Dynafit beefs up Comfort bindings

Despite a reputation for reliability, the lightweight Dynafit bindings and especially the Comfort model have some weak points, in particular the ski crampon (couteaux) mounting plate. At PisteHors we have both experienced and seen many failures in this area.

Cold Comfort

We have also seen breakages of the rear “volcano” heel riser and the plastic toe lock. However these have more to do with user error. In the case of the volcano, forcing the heel from ski to touring mode and for the toe lock, applying too much leverage when there is ice under the tensioning springs.

Next year’s Comfort with metal reinforcement

We spoke to Dynafit about the problem with the ski crampon plate and why this seems to particularly affect the Comfort rather than the TLT. They said that the plastic parts were liable to fail if subject to excessive forces but could not explain why there are less problems with the TLT plate. Maybe TLT users are more experienced? However they showed us the solution for 2006-07, all the four “Comfort” bindings will have this part reinforced with metal. Hopefully this will solve this annoying problem. We don’t know if a retrofit will be available but the plates look similar as you can see.

Further information:
Dynafit Bindings

Posted by davidof on Monday, 13 February, 2006 at 08:46 PM

The new plate will be available to existing customers who have suffered a breakage. Spares are expected in the shops later in February. Good news.

Posted by davidof on Friday, 17 February, 2006 at 10:46 AM

FINALLY!!!! In the meantime I had an aluminium crampon “holder” custom made by local craftsman. I works very good. However, I need to tune it as I broke 2 crampons while using it. I may post a picture if anyone is interested.

Posted by on Friday, 17 February, 2006 at 11:39 PM

Please do post a picture. Another solution are the Skalp ski crampons which you can buy from Telemark Pyrenees:

http://www.telemark-pyrenees.com/shop/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=129&products_id=623

The disadvantage is that they don’t lift when you move forward so present more drag. Of course this means they grip pretty well too and they work even when you are on the heel risers. The largest width is 72mm which won’t suit fat skis although the boss of Skalp says you can bend them “a bit”.

Posted by davidof on Saturday, 18 February, 2006 at 05:02 PM

My local store tells me that the beefed up crampon plate will only be available for the “Vertical” range of TLT bindings this year. The Comfort has a new flexible plastic plate but not the metal inserts.

Posted by davidof on Friday, 10 November, 2006 at 10:44 AM