Based on the Dynafit Beast 16, the 14er version has been the little brother of the big Beast 16 since this season. The binding has now had to prove what it can do on many tours and in a wide variety of conditions.
Test
The Beast 14 weighs 795 grams (each), so compared to its big brother it is approx. 140 grams lighter (per piece) and offers a DIN value of 5-14. With the new binding, Dynafit is targeting all those freeriders who like to make altitude meters on foot, but for whom the descent and the playground in the terrain is the more important aspect. The binding should therefore stay on the foot for cliffs and pillow jumps as well as for high-speed turns. As I was very critical of the pin system myself, I was reluctant to give up my Duke or Guardian. After extensive testing and many days with the Beast, my doubts have subsided, I trust this binding system completely and am delighted with it.
What I don't like so much about the Beast, however, is the additional boot heel insert. Once this is attached, you can no longer use a "normal" binding. Either you change the sole plate, or you remove the insert again so that you can also use your slalom skis or a Duke and the like. The new heel inserts are designed to provide more stability and comply with DIN 14. Installation requires two additional holes in the ski boot and is otherwise easy to retrofit. The automatic heel insert has both horizontal and vertical play and can also be released in these directions if required. The lack of a connecting bar gives the ski the greatest possible flex. The safety release takes place in both the front and heel automatics.
You get used to the handling quite quickly, especially as you can start immediately after getting on and no additional locking of the front jaw is necessary. The automatic heel lock also engages extremely easily, regardless of the Z-value setting. The binding head has a range of movement of 5 mm on each side, which results in better energy absorption and should counteract premature false releases.
For ascent mode, the toe piece is simply locked one step up with the lever, as otherwise the head remains movable. For the rear jaws, the first low climbing aid must be folded down, which then locks into place and fixes the stopper. The fact that you can never "walk flat" with the constantly raised heel when running doesn't bother me personally, because I know this from the Guardian. For someone else, however, this could be annoying and take some getting used to on flat sections. Apart from that, the binding is very comfortable, and the additional climbing step is completely sufficient for me. The conventional Dynafit crampons can also be used for the Beast.
If you want to switch back to downhill mode after climbing, the first climbing aid has to be removed again. This maneuver can sometimes be a little tricky and the tip of the pole has to be used to help. So far, I have not had any problems with the climbing aid, but I have heard of others doing this. Once the climbing aid has been removed, the automatic heel lock engaged and the toe set to ski mode, you're ready to go
Conclusion
I've been using the Beast for the whole season now and my confidence in the pin system has been strengthened and confirmed. Only the shortcoming with the additional insert that prevents the use of conventional bindings and the stubborn climbing aid for fixing the stopper in walk mode dampen my joy a little. Otherwise, the Beast 14 makes it easy for those who have the necessary change to switch from Duke and the like. If you're already using pin bindings, the Beast 14 is a completely new, stable alternative.
Advantages & disadvantages
+ easy handling
+ super downhill and uphill performance
+ DIN 5-14
+ very robust
- only for Dynafit-insert-compatible boots
- the necessary heel insert prevents the use of "conventional" binding systems
- hooky climbing aid for fixing the stopper in ascent mode
Details
Test version: Dynafit Beast 14
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 Dynafit website with further information, here you can buy the binding from our partner store.
