How to Set the Din on Ski Bindings

Skiers who enjoy do-it-yourself projects might wonder how to set the DIN on ski bindings. However, before you reach for the screwdriver, consider this. The certified ski technicians at the ski shop will adjust your DIN settings at little or no cost. Furthermore, your DIN setting has been carefully calculated according to your skier type, boot sole length, height weight and age. That said, there may be a few good reasons to adjust your DIN settings.

Racing requires a higher DIN.

Certain changes in your skiing style, age, weight or boot sole length may warrant an adjustment of your DIN settings. These include:

• Losing or gaining a significant amount of weight
• Changes in your skiing style: If you have become either a more aggressive or a less aggressive skier, you may need to change your DIN settings.
• Changes in your age: It is recommended that you lower your DIN setting once you reach the age of 50.

Additionally, if you are experiencing frequent pre-releases of your skis, you might need to adjust your DIN to a higher setting. However, according to the experts at Vermont Ski Safety, pre-release might not indicate a problem with your bindings. In many cases, it's the skier's faulty technique that is causing the bindings to pre-release.

Vermont Ski Safety has some humorous descriptions of technique problems that may cause your bindings to pre-release. The first is called the “bow effect,” because it is comparable to the archer who lets the bow slip from his or her grasp while flexing it in preparation for attaching the string. The skier who abruptly presses his or her shins against the boot may inadvertently release the heel piece. This problem often occurs when the skier is using soft-flexing skis that have a wide tip and a very narrow waist.

The “Superman effect” is a technique problem that is usually experienced in powder. Powder skiing requires small, subtle movements. However, many people react to the sight of powder by using strong, jerky, torquing movements. This can cause the ski bindings to pre-release.

If you are certain that your pre-release issues are not caused by technique problems, and you feel confident about setting your own bindings, here's how it's done.

First, you will need to consult a ski bindings DIN chart. Be sure that you know your exact height, weight and boot size. Your next step is to determine your skier type.

Learning how to set the DIN on ski bindings is relatively simple. Since it involves subjectivity, choosing your personal skier type may be problematic.

• Type I skiers are conservative, and ski at a slow pace.
• Type II skiers are a bit more confident, and ski at a moderate pace.
• Type III skiers are aggressive, and ski on advanced terrain at high speeds.

Choosing “skier type” is a task that gets some people into trouble. There's a catch phrase in the ski industry known as “DIN sin.” This implies that the skier exaggerates his or her skiing abilities in order obtain a higher DIN setting. While the desire to avoid pre-release is understandable, there are some unique problems associated with bindings that do not release. For example, in a twisting fall, a ski that fails to release is putting added pressure on the knee. As a result, a simple fall might result in a torn ligament.

Once you are certain that your DIN setting is honest and accurate, you are ready to make the actual adjustment. Locate the screw on the front of your ski bindings. Use a screwdriver to rotate the the screw to the appropriate DIN number. Next, you will need to test the bindings. Attach your boots into the bindings. The fit should be snug. If you have too much wiggle room, the bindings are too loose. Move your feet from left to right, as if you were performing edging movements. If the front bindings do not open, your bindings are too tight.

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