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February, 2021

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Look Pivot 14 - Binding Failure After < 1 Season?

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PGriffith
Posts: 1 - Karma: 18
Bought brand new Look Pivot 14s in March 2020 that I've skied for less than 1 season. Tried getting them re-mounted when the shop tech told me he couldn't work on them because both bindings had developed cracks behind the heel plate. No idea when this happened, but it's going to be a PITA to get them warrantied and replaced.

Has anyone experienced this type of failure on the Pivot 14s?

May opt for a refund and go for the KneeBinding Carbons given the additional safety... albeit not as prevailing / aesthetic.

**This thread was edited on Jan 31st 2021 at 12:54:17pm
Jan 31 2021 12:52PM 2 1
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ethanshredz
Posts: 146 - Karma: 491
Don't get the KneeBindings. The high stack height and lateral release heel makes them downright useless for any sort of aggressive or freeride/freestyle-oriented skiing.
In my experience, Look/Rossi are generally really easy to work with on warranties, but it all depends on your shop and their rep.
Jan 31 2021 2:22PM 9 0
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poofartpee
Posts: 7402 - Karma: 1,203
Never seen that on a pivot, but can happen to any plastic on any binding unfortunetely. Id say its worth getting them warrentied
Jan 31 2021 2:29PM 4 0
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TBTW1018
Posts: 8 - Karma: 55
Seems to be a problem with the material that Look uses on parts of their bindings. A buddy of mine recently completely blew out the bushing on his WTR toe piece that seems to be made of the same material. I guess that’s just the risk you run with look bindings. However that oh-so natural feeling flex is 100% worth it in my humble opinion.
Jan 31 2021 3:15PM 2 0
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PGriffith
Posts: 1 - Karma: 18
Thanks for the input all.

Have heard of the plastic toe failing, which is why some opt for Pivot 18s. Unless I’m mistaken I don’t think these heel plates are upgraded/reinforced in the 18s though?

Hard to imagine Look / Ross wouldn’t opt for a higher quality plastic, metal alloy, or even carbon plate to replace these pieces... unless it really is cost prohibitive for an already-pricey binding.

Hopefully they consider

**This post was edited on Jan 31st 2021 at 5:00:02pm
Jan 31 2021 4:58PM 2 0
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jca
Posts: 4049 - Karma: 5,463
I've been skiing a pair with cracked base plates like that for years without issue. Maybe not advisable but I haven't noticed a problem.
Jan 31 2021 5:28PM 5 0
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shin-bang
Posts: 4009 - Karma: 6,116
I’ve seen this happen a handful of times and have had people just ride them with no issue. But obviously do whatever you’re comfortable with.
Jan 31 2021 5:36PM 1 0
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dwt802
Posts: 1071 - Karma: 5,417
Half of my pivots have cracked baseplates, never thought anything of it as I’ve noticed no problems. I mean I feel like it shouldn’t affect the binding holding and releasing when need be.
Jan 31 2021 8:45PM 3 0
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Poubtv
Posts: 405 - Karma: 557
This is super common, at least for the pivots i’ve had in the past. Not much of an issue and can be fixed by swapping the brakes (100$ish)
Jan 31 2021 9:05PM 2 0
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.nasty
Posts: 10027 - Karma: 5,032
See it everyday, it's not actually going to do anything unless it were to really spread beyond that point toward the area where the forward pressure spring is. We sell baseplates if you need new ones but I wouldn't worry too much.
Jan 31 2021 9:11PM 3 0
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Paul.
Posts: 1107 - Karma: 5,602
I have several pairs with the same crack and its never caused any issues. Just learn to mount your skis yourself and everything will be okay
Feb 1 2021 11:11AM 0 0
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rubberpantaloons
Posts: 489 - Karma: 2,736
seen that type of crack a few times, its only the baseplate tho so it doesnt effect it too much
Feb 1 2021 12:28PM 0 0
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alextheknife
Posts: 102 - Karma: 464
Paul.I have several pairs with the same crack and its never caused any issues. Just learn to mount your skis yourself and everything will be okay


Every single pair of my FKS/Pivots have had the same issue after a day or two of riding park. I guess it has something to do with the plastic mold since it's always the same spot. Too bad if the techs are not willing to mount them anymore since the problem is just cosmetic..
Feb 1 2021 1:10PM 0 0
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