Monday, August 3, 2009

What is the name for cross country ski bindings with three pins, but that are narrower than normal "3 pin"?

I got a pair of cross country skis from a thrift shop. The bindings say only "Trak". There's 3 pins on the bottom and a top part that snaps down (but different than your normal 3-pin...it's more narrow and pointy, so my 3 pin boot doesn't fit in far enough to clip in).





What's the name for this kind of binding? I'd like to find a pair of boots to fit it.


Thanks!

What is the name for cross country ski bindings with three pins, but that are narrower than normal "3 pin"?
For years (decades?) the "Nordic Norm" 3-pin bindings were 75mm wide and that is what you mostly see on older skis. However, for a few years in the late 70's early 80's there was also a 50mm 3-pin system (I used it for a while.) It looks identical to 75mm Nordic Norm but skinnier. Far as I know, nobody makes that configuration of binding or boots anymore. Your 75mm boots will not fit (as you've noticed) and you will have a great deal of trouble ever finding boots that will fit those bindings so I would recommend you replace the bindings on the skis with a pair of 75mm. The mounting holes are the same so just back out the screws (if the screws were glued in by the original mounter, heat them carefully with a soldering gun and they should come out.)





Check the www.woodenskis.com website for sources of the old 3-pin bindings if the ski shops don't stock them any more or look on Craigslist in your area to see if anyone has an old pair. They are usually available for $10 to $20 -- far cheaper than new boots. When I converted all my skis over to more modern boots and bindings (SNS mostly) I gave away all the 75mm hardware so there must be others doing the same. People kind of look at me funny since I prefer 30 to 40 year old waxable wooden skis (my faves are Madshus Birkebeiners and steel-edged Bonna 2400's) but have these high-tech modern bindings and "space jockey" looking rear-entry boots but the combo works. If you do a lot of skiing you may want to eventually consider going with the newer bindings/boots. You'll get more speed and greater comfort skiing with them than with the old 75mm stuff.





Happy trails!
Reply:I would NOT recommend cutting your boots down. A 75mm set of bindings is cheap. Boots are not and you will ruin them, plus they are not likely to hold up in the bindings. There is a reinforcing plate molded in which you will weaken. Report It

Reply:This sounds like an old Rottafella set up. Any pair of boots that will fit into the toe piece should work. A hollow insert is used to align the boot over the pin. When I last used this style they were becoming a less popular system and this was about 35 years ago. Check with your local shop who do Xcntry race and some back country terrain work.



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What type of race ski should i buy?

I am just a beginner to racing but i'm an agressive skiier. I compete in GS and Slalom. I am looking for skis for both or different skis for each. I currently race on Atomic GS 9 for both GS and slalom. I'm 5' 6" so i would also like to know what length to buy. I would also know what brand of boots are recommended.

What type of race ski should i buy?
I race on fisher world cups. They are good skis, but i would also reccomend the volkl racetigers. 150cm slalom and 165cm GS skis would probably be right for you.





As for boots get either atomic or lange. they both make very nice race boots. get them fit by a professional boot tech, it is very important that your boots are the right size for you.
Reply:Boots first and foremost should fit your foot. The best boot for one foot will not fit everyone else. Work with your coach or local ski shop, footbeds, boot canting, ramp angle, then how much forward lean you should have your style. The stiffness of the boot should vary with your weight.


If you are still growing, buy a boot that is the proper shell size for your foot. When your skill improves to national level, you may want a tighter fit, so the same shell may work well for you.


Top level racers in their late teens through their 30's are in a small shell size for the precise fit they need. Until you approach that level, go for the more comfortable proper size and develop your precise skills.


If your feet hurt, you will spend less time on the hill practicing, and delay your skill improvement.


As to the proper ski length, the current FIS rules give the minimum lengths allowed for each event in your age and sex group. Typical women's' slalom is 155 cm, GS 160cm. Men's size is +5 cm for each. Check the FIS rules page for the allowable sizes and turn radius.
Reply:For better peformance, you want different skis for GS and SL. I am sure you know you need to demo and demo and demo before you settle on the skis. But I will tell you what works with me...





For GS race, I love Volkl Racetiger GS World Cup. But, believe it or not, I go slightly faster with my older Volkl P40 RC Racing with riser plate. The riser plate makes it stiffer and more stable at higher speed.





I used to own Atomic GS:11 but it was too soft for my standard. I do better with Volkl's.





For SL race, I am happy with Nordica Dobermann SLR World Cup.





