Metal Vs. Plastic Bindings

[zenderfall]

I just got a new set of Canon TD-1 bindings today, and previously I rode on Groove X-1's, Line Pro's or 8-hole plastic bindings. Here's what I think:

There's a problem with all-metal bindings, especially if the toe clip's made of metal.
First off, finding the right notch for a *perfect* tight setting is difficult. It's either too loose or too tight to secure. After securing the binding onto a free boot I can grab the top of the boot and *pull* either the front or the back end of the boot away from the binding, as if the clamping force between the binding and boot had some flex in it somehow. But how could it? It's all made of metal. It puzzles me.

I tried that with the all-plastic 8-hole bindings, but that didn't happen. I was unable to get a gap between the boots and bindings.

I confirmed it today with the new TD-1's, which are plastic 4-hole bindings. Couldn't pull them away. Adjusting them wasn't *too* bad, although the platic feel does make it seem like a cheap product.

I'll be riding them tomorrow to find out how these bindings compare to the Lines and the X-1's.

[sticks]

Frozen

Plastic bindings eventually freeze and become brittle. Skiboard bindings are an exact science and you should take the time to set bindings appropriately. Slight pull from the boot base is ok. I would say that no more than an 1/8th of an inch would be acceptable. The toe and heel pulling up isn't a problem, it's side to side flex that is bad. If you boot can shimmy while clasped than they are too loose. If you can tip them side to side like a falling tree than they are too loose. So long as those two problms don't exist than they should be ok despite a slight gap when pulled upward.

As far as metal vs. plastic. I broke, and have watched people break plastic bindings. I have only seen metal bindings break on the toe clip and that was during disasterours landings and such. Plastics tend to break just because they're frozen.

Not that you should heed my advice, but after having owned and put to good use, bomb-proof bombers, I would never go back to plastic bindings. I've since moved on to Spruce Riser for the safety aspect of releasable bindings but if I was to be using non-releasbles, it would be Bomber's all the way.

-Sticks

[kirk]

I just got the TD-1s last weekend and used them a few times already. I was at first a little worried about them being plastic, but after riding them, those worries are gone. They're made out of some very dense plastic that seems to be strong. Not the like the cheap plastic used in salomon bindings.

Adjustment was simple. Greco let me use his electric screwdriver so it was really fast. They let you adjust to the exact size of your boot, not some rough estimate like in most other bindings.

Performance wise, they were perfect. They felt as solid as my Line FF Cams, and the boot never slipped in the binding. The edge response was perfect, and they never seemed to give like my old salomon bindings.

Also, the adjustments seem to be made to last, so they wont break like my Cams did. The only binding that might be better is the bombers, but since they're not being made this year, I think these are your best choice.

[Who]

Yea i think i had the same probubly you did, just lock your boots into the binding then adjust the size until they fit snug. I too was skeptical when i first rode them but they are great bindings and i deffinatly recomend them.

[CGold]

i do agree metal bindings are an overall better product....but sticks....unless ur skiing in antartica plastic bindings are not going to freeze and get so brittle they break. these materials are not so cheaply made that they'll ruin from everything...the manufacturers do realize that to ski it has to be pretty cold. yes they may freeze, but the materials are meant to withstand the condintions. if u do break these bindings do break it will because of an off balance landing or just from regular wear and tear.

[Vitulla]

I have all alluminium bindings from Snowjam and I love tem except for a couple of things. Snowjam wanted to keep that all metal feel, so when I take my boot out of teh binding the little "lever" always hits my board and leaves scratches. They should of just put a piece of soft plastic to stop that. And if you arent careful, your boot could go in sideways. Other then that, the bindings are excellent.

[militarymustard]

groove x-1s

I noticed you said you previously used groove x-1 bindings and i have not been able to find a review on these. I have been looking for an ok pair of metal bindings and wondering why no one seems to buy these. Did you notice any major downsides to these?

[Mark]

remington says the spruce riser setup will eliminate this problem



ok so he just made a few little huffy sounds, but he knows.

[DennisEvans]

remington says the spruce riser setup will eliminate this problem



ok so he just made a few little huffy sounds, but he knows.

And his spines tell you to go and buy them now...I just saw this and was so terrified that I went back in time 5 days and bought my set and they arrived today.

[shaggy433]

Holy thread revival batman!