Early Dynafit bindings were first known as “Low Tech” and virtually hand made by inventor Fritz Barthel and his helpers in the basement workshop of their multi-generation family home in Austria. This is somewhat the second production model (see first production model). Note the smaller boot pins on the toe unit (right in photo below), this size would go on to become the standard for Dynafit. Most other details of the binding remained the same as those of the first production model.
Complete early Low Tech binding, second generation around 1987 1988. Please click photo to enlarge.
Toe unit detail, the detailed hand crafting is impressive. Note the smaller toe pins presumably fashioned from a hardened steel stud and nut. Click photo to enlarge.
Another view of toe, in the opened position ready to accept a backcountry skiing randonnee boot. Please click photo to enlarge.
The heel unit had no fore/aft adjustment for boot sole length, so you had to mount it with care. Some modern race bindings use a similar type of base plate, to save weight. This heel unit appears to be the same as that of the previous generation. Set screws remove to swap out vertical release “U” spring. Click image to enlarge.
One fascinating aspect of this binding is how the heel torsional (sideways) release spring and cap were based on that of the Iser binding, as shown in our display of the first generation tech (now known as Dynafit) model ski touring binding.
Weight: 11.2 oz, 316 gr (with screws)
This binding was donated to the WildSnow.com collection by Fritz Barthel.
