Should I avoid 3-pin bindings with wire bails?

[colonel_sandbag]

That's really it. I'll be skiing with the Alico Nordic March boots. There are some decently cheap old Rotefella and Voile bindings designed this way on ebay. Thoughts?

Here's an example: https://www.ebay.com/itm/ROTTEFELLA-NOR ... 4106563419

[bauerb]

I haven't seen a setup like that since I used them in the 70's and very early 80's. I have memories of the wire bails being torqued out of their holding dimples...like an undesirable form of quick release that left you searching for the bail in the snow. my other memory is of snow packed into the binding/boot that made it hard to close the bail. do you have a reason for wanting to go full retro?

[Cannatonic]

Those are $35? About half the price of brand-new Rottefella ST...I would with go with new ones. I was able to find some ST's on sale for $45 a couple years ago.

[colonel_sandbag]

lol ok thanks everyone. this is good info.

[connyro]

I agree with canna. I would also go with new ones at that price. Those old wire bale 3-pins may not accommodate the thicker sole leather boots. Not to mention what bauerb said about the bindings self-destruction when too much force is applied.

[Nitram Tocrut]

That's really it. I'll be skiing with the Alico Nordic March boots. There are some decently cheap old Rotefella and Voile bindings designed this way on ebay. Thoughts?

Here's an example: https://www.ebay.com/itm/ROTTEFELLA-NOR ... 4106563419

A lot has been said and by know you must know it’s not a good idea
But seriously I can imagine a BBB (Big Bad Boot) like the Alico Ski March just reaping through the binding. As other said it is too expensive compared to ones that are new and adapted to your BBB. Also, I guess you were not planning to buy a skinny ski to use with those BBB. So actually, do you already have the skis or it is the next step?

[bauerb]

back in the day, riser plates and caution were the only things that kept the wings of those wide 3 pin bindings from digging in and lifting the ski off its its edge when things got steep on skinny skis...and sometimes caution got overruled by the need to turn....

[joeatomictoad]

@colonel_sandbag
That's a pretty sweet find for new old stock, albeit not very pragmatic. Perhaps the modern day forces are not compatible with design specs of yesteryear, heck even yesteryear forces were not compatible... but if one were inclined, could be an inexpensive way to add some character to one's quiver. Not too many good stories come from pragmatism, unless you're talking to a financial counselor <<yawn>>.

[Woodserson]

Weren't these designed for just K&G before the telemark turn revolution? They are just not a downhill binding. Are you in the US? If you are and really want to try, I can send you a pair for free if you cover the $8 for shipping.

[Rainbow83]

Yes, that looks like an xc oriented K&G binding not really meant for turns. In fact, the spacing between the bale and the base of the binding is probably thinner as it's designed for a striding boot, such as the Alpina Blazer 75 so you'd likely be hard pressed to fit a boot made with any intention for turning in there unless you bent the wires, which probably wouldn't be conducive to a long service life for the bindings.