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Backcountry Skiing Bindings

Virtual Museum (collection index)

Silvretta 500 Easy Go (1999)
Backcountry Skiing Alpine Touring Binding

Silvretta Easy Go 500

In 1999, randonnee bindings continued evolving at a satisfying clip. Silvretta was still selling the now venerable Silvretta 404, but modern materials science dictated an upgrade.

To that end, Silvretta came up with two bindings that were nearly identical in function to the 404, but made much greater use of plastics and carbon fiber. The new series was marketed as the Easy Go, and was obviously an attempt to take back market share from Fritschi, who released the excellent Diamir Titanl II upgrade this same year.

Easy Go 500 covered here is still in production as of 2008. It uses a heel unit very similar to the 404 and a toe wire that is still compatible with any welted boot (beloved by climbers as an approach binding). The Easy Go flagship model (out of production but in our collection and to be online soon) has a nicely made step-in heel. This latter feature being the obvious challenge to Fritschi.

Lateral release is adjusted with the indicated screw, DIN shown on scale.

The binding was sold in several lengths, with fine length adjustment done by releasing the black plastic catch and sliding the heel unit along the rails. Binding length and forward pressure ( preload) is correct when boot snaps in and metal stud moves flush with plastic of the lever. (LATTER DETAIL ADDED FOR THOSE STILL USING THIS BINDING).

As mentioned above, heel unit is basically the same as a Silvretta model 404. Change setting by flipping open a hatch on top of the heel unit and rotating an obvious screw head.

Heel lifter has three positions, highest shown here. Blue part is a catch that allows release from alpine mode by pushing down with a ski pole tip (as model 404 does as well).

Another view of mode change catch.

There were no unusual problems with this binding, but many consumers looking for a more alpine-like rig have continued to favor grabbers with a more conventional looking release mechanism. Whatever the case, Silvretta deserves credit for upgrading the 404 to the 500, but at the same time keeping the binding compatible with any welted boot.

Since this binding is still in production, we provide a 505 mounting template and instructions here (compatible with any Easy Go series binding).

Also, since Silvretta 404 has nearly identical release mechanicals to the 500, check our Silvretta 404 display for more details.

Weight (one binding with screws, no brake): 29 ounces, 814 grams. This being a significant savings over hte 36.3 ounce model 404.

This binding was provided by Garmont USA back when they were the Silvretta importers. As of this writing (2007) Silvretta is imported by Salewa North America and the 500 is still being manufactured and sold.