Mounting bindings that I plan to buy new boots for next year

[tb123]

I am about to mount a pair of Atomic FFG 14's. This is my first ski setup and my first time mounting. I have a pair of Solomon boots that are 327mm long (28.5 mondo). I'm new to skiing and I'm not really sure how boots should fit yet, but I have a feeling that I may end up purchasing new boots next year a size larger. What is the recommended way to mount bindings if I expect to possibly switch to a longer boot in the near future? Can I mount the heal and toe slightly spread apart and then adjust for the "slack" on the binding? I guess my question is, does anyone know how much adjustability these bindings have for switching to different boot sizes?

[Bronco]

Yes, the heel is adjustable. You sound like you may want some help getting them mounted up and adjusted correctly. If you're new to skiing the worst thing you can do is try to learn with ill fitting boots and mis-mounted/adjusted bindings. Either get thee to a shop or bribe someone you know who has some experience mounting skis.

[tb123]

The only ski shops are hundreds of miles from me so that is not an option, but mounting seems pretty straightforward. I have a machine shop so drilling will not be an issue. I'm just wondering how much adjustability the binding typically has. If you move up one boot size, will you typically be able to compensate with the bindings, or should I try to spread them out as much as possible when I mount? Thanks

[Bronco]

You're welcome! http://www.salomoncertification.com/...FIN_Rev_04.pdf

[Ggreenie]

Well this sounds like it can't miss...

[auvgeek]

Most beginners size their boots too large. Read the threads on here regarding typical boot sizing. With the liners removed and your foot in the boot, move your foot forward until your toes lightly brush the plastic at the front of your boot. Measure how much space there is between your heel and the back of the shell. There should be 10-15 mm behind your heel (if you have <5, you're probably right about needing larger boots). If you have more than 20, your boots are too big. Honestly, boots are the single most important piece of equipment, and I advise spending whatever money you can on buying properly-fitted boots from a reputable bootfitter. Even if that means you ski on some beater skis for the first few seasons. You should be SURE that your boots are too small before mounting your bindings at the small end of the adjustment range.

If you have a machine shop, mounting your own bindings should be a cake walk. Read the threads on here about mounting your own bindings. Unfortunately, I don't know the range of the FFG 14 off the top of my head.

[old goat]

Most beginners size their boots too large. Read the threads on here regarding typical boot sizing. With your toes lightly brushing the front of your boot, there should be 10-15 mm behind your heel (if you have <5, you're probably right about needing larger boots). Honestly, boots are the single most important piece of equipment, and I advise spending whatever money you can on buying properly-fitted boots from a reputable bootfitter. Even if that means you ski on some beater skis for the first few seasons. You should be SURE that your boots are too small before mounting your bindings at the small end of the adjustment range.

If you have a machine shop, mounting your own bindings should be a cake walk. Read the threads on here about mounting your own bindings. Unfortunately, I don't know the range of the FFG 14 off the top of my head.

Regarding checking the length of your boots--that's with the liner removed and the foot in the shell. Hint--remove the liner with the toe of the boot facing away, one hand hold the top of the shell cuff at the back, the other hand grabs the top of the liner cuff in back and pushes up and forward. To replace the liner toe of the shell faces you, put your hand in the liner with the palm facing the toe and insert the liner into the shell using your hand to guide the liner around the curve. Remove your hand before it gets stuck.

Make sure you know how to adjust the forward pressure, toe height, and wings, not just the DIN. In the shop manual Bronco posted it looks like the adjustment range is 28mm. It's all in the manual.

[XXX-er]

The newby is most likely to buy a boot that is too big but if you are not sure get some demo bindings cuz the toe can move
and they will accommodate almost any size boot

[auvgeek]

Regarding checking the length of your boots--that's with the liner removed and the foot in the shell.

Good point. I posted too quickly.

[tb123]

Just read the Solomon Shop Practices Manual. Great info in there.
I still have one question. In my case, I will be using a paper template (from bindingfreedom website, Solomon, all models, R6). If I line up the markings on the template for my boot length of 327mm, is that supposed to position the heal and toe in a way that the adjustable range is centered (meaning that there is equal allowable forward and backward adjustment once the heal and toe are mounted)?

[adrenalated]

It usually doesn't line up exactly centered in the adjustment range, but close enough.

As others have said, you won't be sizing up boots. Don't be a pussy.

[kalisto]

Realistically... you probably won't be getting bigger boots.

That said, do a bunch of test mounts on scrap wood, then go from there. You'll be able to move the binding back and forth a lot easier on the track to see how much absolute range you have. then dial it into a spot where you're happy with the +/-, then remount on said skis.

I've done this exact this before and it was a non-issue. That said, my shell size only changed by .5 mondo or something.

[skimaxpower]

Realistically... you probably won't be getting bigger boots.

Yup. It's virtually guaranteed that your boots are not too small.

If I line up the markings on the template for my boot length of 327mm, is that supposed to position the heal and toe in a way that the adjustable range is centered (meaning that there is equal allowable forward and backward adjustment once the heal and toe are mounted)?

NO. The heel of your bindings will move backward, the toe will stay where it's at. If your boot length changes, your relation to the boot center mounting line of the ski will change by 50% of the difference in boot sole length. Most skiers find this negligible. It's certainly not worth adding additional holes to your skis in order to compensate.

I am about to mount a pair of Atomic FFG 14's.

