I just heard from the Plum ski binding rep for North America. He says there have been some durability problems with the top plate screws (see photos below) in late model 2012/2013 (sold in North America Nov. 1, 2012 to Jan. 10, 2013) Plum bindings. Some of our readers alluded to this in previous Plum blog post comments.
To remedy this, Plum is not doing a recall but rather providing replacement top plate screws free of charge. The replacement process is simple.
Backstory reported to WildSnow is reports of these screws failing eventually reached Plum in France. They quickly researched the issue and found a batch of T8 screws for the heel top plate came from a parts supplier that were found to not meet PLUM spec. Wildsnow learned that this top plate screw batch only affects production from November 1st 2012 to January 10th 2013. Models affected are Plum Guide, Plum Yak and Plum “J’Envoie du Gros. No past product prior to that date is affected. We’re not sure exactly how the bindings are to be identified, but apparently here in North America they were only available through dealers. So perhaps knowing the date you acquired them is enough. If in doubt, the screws are very easy to replace. (Plum bindings have serial numbers stamped on the bottom, but you have to remove the binding from the ski to see it).
According to Plum in France: Customer safety is our primary concern. As a measure of precaution we are providing a global screw batch replacement by another batch with stricter quality requirements, with free of charge replacement of the screws for the models mentioned above.
The replacement process is easy, but as always here at WildSnow.com we recommend having a ski shop tech do it if you’re light on your hand skills. The new screws have a phillips head, the old ones are torx 8. First step is back off the lateral RV (release value) screw to a low setting so the top plate doesn’t get pushed off by internal spring tension as you remove the screws. The use your t8 torx driver to remove each screw one at a time, replacing it with the new updated Phillips head. Do not over tighten the phillips head screws, just nice and snug.
Replacing Plum top plate screws. Experienced mechanics can do it in a few minutes.
From Plum North America (lightly edited): “We wanted to let WildSnow know we just received a batch of replacement screws which we will be sending out to our dealers in North America. Please remember these screws are only necessary for bindings sold during November 1 to January 10 2013. For customers in North America these bindings where only sold through Apex Mountain Products certified dealers listed on our web site, www.apexmountainproducts.com. We will send those dealers replacement screws for customers that purchased equipment from them. If a consumer purchased a set of PLUM bindings noted above we recommend contacting the dealer where they purchased the product from for free replacement screws. Any other questions in North America regarding PLUM bindings, please use the contact link at Apex Mountain Products.
If you are a PLUM customer in Europe please contact PLUM service at +33 450 345 867 or use the contact option on the Plum Website.
WildSnow.com publisher emeritus and founder Lou (Louis Dawson) has a 50+ years career in climbing, backcountry skiing and ski mountaineering. He was the first person in history to ski down all 54 Colorado 14,000-foot peaks, has authored numerous books about about backcountry skiing, and has skied from the summit of Denali in Alaska, North America’s highest mountain.
