DIN calculator – Find the right ski binding setting
Have you never set up your bindings yourself before? Or was it so long ago that you last did it that you’ve forgotten how to do it? Just relax. This guide will teach you how to set up your bindings in three steps: DIN value, forward pressure, and toe plate.
1. DIN Value
Are you familiar with the Deutsches Institute für Normung, or DIN for short? For those who aren’t, DIN is a scale that describes the amount of force required for a binding to release. The higher the number, the more force is needed for the binding to release.
A common misconception about the DIN value is that it should be set based on your weight as a skier, and the numbers on the scale correspond to your weight. So if, for example, you weigh 80 kilograms, the DIN value should be set at 8. Unfortunately, it’s not that simple. There are other factors at play that make it a bit more complicated. Your boot sole length, your strength, and most importantly, your skiing style are three parameters that also influence the appropriate value on the DIN scale. If you have a more aggressive skiing style, you’ll need a higher value to prevent your skis from coming off unintentionally.
Hold your horses! Put down the screwdriver and release the ski. The DIN value has nothing to do with your value as a skier. Keep in mind that setting a DIN value that is too high can result in your bindings not releasing when they should, which can lead to serious injuries. That’s why it’s safest to experiment and find the right number for you. Start low and work your way up until you find the appropriate value. If you’re unsure about the DIN value you should have, the easiest option is to ask a ski shop or rental for assistance. You can also use the table below for help. Just fill in your ability level, weight, height, age, and boot sole length, and the calculator will provide you with an approximate DIN value. And for those unsure about which ability level to choose, there will be a clarification first.
What level do you belong to?
Estimating your own skiing level and distinguishing between “intermediate” and “advanced” can be a bit tricky. It’s easy to either underestimate or overestimate your skiing abilities. For those who are undecided between two levels, here’s a little explanation of each level:
- New skier (1-): I am a beginner who only skis on easy slopes (recommended for beginners over 25 years old).
- Beginner (1): I prefer skiing cautiously at lower speeds. My skiing level is average, but I’m not in great physical shape. Safety is the most important thing to me, so I prefer a lower release setting on the bindings than the average skier.
- Intermediate (2): I am a good recreational skier in good physical shape. I enjoy skiing at an average pace on varied terrain, including more challenging slopes.
- Advanced (3): I like skiing fast and aggressively on steep slopes. I prefer a higher release setting on the bindings than the average skier (not recommended for skiers weighing less than 22 kg).
- Expert (3+): I am a very strong skier who skis aggressively and at high speeds. I ski on all slopes, especially challenging terrain. I prefer an even higher release setting on the bindings than a typical level 3 skier.
2. Forward Pressure
Make sure you don’t have a loose screw. If your bindings frequently release even though you’ve adjusted the DIN scale to the maximum, the issue is likely the forward pressure. Simply put, forward pressure refers to how tight or loose the boot sits in the binding. If the forward pressure is incorrectly set, the binding can release too easily or not at all. You can adjust the forward pressure using either a screw or a plate on the rear part of the binding. If you have a screw, it should lie flush against the surrounding plastic when the boot is in place. If you have a plate, it is usually partially concealed when it is in the correct position.
In most bindings, there is some form of marking or indicator on the heel piece that shows if the forward pressure is correct. However, these markings vary for different models and brands. And to make it not too easy, they are often difficult to find if you don’t know what to look for. So if your user manual has grown legs, we once again recommend seeking assistance from a shop or rental to get the correct adjustment.
3. Toe Plate
On most binding models, the front part of the boot should rest lightly against the plate underneath, but it’s not entirely straightforward to achieve on your own. Many bindings come with a small slip of paper that you can use to adjust the plate. Place the slip of paper between the plate and the boot, and when the distances between them allow you to just barely pull out the slip of paper with a gentle touch, then the adjustment is correct. You can also use a business card, lift ticket, or something similar to make this adjustment, but of course, the included accessory is preferred.
So, finally, adjust the DIN value, forward pressure, and toe plate periodically because bindings have a tendency to readjust themselves.
