I wanted two binding positions on my tester BD Drift skis. The offset I wanted brought the inserts fairly close together, so I went ahead and did the screw pattern as close as I thought was possible. I’m not at all worried about pullout strength here, as with one insert threaded to the side of the other, you’ve got more strength than that of one insert. Ski strength? No worry to me on a ski this wide, with such a beefy binding mounting area. And ok everyone, before you start crying Uncle, this’ll be the last ‘swap plate & insert’ post for a while in this corner of the backcountry skiing world.
Inserts installed as close as possible, note how the tap cut into the metal of the nearby insert. That's cutting it close! Also notice the bluish/green plastic inside the holes, that's the massive binding reinforcement plate these skis have. Tele, Dynafit, whatever, properly mounted bindings won't be yanking screws out of these guys, and the inserts are good for atomic level forces. Click image to enlarge.
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.
