Differences between kids' & adults' bindings?

[The Dad]

Are there any differences other than DIN?

I picked up a pair of K2 Apache Juniors for my daughter yesterday (REI members' used gear sale, drilled once, never skied, $45). I can find plenty of low-DIN adult binders cheap, but finding a deal on a kids' binding seems much more difficult, especially if you want a max DIN higher than 4.5.

TIA.

[truth]

You're probably better off with the adult binder, that way as she out grows the skis you can just swap the binders onto new pairs without fear of her outgrowing the uber low DIN. Of course, that really depends on how large (or small) your daughter is right now.

[DJSapp]

I would imagine weight would be a major difference between adult and jr. bindings, but if your kid can swing the extra lbs. around, no sense in the jr.

[Lloyd Braun]

I consulted "Highweigh Star" on this:

he says start her off on RACESTOCK only!

[The Dad]

Thanks for the answers (especially Lloyd's wisdom), and apologies for not being clearer.

I guess what I was really asking was whether there is anything structural about adult bindings that might make them incompatible with kids boots. E.g., maybe the doohickeys that stick out of the front and rear of the boot are different sizes.

If it makes a difference, we're not likely to remount the bindings later, since she has two younger brothers.

[Lloyd Braun]

Thanks for the answers (especially Lloyd's wisdom), and apologies for not being clearer.

I guess what I was really asking was whether there is anything structural about adult bindings that might make them incompatible with kids boots. E.g., maybe the doohickeys that stick out of the front and rear of the boot are different sizes.

If it makes a difference, we're not likely to remount the bindings later, since she has two younger brothers.

Alpinedad,

Sorry to jump in with the humor, but I felt the need.

give up some more info. age and weight.

[The Dad]

No apology necessary, Lloyd -- I laughed when I saw it, as I did at every "race stock binding" listing I've seen on eBay the past day.

She's 8 years old, high 60-pound range, about 4' 7". Starting in on double-blacks. Her skis are up in Tahoe and I'm not, but I figure that she's probably about a DIN 3 or 3.5 right now.

But again, I was really asking whether there are physical differences in adult and kids bindings that aren't reflected in DIN settings -- things that might make them incompatible even if the DIN works.

[Darkside]

Kids boots will work in adult binders, but not the other way around.

This belongs in Tech Talk, JONG.

[bdog]

Kids boots will work in adult binders, but not the other way around.

This belongs in Tech Talk, JONG.

This statement is FAR from accurate!!! Most manufacturers have some bindings that are compatible with both adult and junior boot sole profiles. You need to consult the manufacturers shop practices / technical manual to determine compatibility ... or ... ask your local reliable ski shop tech. Again, junior boots DO NOT WORK in all adult bindings!

and yes, this should be in tech talk but no doubt it will get more traffic here

[Lloyd Braun]

No apology necessary, Lloyd -- I laughed when I saw it, as I did at every "race stock binding" listing I've seen on eBay the past day.

She's 8 years old, high 60-pound range, about 4' 7". Starting in on double-blacks. Her skis are up in Tahoe and I'm not, but I figure that she's probably about a DIN 3 or 3.5 right now.

But again, I was really asking whether there are physical differences in adult and kids bindings that aren't reflected in DIN settings -- things that might make them incompatible even if the DIN works.

I would go with an adult rental set up. Make sure the low DIN can handle her current weight and then you will have years of adjustments as she grows. just my two cents

[The Dad]

Sorry, Darkside, you're right.

Thanks, bdog, that makes sense.

[gravitylover]

Ok, 60 pounds and tall enough but what's her boot size? Jr. boots have different sole dimensions. Most companies boots size 4 and over are adult DIN soles. That said, most binding companies have at least one model that goes down to 2.5, go with one of those and don't look back.

[marmot mb]

140 LB, 5' 10" using 307 mm Lange Pinnafarinna boots with Look P10 Jr's on one set of skis and P10 Adult on the other.

I notice no differance, my Jr. bindings are on Legend 8800's and have had no faulty release. my P10 adults are on rossi 70 mm waist again same performance from my perspective. I use a 6 DIN on both, which is right in the middle of the scale.

If I can use Jr. bindings I am sure your 8 year old is fine in them as well.

Why Jr's? I like the pretty colour and I am a cheap ass.

Big dins are great for people who don't like their knees or whose egos can't handle less. Time and a place for them, but not in average skiing conditions.

[Tippster]

Big dins are great for people who don't like their knees or whose egos can't handle less. Time and a place for them, but not in average skiing conditions.

Depends on your average skiing conditions, but thanks for playing, JONG.

[The Dad]

I've got follow-ups, but I'll move them to tech talk.

Thanks, all.