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gear reviews

Short test | Dynafit binding Beast 14

The little brother can do it too ...

by Steffen Kruse 01/06/2015
Based on the Dynafit "Beast 16", the little brother "Beast 14" has been on the market since this season. The binding has already had to prove what it can do for a few days and in a wide range of conditions.

The Beast 14 weighs 795 grams (per piece), is approx. 140 grams lighter per piece compared to its big brother (Beast 16) and offers a DIN value of 5-14. With the new binding, Dynafit is targeting all those freeriders who like to cover vertical meters on foot, but for whom the descent and playing in the terrain are more important aspects. The binding should therefore stay on the foot for cliff drops and pillow jumps as well as high-speed turns. I myself am very critical of the pin system, precisely for the reasons just mentioned, where "conventional" pin bindings don't always score points. That's why I didn't really want to move away from my Duke or Guardian. So far... Because time and pin bindings are changing, and so I enthusiastically accepted the "experiment" with the Beast 14.

The Beast 14 had to prove its performance on jumps in the park and on moguls, with the clear result: it passed the test. Even in difficult snow conditions, the ski stayed where it should be. So far, I haven't noticed any weaknesses in terms of downhill performance and safety.
Ok, the handling still takes a little getting used to for me, especially when climbing in powder. However, this should be a thing of the past after a few more days of skiing, especially as the rear jaw engages extremely easily (regardless of the Z-value setting).

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The toe piece, which at first glance looks like a Dynafit Radical, has a range of motion of 5 mm on each side, which results in better energy absorption and should counteract false releases. The new heel inserts are intended to provide more stability and make it possible to use the complex DIN 14 rear jaw. The new heel inserts, which are grinded together with the binding, require two additional (small) holes in the ski boot (easy to retrofit). In contrast to conventional pin bindings, the rear jaw has both horizontal and vertical contact pressure and also releases in these directions if required. It also enables length compensation, which, together with the missing connecting bar, allows the ski to flex as naturally as possible.
For ascent mode, the front jaw is locked and the first low climbing aid on the rear jaw is simply folded down. This then locks into place and secures the stopper. As a result, the Beast 14 has to make do without a flat walking mode. So far, I have not been bothered by the slight elevation when walking on level ground (I know this from the Guardian), but for someone who is used to walking flat, it can take some getting used to. I also find the additional climbing step completely sufficient. The conventional Dynafit crampons can also be used for the Beast. Switching to ski mode is just as easy as setting it up: remove the first climbing aid, engage the rear jaws, set the front jaws to ski mode and off you go.

Conclusion

For those who have the courage to change and the necessary change, the Beast 14 makes it easy to switch from Duke & Co. If you're already using pin bindings, the Beast 14 is a completely new, stable alternative.

Advantages & disadvantages

+ easy handling
+ super downhill performance
+ DIN 5-14
+ so far it makes a very robust impression
- high price
- only suitable for boots with inserts
- no flat walking mode
Details

RRP: 570,-- EUR
Weight: 795 grams (piece)
DIN: 5-14
Material: Forged aluminum 6082, CrMo steel, high-strength plastics, stainless steel, titanium
Stand height with Vulcan boot: front: 17 mm rear: 23 mm (manufacturer's specification)

Here is the manufacturer's website with more information, here you can purchase the binding from our partner store...

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