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April, 2025

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Binding Pro/Con: STH 14 vs. Jester

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45.
Posts: 3164 - Karma: 170
In the past, I have ALWAYS used the Mojo 15 bindings on every pair of skis I've owned. However, this year I'm feeling adventurous. I've done a fair amount of research, and have decided I'd like to try out either the STH 14 (driver toe) or the 2012 Jesters. I'd be buying two pair - park & pow skis.

I would like to know, from people with first hand experience, the pro's and cons of each binding. My primary concern is durability. I have ruled out the FKS/Pivot series as I don't like the inability to replace the brakes very easily.

I'm open to other binding suggestions, but metal construction is mandatory. No PX12's, etc. They break too easily.

6'4"
195lbs
337mm BSL
14 years ago
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SteezoSaurus
Posts: 2630 - Karma: 2,671
Both the STH and the Jester have a very high ride height. On narrower skis, this can create feelings of unstability.

You should consider the Rossy FKS XXL. It is great for us bigger guys. It is a simplistic design and it has the lowest ride height on the market which makes landing (especially at high speed) feel quite a bit more stable.
I am your same height but 20 lbs heavier and the FKS is the only binding that I haven't broken. Great product.
14 years ago
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45.
Posts: 3164 - Karma: 170
As mentioned in the original post. I do not like the fact that the Pivot/FKS series do not have easily replaced brakes. This is a big concern for me, as in the past I have destroyed numerous brake sets on my Mojo's.
14 years ago
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BjornR
Posts: 141 - Karma: 14
I havent ridden driver toe but my friends swear by them.

Jester has much more plastic, heelpiece track is made of plastic while STH has a metaltrack. The toepiece are pretty much plastic on both. Seen both driver toes and jester toes snapping because of the plastic "tower".

STH16 has metal "tower" making it near impossible to break it.

STH brakes break pretty easy. 2 switch crashes and you got to buy a new one. Marker brakes just bend and 2 sec of bending it back and you got a working brake again.

I haven't had any problems with my jesters except that it hurts to shit when you land backseat on the binding.
14 years ago
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prometheusprime
Posts: 735 - Karma: 677
The jester is a complete piece of shit if you weigh more than 180 lbs. I literally pre released on 13 off a small jump. These bindings are not good for big men. Get FKS 185s or salomon 916s, those are the best two bindings ever produced for alpine skiing
14 years ago
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rudager
Posts: 11336 - Karma: 4,650
Why not the STH 16 for your skis? You can find the for the same price as the 14 Drivers if you look.

I've been on them for the past 4 seasons. One set of bindings has lasted me on 5+ skis. Which were all beat to shit by me.
Yet, the bindings held up. Never have I had a problem with the toe or track. All super stable, no pre releasing..
Brakes can be a bitch, but for what I know, all Salomon brakes are like that.

My friend rode Jesters and STH 16s, he started with the Jesters on his Renegades, but those blew apart. From then on, he said only the STH 16.



A 14 Driver can be considered for your park skis. This season, I'm having the STH 16 on both my pow, and my park skis.
14 years ago
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iffe
Posts: 984 - Karma: 120
Nah, I've broken my Jester brakes just the same.
14 years ago
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45.
Posts: 3164 - Karma: 170
I could most definitely get STH 16's. I was unaware that the toe piece construction varied between the two. I was simply considering the more economical/practical approach.

If the construction of the STH 16 is considerably better than the 14's I will most definitely go that route.

As for the Jesters, I have been told that the construction and quality has increased considerably over the years. Can anyone confirm this? I would be buying the 2012 version of either binding.
14 years ago
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rudager
Posts: 11336 - Karma: 4,650
The 16s just have the 16 DIN in them, they start at 9. Burly toe piece. Never have I had a problem with it. It's the bees knees of toe pieces.


Marker released the Jester Pro. An 18 DIN binding. Look into it if you feel you want to. I know nothing about it. http://www.markerusa.com/bindings-royal-jester-pro.php
14 years ago
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45.
Posts: 3164 - Karma: 170
Unfortunately, I cannot get similar pricing on the Jester Pro's. Upon checking, I am also unable to get the STH16 with the driver toe. I can only get the 'steel' version. Which is too far out of my price range.


14 years ago
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rudager
Posts: 11336 - Karma: 4,650
Where are you looking to buy these from?

http://www.untracked.com/p3558c81b39-10_salomon_sth_16_driver_freeride_freestyle_ski_bindings.html
http://www.untracked.com/p3093c81b39-11_salomon_sth_16_driver_freestyle_freeride_ski_bindings.html
http://www.untracked.com/p3559c81b39-12_salomon_sth_14_driver_freestyle_freeride_ski_bindings.html

Legit site
14 years ago
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45.
Posts: 3164 - Karma: 170
Proform.
14 years ago
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oakdog
Posts: 50 - Karma: 8
Flat out both bindings are super durable , it is a shock that u are having issues to begin with , i ride sth14 s on my dumonts. Schizo's on my kung fujas and am looking forward to running the look corrupts on my candides this year and quite frankly u have me a lil worried . Even though skis are marked as dins of 14 and 16 , I would never run your settings that high . At least two less than max if ur going to "crank" them the amount of force it puts on the mounting point of the skis when u actually need to have Ur skis pop off in a crash not only puts entirely too much pressure on Ur leg joints but the bindings too will probably break under that type of pressure . Good luck
14 years ago
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rudager
Posts: 11336 - Karma: 4,650
Oh. Well, as far as I know, the 14 Driver toe is just as durable as the 16. Just a lower DIN.
You should be fine.
14 years ago
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45.
Posts: 3164 - Karma: 170
I'm not sure where I mentioned anything about riding at a 14 or 16. I am simply inquiring about these bindings due to their construction, which happen to have DIN's of 14 and 16.

I am a shop tech, and have been for the last 4 years. I am very familiar with how bindings work, but thank you for the lesson. I am simply asking for personal reviews of the specified bindings.

I am going to assume that you have minimal experience with actual shop tech work with bindings. But I appreciate your input.
14 years ago
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