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gear reviews

Gear reviews | Plum Guide

The low-tech binding in a practical test

by Marius Schwager 02/12/2012
The Dynafit patent on the low-tech bindings expired a few years ago, the logical consequence being replicas. We tested whether the Plum Guide is more than just a replica and offers better performance for freeriders and chased the binding through the powder slopes of Tyrol and other parts of the Alps.

Differences Plum vs. Dynafit

The most striking differences between the Plum Guide and Dynafit Radical relate to the external appearance. The Guide does not have a ski stopper (can possibly be retrofitted next season) and has a more solid look. The heel section looks identical to the Dynafit heel section for the average consumer. According to Plum, there are only detail improvements here, such as the more metal chassis.

In terms of performance, the two systems don't really differ noticeably for freeriders. The rear jaw turns smoothly at first and is easy to turn when the arm is guided smoothly, but - if not oiled regularly - it quickly becomes sluggish, which could potentially overpower one or two carbon poles. However, this can also be observed to the same extent with the Dynafit models.

The toe piece of the Plum appears significantly more stable: The solid-looking one-piece design in matt silver contributes to this, but also the generally thicker rocker and base frame. Even after a good 20 days on wide freeride skis with a center width of 115 mm and a few ski tours, we have not noticed any loosening. This is noticeable on the Dynafit Vertical models without the Power Plate, albeit not dramatically. The power transmission is excellent and very precise thanks to the front jaws and the general low-tech construction. In combination with the low weight of only 670 grams, you get a very solid downhill performance.

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Ascent performance and getting into the binding

The ascent performance could only be tested to a limited extent due to poor touring conditions in early winter 2011/2012, but the first impression is positive and very similar to the standard low-tech system.

Getting into the front jaws of both bindings is a wobbly affair for inexperienced skiers, but with a little practice it gets better and better. It should be noted, however, that due to the more massive and higher center bar of the Plum, the entry with the "push straight in"method does not or hardly works. The lateral method must be used here. This means threading a pin into the hole and then pushing the other side of the foot straight down with feeling. Overall, this requires a little more feeling and effort than with the Dynafit bindings.

Downhill performance

Mounted on a ski with a center width of 115mm, the stable low-tech system also reaches its load limit. After some time, the Dynafit Vertical has some play on the toe piece. In particular, the rocker arms with the pins have a lot of play after about 30-50 days of use and when climbing you sometimes fly out despite the locking mechanism. This is not the case after about 20 days of downhill use on the same ski width with the Plum. The toe piece seems a lot more stable and resistant to continuous stress. The almost perfect power transmission ensures direct implementation of the steering commands and thus pleasant and safe skiing.

Unfortunately, the Plum Guide (also in the rental version tested here) lacks a ski stopper or a support for the ski boot heel. After a few days of freeride action, one binding in particular wobbles a little. We have not yet been able to determine exactly where this play comes from. We'll have to wait and see whether this wobble develops into a long-term problem.

The first jump tests (up to approx. 8 m) were also positive. I had no unintentional or unjustified releases of the rear jaw with a 10 value (scale up to Z-12). Since I always lock the toe piece when skiing downhill, nothing came loose here - as intended.

Other

The price of the Plum Guide is slightly higher than that of the Dynafit. Important for all Austrians: Dynafit patents are still valid here, so no direct sales (including spare parts) are allowed! It is therefore necessary to order abroad (e.g. Germany or Italy).

The Plum Guide is virtually a replica of the low-tech concept developed by Dynafit. The drilling template is just as identical as the accessories to be used, such as crampons. The 2012/2013 model is to be supplied with ski stoppers. However, a retrofit set will not be offered.

Rating

Ascending characteristics: *****
Descent properties: ***(**) (long-term gear review regarding durability pending)
Usability: *****
Compatibility: ***
Scope of delivery: *
Available accessories: crampons (Dynafit crampons can also be used ski stoppers
Price (MSRP): 449,- Euro

Positives

+ Stable toe piece
+ Low weight
+ Clean design

Negatives

- High price
- Wobbly toe piece (further testing necessary)
- Missing ski stopper (should be tested) Missing ski stopper (should not be available until 2012/2013 and cannot be retrofitted)

Conclusion

Overall, the first practical test was successful and very satisfactory. Although the Plum loses some ground to the Dynafit Vertical due to its higher price, the not yet available ski topper and the somewhat more difficult entry, it scores with its more solid front jaws. The increased stability only has a positive effect on thick freeride skis. The stability of the rear jaw still has to prove itself in a long-term gear review. After the first few days of use, the Plum binding is on a par with the Dynafit. An endurance test with a stronger focus on freeride tours will put the durability of this interim conclusion to the test.

To the manufacturer's website

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This article has been automatically translated by DeepL with subsequent editing. If you notice any spelling or grammatical errors or if the translation has lost its meaning, please write an e-mail to the editors.

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