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Dynafit Beast 14 Retail Version Blasts Our Workbench

by Lou Dawson December 18, 2014
written by Lou Dawson December 18, 2014

Got our production version testers. These things look so good I just had to try out our new Canon G16 camera (merry Christmas!) on a few product shots.

Dynafit Beast 14 could be best termed a 'freeride' binding. In my view, the main advantage is it provides more upwards (vertical) elasticity at the heel than conventional tech bindings. It has a rotating toe as well, but I'm not convinced that really provides much benefit beyond helping keep release values consistent no matter what kind of behavior you're getting from your boot fittings. In other words the latter could be important, or not. Performance of tech boot fittings can be tested by hand on the bench, but not having to worry about it is one less stresser in a stressed out world.

Dynafit Beast 14 could be best termed a ‘freeride’ binding. In my view, the main advantage is it provides more upwards (vertical) elasticity at the heel than conventional tech bindings. It has a rotating toe as well, but I’m not convinced that really provides much benefit beyond helping keep release values consistent no matter what kind of behavior you’re getting from your boot fittings. In other words the latter could be important, or not. Performance of tech boot fittings can be tested by hand on the bench, but not having to worry about it is one less stresser in a stressed out world.

The full picture. I really like the way these look.

The full picture. I really like the way these look. Mature design and engineering.

What's different here is the more minimalist toe that still rotates.

What’s different here is the more minimalist toe that still rotates like Beast 16 only weighs less and appears to be more elegant in design. Of course the question will be asked: Wasn’t this the toe that was planned for the Radical 2.0 as well? Probably, but Radical 2.0 is delayed till next year, and by next year who knows what will really happen. We’ll find out more in January at the yearly Dynafit press event. Buying tickets!

Heel unit (with screws) 598 grams, 20.4 ounces
Toe unit (with screws) 254 grams, 9.0 ounces
Total (with screws) 852 grams, 29.4 ounces

Shop for Dynafit Beast ski touring freeride bindings.


Lou Dawson

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.

www.loudawson.com
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