Sizing ski bindings primarily involves matching the binding's brake width to the waist width of your skis.
Choosing the correct ski binding size is crucial for performance and safety on the slopes. While there are several factors in selecting bindings (like DIN range, intended use, and skier profile), the most common "sizing" question relates directly to ensuring the binding's brakes fit properly over the ski.
Understanding Ski Binding Brake Width
The brakes on a ski binding are designed to stop the ski from sliding away if it detaches from your boot. For the brakes to function correctly, they must be wider than the ski at its narrowest point – the waist.
Key Sizing Rule (Based on Reference):
- The width of your skis is what will determine your brake width.
- Your binding brake width must be at least the width of your ski waist.
- Your binding brake width should be no greater than 20mm wider than your ski waist.
This rule ensures the brakes clear the ski edges easily when the binding is mounted but are narrow enough not to catch excessively on opposite edges during turns or hinder maneuverability.
Practical Examples
Let's apply the rule with an example:
- If your skis have a 90mm waist width, you will need bindings that have a brake width of at least 90mm.
- Based on the rule (no greater than 20mm wider), the maximum recommended brake width would be 90mm + 20mm = 110mm.
- So, for a 90mm waist ski, you would look for bindings with a brake width in the range of 90mm to 110mm.
Here's a quick guide based on common ski waist widths:
| Ski Waist Width | Minimum Brake Width | Maximum Brake Width (Waist + 20mm) | Recommended Brake Width Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| 75mm | 75mm | 95mm | 75mm - 95mm |
| 88mm | 88mm | 108mm | 88mm - 108mm |
| 90mm | 90mm | 110mm | 90mm - 110mm |
| 105mm | 105mm | 125mm | 105mm - 125mm |
| 115mm | 115mm | 135mm | 115mm - 135mm |
Note: Some bindings have slightly flexible brake arms, so a millimeter or two variance might be acceptable, but sticking within this range is best practice.
Beyond Brake Width
While brake width is the primary sizing factor based on your ski, choosing the right binding also involves:
- DIN Range: This is the release setting number, determined by your weight, height, age, skier type (ability/aggressiveness), and boot sole length. This setting is crucial for safety, allowing the binding to release your boot in a fall. Your local ski shop will set this for you when mounting the bindings.
- Ski Boot Compatibility: Ensure your ski boots are compatible with the binding standard (e.g., Alpine, Touring, GripWalk).
- Intended Use: Are the bindings for resort skiing, backcountry touring, park, etc.? This affects binding design and features.
However, when someone asks about "sizing" ski bindings relative to the ski, they are almost always referring to the crucial task of matching the brake width to the ski's waist width according to the rule mentioned above.
