SKIS
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Deathwish 96
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Deathwish 104
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Deathwish 112
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Wildcat 98
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Wildcat 108
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Wildcat 118
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Countach 98
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Countach 104
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Countach 110
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Countach 120
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Sierra 96
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Sierra 104
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Bella 98
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Bella 108
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Siren 98
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Siren 104
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Deathwish Tour 104
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Deathwish Tour 112
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Wildcat Tour 108
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Wildcat Tour 118
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Countach Tour 98
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Countach Tour 104
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Countach Tour 110
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Frankenski
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Carson
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Meridian 117
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Meridian 107
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Chipotle Banana
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Ghost Train
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Comi
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Meridian Tour 107
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Meridian Tour 117
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Frankenblade
Ski binding guide
which binding should i get?
Ever wondered how to pick the right binding for your new skis? You've come to the right place. Let's break it down.
We'll start with the type of skiing you plan on doing, then dial in three variables: release value (DIN), brake width, and boot-sole compatibility.
01 — Type of Skiing
First thing we want to do is pick the type of skiing you're gonna be doing with these new bindings. This mostly comes down to how you access the slopes you're skiing down, and whether that will be through mechanica means (chairlifts, helicopters, etc...) or through human power (walking up hills and mountains).
Resort
Chairlift access
Lifts up, ski down. The most common binding type for skiers and the best option for those who exclusively ski at resorts.
Tour
Earn your turns
Bindings have an uphill and downhill mode, allowing you to walk up to the peak, transition, and ski back down.
Crossover
A bit of both
Hybrid bindings that do both. Typically at a heavier weight than traditional tour bindings, but allows you to use one set of skis for everything.
02 — Release Value / DIN
Ski bindings have a release value range, called DIN, which allows shop techs the ability to adjust bindings to suit your build and skiing style. Your recommended DIN is based on a combination of your height, weight, age, boot sole length (BSL), and skier type (beginner, intermediate, advanced).
The number in a binding name (i.e. Look Pivot 15) is the maximum release value for that binding. Typically, you'll want a binding where you land somewhere in the middle of the range. Higher DIN models = more aggressive skiing and / or larger skiers.
<12max din
Youth bindingsBindings with a maximum DIN of less than 12 are typically youth models
12–14max din
Best for most skiersThe range that fits the majority of resort skiers
15+Max DIN
Advanced skiers pushing the limitsHigh speeds, big terrain, maximum retention
03 — Brake Width vs Ski Waist
All bindings are available with different brake widths, measured in millimeters. Pick the brake width that is closest to the waist width of your new skis.
It's okay if the binding brake is slightly wider or slightly skinnier than the ski, use the slider to get a recommended brake width.
We regularly put bindings with 105 mm brakes on skis that are 108 mm wide. If you're on the edge, or are right in the middle of two brake options, give us a call - we'll give you advise on your specific situation.
Slide to find the right brake width for your ski.
04 — Boot Sole Compatibility
The boot-to-binding interface is a very important safety factor when it comes to bindings.
A non-compatible boot and binding combo can lead to pre-releases or restrict the boot from releasing when it should. There's been a lot of ISO norms over the years, and luckily it's getting more simplified.
ISO 5355
Alpine
The flat, hard-plastic "DIN" sole — best power transfer and the most consistent release. This was the standard for resort boots, and can still be found on specific models.
These work in nearly every resort binding.
ISO 23223
GripWalk
Slightly rockered rubber tread on the bottom maintains consistent release while providing grip for walking through the parking lot. This is the new standard for resort boots.
These require a binding that is GripWalk compatible.
WTR
Walk to Ride
A rockered rubber sole that came before GripWalk, made to walk better than a flat alpine sole. GripWalk has since taken over, so WTR is fading out — you'll mostly see it on older boots.
These only work in WTR, multi-norm (MNC), or tech bindings.
ISO 9523
Touring
Rockered rubber touring sole, usually with tech (pin) toe fittings, for easier traversal while touring.
These require a true touring binding and most often will not work in resort bindings.
| AlpineISO 5355 | GripWalkISO 23223 | WTRISO 9523 | TouringISO 9523 | TouringNot normed | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Standard AlpineNo compat. logo |
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GripWalkGripWalk mark  |
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WTRWTR mark  |
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MNC / MNMulti-Norm  |
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Pin / TechBindings with pins |
* | * | * | * |
Compatible
Not compatible
* Boot must have tech (pin) inserts
ISO norms —
You can find your boot's ISO norm stamped somewhere on your boot. On most boots, the norm will either be on the bottom or around the heel area.
05 — Why We Ride Look & Salomon
We mount thousands of setups a year, and when it comes to resort bindings, we stand behind two brands. Here's why...
Look (Pivot)
The Pivot's turntable heel provides a great deal of elastic travel (suspension) and excellent retention. This is the go to platform for big mountain athletes to local rippers to everyone in between. The Pivot helps a ski be quicker and more maneuverable, from tight chutes to wide open spaces.
Salomon (Strive)
The Strive came onto the scene a few years ago and continues to be a solid choice for a great deal of skiers. Coming in a huge range of DIN ranges and brake widths, there's a Strive for every ski. The Strive helps a ski be more composed and provides faster power transfer to the edge.
Atomic / armada strive? —
The only difference between the Atomic, Armada, and Salomon Strive is the colorway options.
Marker / Tyrolia? —
There are other great bindings out on the market, mainly from Marker Griffon, Marker Jester, and Tyrolia Attack. These bindings also come in a variety of DIN ranges and brake widths.
Bottom line —
If you've made it this far and still aren't sure which binding is correct for you, or you just have some questions about something specific, don't hesitate to contact us.