ON-SLOPE EVALUATION OF RELEASE BINDINGS FOR WORLD-CLASS ALPINE RACERS

The alpine release bindings are set as indicated by the scale given in deca N . m (DIN) to the wanted release torque. The actual release tor que of the toe unit was measured and calculated in 89 World Cup and na tional class racers during the Norwegian national championship in 1992 . The deviation of the actual release torque from the desired release torque was calculated. The actual release torque was higher than the w anted release torque, with a mean deviation of 24% and a large dispers ion from -28% to 130%. For the second testing, this deviation was redu ced to 15%. The deviation of the actual release torque from the desire d release torque was not related to age of the binding or class of ski er (World Cup, European Cup or national class racers). Compared with a similar investigation 10 years ago, there was no significantly lower deviation.