I feel like I have to preempt this post by saying that I think there is no other AT binding out there that out performs the Dynafit system when considering weight, ease of use, reliability and performance. Yeah, you can pretty much make any product do anything you want, but the trick is to keep it light, not too complex, durable, free of defects and not cost a fortune. Others try to one up Dynafit all the time quoting words like “freeride” and “high performance”, but those of us skiers that use Dynafits know the real story of their proven performance. Feel free to look at other bindings out there, but be sure to at least try some Dynafits, or talk to a veteran Dyanfit user before you make your final decision. Now, on to today’s post.

Yeah…I’ve been called “anal” at times. Sometimes it’s worthy, mostly due to things I’ve learned over the years, but occasionally it is just due to my manic personality. Sometime I find myself being “anal” when it comes to my Dynafits. Now, you understand that in all production systems, there is some sort of balance between precision and cost-effectiveness. One can make a certain part so precisely, down to the smallest measurement, but it might cost him/her a million bucks to do so. I don’t know about you, but there is no way I’m paying a million bucks for some AT bindings. Hell, I’m rather telemark! Than again…

Over the years, I’ve found that occasionally one might get a pair of Dynafit bindings where the variances in production come together just right  (wrong…really) and allow for a little extra vertical movement in the heel pins. I’ve never really seen any performance effects from this, it’s just more of that “analness” in me that just doesn’t like to feel any movement or slop in the system.

Anyway, I figured out how to suck up some of the movement by using…yes…duct tape. A couple small pieces, placed on the bottom of the metal shim that sits between the top plate and the plastic that supports the pins or…a couple small pieces on top of the plastic that holds the pins in place. Use one or the other, or both…if each in itself is not enough. Remember when taking your heel pieces apart, back off on the DIN first and always use caution when putting the 4 little top screws back in place, as they are easy to strip and/or break. Happy moding!

• See peer reviews of XC, Tele, and AT Gear at Epicski.com