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Binding Help (FKS and STH)

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[J_Gasper]
Posts: 2983 - Karma: 1,594
Hey guys,

About me: 5'11 220 lbs and I like to ski aggressively. These are gonna be on my all mountain/pow ski for when I go out west.

Just got my order in for some Jeffreys during the presale for this upcoming season. I have been debating 2 or 3 different bindings for the most part.

The 3 bindings im looking at are the FKS 155, STH 14, and STH 16.

I have a few questions about each of these bindings. First of all, what the hell is a turntable binding? I know FKS is a turntable, but I cant figure out what it means. Second of all, are the FKS really a pain in the ass to get on in pow? Lastly, is the 155 the non metal toe, or is that the 140?


For the STH, Im looking at both the 14 and the 16. Are they both the same exact construction? If so, I think the 14 will be the way to go. I dont really want the weight (or price) of the Steel STH 16s, so I think the normal STH 14/16 will work great.


I dont really know which route to go. I defiantly want to get a pair brand new though. I know that they are both close to the same weight, so thats not a deal breaker.

++++++++++K for help!






Jul 25 2012 8:22PM
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Fun_dip
Posts: 2623 - Karma: 913
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Jul 25 2012 8:32PM
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Crispy.
Posts: 6109 - Karma: 7,683
1. A turntable binding is a binding in which the heel piece rotates to release. It can turn 360 degrees around unlike a normal binding which doesn't pivot or turn, hence the name turntable.

2. Yes they are.

3. This one I'm not 100% sure on. I DO KNOW that the 140 is the non metal toe, but I'm not sure whether or not the 155 is a metal toe.


I don't know tons about the FKS construction, but if I were you I'd recommend purchasing either the STH 14 or 16 with the Driver toe/All steel. They'll hold up a lot better for ya.
Jul 25 2012 8:39PM
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tomPietrowski
Posts: 7147 - Karma: 17,460
I wont comment on the FKS as i have never owned a pair, just used them now and again.

The STH 16 and 14 and nearly the same construction, but not exactly. The 16 has a metal, toe rod, basically its just stronger in the toe. The heels are exactly the same other then the spring and din range.

For you I would say get the 16, unless you are using your Din under 10, then the 14 will be fine.

STH bindings generally are really good, you can replace the brakes easily, somthing you cant do on FKS, and they have the most adjustable toe piece on the market.

Overall you can not go wrong with an STH.
Jul 25 2012 8:40PM
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BWalmer
Posts: 9141 - Karma: 12,883
1. Awesome pick with the Jefferys, I got a pair last year and they're super fun.

2. A turntable binding basically means the that heelpiece is able to rotate (basically the heel of FKS bindings can rotate 360 degrees). This allows for a smoother release, but can also make getting into them a bit annoying if the turn on you (not a huge problem, just a minor annoyance some times).

3. FKS bindings are a bit harder to get on in deeper snow. Since the heelpiece is lower profile you bascially need to get all of the snow off your boot and out from under the brake release plate.

4. 155s have a full metal toe, 140s do not.

5. The STH 14s have two different versions, the Driver style toe (pointier looking) and the Z-Style toe (wider). The Driver style toe is considered to be a much better toe piece than the Z-style toe, it's more durable and releases more properly.

6. The STH 16s only have the Driver style toe, so it's basically just a higher DIN version of the STH 14 Driver binding (it's also slightly more durable than the 14).

Basically, narrow down your search to FKS 155s and STH 14/16 Driver bindings (I wouldn't even bother with the Z-style toe). The FKS is more durable and releases a bit more reliably, the STH is a bit easier to get in and out of. So it's really up to you what you're looking for in a binding. I personally prefer the FKS bindings, however, I do have some STH 16s I use as well...both are great, it's just a matter of preference for the most part.
Jul 25 2012 9:30PM
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[J_Gasper]
Posts: 2983 - Karma: 1,594
Great write up. Thanks a ton dude. +K to all that helped out.


I guess now its just a matter of fact of which binding I can get cheapest. They both have their pros and cons, but they both seem to be equal to me.

