Using a tech binding involves understanding its dual function for both uphill travel (touring) and downhill skiing, requiring specific steps for engaging your boots and transitioning between modes.
Tech bindings, also known as pin bindings, are lightweight ski bindings primarily used for backcountry skiing and ski mountaineering. Unlike traditional alpine bindings that clamp down on the boot sole, tech bindings use small metal pins that insert into specific holes or 'inserts' on the toe and heel of compatible ski touring boots.
Understanding the Modes
Tech bindings typically operate in two main modes:
- Touring Mode (Uphill): The toe piece is engaged, allowing the heel to lift freely for walking or skinning uphill. The heel piece is usually set to a neutral or raised position and does not connect with the boot.
- Ski Mode (Downhill): Both the toe and heel pieces are engaged, fixing the boot securely to the ski for descending. The binding is now ready to release in case of a fall, similar to an alpine binding (though release characteristics can differ).
Step-by-Step Guide to Using Tech Bindings
Here's a general overview of how to use tech bindings, covering the key actions:
1. Engaging for Touring Mode
- Prepare: Ensure your boots have the required tech inserts. Clear any snow or ice from the boot inserts and the binding's pin holes.
- Align: Open the toe lever (usually by pushing down on it) so the pins are spread wide. Align the toe inserts of your boot directly over the pins in the toe piece.
- Step In: Press down firmly with your boot. The toe lever should snap closed, securing the boot to the toe pins. Ensure both sets of pins (front and back) are fully seated in the boot inserts. Some bindings require you to pull up the toe lever after stepping in to lock it fully for touring.
- Heel Piece: For touring, the heel piece is typically rotated or flipped to a position that allows free heel movement. There are often risers you can flip up with your ski pole to elevate your heel on steeper climbs.
2. Transitioning from Touring to Ski Mode
This is a crucial step to prepare for descending.
- Accessory Removal: First remove the skins. And the leash. (As per reference). Also, remove any heel risers you used for climbing.
- Heel Piece Configuration: Reconfigure the heel piece for ski mode. This often involves rotating the heel piece (usually 180 degrees) or flipping components so the pins are facing forward and ready to engage with the boot's heel inserts. Ensure the heel piece is properly seated in its downhill position.
- Boot Adjustment (if applicable): Some touring boots have a 'walk mode' and a 'ski mode'. Switch your boots from walk to ski mode.
- Clear Snow/Ice: Ensure the heel inserts on your boots and the heel pins on the binding are free of snow or ice.
3. Engaging for Ski Mode
- Clear Binding: Lift your boot slightly to clear any snow or ice that accumulated under the toe or heel during the transition.
- Step In: With the heel piece in the correct downhill position, step down firmly, aligning the heel inserts of your boot with the heel pins. You should feel the heel pins snap into place, securing your boot to the ski.
- Check Engagement: Wiggle your foot slightly to ensure both the toe and heel are fully engaged and there is no play. The binding's brakes (if present) should deploy and lie flat against the ski.
4. Releasing from the Binding
- Standard Release: Tech bindings are designed to release the boot in case of a fall, based on pre-set tension (DIN) settings. The toe piece can release sideways, and the heel piece can release vertically.
- Manual Release: To manually release, you typically use your ski pole or hand to push down on a lever or component on the heel piece, allowing you to step out. The toe piece usually remains engaged until you physically lift the boot.
Key Considerations
- Boot Compatibility: Tech bindings require boots with certified tech inserts.
- Practice: Practice stepping in and out on flat ground before heading out.
- Snow/Ice: Keep binding components and boot inserts free of snow and ice, as this is the most common cause of failure to engage properly.
- Safety Leashes/Brakes: Always use ski brakes or leashes. The reference specifically mentions removing the leash during the transition, implying it was used during the touring phase.
- Release Settings: Set your release values (DIN) correctly with the help of a professional.
Binding Modes Summary
| Mode | Toe Piece | Heel Piece | Boot Heel Movement | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Touring | Engaged (pinned) | Disengaged (allows free lift) | Free | Uphill Travel |
| Transition | Engaged (often) | Rotating/Configuring | N/A | Preparing Mode |
| Skiing | Engaged (pinned) | Engaged (pinned/fixed) | Fixed | Downhill Skiing |
Using tech bindings efficiently requires familiarity and practice, particularly with the transition process. Following the steps carefully ensures secure engagement for both climbing and descending.
