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VIST Speedlock Plates |
VIST Bindings |
VIST Accessories |
VIST Complete Speedlock Systems |
VIST Race Plates |
Jon's Ski Tuning is proud to be appointed as a VIST binding sales, mounting & service centre by VIST (http://www.vist.it/).
VIST's binding line is one of the relatively few new designs on the market. Unique in that all the models are based on the same high end performance metal chasis's with the same advanced features, the only difference being the springs used & the mounting method. All bindings feature an extremely reliable upward release at both the heel & toe and a toe that is very stiff laterally until it reaches it's release point, which keeps your boot straight ahead & in until it is time to go. The mechanical AFD (anti friction device) gives a very smooth & reliable release & Jon always specifies the heavy duty spring in all AFD's he supplies. The heel piece has a long release lever that even at high DIN settings is easy to use, especially when manually clicking-in in powder.
The VIST 'Speedlock' system is unique in the marketplace as it allows the user to quickly alter the position of the toe & heel pieces to alter the fore/aft balance point, thus enabling the user to set-up their personalised & ideal balance point for their intended use. This feature also allows for use by different people/boot sole lengths etc.
Furthermore, with additional Speedlock plates mounted on other skis just one pair of toe & heel pieces can be quickly swapped between different pairs of skis which not only reduces cost but also reduces luggage weight for airline travel etc.
In addition to the Speedlock system, VIST also produce the superb 'Free' range of bindings which are mounted directly on to any flat skis in the conventional manner.
Furthermore, VIST's 'Race' binding offering is second to none, as indicated by their frequent success at all levels from club racing to the World Cup circuit, especially when mounted on on their famour range of 'WC Race Plates'. These bindings operate at higher level DIN settings for racers & performance free riders, with the added option of being able to block the vertical toe release function.
Three brake widths are available to fit all skis & which are interchangeable between all the Speedlock, Free & Race bindings:
Standard - 72mm
Wide - 92mm
Extra Wide - 115mm
All items, ie bindings, plates, covers, brakes & AFD's etc, are available as either sets or as individual items so when all the DIN & colour options are allowed for the list is just too great to detail so contact Jon to discuss your requirements & for prices.
Benefits of a Binding Plate on Wide Skis
The benefits of binding plates on piste skis are well known, ie greater leverage allows for faster edge changes, more pressure directed over the edge & removes the chance of boot-out etc. Pretty much everyone agrees with this although very few people actually have a choice as most piste skis come with the manufacturer's ‘hostage' bindings on some sort of rail/plate etc.
It's always been usual to flat mount a powder ski, the thought being that a plate will give a ‘disconnected' feel in soft snow.
However, lifting a binding on a ski that you're using in fresh snow will not give you a disconnected feel from the ski/snow unless you're just smearing/skidding all of your turns & never putting the ski on edge. When you're putting the ski on edge, say in variable conditions (which you should do), then a plate will serve the same purpose as it does on piste & actually give you a more connected feel with your edges.
Plus, IMO, a plate on a wide ski gives the ski a much more solid feeling underfoot. The trick is to use a plate/lift with a soft flex (Speedlock TT or Pro Super Light) that will not hurt your ability to bend the ski, especially at low speeds & in tight places. And of course the added leverage will help when you want to put the ski on edge as well as greatly increasing edge to edge speed.
Another benefit for those with both piste & off-piste skis is that a plate on your wide ski will make it feel a lot closer to your piste ski so acclimatising to your new set-up when you swap skis is less of a problem.
Finally, touring skiers with AT gear (alpine touring) have greater lift on their off-piste skis than most piste skis & no-one's ever heard them complain about lack of feel.
MountingJon's Ski Tuning has all four of the VIST binding mounting jigs & will be pleased to mount any pair of VIST plates or bindings purchased free of charge or for an additional £10 including Campbell Balancing analysis to determine the user's ideal fore/aft balance position prior to fitting.
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