Ski size and Binding placement?

[h2odawg79]

These two questions pertain to ski size (length) and Binding set up for traditional slalom ski's (not wide rides) used by skiers skiing -32 and shorter @ 34-36 mph.

#1. I am curious as to how many skiers prefer a slightly shorter ski then the manufacturers wgt./size spec's?

#2. How many prefer their front binding set up to be slightly back or front of the factory's Neutral setting?

#3. Do these preferences tend to carry over from ski to ski?

Thanx!  

[h2odawg79]

So, does everyone here only run Factory suggested ski lengths?

Front Bindings @ the factory Neutral?

 

[Than_Bogan]

I'd say I lean a little toward shorter if I'm near the edge of the manufacturer's suggestion.  I'm a finesse (aka weak) skier and I don't want too much effort to turn or too much load in the pull.  I'm willing to give up the potential angle advantage of the larger ski.

I've never had success moving bindings.  Fin adjustments have sometimes helped me, but whenever I've moved a binding it hasn't worked out.

[Bdecker]

This may be a stupid question, but for those of us running hardshells the measurement of binding position seems a little ambigious.  The thickness of the shell/liner come in to play, etc.  Because you're not using factory holes, it seems there is a significant margin for error.  Do most measure from the back of the foot, liner, or shell? I went with back of the liner for mine as that would seem closest to "inside of the horseshoe" but it would be very easy to be off by 1/8" or more...

[eleeski]

I adjust binding placement a lot. Typically I'm back on a larger ski and forward on a smaller ski from the factory settings. If I'm out of the factory recommendations on ski size, I may adjust out of the factory holes range. Every ski is different and will likely take some tweaking.

My default is around 29 inches from the tail to the back of my hardshell. But I'll move a lot from there. Frequently drilling new holes. Or trying the middle of the factory holes (on a factory ski). Follow this board - there is lots of good setup advice on particular skis.

Eric

[skibug]

I know when I went from rubber to hard shell i took a reference point between the two boots while they were both off of the ski and used that for my first set up on the ski.  Now, I just use the bubble part of the heel as a reference.  My tape measure end has enough of a stand off to sit flate on the plate and hit the heel part of the shell at the same time.  It makes it a real consistant and easy measurement.  I guess I could have also chose the edge of the boot plate as well.

As far as binding placement, I am at stock on a 2010 D3 Z7 ST.  Now that the water has cooled off I will move it 1/4" forward of stock.   I won't mess with the fin.  I am not sure this translates from ski to ski of different brands; but, it seemed to be consistant with my adjustments to my previous D3 ski, an 07 Nomad RC.

[h2odawg79]

Skibug, as the water gets colder you move the Bindings fwd. from stock 1/4"?  i.e. from say; 29.75" to 30.00"?

Thanx!

Thanx for all the other post's as well. I'm working on some equip. and settings experiments/theories...