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Dynafit Binding – Base Plate Breakage

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Over the past few weeks I’ve gotten several reliable reports about the plastic base plates of Dynafit bindings breaking. Seems the slot that holds the Dynafit crampon is somewhat fragile, and the area under the Comfort model touring lock is as well (the lever you pull up to lock the bindings in tour mode). Dynafit told me that next year’s bindings will have stronger base plates.

Also reported to me: Life-Link is being very helpful with warranty replacements for Dynafit bindings. More, they’ve sold thousands of the things, and I’ve only heard of a handful breaking, so don’t panic when you see comments about this on web forums and such.

I’ve mounted quite a few pair of Dynafit Comforts, and from day-1 was suspicious of the plate strength under the touring latch, so I’ve always squirted a bit of silicon RTV under it while mounting, to fill the voids and ostensibly make it more resistant to cracking — that probably won’t be necessary with next year’s crop of bindings.

Failure of the Dynafit crampon slot is not catastrophic, and the binding will still function in downhill mode if the plate breaks under the touring latch — though you’ll have a long trip out with a fixed heel if the going gets flat. As always, for expedition use carry a complete spare binding — no matter what binding you use. Most people I know who use Dynafit carry NO spare parts and have had no problem with that — though any savvy skier should still carry repair items such as duct tape, screw driver for binding screws, and other favorite gewgaws.

Posted by Lou on February 9, 2005 | Filed Under Binding Reviews 

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Welcome to Louis (Lou) Dawson's backcountry skiing information and opinion website. Lou's passion for the past forty years has been alpinism, climbing, mountaineering and skiing -- along with all manner of outdoor recreation. He has authored numerous books and articles about backcountry skiing and is well known as the first person to ski down all 54 of Colorado's 14,000-foot peaks, otherwise known as the Fourteeners! Books and free back country information here, and tons of Randonnee rando telemark info.

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Backcountry skiing is a dangerous sport. You may be killed or severely injured if you do any form of randone, randonnee and randonnée skiing. The information on this website is intended only as general information. While the authors and editors of the information on this website make every effort to present useful information, due to human error the information, text and images contained within this website may be inaccurate, false, or out-of-date. By using, reading or viewing the information provided on this website, you agree to absolve the owners of Wild Snow as well as content contributors of any liability for injuries or losses incurred while using such information. Furthermore, you agree to use any of this website's information, maps, photos, or binding mounting instructions or templates at your own risk, and waive Wild Snow its owners and contributors of any liability for use of said items for backcountry skiing or any other use.