How to Make Binding Adjustments on Ski Blades

Ski boards -- sometimes called ski blades or snowblades -- are shortened skis. As a rule of thumb, a skier uses snowblades that are 80 to 120 centimeters shorter than the ski length recommended for their height and weight. The learning curve for ski boards is generally considered much steeper than that of skiing or snowboarding because snowblades are more responsive, yet have a lower top-end speed. Ski boards are manufactured to fit two types of bindings: adjustable non-release bindings, which are less expensive, and release bindings, which are the same as those used on standard skis.

Things You'll Need

  • Allen wrench
  • Flat-head screwdriver
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Instructions

  1. Non-release Bindings

    • 1

      Place your foot in the binding. Slide the heel plate of the ski boot under the rear wire frame. Pull the front wire frame over the toe plate and pull the wire frame lever toward your toes. If the binding is fit properly, the tow wire frame flexes and pops into place, securing the boot in position. If the wire frame does not secure the boot in place, adjust the binding.

    • 2

      Look on the binding for the center-mark. This is the first step in adjusting the bindings. It is an engraved mark in the middle of the binding between the mounting screws. You can see it while your boot is in the binding. Check the binding center-mark in relation to the ski boot center-mark located on the side of the boot near the arch of your foot. Remove your foot from the binding. Read the length indicator markings on the boot. The indicator is located on the bottom of the boot or on the side of the boot behind the center-mark.

    • 3

      Put the Allen wrench in the rear wire frame adjustment screw and turn it counterclockwise. Slide the rear frame forward if the center-mark of the boot was behind the center-mark of the binding when you checked or back if the center-mark of the boot was in front of that of the binding. Tighten the rear frame adjustment screw by turning it clockwise.

    • 4

      Unthread the front wire frame adjustment screw. Slide it back and forth until the marks on the binding indicate the binding size is equal to that of the boot size. Tighten the front frame adjustment screw.

    Release Bindings

    • 5

      Adjust the DIN number on the front of the binding to match the manufacturer's standard for your height and weight. The DIN numbers usually range from 0 to 12. Your height and weight determine the DIN number of the binding that will safely release the boot in case of a wreck or collision. To adjust the DIN, place a flat-head screwdriver in the adjustment screw on the front toe of the binding. Twist clockwise to increase the DIN; counterclockwise lowers the DIN setting.

    • 6

      Place the toe plate of your boot under the lip of the binding's front housing. Press your heel down on the binding's back housing. If the back housing snaps into place, check the gap between your heel and the back housing. There should be no more than 1/4 of an inch. If the back housing does not snap into place, adjust the binding's length.

    • 7

      Twist the back housing's length adjustment screw forward -- shortening the length -- by twisting clockwise. Turn the screw counterclockwise to lengthen the binding. Adjust the binding until the boot fits securely when you step into the binding.