With a new pair of skis in hand, you’d like to re-drill a new set of binding holes within 3 months about as much as you’d like to put a core shot in the base with a file just to get that first one “out of the way.” It’s unheard of, stupid, crazy. It’s like kicking a puppy…just wrong.
I was looking at such a scenario this winter with a new pair of DPS Lotus 120s. I had “some” bindings to mount, some old Salomon S912 Ti. But they’re projected lifespan was uncertain. I’d already “replaced” them on another set of skis and was saving them for a pair of water skis, or a saucer, or something.
So here I am with a brand spankin’ new pair of sweet pow skis and no budget for new bindings. So my option is to not mount the skis till mid-winter and some birthday money comes in? Not likely! Or mount some old bindings that might last till mid season and then unmount them (and DPS strongly suggests the use of epoxy) to remount something else. Oh, yeah. And I’d love to try these out as AT skis too.
A chorus out there is yelling “Dukes”, “Dynafit”, “Naxos” right now…well maybe not Naxos. I considered that. But I have some expectations that rule that option out.
I want to ski a binding that has a lower stack height. A rough goal would be 15-25mm (based on a pair of Salomon and Look bindings in my garage).
My solution: the SollyFit Plate from Binding Freedom.
The SollyFit Swap Plate Kit comes with the plates, screws for numerous Dynafit and Salomon bindings and paper template.
Once I saw this variation on the DynaDuke Plate, I was sold. The option to go from a lower stacked Salomon binding inbounds to a Dynafit in the BC was perfect. Plus I’ll only have to back out eight Loctited machine screws to remount new bindings once my current ones die. And with the future addition of some binding inserts on my primary BC ski, I can swap my Dynafit FT12s to the Big Skis when the day, trip or conditions call for it.
The drawbacks
There are a few drawbacks to this solution. First, additional cost. The plates are $115. That definitely cuts into my future binding budget. However, with the later addition of throwing on Dynafits, I’m sure I could sell my BC sticks to offset the cost. But the plates are still 1/2 the cost of the bindings I was eyeing. Two, additional weight. But why am I putting touring bindings on a 120mm waist ski if weight is my primary concern? Extra stack height? With Salomon Ti bindings or Dynafits, I still measure a stack height of exactly 25mm, same as my Looks with a short rise plate. And finally, when upgrading my bindings I’ll have to stick to Salomon brand, but I’m OK with that.
Why I chose this setup
The SollyFits are not for everyone, but for me they are perfect. I now have my old bindings mounted to ski the best powder ski I’ve owned to date. And once the bindings die (2 months? 18 months?), I can upgrade without having to pry the epoxy off the skis. And I can take them as a one ski, do-all quiver with a pair of Dynafits in tow. Who knows, I might even sell my BC skis now…
The final product. I can't say I'm not excited that the plates match the skis. And all at a mere 25mm stack height.
(Guest blogger profile: Dave Downing and his wife Jessica live in Whitefish, MT, where he is a freelance designer and owner of Ovid Nine Graphics Lab. Dave has been told that there is nothing to see in Montana, so please move along.)
Dave “Snowman” Downing lives in Whitefish, Montana where Dave is a freelance designer and owner of Ovid Nine Graphics Lab Dave’s ski career began due to a lack of quality skiing video games for NES.
