Boots with GripWalk: still OK for pin bindings if tech inserts present?

Dani-B

Dani-B

Member
I got lost in the sauce trying to understand current boot-binding compatibilities, so I want to double-check that I'm good with this setup change before I test it.

In short: would a boot with GripWalk soles but also tech toe and heel inserts still be compatible with my bindings, Dynafit Radical ST (pin/tech) bindings? Is my understanding correct that any boot with pin/tech inserts will be fine with pin/tech bindings no matter what sole technology is on them?

The boot upgrade with the GripWalk soles is in the foreground (Atomic), and the older touring/hybrid ISO 9523 boots are in the background (Salomon).

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Compatibility with alpine standards has to do with the AFD (Anti Friction Device. piece under the ball of your foot) and the toe height (movement of front tower up and down) They are incompatible if the boot does not clip into the alpine binding, or more commonly, does not release correctly due to incorrect interaction with the AFD, impinging the wheels or however your binding is meant to Yeet you. You will notice grip walk bindings often have a sliding piece on the AFD. And gripwalk boot soles always have a smooth rectangle in the middle of the sole. This is why. It’s so the boot can slip and slide out when the binding releases.

Pin bindings including yours don’t release this way and usually don’t have AFDs. The sole doesn’t matter because the boot doesn’t “slide” out like an alpine binding. There’s no incompatibility. Tech fittings are what keep you in, and they’re universal.

TLDR i nerd sorry but now hopefully you never need to wonder again
 
How are you finding the performance of the Dynafit binding? I’m using Kingpins at the minute to save a little alpine binding performance but considering switching to a full tech binding
 
14589567:Powstagram said:
How are you finding the performance of the Dynafit binding? I’m using Kingpins at the minute to save a little alpine binding performance but considering switching to a full tech binding
Click to expand...

These Dyanfits are the only touring binding I've ever known, so my experience is limited. I am in a unique situation where I have just two sets of skis to try to do it all: 78s for Ontario/groomers, and all-mountain 102s with these Dynafits for BC trips and any touring I get to do. So I actually ride the Dynafits inbounds a decent amount simply because I'm quiver limited.

No complaints on the uphill performance. For the down there's definitely more play in the heel compared to a normal binding. You also sit higher on the ski compared to a resort binding, but that's probably similar to Kingpins. I find there is a noticeable lag in responsiveness from these aspects especially when caving, but you learn to anticipate it. I should mention that I'm not an aggressive skiier either, more of a smooth/cautious cruiser, so I probably don't test their limits like someone doing side hits and such. Mine have released predictably in crashes.

But if I had to do it all again, I'd actually sacrifice the uphill experience for more stability and have have something like a Marker binding TBH.
 
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