Comments on: WildSnow.com Goes Euro — More Barthel’s Workshop

By: ullin

ullin — Fri, 09 Feb 2007 16:40:36 +0000

Thanks for the report, Lou! Even here in Austria few people know about the history of the Low Tec binding and its inventors, so it’s great to have some insight.

PS: In case you should need photos and information about weird old AT-bindings for your virtual museum please let me know. I’ve got some pairs of Tyrolias (80’s, the big, heavy red ones), Markers (80’s, still in use) and a pair of Vinersas (probably 70’s, made from solid steel) …

By: Lou

Lou — Sat, 13 Jan 2007 20:00:56 +0000

Andrew, the first patent expired last year, but a series of new patents have been filed over past years that cover various changes, so it would be difficult to just make a third party commercial Dynafit binding that copied present bindings. For example, according to Fritz you could make the toe fittings for the boot, but the heel fitting is still covered by some patents.

By: Greg Louie

Greg Louie — Sat, 13 Jan 2007 19:42:52 +0000

Thanks for the glimpse behind barn doors, Lou! Someday I hope to make the pilgrimage to Dynafit Mecca myself.

By: Andrew McLean

Andrew McLean — Sat, 13 Jan 2007 16:13:19 +0000

Very cool Lou! Any insights on the Dynafit patent? I’ve heard it is expiring soon and wonder what will happen.

By: Lou

Lou — Sat, 13 Jan 2007 15:26:02 +0000

Matus, the other bindings do have some interesting history, but nothing I’ve heard is so populist as the Dynafit origins. Also, the unique thing about what Dynafit made possible for me with the Barthels is that it’s so authentic — no sales hype here at the old farmhouse. Would be difficult to find this level of honesty and personality elsewhere, though I’d be happy to try.