A known issue with Dynafit FT12 binding is the lack of support under the toe wings, due to the narrow baseplate (our theory is that style trumped function, but who knows…). At worst, this lack of support could lead to excessive stress on the steel binding base and subsequent breakage. At best, urban legend holds that having a toe unit base as narrow as the FT somehow makes your skis perform noticeably worse or even contributes to the possibility of binding pull-out. While we’re skeptical of the latter (except in the case of racing World Cup slalom on Dynafits), we are believers regarding concerns about FT binding durability. Hence, if you’re of average size or larger and ski hard with big boots and skis, we recommend this mod for the Dynafit FT12 backcountry skiing binding. Conversely, if you’re a mellow skier (like me), you probably don’t need this mod so don’t panic. (Click images to enlarge.)
Power Plate installed on binding to left, right hand binding is OEM. Note how binding to right overhangs without Power Plate support.
Dynafit FT binding is made with a sleek but unfortunately illogically skinny support plate under the toe unit. This will all change for 2011/2012 model year, but lots of FT bindings out there might need more support.
Installing the Power Plate is as easy as simply setting the toe unit on it and screwing to the ski, as with regular mounting process.
Power during comparo testing on backcountry skis. Right ski has it, left does not. Both left and right turns felt the same, but then, I wasn't doing a World Cup slalom or trying out for a TGR movie. But beyond what I feel would be mostly imaginary performance gains, I do believe any aggressive skier with big boots using FT12 Dynafit binding should install this upgrade, to strengthen the binding. When doing so, I'd recommend a dab of epoxy on the power plate under the binding wing, to fill any micro gap and farther reduce flexing of the binding toe wings.
I see only two minor downsides to the Power Plate. One, it adds 8 grams per binding. Two, and more importantly, the Power Plate will obviously exacerbate the build up of ice under the toe wings due to to the plate forming a rim to the rear of the binding. This type of ice buildup is in our opinion one of the reasons people sometimes experience what they think is an pre-release problem inherent to the Dynafit binding design, when in reality they have a wad of ice keeping the binding from totally closing on their boot toe. Thus, if you choose to install the Power Plate, simply be more vigilant about checking for ice under the toe wings and cleaning it out if necessary.
Power Plate installed, arrow to left points to tiny gap where a dab of epoxy could be a good thing to reduce micro-movement. Arrow to right points to rim forming a dam that could exacerbate ice clogging under the binding wings. Click image to enlarge.
FT Power Plate is Dynafit part # 48566, and hopefully would be available from your favorite shop or perhaps online. If difficult to find, call Dynafit customer service.
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.
