I saw the Dostinator yesterday. Craig Dostie’s (publisher of Couloir Magazine) evolutionary telemark binding design is effective, and stunning in simplicity. Based on a foundation plate not unlike most randonnee grabbers, it provides a fully free touring pivot (no block part way through a full stride), full release in both touring and ski modes, as well as incredibly simple conversion to a latched heel AT binding. More, it doesn’t require a change in boot shape standards. I can’t say much more about it nor publish photos, but this is a demonstrable in-the-flesh “full circle” ski binding that takes us from the dark ages of telemark bindings to modern functionality. About the only downside I could see is a slight weight penalty, but with modern design and materials science that could easily be mitigated.
And it’s not a pipe dream. Craig and associates are skiing on the things.
What truly struck me when I looked at the Dostinator was how elegant and simple it is compared to attempts at “modernizing” the telemark binding such as the NTN. More, to have full safety release as well as a touring pivot? And convert to an AT binding if you want? Wow!
There is a movie floating around, “Who Killed the Electric Car,” which explores the host of reasons why we’re still pumping gasoline into our tanks instead of something possibly better (depending on where electricity comes from and how it’s made). Dostie’s binding looks good, but no one in the tele binding business appears to be interested. I’m getting the distinct feeling we might be seeing a movie someday titled “Who killed the full release free pivot rando-convertible tele binding?”
At least I have photos.
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.
