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Given the success of the The Official: "What is wrong with my boots?" Thread, a couple of us thought it would be worthwhile putting this thread together.
The FKS/Pivot 14 and 18s are some of the most talked about bindings on this site. There's usually a ton of threads floating around asking similar questions. The aim of this thread is twofold, firstly to try and consolidate any FKS/Pivot noise into one place, and secondly to provide sound info and advice; thereby reducing the volume of questions.
The Rossignol FKS140 is the same binding as the the Look Pivot 14, just as the Rossignol FKS180 is the same binding as the Look Pivot18. So it really comes down to which colour you prefer. Both the 14 and the 18 share the same FKS heel piece. However the toe pieces on the two models are different; the 14 uses the ACS4 toe which is also featured on a number of bindings in the Axial2/PX series. The toe on the 18s is the BRLC toe. Both the ACS4 and the BRLC toe feature 180 degree multidirectional release. Rossi will contend that the 18 does feature vertical release where the entire toe piece moves, as opposed to the 14 where the toe wings move. Both set ups feature a stand height of 20mm, which contrary to popular beleif is not the lowest stand height on the market.
Do I need the 18 vs. 14/ 14 vs. 18?
The main difference between the 14 and the 18, other than the DIN range (5-14 and 8-18 respectively), is the toe pieces. The BRLC toe has all metal housing making it a burlier toe piece, but it adds some weight to the set up, weighing in at 2440g/5lb 6oz per pair (This is Rossi's stated weight - but let me know if anyone has an unmounted pair they could weigh). The 18 is 1lb heavier than the 14, so it seems a little futile to go adding unnecessary weight to your set up unless you need it. To clarify, you don't really need an 18 DIN binding unless you are riding at 11+. To quote 'The Answer to what binding thread': -"I would only recommend an 18+ din binding for people who are skiing very aggressively and are reasonably heavy. I would normally only recommend something like this for big mtn skiers where you only want your skis to come off in pretty gnarly bails." To put it bluntly, if you have to justify the 18s to yourself, you don't need them.
Useful Links/Videos/Information
Rossignol Warranty Policy - All Rossignol products sold in the U.S. are covered by a limited warranty, valid for the original purchaser for one year from the original date of purchase. This is extended to two years for a ski mounted with a new Rossignol binding or an Intergrated Ski/Binding System. The warranty covers defects in workmanship or material, NOT ABUSIVE USE: ROCK DAMAGE, ABUSED PRODUCTS, AND NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR WILL NOT BE COVERED.
How to take apart/bend FKS -http://vimeo.com/4218404
Mounting Template -http://www.techinfo.bindingfreedom.com/uploads/FKS_paper_template_R8.pdf