Advice on how to fix this binding setup? (Marker F12)

A snowHead

Hello everyone! Great to be part of this forum where I can learn so much. I'll share my first post by asking if anyone can help me with this issue (two issues actually):

I just got my new gear for the upcoming season; Volkls Vta 98 with Marker F12 frame bindings. I had the bindings installed at my local ski shop and I let them know that the boots I'd be getting would have a sole length of 298 mm. After picking them up I had a look at the bindings, and noticed that when set to tour mode with the 7 and 14 degree positions the bars don't quite sit in the right place (see the first two pictures); as if the rear parts of the bindings have been installed incorrectly. Then, I got the boots and guess what: the sole length is actually 295 mm. So all in all, I have this problems:

Problem 1: 7 and 14 degree bar does not sit in the right position.

Problem 2: The bindings -if installed properly- were set for a boot length of 298 mm, while my boots are 295. In the way things are now, the boots go in seemingly well into the bindings.

A snowHead

The heel riser thing is normal IME - when you put some weight on the binding, it slides back against the stopper

Can't tell if the BSL is set up properly. You need to look at the length adjustment screw when the boots are clicked in and made sure it is flush with the heel piece. My experience (based on older versions of this binding) is that it requires quite a lot of force to click in so if your boots are going in easily, you may need to adjust. It's very easy - just needs a screwdriver

Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?

You need to adjust the length and forward pressure (and the toe height) to your boot.
Quick Google found this (though his "piece of paper" for the toe height would be a business card I was told)...

http://youtube.com/v/q3V2faJaohs

You need to Login to know who's really who.

@Arno, is correct in how you adjust that forward pressure it’s very easy on them bindings. Regarding the heel lift have you fully moved the lever into tour mode as it can be a bit stiff at first. If you have and its still like that it shouldn’t be a problem anyway

Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.

Thanks a lot guys! Yes, the length adjustment is really easy to fix with this bindings. I was worried that the stopper thing was an installation mistake. I fully move them forward and still have this small gap, but one of the bars actually sits properly in the 14 degree position, suggesting that it's all just a small manufacturing imperfection. If this affect the touring mode, I thought of sanding down the "holes" that adjust the position at which they stop.

You'll need to Register first of course.

@Sep, I have the same binding. It is essentially a fixed length, so if the rear plate was mounted in the wrong place, it wouldn't clip down into ski mode. The gap behind the bars is normal. It slides back into the correct position when you apply your weight to it.

Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...

Hi @Sep, most normal Alpine bindings can be adjusted for boot length by moving both the toe piece forwards/backwards and the heel piece forward/backward. F12s can't - the toe piece is fixed and all the adjustment for different boot-sole length is done by moving the heel piece. This is why the guys installing it need to know what your boot-sole length is. They will then aim to get the binding screwed on to the ski so that your boot mid-mark matches the ski's (nominal) mid-mark. If you have mis-quoted the sole length, then when you clip in, the two marks won't match by, oooh, about 2-3mm. Which is hardly worth worrying about, I think. When you get new boots, they will almost certainly have a different sole length but my opinion is, all of this just has to be in the right ball park. I got mine (F12s and Barons) set up for 308mm then got new boots that are 315mm. Still love using the skis with the bindings just where they were mounted (but adjustments made as scarlet points out in the next post and moving the heel piece back, naturally).

Two thoughts with respect to the lad in the video (happy for others to give their views too). Better use a Phillips No3; his looks a bit random. I've often been advised that the up/down adjustment of the toe-piece slider is super important for proper release. My guidance has also been to use a strip of paper like he does (80gsm regular printer paper fine) but that folded in two the paper should be gripped; single sheet, it should slide through (more in line with adithorp's business card). Check and re-adjust regularly through the season as your boots wear.

All the above are just my thoughts/views. If anyone out there has greater experience or expertise, do feel free to counter or add more.

After all it is free

@bobski62, I'm not sure whether you are saying this or not, but to clarify, if you are switching between a 308mm and 315mm boot, the forward pressure and toe height will need to be adjusted for each boot so that it releases correctly. A few mm either way in where the binding is attached is neither here nor there though.

Yes, @Scarlet, defo. All needs re-adjusting as you say, but the toe piece cannot be moved forwards or backwards, so boot and ski centre lines will diverge by a smidgen. Will edit earlier post to make that clear.

*Ski* the Net with snowHeads

@bobski62, Ok, now I get why the boot length is important when setting up the F12s. I guess that with a 3 mm difference it would be virtually impossible to sense any difference (the boot is only 1.5 mm forward, right?).

Thanks for the tips on the slider adjustment.

snowHeads are a friendly bunch.

Yes, in your case @Sep, 1.5mm, if the tech drilled mounting holes accurately and yes both scarlet and I don't think it'll make any realistic difference.

Hope you enjoy the new skis and get some great touring in this winter.

Help!!

Advice on how to fix this binding setup? (Marker F12)

snowHeads Forum Index >>> Equipment Reviews/Questions