If anyone else wants to add some input, please do so!
Jul 25 2012 9:59PM
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LC.
Posts: 5952 - Karma: 2,423
From experience, STH16 are more durable than 155s. They heels get sloppy eventually, but they don't break. Look for old 997s if you want a stronger heel but a light toe.
Jul 26 2012 7:15AM
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Session
Posts: 5375 - Karma: 22,080
FWIW I'm essentialy the same size as the OP. And run STH14 (driver toe) on the exact same ski. I own 2 pairs of 16's and 2 pairs of 14's. I can't tell the difference in durability or functionality. If you can get the 16's on the cheap then snatch them. Otherwise the 14's are fine.
Jul 26 2012 11:26AM
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[J_Gasper]
Posts: 2983 - Karma: 1,594
Thanks for the input K_M, I like the idea of the turntable binding, but I don't like the idea that its just one more thing to break.


Boax, Thats what my local shop says. They say they rarely see any of the STH series come into the shop, so I might just go with them.


Sessions. I can also get STH 14s a bit cheaper than FKS 155 new. At the moment, my local shop doesn't even have the 16s, so I think I might just go with the 14s. A guy that works there mentioned the STH 12 to me. Should this be something I should be interested in? I fondled them for a little bit, and they defiantly don't feel as solid as the 16..





Jul 26 2012 12:05PM
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[J_Gasper]
Posts: 2983 - Karma: 1,594
Just got back from the shop. Got 2012 STH 14s for 116 bucks! +K to everyone that helped
Jul 26 2012 1:29PM
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tomPietrowski
Posts: 7147 - Karma: 17,460
The Sth 12 and 14 are the exact same binding (so long as you are comparing the driver version) The 14 is only is made as a driver now, but the 12 has a driver version and a Oversized version. The oversized version features an oversized Z series Toe not a driver toe. You will want the driver toe, for the adjust-ability and added durability.

As I said above the only difference between the 16 and the others is that it has a metal height rod in the toe. Its a little more durable, but honestly you will not notice any difference.

What Din do you currently ski at?

Im sure either the 14 or 16 would work for you, but unless you run your DIN at 13 or above you dont need the 16. Personally unless you run your Din very Low I would get the 14 over the 12, just for the extra high end range should you need it in the future. But if you ski around 10, and you could get the 12 cheaper, that would work fine too.
Jul 26 2012 1:34PM
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tomPietrowski
Posts: 7147 - Karma: 17,460
That is a great deal on them, you wont be disappointed.
Jul 26 2012 1:45PM
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[J_Gasper]
Posts: 2983 - Karma: 1,594
thanks man. Im real stoked on the purchase!
Jul 26 2012 2:42PM
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Fun_dip
Posts: 2623 - Karma: 913
Not to hate, but why would you go buy STH14's when you already own STH16's?
Jul 26 2012 4:00PM
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[J_Gasper]
Posts: 2983 - Karma: 1,594
Because im selling the STH 16s. They are an older model with 90mm brakes. They are pretty beat as well, so i thought i would rather put a nice new binding on the jeffreys.
Jul 26 2012 4:06PM
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NinetyFour
Posts: 8650 - Karma: 13,409
I use some STH 14's as well, great binding.
Jul 26 2012 4:24PM
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Session
Posts: 5375 - Karma: 22,080
Fuck, does that shop have a web site? I would snatch up another pair for that price.
Jul 26 2012 4:27PM
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[J_Gasper]
Posts: 2983 - Karma: 1,594
It does. go to skis.com and type in STH 14. There is only a 90mm brake model left, and they are $138 or so. I got an extra 11 percent off due to their summer tent sale.
Jul 26 2012 4:37PM
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DUKES
Posts: 5150 - Karma: 691
The brakes on the fks/pivots are bitches when they breakdue to the fact that you have to send them to the company so tat they can replace the brakes. if you happen to search a thrift shop or ns and find some break you can replace them yourselves but it voids the warranty.

the salomons brakes are way easier to come by and are easy to replace other than the fks/pivots. you dont have to send them to the factory you can have a shop fix them. new brakes cost about 50 with installation at a shop im not sure when buying offline.

i have the sth 14 drivers and they do great no problems at all. they are light and really durable and do their job of releasing when you need them. i have not used the fks/pivots so i cant really comment on their part i just hear that the brakes are bitches

Jul 26 2012 6:27PM
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