DIN Setting Calculator – Ski Bindings (2023 ISO)

by Simon Naylor | Updated: August 26th, 2023 |  Calculators

This calculator will suggest the recommended DIN release value for your ski bindings based on the type of skier you are. Fill in the details to the best of your knowledge and we'll do the rest. The calculated value is for reference only.

What Is Your Skiing Abilitiy?

Ski Boots

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How Much Do You Weigh?

How Tall Are You?

What Is Your Ski Boot Length?

How Old Are You?

Your Recommended DIN Settings is:

 
This DIN calculator is for reference purposes only. You should always have your bindings checked and adjusted by a professional ski technician. This calculator use the latest ISO-11088 (2018) as its reference.Thank you Tom Hawkins for valuable feedback and code to improve this calculator.

Why Does the DIN Setting Exist?

ski bindings

DIN stands for Deutsches Institut für Normung (German Institute for Standardization).

The DIN setting can be found on your ski bindings and is an industry-wide scale that sets the release force for ski bindings on an impact. To help reduce the risk of injury, ski bindings are designed to release in the event of a fall.

Advanced or expert skiers have a higher release force because their skiing style is more aggressive and the ski is exposed to more forces.

For new or beginner skiers their DIN setting is lower so that the ski safely detaches in the event of a fall or impact.

Use my free DIN calculator above to determine the range to help you set your ski bindings. The number depends on your height, weight, boot size, and age as well as your style and level of skiing.

Why It's Important to Set Your DIN Value Correctly

Setting your DIN value too low can lead to your skis releasing too easily and too often, which can be dangerous while skiing. It can cause your skis to release when they're not supposed to, like during a turn or when skiing at high speeds, increasing your risk of injury.

On the other hand, setting your DIN value too high can prevent your skis from releasing when they're supposed to. This can result in more serious injuries such as a torn ACL, MCL or other ligament damage that requires surgery and months of rehab.

In addition to physical injuries, incorrectly set DIN values can lead to psychological harm as well. It's not uncommon for skiers to lose confidence in their equipment after a fall, especially if their skis failed to release properly. This can cause them to second-guess themselves while skiing and impact their overall enjoyment of the sport.

Setting your DIN value correctly is crucial to ensuring that you're skiing safely and enjoying your time on the mountain. Always have your bindings checked and adjusted by a certified ski technician to ensure that your DIN value is set properly.

How To Adjust Your Ski Bindings?

Ideally, ski bindings should always be adjusted by a specialist technician who can set the correct DIN value for you based on their years of experience. The calculator above is purely for reference and to help guide you with a reference point.

That said the data in the calculator above uses data directly from the Salomon Alpine Tech Manual 2019/20. Specifically, the chart listed on page 90. This is the manual used by Salomon certified ski technicians.

See Next: Check out our free Ski Length Calculator

Ski Bindings and Release Force

expert skier

Ski bindings are designed to release you from your skis during a fall so that you don't become tangled up and cause greater injury to yourself.

The bindings will either release sideways or upwards:

  1. During a big twisting force, the boot will release sideways.
  2. If there is a forward force the boot will be released upwards.

A higher DIN value, allows the binding to experience a greater force before it releases - which is why heavier, faster, or more experienced skiers need a higher value. Having a ski binding that is too sensitive and prone to coming loose while skiing is also dangerous.

Similarly, if the DIN value is set too high and the skier is less experienced, lighter, and weighs less - then during a fall or accident the skis will not be released in time and greater injury is more likely.

For this reason, getting the right sweet spot is key. By setting yourself up with the correct DIN value you are making it safer to ski. It is more likely that the bindings will release you from the skis at the right time and place when you need them to.

Here is a new section that provides additional value while incorporating the keywords:

Fine-Tuning Your DIN Over Time

The DIN setting determined by your ski din calculator is a starting point, not a lifelong constant. As you gain experience and evolve as a skier, you may need adjustments to find your optimal din calculator ski binding release force.

Don't rely solely on your original din setting chart number. It's wise to get annual binding checks, even if your weight and height haven't changed. Factors like new skiing techniques, weight gain or loss, and evolving ski style can alter the forces your equipment encounters on the mountain. You want your DIN tuned to your current ability, not your skill level from seasons past.

A ski binding din chart tailored to your exact specs is ideal. Discuss any recent progressions or regressions in your skiing with a certified technician. Are you venturing into steeper terrain or skiing switch more often? Have you gotten more daring with jumps and tricks? Any changes in aggressiveness or speed should be considered.

Don't assume a higher ski din chart number is better as you improve. A DIN set too high can prevent the correct binding release in a fall. With the right DIN dialed in, you can push your limits knowing your bindings are calibrated for your current skill set.

The Main Skier Types:

One of the key considerations for the DIN chart value is the skier's ability. The DIN value takes this into consideration by separating skiers up into 3 main types (with 2 sub-types on either side). Skier type is a crucial component to set in our ski binding din calculator.

Type -1

For a release value lower than for a Type 1 skier.
i.e Lighter first-time skiers.

Type 1

Novie & Cautious skiers
Low release force, lighter retention settings, wide release margin.

Type 2

Average or Moderate skiers (Intermediate or Advanced)
Average release force, average retention settings, average release margin.

Type 3

Aggressive and High-speed skiers (Expert)
High release force, high retention settings, narrow release margin

Type 3+

For a release value higher than for a Type 3 skier.
i.e Going Heavier, Faster or Steeper


Always have your bindings checked and adjusted by a certified ski technician.