"Bavarian Alpine Manifest" (BAM) is the latest project from busy hobbyist Markus "Bambam" Steinke, previously best known as an indie ski builder at Mountain Wave and Skylotech. At the heart of BAM is the Pindung®, a touring binding that combines a PinTech system with an alpine jaw binding.
In downhill mode, the toe piece works on the principle of an alpine binding (without pins, Z-value 6-14). Pins are extended for the ascent. The rear jaw works like a classic turntable binding, with adjustable Z-value and two-stage climbing aid. The first 3D prints of the front jaw have already been successfully tested, while work is still underway on the final design of the rear jaw. Working, rideable prototypes should be available in mid/end November. From a trustworthy source we hear about the tests: "The downhill feeling was very good. We got used to it a bit and really let it rip with a good feeling. Confidence was there very quickly." BAM hopes to raise the necessary capital for series production of the Pindung® from October 24 via a crowdfunding campaign (www.startnext.com/) and would like to have the binding ready for the market by ISPO 2016. Prototypes are to be shown at the alpine trade fair (November 7-8, Innsbruck). We asked BAM a few questions and are excited to see how the project develops over the next few months. PG: Why does the world need a new touring binding? BAM: A ski touring and freeride binding like our PINDUNG® does not yet exist. Bambam (founder of B.A.M.) has combined the advantages of two existing binding systems (PinTech and alpine binding) by integrating a pin system for the ascent into the alpine toe piece. The target group for the PINDUNG® are downhill-oriented, demanding ski tourers and freeriders who value the quality and sustainability of the product as well as the authenticity of the brand. Likewise freeriders who, in addition to comfort on the ascent, do not want to compromise on safety in terms of the risk of injury on the descent. His idea has already proven itself in reality and the first prototype tests were successful. PG: What can the Pindung do that the Marker Kingpin/Fritschi Viptec/Dynafit Beast can't, or why should I invest in the Pindung crowdfunding if I can also buy one of the aforementioned bindings? BAM: Thanks to the special front jaw (combination of pin and alpine system), the PINDUNG® scores with safety (Z-value 6 - 14) and optimum power transmission (steering quality) on the descent and with low weight and high walking comfort (frameless and therefore less moving weight on the foot) on the ascent. These will also be our sales arguments later on. Our advantage is certainly also that we have the bindings produced entirely in Bavaria, i.e. suppliers and producers are in the immediate vicinity. This means we can act quickly and easily and benefit from the short distances to the production sites. First and foremost, we want to convince people that B.A.M. is a truly innovative, authentic, sustainable (made in Bavaria) and likeable start-up company that still needs further help to make PINDUNG® ready for series production. Crowdfunding also gives you the opportunity to secure the limited edition PINDUNG® or one of the limited edition Crowdie Skis in advance at an early bird price. Important: We don't want to compare ourselves! We have not improved or modified the Dynafit or Marker and Co. binding systems. We have developed our own idea of a binding. PG: There is no final design yet, but the market launch should take place at ISPO 2016. Is that realistic? BAM: Our development team is currently working intensively on the PINDUNG®. All prototypes have passed the first test run well. The front jaw is currently being fine-tuned. The rear section is based on the concept of a turntable binding. We assume that we will have mobile and functioning prototypes of the rear section by the middle/end of November. The design of the binding may still change slightly due to construction-related changes, but will roughly correspond to the technical drawings. We want to present the first bindings (only the toe piece) at the Alpinmesse Innsbruck. PG: Recently, there have always been problems with new bindings that came onto the market with defects. If the big companies are not able to test sufficiently, how are you going to manage that, especially in such a short time (ISPO 2016)? BAM: We are very confident about our market launch at ISPO 2016. Our engineer Michael Kreuzinger is doing a great job! We also have a test team consisting of freeriders like Joi Hoffmann and mountain guides who will be out and about intensively with the PINDUNG® this winter and give us feedback. As I said, the first test run has made us very confident that we will be able to present the PINDUNG® at ISPO 2016. PG: Does the binding work with normal touring boots that have tech inserts, or do the boots have to be modified? BAM: All boots that we have had available to us so far and are equipped with "standard pins" have worked (e.g. Dynafit Vulcan, Scarpa Maestrale, Black Diamond Quadrant and Factor). Of course we have the different sole constructions on our radar and are working on an adjustable sole plate. We are also working on a pin adapter (attachment with pin holes on the side) so that a classic alpine boot can also be used for ascents.
