Ski bindings must match the type of boot, such as alpine, snowboard, backcountry, telemark, or Kandahar. Kandahar bindings are cable, while NNN telemark bindings come in cable or three-pin styles. NNN-BC bindings are not interchangeable with NNN bindings and are compatible with various boots. Ski touring bindings lift the heel while climbing and lock in both heel and toe when skiing. Snowboard bindings come in different sizes and shapes.
Ski bindings are devices that fix the boot to the ski. The bindings must always be compatible with the type of boot. Different types include alpine, snowboard, backcountry, telemark and Kandahar.
Kandahar ski bindings are cable bindings. They secure the forward foot in the binding via a cord. Wire connections are not interchangeable with three-pin connection systems.
New Nordic Norm (NNN) telemark bindings are available in both cable and three pin bindings. The three prong style has three prongs out of the base with a metal clamp to secure the boot. The pins must be securely inserted into the holes in the toe of the boot. Cable bindings can be more expensive than three-pin types, but are less likely to damage ski boots than pin types.
New Nordic Norm Backcountry (NNN-BC) ski bindings are not interchangeable with NNN bindings. The NNN and NNN-BC bindings are compatible with various ski boots. Some skiers consider the NNN-BC type to be more comfortable than the NNN systems due to the placement of the fastening hardware under the toe area rather than in front of the toe of the ski boot.
NNN-BC ski bindings are used with some telemark boots to give a lighter weight ski system. The material of the ski boot can make all the difference to the bindings. Some skiers recommend plastic boots to control turns, while other skiers say some plastic ski boots are heavy and less comfortable than leather or NNN-BC boots. Telemarking on steep terrain often requires a stiffer ski boot, while cross-country skiing may require a lighter ski boot.
Ski touring bindings are designed to fit the heel in a unique way: when climbing, the heel is free. This type of binding lifts the heel to keep it free while the toe area stays level when climbing. When skiing, both the heel and toe are locked in as in downhill alpine ski bindings. Mountaineering boots, equipped with a plastic shell, rigid sole and removable inner lining, are used only with mountaineering bindings. Most of these bindings are pressure sensitive and designed to disengage when the weight of a falling skier contacts them.
Snowboard bindings usually come in small, medium and large sizes. Different types have differently shaped heel supports and base plates. Most snowboarders buy their snowboard first, then find the right bindings.
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