going to release on you you can feel it coming in your knees while the sth kinda just lets go.
Gripes on fks: hates any snow in the heel(shouldnt be too much of a problem in australia) brakes suck to replace and possible anal violation from the heels.
Gripes on sth: the toes can be tuned in really good to any boot but after 5 days the adjustments come out of place and need to be readjusted. The release on the sth lets go too easily compared to the fks.
I have had no durability issues on either binding and you won have durability issues on the fks toe unless you are shea flynn
tomPietrowskiBoth good options. The FKS is a little dated though as its a binding which was first released back in the 80's. So allthough they function well they suffer from a few hangovers from the past. One is a small mount pattern. This can be good as it gives only a small dead spot to the ski, but they can also pull out easier then most bindings. I have seen more FKS heels pull out then any other binding. The other issue is teh brakes. Back when FKS were designwed they were for use by racers. racers never rode switch so they was not an issue with the binding releasing when switch and the brakes bending. Therefor there was never a need to make the brakes easily replaceable. These days having a brake which is not easily replaced is a real issue. In terms of adjustment they have adjustment then track bindings but really i dont see this as an issue but it may be somthing to consider. The final thing to consider is your only getting teh driver toe if you go for the 180 version. The 140 uses the same toe as the px bindings which although good is not really a durable toe piece so if you ride hard I would avoid the 140.
I don't deny that the FKS platform is a dated platform and that it doesn't have issues...however, before I started riding FKS bindings, I was the STH...I broke at least 5 pairs of brakes and had 3 heel piece pull outs in 2 seasons. Since switching to FKS platform I've ridden the same pair of FKS bindings for 5 seasons, not 1 pull out, not 1 brake problem. But I guess that's just my experience with them.
BWalmerI don't deny that the FKS platform is a dated platform and that it doesn't have issues...however, before I started riding FKS bindings, I was the STH...I broke at least 5 pairs of brakes and had 3 heel piece pull outs in 2 seasons. Since switching to FKS platform I've ridden the same pair of FKS bindings for 5 seasons, not 1 pull out, not 1 brake problem. But I guess that's just my experience with them.
where did all this hate on the fks's start, ill admit a rarely go into gear talk but i always thought they were regard as one of the best bindings?
I can only comment on the Pivot 140s (same as FKS) as these are what I use and I'm from AUS too. I've had no issue with them and love them. Just a tip, if you want to save money, have them shipped from the U.S. I bought my pivots from powder7.com for $300 and shipped them for another $50. had a look at pivots here in sydney, which were 2010 model and they were $479 LOL.
cool_namewhere did all this hate on the fks's start, ill admit a rarely go into gear talk but i always thought they were regard as one of the best bindings?
There is no hate towards fks they are still a great binding they are just getting a little dated compared to modern bindings. They work great but just have a few failings compared to the competion however they are still one of the more popular bindings.
I can get STH2 13's for much less than FKS 140's...I don't need 14 din.
My main concern with any binding is weight. Are STH2's medium to lightweight? I just dont want a super heavy binding.
Also, what is the "range" of binding weight? Is it so small that weight is irrelevant when taking into account the weight of the skis and boots and person?
tomPietrowskiThere is no hate towards fks they are still a great binding they are just getting a little dated compared to modern bindings. They work great but just have a few failings compared to the competion however they are still one of the more popular bindings.
i dont understand why they can't redesign them to work with a px style brake. and have a wider mounting pattern. then make little parts available and i think you have eliminated any problems people ever have with pivots.
Im from Australia to. Try and get your hands on some Tyrolia Attack bindings. Come in a 13 or a 16. Find a shop that does Head or 4frnt and they should be able to help you out. Im on the Attack 16 and love them
As previously mentioned, the FKS releases very... nicely? (for lack of a better word) You know exactly when you are coming out. I also feel like the pivots are a very safe way of coming out.
I currently use the full metal STH, and could not be more pleased. They can be adjusted down to any boot. Very solid feeling binding at the sacrifice of some weight. Only complaint is the wing AFD broke out after about 17 days in them. I have not had any negative consequence of this happening and I am not concerned.
This is what I hate about NS. Unless you've got the STH16 STEEL(very spendy), your bindings are not metal. The STH14 and 16 have some metal in them, but the majority of them is composite.
But if you do have STH16 STEELS, you correct in the use of the "full metal" term.
This is what I hate about NS. Unless you've got the STH16 STEEL(very spendy), your bindings are not metal. The STH14 and 16 have some metal in them, but the majority of them is composite.
But if you do have STH16 STEELS, you correct in the use of the "full metal" term.
I do indeed have 16 steels. I suppose full metal was a very bad way of saying steel... not even sure why I said that. If you really want to split hairs, nit even the steels are entirely steel. either way I am looking forward to using these bindings for a few years to come :)