Backcountry Ski know how

[DLHiker]

Can anyone lead me to a source that gives direction for mounting backcountry ski bindings? I had some good info on this, but I can't find it.

Also, does anyone know of a good Backcountry ski shop in the Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY area?

[Rick]

DL Here is the info from Karhu's website. The last time I mounted my own bindings was '99 I changed up myTellies from NNN-BCs to a rottefella 75mm cable binding and put the old NNN-BC's on a new set of skis. You didn't mention if you have NNN-BC, SNS or 75 mm 3-pins. I have a complete guide stored on my other computer, I will see if I can find it and e-mail it to you.
Rick

Binding Mounting

Where to mount the Binding.
Where you mount a binding on a ski depends on the camber of the ski. The type of camber will determine the procedure to follow.

Double Camber: Double camber skis use the balance point method to mount bindings. Take a single ski and balance it on a straight edge, or something that will accurately balance the ski and mark that spot. Do the same for the other ski. There may be a slight difference between each ski, if there is, simply take the average of the two markings. Draw a straight line across each ski and this will be your reference point when using a jig.

Single Camber: Recent changes in ski design have rendered the basic center cord measurements used to find the pin location obsolete. Long tails, high tails, and blunt tips all have skewed finding the correct mounting point via cord center in the traditional way. Karhu has placed a mark on all their skis for the optimal binding location. This is a gold arrow and corresponds to the "pin line" locator found on binding templates and jigs. Karhu has tested these marks, based on the initial "engineered" binding location and feedback from on-snow testers to confirm or modify from there. You are, of course, free to change your binding location, but we have found this to be the optimal all-around location for most skiers.

Mounting Jigs
The best technique for mounting is to use the mounting jigs supplied by the binding companies. There are many types of jigs to use depending on what type of binding you are mounting.
1. NNN System Jig is used for mounting NNN Touring and NNN BC bindings
2. SNS System jig is used for mounting SNS Touring and SNS BC bindings
3. Telemark bindings typically come with a paper jig, otherwise go to a local shop to find an appropriate jig for mounting your binding.

Mounting Procedure
1. Mark skis-use appropriate method (balance point or chord length).
2. Align the mark on jig with your mark on the ski.
3. Position the heel plate-using the guidelines on the jig-position is determined by the size of the boot.
4. Drill using a 3.5 or 4.1 x 9 drill bit. Drill the holes that follow the position marked on the jig and then knock the shavings out of drilled holes.
5. Tapping creates threads in the metal and is only necessary for metal cap or metal top sheet skis.
6. Put glue in the holes. Waterproof glue or barge cement is the best. In addition to the bonding, the glue creates a seal so water cannot get in the screw holes. Be liberal with the glue, too much will not hurt.
7. Place binding and screw into place. Screws should be snug but don't over tighten and have the screws spin in the holes.
8. Insert screw covers, flexors and the like as included with binding.
9. Leave skis face down so glue will not settle in bottom of holes and let dry overnight.

A FEW DETAILS AND COMMON QUESTIONS:
* All binding screws require a posidrive screwdriver.
* System bindings do not have a left and a right. 75mm bindings have arrows that point to the outside so you can identify the right and the left binding.
* To remount a binding or to repair a hole, use plastic wood or plastic inserts to fill in the holes. If these are not available then you can use bits of Scotchbrite pad mixed with glue. Heli-coils can be used for really large holes that are too big for the screws.
* Epoxy glue can be used; however, it is very difficult to take the binding off the ski should you ever want to. It can be taken off by heating the glue first. Epoxy glue will not eat/damage a foam core ski.
* There is no difference in terms of mounting and durability between a foam core and a wood core ski. A foam core has a wire screen which serves as a binding plate in the ski; a wood core has a plastic sheet for the same purpose.
* To prevent snow build up on bindings, a silicone spray or a de-icer will work.
* Moving the mounting point forward makes for an easier turning ski. Some people feel that mounting on balance point puts the binding too far back on the ski. For this reason move the mounting point slightly forward (2-3cm).

[DLHiker]

Thanks, this is really helpful!

[Jake]

BC Ski Shop

DL's instructions are spot on.

A good BC ski shop in the Albany area is Adirondack Paddle 'n Pole on Central Ave in Colonie, near Lisha Kill Rd.

Rich Macha the owner is very knowledgeable, skis lots of bc in the 'dacks. Carries a nice variety of BC gear.

[DLHiker]

"spot on?"

Jake wrote: "DL's instructions are spot on."

interpret please...!

Thanks for the tip on Paddle and Pole

[DLHiker]

"spot on?"

Jake wrote: "DL's instructions are spot on."

interpret please...!

Thanks for the tip on Paddle and Pole

[Jake]

Definition

Sorry for the "jargon" use.

Spot on means very accurate.

I stopped by Adirondack Paddle 'n Pole the other day, Rich was getting his BC gear out and ready for the season.

The website for the shop is:

http://pages.prodigy.net/apnp/

[Rick]

DL, sorry it took so long. I had to look for it but couldn't find it on my hard drves - However, I found a link that I used in the past which should assist you in mounting your Bindings.
Dave's Mounting Page