Are 20 year old ski bindings safe?

Editor Note: This is the first of a two-part article by www.SeniorsSkiing.com where ski industry veteran Val E. discusses whether using old equipment is safe and/or worth it.  

We’ve all seen people in the lift line with really old equipment; ours is not to reason why. However, if you are a skier who is clinging to their aging equipment, you should know what the risks are.

Here are some things to consider regarding old equipment.

Skis

Imagine you have 20-plus year-old skis, you use them 7-10 days a year, so the total work days would be 200-300 days. Can you still use them? If they have no major delamination, cracked edges, broken sidewalls, then yes.

Do you want to use them? Maybe not. Test a few pairs of skis made in recent years. You may notice that they are easier to maneuver, easier to carry, and have different graphics. If you still want to continue skiing on your old skis, then sharpen the edges, clean and wax the base, and make sure the bindings are safe.

Bindings

Bindings are for safety and comfort. Manufacturers do not allow ski service people to service bindings older than 10 years, and they send a list of “serviceable” models every fall.

Bindings stored 360 days a year in a dusty room or wet garage may not release when you need it or can false release. Dust on lubrication, corrosion, and other factors may change the planned schedule.

Major problems could be cracks in plastic parts that are hard to identify. A binding can still be OK for many, many years. Manufacturers just don’t want to be responsible for risk anymore, and they also want us to buy new and better bindings.

You can install new binding on your old skis (if you love them unconditionally). A technician can plug the old holes.

Boots

Most people don’t like to change ski boots often, though there is always a limit. We are talking about boots that are 15-20-plus years old.

Shell: If you see cracks in plastic, your soles are worn out and won’t have good contact with the binding. If buckles are broken and nonrepairable, go to a ski shop.

Liner: You should feel comfortable without two pairs of thick homemade wool socks, your heel shouldn’t ever move up from the insole. If your shell is in a good shape, but you are not happy about the liner (too loose or destroyed) keep in mind that you can purchase a pair of liners. Canadian company Intuition Liners makes different types.

Helmets

Almost all ski helmets use foam (Polystyrene or Polypropylene) in their construction to crush, thus absorbing energy when contacting something hard. Researchers say this foam doesn’t change much for 20-30 years under normal conditions. But hard hits, long exposure to UV and heat sources may change the properties of these materials.

Manufacturers recommend replacing a helmet after a significant collision. Once foam is compressed at some spot, it will not protect you anymore.

Author Val E. has an interesting background in the ski industry. He has worked as a ski slalom course supervisor, snowboard technician, ski/snowboard clothing consultant, ski engineer, ski/snowboard writer and photographer in the U.S. and in Europe. He has traveled to 25 countries, found snow in 11 of them, and is still searching. Val currently lives in the Washington DC Metropolitan Area.

• Posted on 11 November 2021
• By Ski Shack
• Posted in Skiing

If you’ve had your skis for years or bought them second-hand, you may wonder, “How do I know if my skis are safe to use?” As long as your skis are intact and are damage-free, it basically comes down to the binding. In this article, we will talk about ski binding function, indemnification, and maintenance.

How ski bindings work

Bindings are an extremely important safety feature in ski equipment. They help keep you safely in your equipment or eject when needed. They are mostly made up of plastic and springs, whose tension is adjusted based on the skier’s height, weight, age, and release preference. Since ski bindings are subjected to repeated impacts in very harsh conditions such as freezing cold and ice, components may become worn over time, causing them not to perform as they should, leading to accidents.

Ski binding indemnification

For this reason, each year manufacturers release a list of indemnified binding models. Indemnification means that the manufacturer will legally stand behind the functioning of that product for the current year. The average length of time of ski binding indemnification is around 10-12 years but can vary based on the brand and model.

What if my bindings are not indemnified?

If your bindings are non-indemnified, meaning they’re not on the list, the manufacturer can no longer guarantee reliable, safe performance from those bindings and won’t take responsibility if those bindings fail. Because of that it’s very unlikely that you’ll find a ski shop technician willing to adjust them for you. If you have any doubts, the best bet is to bring your equipment into your local ski shop so a certified technician can perform an evaluation.

Can I still use my old skis?

If you decide to go ahead and use non-indemnified bindings that doesn’t necessarily mean your skis are a mobile death wish, but it certainly is not recommended, just make sure they are intact and in good condition. If your skis are older than 20 years then the only thing they are good for at this point is decoration.

Ski Binding Adjustments and Maintenance

As mentioned earlier, the spring tension on ski bindings is adjusted based on a skier’s height, weight age, and release preference (also known as a DIN). If you have a change in your height, weight, or shoe size, advance in your ability, or experience an impact on your skis, bring your skis into your local ski shop so a certified technician can perform a binding function test. A binding function test is a crucial service that ensures the release mechanism on the binding is functioning properly.

When in doubt

Whether you found your skis in the basement or were given them as a hand-me-down, the best thing to do is to bring your equipment into your local ski shop. Certified technicians can perform an inspection and make sure that your equipment is in compliance with the industry’s most current safety guidelines so you can enjoy your time on the slopes with peace of mind.