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HIstory of Look bindings / Problems with REI and Sports Authority

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Volkl_One
Posts: 19 - Karma: 125
I tried getting some look bindings mounted at Sport Authority because I had a five dollar mount coupon. The tech told me he wasn't allowed to work with Look bindings and after putting up some fight that they would mount a rossi fks, which is identical, but he couldn't do Look bindings. After this debackle I take my ski and bindings over to REI who has fifteen dollar mounts. They tell me the same thing. So I'm looking for an insider to tell me what's the deal? Why can't these techs work with Look bindings without fearing for their jobs?
Oct 1 2014 7:43PM
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uyghur
Posts: 993 - Karma: 2,028
I'm pretty positive they're the exactly the same thing but only look different, trying going to a different shop
Oct 1 2014 7:45PM
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OregonDead
Posts: 6962 - Karma: 25,265
REI sells LOOK branded bindings. Unless there is something up with your particular binding then something is up with the ski tech you are talking to.
Oct 1 2014 7:49PM
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tomPietrowski
Posts: 7232 - Karma: 18,206
Techs need to be certified by the brand who make the binding. So he may not be certified by look and wen though it's the same as Rossi legally he should not do it. Technically any tech who mounts a binding must be certified by the manufacturer. If they are not and the customer ha a problem the tech will not be covered and either the shop or individual coul be sued. If th tech is certified then the liability is tacked by the manufacturer. It only tends to be like this in North America as every one loves to sue over here so techs have to be carefull.
Oct 1 2014 8:25PM
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Volkl_One
Posts: 19 - Karma: 125
OregonDeadREI sells LOOK branded bindings. Unless there is something up with your particular binding then something is up with the ski tech you are talking to.


You're right! I just found the exact same bindings on their website. Incredible. Oh well, went to the family owned shop and had a good laugh about it with the tech. Thanks for the reply.
Oct 1 2014 10:57PM
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Volkl_One
Posts: 19 - Karma: 125
tomPietrowskiIf th tech is certified then the liability is tacked by the manufacturer. It only tends to be like this in North America as every one loves to sue over here so techs have to be carefull.


Yep unfortunately that's the way it's been going.
Oct 1 2014 10:59PM
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Session
Posts: 5403 - Karma: 22,510
I had a tech tell me he didn't have a jig for an Atomic FFG16, but that he did have one for an STH16.....
Oct 2 2014 11:30AM
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division.bell
Posts: 2762 - Karma: 1,905
SessionI had a tech tell me he didn't have a jig for an Atomic FFG16, but that he did have one for an STH16.....


Shit like this is when you silently shake your head in disgust, grab your ski equipment and make haste to the parking lot. No drama or further action needed. Just get out of their with your gear intact before it gets butchered.

No one should be supporting establishments that cannot distinguish between two bindings that are identical save for stickers. Whether it's the local mom and pop ski shop, or a large chain like REI or Sports Authority. If they don't give you confidence in their ability to mount your gear correctly, then take your business elsewhere.

REI, I mean, come on...I think many of us have seen this image, but this should be a good warning.

Oct 2 2014 11:57AM
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