How To Use The AlpenFlow 89
How To Use The AlpenFlow 89
Step-In And Transitions
Our Design Philosophy
How To Use The AlpenFlow 89
Full Overview
Downhill Performance and Bindings
For optimal downhill performance, it is ideal to have a ski binding that has a controlled and predictable release, can absorb energy through elasticity before releasing, and can allow for seamless power transmission between your boot and your ski for optimal edge control.
A binding that performs well downhill should stay locked into your boot while skiing, only releasing in the event of a fall that generates a higher-than-acceptable amount of torque on the boot. A high performing binding keeps you locked in while skiing, only releasing in the event of a true fall. It's that simple, yet many bindings on the market suffer from pre-release issues.
You have probably heard about elasticity in bindings as a key metric in evaluating downhill performance. This is the distance a binding can deflect from its centered locked-in position while skiing without releasing. This allows the binding to absorb chatter and prevents against pre-release from sudden impulses. We believe that while elasticity is important it doesn't tell the entire story and that all elasticity is not created equal. Instead, we think a better measure is total energy absorbed before release. This takes into account both the distance the binding can travel and the torque applied over that distance. If the binding has lots of elasticity but has a low torque threshold, the elasticity is not as effective in absorbing energy as a binding with a higher torque threshold. The more energy a binding can absorb, the less likely the skier is to pre-release.
The boot-binding interface plays a major role in a skier's ability to transmit power to the ski. For optimal performance, it is ideal to have a torsionally stiff joint between the boot and binding that can be maintained throughout the flexion of the ski. An alpine-style heel piece accomplishes this well allowing for the heel, boot, and ski to act as one unit for optimal power transfer between the boot and the ski.
LockTurn Toe Piece
The LockTurn toe piece rotates freely in ski mode. It locks your boot in while skiing by mechanically blocking the pin arms from opening until the toe has fully rotated or the toe lever is pushed down, ensuring that you only release in the event of a fall. In touring mode the toe piece is not free to rotate allowing for a reliable stable touring experience.
Alpine Heel Piece
The alpine heel piece delivers precise control over boot release in both lateral and vertical directions. Featuring large springs, forward pressure control, 40mm of lateral and 9mm of vertical elasticity. This heel piece was built for maximum power transmission and shock absorption, allowing for full ski flexion and optimal edge control.
Full Release System
The heel and toe pieces work together to deliver precise release control. The heel governs the torque needed to rotate the toe, which stays locked until it fully rotates. Release occurs when forces on the boot exceed the heel’s spring tension, allowing rotation in lateral or vertical directions. This rotation frees the toe to disengage, either by the toe piece completing its rotation or by the boot pitching forward to activate the toe lever.
Transitional Flow
Toe Brake/ Step-In
Step into the ALPENFLOW 89 by lining up your heel with the heel piece and rocking your boot forward. The toe brake lever guides your boot into position for a reliable and repeatable setp-in. The toe brake then stowes away and sucks into the ski ensuring it's never in the way when skiing or touring, never coming down on the tour.
Flow Transitions
Experience Flow State with seamless transitions. Using only your pole, transition between touring, skiing, and back to touring in seconds without having to take off your skis. This is escpecially useful in rolling hills and transitioning in powder.
To enter ski mode simply step in and then actuate the heel piece with your pole. For Touring mode, raise the toe lever up and push the heel piece down with your pole.
Heel Risers
Easily engage heel risers using the same mechanisms as the transition. Tilt your boot forward and actuate the heel piece to engage the first "built-in" heel riser. Then for steeper slopes, flip down the second riser from the heel piece. Easily adapt to any slope angle in seconds.
