Correction by an author I quote. THANKS! Myths of skiing injuries debunked by physician’s study.

Dr. Carl Ettlinger read my review of his study Myths Concerning Alpine Skiing Injuries, that I wrote about in Myths of skiing injuries debunked by physician’s study. After 20 years in the ski business, I missed several issues and wanted to correct them and to thank Dr. Ettlinger for his help.

Mr. Moss,

Thank you for the kind words regarding our Myths article. However, you inadvertently helped to perpetuate another myth–that skiing ability=Skier Type.

3) “All you need know is your DIN (release indicator value) number and you can adjust your bindings.” There are four different factors used to determine the correct DIN, height, weight, skiing ability and boot sole length. Even knowing these may not be enough because how the boot fits into the binding is also critical.

4) “Toe and heel pieces must be set to the same Release Indicator Value or the bindings won’t function right.” No, see study 3 above.

Skier Type selection is a means by which a skier can balance the overall risk of injury–injury due to inadvertent release versus injury due to failure of the binding to release. Skiing Ability is not a factor in the Release Value Selection process.

It is also important to note that the Release Indicator Value from the binding manufacturer’s chart is termed the Initial Indicator Value in ASTM/ISO standards and in all instructions from the binding manufacturer. In other words, it is the starting point. Following inspection by a properly trained technician using a ski binding testing device (that meets ASTM/ISO standards) readjustment of one or more of the binding components may be required resulting in four Final Indicator Values. In some cases the Final Indicator Values could each be different from the Initial Value. There is also the possibility that the test results may reveal a defect that can only be resolved by the replacement of the component or the entire binding system.

Regards,

Carl Ettlinger

Again Thanks!