setting DIN

Question
QUESTION: What's so special about setting one's DIN.  I thought they just use a chart for your age,ht,wt,ski length, and ability..

ANSWER: Hi Jim and thanks for the question.

DIN id the Deutsches Institut f黵 Normung international numer, which basically translates into an international number that has standardised the way binding manufacturers must set the binding tension to.

DIN determines what pressure the skier needs to exert onto the binding to make the foot release - just the same as tying your shoe laces - sometimes your foot will slide out - other times you have to undo them.

The height, weight, length & ability ratio determines aproximately the amount of force you will generate - which is very impressive when you can apply the formula to anyone in the world. It is also why they want a pretty close estimate of your weight & honest ability opinion - if you under/over estimate by too much you wont release for obvious physic reasons [or even release too often at the wrong time].

By ensuring the correct DIN is chosen the binding can easily let go of your foot [usually] in three different directions [left, right, up] covering most fall scenarios.

Hope that answers your question.

Whilst on the topic of bindings - if you own your own skis - ensure you wind the tension to the lowest number you can over summer & have them reset next winter by a ski tech who can check & service them to ensure they will work. A rusted coil inside a binding wont be very useful in a fall.

lisa

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks Lisa.. so it does not seem that complicated to set one's own DIN following charts that are available and following the steps for age,ability,and wt.

Answer
Hi again,
setting the DIN can be simple. Make sure the chart is asking for
height
weight
ability
boot length
?? ski length

When you set the DIN - make sure the boot is in the binding & that it is centred.
You MUST then push the boot out sideways - both ways to ensure it works
and is an appropriate tension for you to fall out of when needed.

I strongly suggest you go to your local ski shop and do it with them. Tell them
you want to learn more about your skis/bindings. They will then hopefully [if firendly] engange in a very useful blurb about your bindings and skis whilst showing you.

WARNING: bindings are like the airbags and brakes on a car - get them wrong and your chance of serious injury increases. DIN and bindings should be checked/overseen by a technichian or someone who has appropriate knowledge and understanding of the equipment.

lisa