NTN Binding Release?

skdiamond · Joined: 29 Mar 2010 Posts: 1

I've been using NTN for a couple of seasons. I like the control they provide but the other reason I bought them was because of the advertised release capability. I've taken a few falls in two seasons but they've never released on me. Can someone explain how this release is supposed to work?

Looking at the mechanism it appears to me that the release could be initiated by rotation of the heel laterally. Is this correct or do they release in some other direction? I clicked the boot into the ski and tried to rotate it by hand to get it to release and did not get it to release. I stopped for fear of damaging the binding but maybe I was too timid?

I know these are not "iso-rated" release binding but has anyone else had success with getting these to release? I broke my leg three years ago skiing with non-releasable bindings and I'd sleep a little better if I could demonstrate/understand the release for these

Thanks, Scott

televisionary · Joined: 06 Dec 2004 Posts: 3971 Location: casa de sueños

Plug this into Google:
site:telemarktalk.com ntn release

Thank me later.
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私はスキー好む

Danno · Posted: Tue Jan 24, 2012 3:10 am Post subject:

They release as you suspect, to the side. They are not DIN rated, and the higher you crank your spring settings, the less likely you will release.

In general, they do not seem to have prerelease issues unless the springs are set really low (a few people are exceptions, this is a generality).

There are no guarantees with release, DIN rated alpine bindings lead to broken legs all the time. And there have been a couple of reports of the same with NTN. Still, anecdotally there have been many reports of people who had falls and released and were glad they did. I have only released once, a slow twisting fall, and was glad I did.

In other words, sleep a little better, but remember that it's still skiing.
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"anecdotes are fine assbaggery is not"
"But of course to Telemark is just one function of ski gear, but to have fun is the other. If I so much want to make Parallel turns all day long, I shall do this as well"

Doug G · Joined: 07 Dec 2004 Posts: 2276 Location: Oregon

I'm a fan of releaseable but these sound second rate.

E.g. "catastrophic " (only) release.

superdigg · Joined: 31 Jan 2006 Posts: 114 Location: Trondheim, Norway

Mine have released everytime I have expected them to so I'm a happy camper.

If you want more activity then change the tube - don't change the spring setting. If you are a blue 2, then you're better off changing to red 1 than blue 5.

J · Joined: 07 Dec 2004 Posts: 3023 Location: Cdv-PWS

If it releases pre-catastrophic then the catastrophic soon follows pre-release!

Chamonix · Joined: 12 Dec 2007 Posts: 1952 Location: VT near Jay Peak

I was blind-sided by a snowboarder and we both went flying a few weeks ago. I probably did a cartwheel, the rider tumbled too.
Luckily this all happened in deep powder (something lacking in the East!).
When I stood up , one ski had popped off, and the binding latch was open. I was happily uninjured, no aches or knee pain.

Is it normal for the binding to unlatch in a fall? My setup is blue 2.5. I weigh 195, 6'2".

Highland Sport · Posted: Tue Jan 24, 2012 11:56 am Post subject:

Chamonix · Joined: 12 Dec 2007 Posts: 1952 Location: VT near Jay Peak

I wondered about that. There weren't any any scrapes on the toe-piece.

My mount is the latest 6 hole plate so it's pretty solid.

adrenalated · Joined: 11 Jan 2005 Posts: 3765

Danno · Posted: Tue Jan 24, 2012 3:01 pm Post subject:

Marcus · Joined: 04 Mar 2005 Posts: 380 Location: Seattle

Just a data point here. I haven't had a release in a fall, but both skis (blue springs on 2, I'm 170 lbs) released perfectly with no resulting injuries in an avalanche last spring. One other partner in the slide had serious knee trauma because his O1s didn't release until he was torqued/yanked out of them by the trees/snow.

Doug G · Joined: 07 Dec 2004 Posts: 2276 Location: Oregon

I'm not sure what Mitch meant by 'catastrophic release."

= "DIN 25"?

Not releasing when your heel is raised makes sense.

I have been amazed at the release on Solomon alpine bindings, as when a ski went under a large buried branch, which hit my boot, then zip, right out. I almost did not even fall down. I don't think the NTN release would work in that direction.

Highland Sport · Posted: Tue Jan 24, 2012 3:54 pm Post subject:

Sounds like I have to crank up my number from a 2.5 to a 3.5 or not?
I have a 310mm +- shell weight 210 lbs a so so skier that hits the gates every so often(with a plastic and metal knee) that is why I went from a HH to a NTN.
So to answer my own question I am thinking a lower number (2.5) will be better for my knee. just in case , you know.

Danno · Posted: Tue Jan 24, 2012 3:55 pm Post subject: