Need help with picking out bindings

Alright, first thing - don't let people convince you into buying high DIN bindings.  You pay extra for that.  I wouldn't think you'd need anything more than a 12 DIN.  I'm your height and 180 lbs and I ride my P12s at 7 or 8.

That being said, you're probably going to get a lot of mixed responses.  Everyone seems to have different things to say about each binding.  For instance, I've always been a Rossi/Look guy, so I'd be apt to recommend PX12s or Axial 120s, where lots of people would criticize them.  I'm not a fan of Deadbolts because I've heard they're heavy, and I've heard that Salomon has had some problems with bindings in the past...

My vote goes for a Look/Rossi binding, because that's what I like.  You'll probably be able to find a pair of PX12s or something on evogear.com or backcountry.com for under $140. 

Salomon seems to be picking it up with their STH series, so I'm sure you'll here about those.

The Marker Jesters were a hit last year.  Don't let they're shape fool you - it's Marker's first decent binding in a long time.

Good luck finding what you need man, and I hope this helps.

Thanks, lots of needed info in there!

I've checked out the jesters a few times, are they really worth the $330? What separates them from other bindings?

If you need a lower spring, just get the griffon. Exactly the same as the jester but goes to 12 and costs a bunch less.

the griffons might be just what i'm looking for. are they really exactly the samme as the jesters, except the dim goes to 12 and not 16?

And an explanation on the dim system would be nice. Anyone have the time to tell me/direct me to somewhere that does? thanks, +karma for both of you!

i dont have any knowledge on the jesters but my experience with marker has been bad, as the other guy said though its there first good binding in a while. my markers busted after only a couple weeks of riding. i had good experiences with both scratch's and px12s. the scratches got stolen but the px12s rode for almost all last season before any problem. there a little on the heavy side compared to the salomons but seem to be a solid binding.
this years salomons sth have definetly picked up their game and thats wat im gonna probly be throwin on my skiis this year
hope it helps

din is basically the universal standard measurement for the release tension on a binding. really, how much force it takes before the boot pops out. its measure by a machine in three directions (right, left, up)

as for the right binding, i too am i rossi/look guy and recommend the px12s or axial 12s. griffons would be a very solid choice as well, same goes for the sths. i find the elastic travel in the heel on the first three much better than on the sths, and feel like i'm better connected to the ski. it really comes down to personal preference, as you'll hear a lot of pros and cons about everything, rave reviews and horror stories. you just need to sort through the bullshit opinions youll get