CLOSE
Sign up to get news on contests, pro events, new products and special offers.
WATERSKI MagazineQ: I've noticed skiers like the Hunt sisters (June 1996) and Patrice Martin using a slalom binding that resembles a Rollerblade boot with a hard shell and closure straps. It's quite different from the neoprene bindings to which we've grown accustomed. Is this a new innovation or a fad? Is the boot available and safe for people who aren't world-class skiers?
Jonathan Ruth
Fargo, North Dakota
A: Brandi Hunt says you're right about her boot, Jonathan. The binding is a hard shell with closure straps. It's heavier than rubber, but much more flexible than Rollerblade or snow-ski boots. Hers were made by ARC (which is no longer in business), but quite a few pro skiers have experimented with different versions, like the Tecnic models, and had varying degrees of success. Hunt says this type of boot “gives me better edge control than traditional bindings.” But other pros, like Toni Neville, say the binding actually provides too much edge control in the slalom course.
You won't see a lot of these boots on the Cafi de Colombia World Cup this year simply because most pros have been successful in the traditional bindings and don't want to change a good thing. They're uncommon in the recreational arena because of price (about $400 a set).
As for safety, most skiers agree that this style is more than adequate. You can try and twist your ankle in them and it won't move, which is either a plus or a minus depending on your needs.
To find out where you can get your hands on a set of shell bindings, try calling Swiss Ski School at 352-429-2178. There's also a new slalom binding system called Fogman that has a Rollerblade boot influence. Call 407-380-0734 for more information.
