Radical series binding with Antitwist aftermarket solution. Simply a mechanical stop that the binding rotates against. Idea being the amount of plastic riding against the stop (indicated by red arrow) is vastly stronger than what's asked to work with the stock internal 'pin.' Nonetheless, we've not tested this solution for wear and tear, so be advised it still needs consumer vetting. We'll field test during coming weeks.
Ok, known Dynafit Radical binding issue: Inside heel housing a small pin is intended to prevent the binding from rotating counter-clockwise past a certain point. The idea is that while you’re in uphill mode, you don’t want the binding heel accidentally rotating 90 degrees counter clockwise from the normal position, as this snaps you into a locked heel — annoying to say the least.
Problem is…
The original version of the stop pin was strong enough to overcome the strength of the binding plastic, thus possibly damaging the heel housing. An upgrade from Dynafit provides a pin that’s intended to sheer before blowing out the binding. In some views this is a stop-gap solution.
Enter Stefano Maruelli, who’s made a simple add-on plate that provides a binding rotation stop. The plate can be seen in the video below, and some still shots. I’ll test this solution for a few weeks and publish our take after that, but other than the weight penalty, this looks like a smart solution (I have two test versions, one of thinner steel weighs 24 grams per binding, while a thicker version weighs 29 grams.)
Anti-twist is installed under the brake retractor plate. Elegant.
Stefano doesn’t have any US dealers at the moment, so to obtain the Anti-twist you’ll need to get it directly from him. Contact via his website. More information here.
Cost is 20 Euros for the 1.5mm (lighter) version, 24 euros for the 2mm. Shipping cost to US-CANADA around 20 Euro via registered letter. Payment can be done via Bank transfer or PayPal.
As I’ve mentioned before, some folks can simply remove the pin from the Radical heel unit and be happy. Others may like the Dynafit solution. If either of those are not satisfactory, consider the Maruelli Antitwist.
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.
