Adjusting Ski Bindings – 7 Questions Answered

If you’re a skier, you know that having your ski bindings properly mounted or adjusted is super important for both performance and your safety.  

Here are the answers to 7 common questions skiers often have about mounting and adjusting ski bindings.

Do Ski Bindings Make a Difference?

When it comes to skiing, bindings are one of the most important pieces of equipment.  After all, they are what keep your skis attached to your boots!

Ski Bindings do make a difference and they matter a lot! It connects you to the board directly, and transfers your energy to the skis and returns this energy when necessary. 

Ski Bindings improve control and comfort. Plus, they enhance your skiing experience and can literally spoil your day if you pick the wrong one or it’s not adjusted properly. 

Having the right ski binding will prevent undesirable pre-releases that cause dreadful crashes. Ski bindings will release your boots slowly and smoothly when you do fall, preventing severe injuries. 

Can Ski Bindings Be Adjusted for Smaller Boots?

Ski bindings can be adjusted for one size smaller and one size larger boot without having to re-drill holes. 

If it is going to be a significant change, like for instance, if you are going to adjust a child’s boot the ski binding will have to be remounted to ensure that the ski boot will attach at the correct place on the ski. 

You could also opt for a pair of demo ski bindings which adjust to almost any boot size, if you plan on adjusting it to different boots all the time. 

Can You Change the Brakes on Ski Bindings?

Yes, you can change the binding brakes and/or have them “bent” around to fit a wider ski. Most modern bindings can be easily fitted with wider brakes. 

First find out the width of your skis. After you know that type, get brakes just wide enough for your skis. If the bindings are too wide they will drag when you carve, if they are too small they won’t deploy. 

If you can’t find brakes wide enough try and get as close as possible. You can just bend them. It’s pretty common to bend your brakes. 

Can You Mount Ski Bindings Without Boots?

No you cannot mount ski bindings without boots. You’ll always need boots to mount a ski properly.

The ski binding will have to be remounted by ensuring that the ski boot will attach at the right location on the ski and in order to do that YOU NEED THE BOOTS. 

Are Look Pivot Bindings Adjustable?

Most ski bindings are adjustable, and the look pivot bindings are adjustable as well! The company claims they have a BSL adjustment of 20 mm.

However the actual might be a little lower but you can easily get 10 -15mm out of look pivot bindings. Take them to a shop and they’ll get it done for you.

Do Ski Bindings Go Bad?

If  by “bad” you mean wear out or break – Yes ski bindings can go bad. Sometimes they even rip right off the ski! 

Bindings certainly can wear out in ways that they could fail dangerously. Usually that means the binding breaks apart  when you are skiing and your ski takes off down the mountain without you. 

A good rule of thumb is to stop using them when your ski shop refuses to work on them anymore. Bindings deteriorate over time and there’s always new technology. 

Or replace them when you replace your skis. 

Can You Remount Ski Bindings in the Same Holes?

Yes, you can remount ski bindings in the same holes as long as the screws tighten down hard without stripping the holes. 

And don’t do it more than three times! 

Try using some epoxy glue or some waterproof glue on the screws when mounting or you can use some inserts such as quiver killers. Carefully screw in, don’t force them too much. 

Do Ski Bindings Need Servicing?

While ski bindings are built to last, they need to be properly serviced and maintained to ensure they are up to the task of keeping you safe.

We recommend that you have your ski bindings checked or serviced before the season begins. And once the season ends It is better to keep the bindings away from salt, and dirt. Try to store them in a dry place so that it doesn’t rust.

Even the highest quality bindings will eventually need to be replaced, but regular servicing can help to prolong the life of the bindings.

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