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Pivot/FKS bindings

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Pahina22
Posts: 151 - Karma: 13
I am pretty new to skiing, just switching over from boarding this year, so there is still a lot that I do not know when it comes to gear and the sport in general.

I am nowhere near the level that I would need a binding like this, but I was just wondering what it is exactly that makes these types of bindings so much more appealing than others.
Apr 13 2010 12:55PM
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DGOskeeze
Posts: 140 - Karma: 34
In my opinion there is no better binding on the market. There are several reasons for this.

You get more elastic travel forward than any other binding. This means that if you land backwards and want to bite the tips of your skis off your chances of popping out are a lot less than with a traditional Salomon or Marker. It won't eject you as fast.

With the turntable heel you also get sideways release. Most heel's do not release to the side. So you will have a better chance of staying in if you land too far forward in powder or switch etc. but you will still release when twisting. A lot less chance for knee injury. I am not a doctor, but this is just what I have found.

Also, the brakes are built into the heel assembly and not mounted on top of it. There is a lot less chance of ripping your brakes off. they might bend a bit and get tweaked, but should still remain under your foot.

They also just happen to look super cool too!
When it comes to bindings everyone has their own preference. I recommend trying some out and seeing what fits your style best. I would stay away though from the Marker 'free series' though. The twincam is not a great system for freeriding. Too easily ejectable!
Apr 13 2010 1:25PM
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iffe
Posts: 984 - Karma: 120
The FKS heel DOES NOT release sideways. Seriously. Just look at it. Releasing sideways from the heel is impossible, because it has those notches (not sure if that's the correct word) on the sides of your boot. These prevent releasing sideways.

Click for larger image

When the FKS binding releases sideways, it releases from the toe piece. The heel (with your boot in it) rotates and the toe releases. This is why the heel piece pivots.


Apr 13 2010 1:55PM
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DGOskeeze
Posts: 140 - Karma: 34
Thank you for the correction. You are right. It is not a sideways release in the heel. the sideways movement of the heel allows for a more smooth sideways release when needed in the toe.

Another advantage to the Pivot system is the shorter mounting zone. which allows for a more proper or consistent flex in the ski.
Apr 13 2010 3:57PM
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En_Route
Posts: 740 - Karma: 45

I like em cause there orange and im steezy.

Seriously they are really durable to. thats a huge selling point

Apr 13 2010 8:52PM
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pjbauer
Posts: 2145 - Karma: 480
i love my FKS! super durable, and haven't given me any problems... yet (knock on wood)
Apr 13 2010 9:20PM
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CTD
Posts: 6300 - Karma: 348
other than your lateral heel release thing, your pretty much dead on. (the turntable serves to move the rotation point from the heel lug of your boot to inside your tibia. this is what helps preventing excess strain on your knees. HOWEVER riding an 18 din binding when you should be in no more than a 12 or 14 aint gonna help your knees. FKSs are the shit, but they have definitely eaten their fair share of knees. you just gotta be more careful with them.

While FKS style bindings are the shit, they are also a giant pain in the ass. assuming your just getting started skiing, I really cant recommend them till you find yourself NEEDING them. if you want the best of both worlds, try and find a pair of Look pivots or Rossi Axial 1s on ebay, in nice shape. they almost exactly the same binding, in a much friendlier, easy to use package. Just make sure they are in good shape, as they get beaten up after a few seasons they get a little sloppy. anything off a pair of old man skis should be cake though. thats what EVERYONE used to ride before they discontinued them.
Apr 14 2010 12:36AM
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