Dynafit Bindings are fustrating.

Here's a pic of a couple of home made accesories I carry snapped to my belly pack that I've found quite convenient. Just a bit more refined I hope than the rusty nail carried in a pocket.  

Ladies and Gentlemen of the jury, based upon Larry_R testimony I rest my case. If you need to carry a tool, Dynafits do not rule, the toe piece does not fit and therefore you must acquit.( To paraphase Johnny Cochran)

Larry_R. The dyanafit prison chiv tool picture is a classic man! Absolute classic!
Super stuff , keep it coming man!

Hmph... Well I won't apologize for not liking Dynafit bindings. Not only are they finicky, but the fact that you have to bend over and carefully hold the ski while attaching the toe piece reminds me of my 3-pin days. And I don't know how many times I was more than uncomfortable with that maneuver while on steep terrain or some precarious position in a chute. So now I just shake my head while my buddies do the hairy scary to mount up while I just step in and go...seems like I'm always waiting for those too pound smart usability foolish Dynafit'ers!

If you need to carry a tool, Dynafits do not rule. The toe piece does not fit, and therefore you must acquit.

Great closing argument, counselor!   

It dawned on me that Dynafits have taken the place of the much loved and maligned Ramer binding. (R.I.P. Paul Ramer.) The Ramers were trailblazers, but they were finicky too. Perhaps we backcountry skiers have a repressed need for such gear.



As evidence, here's a picture of one of my first alpine touring bindings, a pair of Ramer Model R's bought in 1979. In a fit of nostalgia, I mounted them (appropriately) on two-by-fours for my attic museum. Beneath the binding are accessories that came with it, from left to right:

+ Grease for the ball-and-socket hinge
+ Bolt wrench
+ Heel piece shims (helpfully labeled "SHIM" - thanks Paul!)
+ Heel lift extender

Larry's excellent tools brought the old Ramers to mind and I couldn't resist hauling them out.

Prison shivs can be fashioned from virtually anything: TV antennas, bed springs, or my personal favorite, a sharpened toothbrush handle! Don't even think about booting up a skin track near me (or Larry for that matter).

I carry this to clean out the snow that can get packed under the heel piece of my Freerides preventing them from locking into ski mode.



I made it myself.