Ski boots & bindings are probably the most important parts of your ski gear. You may think the skis are important as their design determines how fast you go or how effectively you can turn but the boots and bindings are essentially how you communicate with the skis. Your weight and balance control how the skis perform. By shifting your weight you are altering the force on the skis and this is communicated through the boots and binding. This article will discuss some of the considerations when selecting the best ski boots & bindings.
Ski BootsSki boots are not like any ordinary shoe. The chances are you will be wearing them for most of the day in cold and wet conditions. It is important that you fit into then comfortably but not so that you a loose. It goes without saying that you should measure the length of your foot. You should also measure the width. Some people have wider feet than others and they need boots that will cater for this.
Ideally the boot should fit snugly around the foot and calf
The flex of the boots is also important. The flex is the resistance that a boot has to being bent forwards or backwards. Flex determines the amount of control that you have over the skis and the responsiveness of the skis. For instance, ski boots with less flex are more responsive but less forgiving. Thus an experienced skier will have a boot with the minimum amount of flex, however a beginner will want more flex. You also want more flex in a boot if you ski on mogul runs or powder snow. Less flex is better for hard snow or tight turns.
Ski Bindings
Bindings are the connection between your boots and the skis. They are designed to give you control of the skis without feeling the forces exerted on the skis. They are also designed to release the boot if you fall or the ski gets stuck thus prevent feet and leg injuries.
The two considerations of bindings are the performance and the safety they give you.
Some skis are sold without bindings so it is up to you to select the right type of binding for the ski. This can add extra complexity to the buying process. It is more common now for skis to come with integrated bindings. This is probably the best option for a beginner as you don't have to worry whether the bindings will be compatible with the ski in performance terms.
As far as safety goes, you want to get bindings that will fit your release settings. The release setting is the point at which the binding will release the foot. It is determined by your weight, ability and even age. If a binding does not fit into this criteria then it is not for you. Release settings are rated by a DIN number. Your DIN number should be in the medium range of the binding so that it can be adjusted if variables change.
For skiing and snowboarding tips and reviews of equipment and gear then visit http://www.snowboardnskiing.com. The site gives advice on finding discount ski equipment and types of snow skiing. Adrian Whittle writes on skiing and snowboarding.
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