For boots, you want the most accurate and responsive pair for your personal leg/foot movements. What's best for Picabo Street may not be the best for you. Close your eyes on the brand. Demo several pairs on race course. I think that's the only way to pick the best race boots for you.





On ski length, your weight is a major factor. You have not told us that yet. :)
Reply:well it depends what kind of race you are planig to do. in my opinion get nordicas ot heads
Reply:Ed..unless you are ready to yearly purchase 4 pairs of skis(sl/gs/practice/play skis) just settle on a good sl ski like the volkl racestock sl which is stiff enough to handle double duty-sl%26amp;gs and don't be too concerned about fis standards until you reach college level


I teach racing to kids and trust me that equipment makes NO difference at that level. with jr racers time is made on skill not equipment....find the equipment you are comfortable using and practice!



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How do you figure out what type of ski to buy?

My whole family is going to be skiing several times a year and I think it would make sense to buy our own skis. Whenever we go we usually fill out a form and talk to the guys at the rental place and they fit us and we go on our way.





I noticed that skis have gotten better in the past 10+ years, but I don't really understand how they work or what you look for when you shop for them. I also know that you have to buy the boots and the binding.





My dad and I are both intermediate skiers, my brother is a intermediate/advanced and my mom is a novice. What are some good ways to research skis and figure out which ones to get?

How do you figure out what type of ski to buy?
Rentals = $25 (about)





Purchase = $300 (skis) + $300 (bindings) + $500 (boots) + $25 (poles)





divided by (several) -- say 4 times used each year.





About $280 each time you go skiing.





Are you sure it is worth it?





Equipment only really lasts 4-5 years. It isn't worth it to buy unless you plan on skiing a heck of a lot more than "several" times a season.





Well, if you have some extra cash to waste, the best research that can be done is to go to a ski shop and tell them exactly what type of skier you are and how much money you can spend. It's just like buying a car.





Except for your mom, you guys would be ok with a mid-performance "All Mountain" ski...probably. All skis are fairly well made. There are high performance skis, but you end up paying quite a bit more. Your mom would want a beginners package. It would be quite a bit cheaper.





Boots: must fit like a glove, no matter the price (cheaper or more expensive). Don't get rear entry boots...except again, maybe your mom. They are more comfortable, but not made for anything more than a blue groomer. You just don't get the support you need with those.





Before you go down to the ski shop, you may want to go to the library and read a few issues of Skiing magazine, or whatever is available. Try to find an issue that has a ski review in it. The reviews themselves are quite pointless, but you get an idea of market price and graphics and such. The reason I say the reviews are pointless is that each ski is unique to the person riding it.





One more thing: I suggest trying a pair of demo skis to see if you like them first. If you find a shop that rents out equipment, and if they sell the same models they rent, they will often refund the rental cost if you decide to purchase a new pair.
Reply:Buy the boots...good fitting boots designed to run the slopes with the style you ski. Read all the boot reviews and, if you only ski a couple times a year, continue to rent. Go to the websites and read about the skis. Manufacturers are changing designs, styles, specs, etc every year. You can rent the best Volkls, Atomic Metrons, Nordicas %26amp; K2s, and change up every day. Go ski..!!!



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Help me buying snowblade (Skiboarding, mini ski) Tips?

I have been sking since I was 5 and been snow blading 7 years. I'm thinking about buying one because I go ski about 4 times a year and I thought it is waste of money renting every time I go for crappy used uncomfortable snowblades. I know how to use them but I never went to internet or store to find about them. I don't know what kind and type of snow blade there is. I don't know which one is best bang for buck. etc. I went to a store and found out most store don't have snow blades. They only have ski and snowboard. So I'm thing about buying the blades from internet and buy boot from store. Where can I start? Is there good site? What is regular price? Any tips?

Help me buying snowblade (Skiboarding, mini ski) Tips?
Hi,





For everything you ever wanted to know about skiboarding visit http://skiboardsonline.com , specifically the forum at http://sbol.ws/theforum. It's a really welcoming place with a ton of regular members who will be more then happy to answer any questions you have. For videos of skiboards in action visit the gallery at http://www.skiboardsonline.com/html/gall...



nanny

What does a boy giving me hot-pink boots mean??

i had a dream that we were skiing and then he gave me a pair of hot-pink boots, and every time i would rub them against snow, the pink would run off into the snow.............................