Generally speaking, this model of binding can accommodate boots one size smaller and one size larger than what it's mounted for. But that's not a guarantee. Depends on many factors.

[tb123]

Yup. It's virtually guaranteed that your boots are not too small.

You have virtually no idea of the dimensions of my feet so I'm not sure how you can guarantee that...

NO. The heel of your bindings will move backward, the toe will stay where it's at. If your boot length changes, your relation to the boot center mounting line of the ski will change by 50% of the difference in boot sole length. Most skiers find this negligible. It's certainly not worth adding additional holes to your skis in order to compensate.

I guess you didn't understood my question here, but I might not have been very clear. I was asking if the paper template is supposed to align the binding so that the adjustment (on the heel) is centered, giving you equal range of forward and backward movement. Adrenalated answered this.

I'm going to mount to a 2x4 tonight and that will give me an idea of the accuracy of the paper template. I can then adjust if needed. I'll try to post results for future reference.

Generally speaking, this model of binding can accommodate boots one size smaller and one size larger than what it's mounted for. But that's not a guarantee. Depends on many factors.

Cool, thanks, that's good to know.

[Todd Zander]

If you DO decide to up the size of the boot, consider conventional mount now and then convert them to inserts later, probably gain a couple mm.

[skimaxpower]

You have virtually no idea of the dimensions of my feet so I'm not sure how you can guarantee that...

I can't make that guarantee. But I have sold hundreds of pairs of ski boots to newbies who insisted that the huge boots felt too tight. The salesman can lead a horse to water, but can't make it drink.

[Stewy30]

tb,

Listen to all these guys here regarding the boots. Most of us have made the mistake having boots too big. Trust me, its a pain in the butt, especially if you've mounted bindings with the old boot size and it will hinder progress in skiing. You thinking you need to increase the size of your boot unless you are still growing rings alarm bells! Honestly, I'd be willing to bet that you'd probably need to downsize rather than upsize...

[tb123]

Ok, thanks for the advice.

I test mounted to a 2x4. For future reference of others mounting FFGs, I found that the paper template discussed previously is nearly dead on. Lining up the 327 marks (boot sole length) set the boot center 1 mm forward of the center line I drew on the 2x4. This puts my forward pressure adjustment near center when properly adjusted (it is just slightly back, which would probably give me room to adjust for a smaller boot length if needed in the future). Now time to drill the actual skis...

[DeepHelmet]

Tb123, what size shoe do you normally wear? There are a ton I variables, including skill level and the number of days you ski a year, foot shape, and boot shell shape, but shoe size can also be one of the factors. As an example, I wear a size 12 running shoe and I ski in a 28/28.5 mondo shell. I could ski in a 27/27.5 in certain brands, but it would take a lot of work. All I'm saying is, if you wear a 9-10 shoe, it's unlikely you need to go up. 11-11, you're probably in the right shell, and 13 or up you may need a bigger boot. The above mentioned shell sizing is a very good way of determining what shell you need.

[Ted Striker]

Further to what deephelmet said -

Place a metric ruler on the floor with the zero against a wall. Put your biggest foot on it with your heel touching the wall. If your foot is 285 mm or shorter, you don't need (or want to) go up to a 29 mondo boot.

[tb123]

Tb123, what size shoe do you normally wear? There are a ton I variables, including skill level and the number of days you ski a year, foot shape, and boot shell shape, but shoe size can also be one of the factors. As an example, I wear a size 12 running shoe and I ski in a 28/28.5 mondo shell. I could ski in a 27/27.5 in certain brands, but it would take a lot of work. All I'm saying is, if you wear a 9-10 shoe, it's unlikely you need to go up. 11-11, you're probably in the right shell, and 13 or up you may need a bigger boot. The above mentioned shell sizing is a very good way of determining what shell you need.

I wear a 12 running shoe. The boot probably is a good size for me from what you all are saying. Maybe I will find out it is too big. Either way, I'm going to ski with it this year (I'll only be going a couple days anyway), and I've decided to just mount the bindings using the paper template with the adjustment near center.

I'm now at a point where I will admit that I need a certified technician's help, or at least someone who knows what they are doing. Due to my current location (MS), this is just not an option.
I am worried that the bindings that I purchased (used) are worn out as there seems to be some play in the heel track (although they visually look only lightly used). I am under the impression that the boot should be extremely solid in the binding with literally no play. If I clamp down the 2x4 that the bindings are screwed into, I can wiggle the boot around slightly (of course, this is after correctly setting the forward pressure). The vice grips holding the board are extremely solid so any movement at all in the binding is shown. When it's not in the vice, this "play" is not noticeable at all and they feel pretty solid, so maybe this is normal? I really have nothing to compare it to as this is my first ski setup. I'll try to post a video of the "wiggle" and maybe you all can tell me what you think.

[tb123]

Oh, I cant post a video because I'm a minion. haha

[tb123]

oh good, now I graduated to a registered user.

[TexasGortex]

Those bindings have some "elasticity"... Give before a release basically. That could be what you are feeling. What is the din set at?

Also, make sure you adjust the toe wings and toe height.

[tb123]

Those bindings have some "elasticity"... Give before a release basically. That could be what you are feeling.

Also, make sure you adjust the toe wings and toe height.

All toe adjustments are automatic with these bindings. What worries me is how the heel can lift slightly to one side but maybe the rubber sole is just compressing?

Can you all view the video?