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Crowdfunded attempt at swappable ski binding system

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  • Crowdfunded attempt at swappable ski binding system

    https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/c...ports-design#/

    This company is trying to create a system to allow for swappable bindings for long skis. Pretty simple solution that I wouldn’t think adds much cost. Unfortunately looks like the campaign will fail.


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  • #2
    It’s going to fail because they are trying to solve a problem that doesn’t exist. Skiers don’t care about removable bindings.
    Just these, nothing else !

    Comment


    • #3
      I would be curious to see if the binding companies kill this by simply saying using the system voids the warranty on the bindings and that they can't be held liable for the safety of bindings used with the system.
      Boards:
      2016 Spruce tuned Head Jr. Caddys - 131cm
      2013 Spruce "CTS" 120s
      2010 Spruce "Yellow/Red" 120s
      2018 Spruce "CTS" Crossbows - 115cm
      2016 RVL8 Spliffs - 109cm
      2008 RVL8 Revolt "City" - 105cm
      2017 RVL8 Sticky Icky Icky - 104cm
      2011 Defiance Blades - 101cm

      Comment


      • #4
        Originally posted by Wookie View Post
        I would be curious to see if the binding companies kill this by simply saying using the system voids the warranty on the bindings and that they can't be held liable for the safety of bindings used with the system.
        This comment makes me wonder how Spruce was able to get Head’s approval, although we are certainly grateful


        Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

        Comment


        • #5
          Originally posted by Bad Wolf View Post
          It’s going to fail because they are trying to solve a problem that doesn’t exist. Skiers don’t care about removable bindings.
          Personally, I do care about interchangeable bindings but apparently skiers at large (and binding manufacturers) do not, although the Head rail system is a step in that direction.

          I think their idea is great, but you're right it's might be a non-starter. A few years ago I had an interesting talk with a fellow who is something of a (long) ski industry insider. He went on at length about the influence of retailers and "pro shops" who resist anything perceived as requiring less need for their services (bootfitting, tuning, waxing, lessons, binding swapping, etc.).

          Mutilating skis by attaching bindings directly with wood screws is primitive, but it does create a lot of work for "pro shops".

          Comment


          • #6
            Originally posted by Toro View Post
            This comment makes me wonder how Spruce was able to get Head’s approval, although we are certainly grateful
            I am pretty sure that Jeff went through the Tyrolia/Head binding tech training and the process to become an authorized retailer. I would guess this is why Jeff won't sell a bare riser without bindings as he has is own liability issues to take into consideration.

            Also there are some key differences between what Jeff is doing and what this system is doing:

            1) Once a toe and heal piece is mounted to the Spruce riser it is fixed. Position does not change even if you move it to another ski. Release values can be tested and stay consistent. This swappable system requires the skier to remount the toe and heel piece separately every time they are moved and requires that all the adapter plates be exactly the same so as to maintain release performance.

            2) Jeff was offering Tyrolia/Head a binding riser that would add new customers from skiboarding where they previously had little sales. The swappable system is looking to reduce the need to buy three sets of bindings if you have three skis leading to less sales. Also the big binding companies already have a competing product in rail bindings. Simply install the rail on multiple skis and swap out the toe/heal pieces as needed.

            As a cynic I would bet that either A) the big binding companies kill this or B) one of the big binding companies buys the patent and sells it to work only with their bindings.
            Boards:
            2016 Spruce tuned Head Jr. Caddys - 131cm
            2013 Spruce "CTS" 120s
            2010 Spruce "Yellow/Red" 120s
            2018 Spruce "CTS" Crossbows - 115cm
            2016 RVL8 Spliffs - 109cm
            2008 RVL8 Revolt "City" - 105cm
            2017 RVL8 Sticky Icky Icky - 104cm
            2011 Defiance Blades - 101cm

            Comment


            • #7
              Originally posted by Bill View Post
              ...Mutilating skis by attaching bindings directly with wood screws is primitive, but it does create a lot of work for "pro shops".
              The same as skis that are too long for the average resort skier create a lot of work for ski instructors.
              Boards:
              2016 Spruce tuned Head Jr. Caddys - 131cm
              2013 Spruce "CTS" 120s
              2010 Spruce "Yellow/Red" 120s
              2018 Spruce "CTS" Crossbows - 115cm
              2016 RVL8 Spliffs - 109cm
              2008 RVL8 Revolt "City" - 105cm
              2017 RVL8 Sticky Icky Icky - 104cm
              2011 Defiance Blades - 101cm

              Comment


              • #8
                This product was subject of a thread on the PugSki forum about a month ago. Whilst most agreed that it was a clever and innovative idea, no one expressed an interest in using it. The only use it might get would be with back country skiers who would swap out touring and downhill bindings, and those who like to flat pack their skis when they travel. In reality, having your bindings fixed to your skis is what the majority of skiers find the most convenient. To be fair, cost is not really an issue either for most skiers. First World problems!

                Although skiboard bindings are easily interchangeable, I rarely swap my bindings out any more. In fact, it got to be so inconvenient swapping out in lodges and parking lots, that I bought dedicated bindings for all my skiboards anyway. I do take off my bindings to flat pack when traveling, but that’s about it. Of course there are systems out there, like Binding Freedom, that allow you to remove your bindings, but they are really just used by a few specialists and have never really caught on. I just use the inserts so I can customize my risers.

                It really does fix a problem that most skiers, and even skiboarders, don’t really have.
                Just these, nothing else !

                Comment

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