When people think about ski safety, helmets usually come to mind first. Bindings rarely do. Most skiers see them as the part that holds the boot to the ski and not much more. In reality, your bindings are one of the most important safety systems on your entire setup.

Bindings are designed to do two jobs that work against each other. They need to hold you in when you are skiing normally, and they need to release when a fall or twisting force could cause injury. Getting that balance right is not automatic, and it is not something you want to guess on.

What bindings are actually designed to do

A ski binding is meant to release your boot when forces reach a level that could damage your knees, legs, or ankles. Those forces are different for every skier.

• Weight and height
• Age
• Boot sole length
• Skiing style

If a binding is set too high, it may not release when it should. If it is set too low, it can release when you do not want it to, which can be just as dangerous, especially at speed or in variable snow.

Why they are called “Pivot” bindings. Look Pivot bindings get their name from the rotating turntable heel design. Instead of locking the boot in a fixed position, the heel allows the boot to rotate naturally during a fall. This helps the binding release more smoothly under twisting forces, rather than resisting rotation and transferring that force directly to the knee. By allowing controlled movement before release, the Pivot design can reduce sudden spikes in torque, which is one of the reasons these bindings have earned a strong reputation among skiers who value both retention and injury prevention.

Understanding release values

The release value, often called DIN, is not a measure of how good of a skier you are. It is simply a setting that determines how much force it takes for the binding to release.

A proper setting is calculated using standardized charts and then adjusted for your specific setup. Changing boots, gaining or losing weight, or switching to a different sole length can all affect how your bindings perform.

Release values are not “set it once and forget it.”

Why testing matters

Even when bindings are set correctly on paper, they still need to be tested. Bindings are mechanical devices.

• They wear over time
• They collect dirt and moisture
• They can be affected by impacts or improper adjustments

Binding testing confirms whether the binding releases within an acceptable range for your setting. A binding that looks fine on the ski can still be releasing too early, too late, or inconsistently.

Common misconceptions we hear in the shop

“They’ve always felt fine.”
Most skiers only discover a problem when something goes wrong.

“Higher DIN is safer.”
Cranking bindings tighter often increases injury risk. Proper setup and testing matter far more than high numbers.

The bottom line

Bindings are not just hardware. They are a critical piece of safety equipment that deserves the same attention as your boots, skis, and helmet.

If you have changed boots, are unsure about your settings, or have not had your bindings checked in a while, getting them looked at is one of the simplest ways to ski safer and with more confidence.