Advise needed on binding mount

Dear all, I'm getting ready to mount my Dynafits on a pair of 07-08 new in the plastic Atomic Janaks 173 cm. I'm 5'9" 165# and mostly smooth on my skis (35 yrs on skis). Thinking about mounting binding 1 or 2 cm forward of boot center mark on skis. What say you?? I'm mostly wanting the skis to initiate turns more quickly, I like to ski soft snow in the trees. Is this stupid? smart? make my skis quicker? Help.

greg

Not that I really have any cred as a binding expert, but my impression is that farther (further?) forward will not make the ski initiate turns more easily. additionally, while I do a ton of my own binding mounting, I would not mount my own Dynafits because of the fact that you've got to be dead accurate or you're drilling at least twice.

Like I said, my two cents and worth maybe one.

I've mounted all my skis for almost forever- a shop messed up once and never looked back. The Dynafits used to have a paper jig- I didn't find it in the last pair?

The skis aren't a rocket ship to Mars- just take care- measure twice, drill three times. I have used 2x4 wood to practice mounting and suggested it to friends.

Take a pencil or marker, mark everything check it out. Drill with a very small drill with tape to not go too far, then go bigger and deeper, then finally with the correct drill. You can buy drills made specifically for mounting skis.

I also have a pretty good shop area, correct tools and knowledge on how to use them. I do all ski maintenance, some auto and a general handyman. I've rebuilt motorcycles completely- so willing to tinker some. If this sounds like you take the time to learn the proper tools.

As far as mounting bind fore aft- my thought are that doing slightly back (millimeters) improves skiing, slightly forward improves climbing- it keeps tip up for skiing or tip up for climbing. Slightly back usually helps the carving (soft snow); but your tip drops for skinning- mostly for a 90 degree direction change (kick turns?). Or just use the Ski Manufacturer Recommendations.

I'm not sure of your skis; but from what I have seen most touring skis and bindings start with mounting the toe. I haven't balanced the skis for many years.

BUT WHEN IN DOUBT GO TO A QUALIFIED SKI MECH- they have the training and equipment. I know a few of them and respect their work- look in their shop- see the jigs hanging. Any good BC Ski shop should be able to do a good job- several years ago it was a bit different.

I enjoy fiddling with equipment and mounting skis is sort of a spiritual thing. I also modified some AT boots to remove over 500 grams and still skiable. If you have time and energy go for it; but like most do it your self'ers I have drilled through the ski, mounted in the wrong spot and made several dumb errors. Take your time, if your in a hurry drop them off at your favorite shop.

Lou Dawson has all thing Dynafit at his website, Wildsnow.com. You might find your answer there. He has detailed mounting instructions as well, including a downloadable template.

www.wildsnow.com/articles/dynafit_mount_...it_mount_2001_1.html

I've always had good results from mounting right on the boot center mark with Atomic, including 173 Teledaddys (same profile as Janak). Going forward a bit might make the ski initiate a little more quickly, but also float less well; I would hesitate to do it.

I did find the 173 T-Daddy a little sluggish in tight turns, my solution was to go a little faster and look further ahead.

As far as Dynafit self-mounting, I also do my own. They don't seem to supply the paper/plastic template anymore, but Lou's PDF version is even more accurate. You can print it on matte polyester sheet (make sure scaling is off for your printer) and it works great; the factory Dynafit ones were slightly off for the heelpiece.

Thanks everyone for the advice. I'm going to use Lou's directions and have a pretty complete metal and wood shop. Right now I am leaning toward using boot centered as reccommended by Atomic and everyone else. Again thanks.

greg