You know that special bond you share with your skis, carving the mountain passes together and facing off with the elements? Well, it’s a beautiful thing, but sometimes the friction of everyday use can wear off the smooth gliding surface you and your partner in crime have worked so hard to perfect over the years.
It happens to the best of us. We’re going for a nice, easy ski run and before you know it, your left ski is banging into the mountain, trying to follow your leader but coming up short because a few inches of snow have accumulated on top of your ski boots, slowing you down.
Ski bindings have come a long way. They used to be basic plastic slabs with four metal spikes. Nowadays, they’re nearly indestructible, comfortable, and have incredible gripping power. However, despite all these advancements, there’s still one crucial thing missing from ski bindings: adjustability.
If you’ve got older or smaller feet (or your partner does), you’ll know that the standard ski boots don’t really allow for much wiggle room. The heel cup is too small, which is why even the most seasoned skiers struggle with ski boots that don’t feel right. Let’s face it, no matter how much you love your skis, there will come a time when they won’t fit any more.
With all the recent buzz regarding COVID-19, safety while skiing has become a major concern. It’s not just about keeping your ski equipment clean and rust free, but also about minimizing the number of surfaces you touch while skiing.
Adjustable ski bindings are a great way to stay safe while still enjoying your favorite winter sport. They allow for more flexibility and some added security when skiing. Let’s take a look at how to adjust old ski bindings so you can get that smooth gearless skiing experience again.
Table of Contents
Upper Ski Binding
The upper ski binding is what’s closest to your feet when you ski. It connects your ski boots to your trousers or jacket and provides the friction that allows you to effortlessly push off on your ski equipment. As mentioned, the upper ski binding has come a long way. It used to be a simple leather strap with a metal clasp or a plastic snap.
Nowadays, the upper ski binding is a two-part system. The first part is a metal plate with four metal spikes or a series of plastic prongs. The second part is a plastic slider that acts as a catch all. While they offer great traction on groomed snow, they can also work as a safety device in case of a fall. When you fall, the slider will prevent your equipment from moving forward, protecting you from injury. When you stand back up, the upper ski binding will release your equipment and let you continue your ride.
Lower Ski Binding
The lower ski binding is the part of the ski equipment that connects your skis to your knees. It consists of two metal rods with a locking mechanism at the top. When the locking mechanism is engaged, it keeps your skis locked in place, preventing them from moving forward or backward. The lower ski binding also serves as the handle for your ski equipment. As you pull back on the top part of the equipment, the back of the lower ski binding will automatically release, and in case of a fall, it will protect your knees from hyperextension (bending the knee beyond its limits).
Skiing is a challenging activity, and it’s not something you want to do every day. That’s why we’ve all come up with various ways to make it easier. One great way to do that is with ski accessories, especially those made of antler. The antler piece is a great solution for those seeking an easy way to carry their ski equipment without having to worry about it falling off or getting damaged in the process. Simply put it on, and you’re good to go. If you want to read more about ski accessories, check out our other blog post regarding the best ones to have in your collection.
As you can see, adjusting old ski bindings is pretty easy. All you need is a pair of scissors and a little bit of time. With a little bit of elbow grease, you’ll be able to cut off the excess plastic that’s been keeping your skis from fitting comfortably. After that, all you need to do is snap the metal pieces together and test out the fit. If it doesn’t feel right, you can always take it off and try another pair of boots.
Once you’ve gotten that one pair of boots that perfectly fits and feels comfortable, it’s time to move on to the next step. You’ll need to cut off the excess plastic on the inside of the boot so that it’s slightly smaller around. If you’ve got larger feet, you might need a bigger boot cut off.
Ski Equipment
Ski equipment consists of the basic ski boots you see everywhere along with a pair of ski pants. It also includes the jacket and the fleece hat that you put on after your skiing experience. The only thing that doesn’t belong here are the ski goggles. They’re only used for skiing on transparent ice or snow, and they’re not practical for everyday activity. Even then, they’re still used for safety reasons in rare cases. When your eyes are covered, you can’t see where you’re going, and that can put you in a potentially dangerous situation. The fewer surfaces you touch when skiing, the better. That’s why it’s so important to wash your hands after you use the toilet, or before you eat. You can also wipe down your equipment’s handles with some sanitizing solution before and after use to keep things clean.
It’s important to note here that the above-listed items are the essential ones when it comes to skiing. There are more pieces of equipment that can make your experience even better. For example, if you’re a real fan of the action sports lifestyle, you can get a full ski suit made exactly to your specifications. If you live in a cold climate, you can also get a pair of fingerless gloves that will keep your hands at the right temperature while skiing.
The Final Word
Adjustable ski bindings are a great way to make skiing more comfortable and let you take it easier. However, they’re not without their risks. If you pull hard on the locking mechanism, it can pose a threat to your health in case you fall. In case you do, the locking mechanism can get stuck, preventing you from getting up. If that happens, you’ll need a professional to come and deal with it. In addition, if you have larger feet, it can be difficult for the standard pairs of ski boots to fit you perfectly.
On the other hand, using scissors to cut off the excess plastic on the inside of the boot can be dangerous. If you cut off the right piece, you won’t be able to use your boots at all, and that can put you at an uncomfortable disadvantage when skiing. That’s why it’s important to take your time and go easy, snipping off only what you need and leaving the rest. Otherwise, you may end up with an injury that keeps you off the mountain for a long time.
In case you want to read more about how to easily transport your skis and enjoy your experience without any discomfort, check out our other blog post regarding the best sledges for skiing.