What does a boy giving me hot-pink boots mean??
that he is cheap an he will give you a ring that will turn your finger green.
Reply:well the boots are your subconsious telling you that you see him as utilitarian at best, the fact that the color runs in the snow meens you see him with minor substance at best. infact the only reason this boy is in the dream is to allow you to understand who it is that you are thinking these things about
Reply:According to Dreamcrowd:





To see or dream that you are wearing boots, refers to the power in your movement and the boldness of your position. You are taking a firm stance.





Pink usually symbolizes health and good feelings. It is a traditionally a feminine color, and some feel that it connotes love. Pink is soft and fuzzy, like girls!





Try posting your dream on dreamcrowd for a free dream interpretation
Reply:he likes you
Reply:Probably that he wants you to be sexy, but you're afraid it won't last.
Reply:I think you know what that means.



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How Do You Adjust Ski Bindings?

I just got a new pair of skis and i don't know how to adjust the length to fit my boots. I know how to change the tension, but not the length

How Do You Adjust Ski Bindings?
If you want to adjust your bindings properly- and with your safety in mind- you have to consider a few factors.


I'm going to tell you what ski techs look for, but I really recommend that you take it to a shop and have a CERTIFIED ski tech do it ...that's if you want to keep your knees nice and intact!





So here you go:





1)Some bindings require you to line up the centre mark of your boot with the centre mark (usually a little dash on the ski)...not all bindings do though...





2)differant styles of bindings = differant ways of legnthening the them...some have just movable heel peices, while others allow you to move both the toe and heel pieces.


Some have visible levers that allow you to unlock the piece, and with others, the lever is not as obvious, and a flathead screwdriver is needed to adjust the piece.





3)yes, the binding must be sized properly so that boot clips in, but you also have to check the "forward pressure" indicator to make sure that the binding is hugging the boot properly...once again, if you don't know what this is, get a tech to do it.





4)the DIN setting must be adjusted to the appropiate setting for the induvidual...this number is based on the users hieght, weight, age, ablity and the sole legnth of the users ski boots in mm's.





I hope this enlightens and helps you, if you don't know what your doing, really get someone else too.


Other than that, have a killer time on your new skis this season!
Reply:Some are rental bindings and they adjust very easily. If they are mounted you have to move them, and it is pretty difficult. I usually buy used skis, but I make sure they have rental bindings.
Reply:Olwen had some very good points. I'm going to say this: if you don't know what you are doing, take them to a shop. Many shop techs would likely teach you how to do it for a 12 pack (of age - of course!).





Getting the boot to fit is fairly easy, provided you won't need to remount the bindings. Either use a flathead screwdriver to lift up a little lever and slide the heel piece, or use the screwdriver to turn a screw (not to be confused with the DIN setting screw). Then you have to worry about the forward pressure.





Some shops will even set them for free, or at most $15. Money well spent, as opposed to reconstructive knee surgery.



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My husband and I want to share x-country skiing with our 3.5 year old twins.?

We haven't skied long ourselves. What size poles should they (and us-we need new sets) get? Are the strap on (so they can wear their snow boots-L.L. Bean has some) work since they will outgrow ski boots fairly quickly? My husband says not to get them poles at first (he read it somewhere). Thanks!

My husband and I want to share x-country skiing with our 3.5 year old twins.?
Most snow areas of the country have ski swaps where people sell their used equipment. If the yoots are going to outgrow their stuff, you might as well buy used. They might not like cross country skiing either.





Some kids go without poles for downhill skiing, but poles are a necessity in cross-country.





For pole sizing, I would go with a pole that fits your hands 135 degrees from the ground. In other words, if your arm is straight down, raise just your forearm 90 degrees, then another 45 degrees.up. For X-C It needs to be longer than downhill so that you have enough length to push off with.
Reply:I'm not sure about x- country not starting with poles. they are a pretty big part of getting up hill. for alpine skiing don't start them with poles. lessons are the only good way. the pros can set them up with the equipment, then you'll know what to do for the 2nd outing.
Reply:Yeah, Poles aren't good at first, because kids need to learn the technique of skiing first. Your poles should fit so that, when holding them, your arm forms an 80 to 90 degree angle from you elbow. In other words, when you hold the poles, your for arm will be perfectly strait in front of you or a tilted a bit downwards. But never upwards. At stores, they can fit you, and even cut a little off the pole so it fits perfectly. Poles aren't neccesarry for 3.5 year olds, and because they're groing soooo fast, it probubly isn't a good idea.
Reply:Try St. Johann in Tirol, they have extensive x-country skiing and the red ski school are on hand to give all the advise you need and if the kids dont take to it, there is a good creche to let you enjoy your holiday



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