What is Ski Binding DIN?
Ski binding DIN (Deutsches Institut für Normung, or German Institute for Standardization) settings were developed to help skiers determine the appropriate amount of force needed to release their bindings in the event of a fall. It has become the industry-adopted scale of release force worldwide. Bindings have been designed to release in order to prevent skiers from being injured, and the DIN setting determines the amount of force that is needed to release the bindings.
DIN settings are typically found on alpine ski bindings. Cross-country ski bindings and telemark ski bindings typically do not have these settings, as they are designed for different types of skiing and have different release mechanisms. Cross-country ski bindings are typically designed to release more easily in order to allow for a more natural range of motion, while telemark ski bindings are designed to allow the skier to pivot their heel and ankle more freely.
The DIN setting is based on a variety of factors, including the skier’s weight, height, ski boot sole length, and ability level. These factors are used to determine the appropriate DIN setting for each skier, as different skiers will have different release needs based on their individual characteristics.
DIN settings are important because they help ensure that ski bindings release at the appropriate time and prevent skiers from being injured in the event of a fall.
It’s important to set the DIN settings correctly and test them before hitting the slopes to ensure that they are working properly. If you’re unsure about how to set the DIN settings or have any doubts, it’s always best to consult with a certified ski technician or ski shop. REI has a ton of stores across the United States and they run a great Ski/Snowboard/Boke shop.
How to Set DIN on Ski Binding?
While it is strongly recommended to have your ski binding DIN settings adjusted by a certified professional, understanding the general process can be informative. Please note that attempting to adjust your bindings yourself without proper knowledge and experience carries significant risks and could lead to injury.
- Check the DIN range of your bindings and make sure that the DIN setting you choose is within that range. The DIN range is usually printed on the bindings or on the manufacturer’s website.
- Determine your appropriate DIN setting based on your weight, height, ski boot sole length, and ability level. There are various DIN setting charts and calculators available online that can help you determine the right setting for you.
- Locate the DIN adjustment screw or lever on your bindings. This is usually found under the toe piece of the bindings.
- Use a binding adjustment tool, such as a screwdriver or a DIN key, to turn the DIN adjustment screw or lever to the desired setting. Make sure the bindings are tightened securely, but not overly tight.
- Test the bindings by pressing down on the heel and toe pieces to make sure they release properly when you need them to. If the bindings don’t release when they should, adjust the DIN setting accordingly.
What DIN Setting Should I Use?
DIN Setting Calculator
| Skier Weight | 25-65 lbs | 30-100 lbs | 50-165 lbs | 65-200 lbs | 65-240 lbs | 65-250 lbs | 130-285lbs | 130-200lbs+ | 150-200lbs+ |
| Ability Level | Beginner – Intermediate | Beginner – Intermediate | Beginner – Intermediate | Beginner – Intermediate | Beginner – Advanced | Intermediate – Expert | Intermediate – Expert | Intermediate – Expert | Expert – Pro |
| Description | Lightweight children | Junior skiers | Heavier beginning or beginning to advanced junior skiers | Intermediate junior skiers or lightweight beginning adult skiers. | Beginning skiers or lightweight intermediate to advanced adult skiers | Intermediate skiers who are heavier or lighter weight expert adult skiers. | Heavier or more aggressive intermediate to expert adult skiers | Heavier skiers, very aggressive advanced and expert adult skiers. | Aggressive expert big mountain skiers and racers. |
| DIN Value | .5 to 2.5 | .75 to 4.5 | 2 to 7 | 3 to 10 | 3 to 11 | 3 to 12 | 6 to 14 | 6 to 16 | 8 to 18 |
Disclaimer: This is a simplified example and does not include all the factors necessary for accurately determining your DIN setting. Always consult a certified ski technician for proper binding adjustment.
Risks of Incorrect DIN Settings
Skiing with incorrect DIN settings can have serious consequences, impacting both your performance and your safety on the slopes.
If your DIN setting is too low, your bindings may release prematurely during normal skiing activities . This can happen when you encounter unexpected bumps, make sharp turns, or even just while traversing across the slope. An unwanted release can lead to a sudden loss of balance and a fall in unpredictable situations, potentially resulting in minor to severe injuries. This is especially dangerous on steeper terrain or at higher speeds where a sudden ejection from your skis can be difficult to recover from.
Conversely, if your DIN setting is too high, your bindings may fail to release when you experience a fall. In a crash, the forces acting on your skis and legs can be immense. If the bindings don’t release, these forces are transmitted directly to your body, significantly increasing the risk of serious injuries.
Common injuries associated with bindings that don’t release include fractures of the tibia and fibula (the long bones in your lower leg) and ligament tears in the knee, such as ACL injuries . Research indicates that a failure of binding release is a significant factor in many skiing-related knee injuries, particularly among female recreational skiers. Even a seemingly small deviation from your ideal DIN setting can have a notable impact on the release characteristics of your bindings.
When Might Your DIN Need a Tweak?
Your DIN setting is not necessarily a “set it and forget it” adjustment . Several circumstances might warrant having your bindings re-evaluated and potentially adjusted by a certified ski technician. These can include:
- Significant Changes in Weight: If you’ve gained or lost a noticeable amount of weight, the forces you exert on your bindings will have changed, and your DIN setting may need to be adjusted accordingly.
- Changes in Skiing Ability: As you become a more skilled or more aggressive skier, the forces you generate while skiing will increase. This might necessitate a higher DIN setting to prevent unwanted releases . Conversely, if you become more cautious or are recovering from an injury, a slight decrease might be appropriate.
- New Ski Boots: If you purchase new ski boots, the boot sole length might be different from your old boots. Even a small difference in boot sole length can affect how your boots interact with the bindings, requiring an adjustment to the binding itself, including the DIN setting.
- Frequent Unwanted Releases: If you find that your bindings are releasing too easily during normal skiing, it could indicate that your DIN setting is too low. However, it’s also important to rule out other potential issues with your technique or equipment by consulting a professional.
- Suspected Non-Releases During Falls: If you’ve fallen and your skis didn’t release when you expected them to, this could be a sign that your DIN setting is too high. This should be discussed with a ski technician to determine if an adjustment is needed.
What does din setting mean?
DIN stands for Deutsches Institut für Normung (German Institute for Standardization).
It’s the industry-adopted scale that determines the force required for your ski bindings to release your boots. Essentially, it controls how easily your boots will come out of the bindings in case of a fall.
Now that you know what a ski binding DIN setting is, take a look at the Different Type of Skis: Explained
