Rossignol Bindings
The bindings on Rossignol skis have some special characteristics that make them another reason to consider Rossignol for function and safety. Rossignol bindings are based on Look binding technology since they are part of the same group of ski companies. Look bindings are found on Dynastar skis. For example, under the Look banner a Rossignol FKS binding is called Pivot and Axial2 bindings are Look PX bindings. The original Look design was so successful that the concept has changed little in the last four decades. For a unique comparison from the collection of Bill Talbot, check out this snapshot of the Look binding development.
Rossignol says it has the widest AFD (anti-friction device) on the market. That, coupled with a wide screw pattern translates into a more stable attachment and better transfer of energy to ski edges — a factor in today’s wider skis.
Another subtle design plus is the fact that all bindings have a ramp angle (slope from heel to toe) of 1 degree or less. Freeski bindings have a ramp angle of only 0.5 degrees. Fore-aft balance is very sensitive to ramp angle, especially when the lower leg is fixed in a rigid ski boot. The lower the ramp angle the better in most cases. And bindings with large heel-toe differences cause even more ramp angle if the boot size is small because heel and toe pieces are closer together.
Decades of experience and development time has allowed Rossignol to fine tune the function of its bindings to the ultimate degree. Release modes and range of elastic travel (movement that absorbs shock without release) make the Rossignol bindings among the best in the world. Elastic travel is a key factor in preventing unwanted ski release. The Axial design in particular provides an exceptionally stiff coupling between boot and binding thanks to the torsion bar design. Despite the precise no-wobble grip, the binding boasts 180° release and a huge 25mm of elastic travel in the heel and 45mm in the dual action toe.
Toe pieces have 4 contact points on the boot for solid grip, widely placed screws and 40mm or 45mm of lateral travel depending on the model.
Heel designs are in 3 basic camps:
- Axium
- Axial2
- FKS
Axium is a lightweight binding that features easy step in and out and 12mm of elastic travel — about half that of FKS and Axial2.
Axial2 provides superior power transmission thanks to Titanium or composite arms supporting the heel housing. It also features wide attachment points for better power transmission on modern skis and an amazing 25mm of elastic travel — the most of any binding on the market.
Last year Rossignol announced the return of the FKS binding, an older design that is still unmatched in a number of key areas such as elastic travel and boot retention. In addition, FKS has a very short-coupled screw pattern, as much as 30% shorter than other bindings. That translates into better ski flexion, a key factor in modern ski performance. The key advantages of FKS as described by Rossignol are as follows:
7 Contact Points
Benefit: More control, better edge grip, quicker response, more feel. No other binding offers seven distinct points of contact between binding and boot — three at the toe and four at the heel. By holding the boot toe flashing, the boot toe, the heel flashing and heel sides, you get better coupling between ski and boot than any other binding.
Translation: More control, accuracy and feel.
Turntable heel/ Elastic travel/ Shock absorption
Benefit: The FKS binding has the longest elastic travel on the market (40/45mm lateral at toe, 25mm vertical at heel.) The heel piece rotates with the boot directly under the tibia, release torque values are much more consistent, reliable and manageable. One of the most effective preventers of pre-release, long elastic travel at the toe and heel ensures that your ski will stay on when you want it to, even after a quick jolt that would otherwise cause an unwanted pre-release.
Translation: Less pre-release and ability to set bindings at lower release values.
Short Mounting Zone
Benefit: Deeper, rounder, more consistent ski flexing, turning, floating and smearing. A shorter mounting zone where the binding is screwed to the ski under the boot, instead of in front of and behind it, allows today’s freeskiers to make short turns, spin tricks, and ride lines that demand the most flexibility out of the ski.
Translation: Butter turns, slope smears, quick turns in tight trees, all are easier.
Extra Wide AFD
Benefit: The widest AFD on the market at 72mm. More leverage and control over edges, especially on wide skis. Skis get wider every year, particularly freeskis. The widest platform and screw pattern offers the most leverage over the edges of even the widest skis.
Translation: Wider footprint equals more leverage equals more control.
|
