Dynafit TourLite Tech Brakes

These brakes replace the straps that come standard with the Tri-Step binding. They can be mounted to the binding at any time. Ski brakes allow for safe, strapless travel in avalanche terrain and in ski resorts. They are highly recommended.

$64.90

Tourlite Tech ski brake
This version fits skis only up to about 75mm in width... ended up returning the item. Plus, they seemed heavy...I'm going back to straps.

not good for wide skis or backcountry powder
Although these will extend beyond the edges of my 88 mm skis they seem not to have been made for such wide skis and the friction of the ski plus any icing often causes them to fail to engage. Many is the time I've stepped out of the bindings to see skis with brakes that didn't pop down. Also, they are not as heavy and aggressive as some brakes so the ski may still move when the brake is down but the snow is soft/light and the slope steep. That's the conditions we bought these bindings for, right? I like my Dynafit bindings and the company was cool about hooking me up with leashes. I would recommend leashes for these bindings. Ski brakes won't help you in an avalanche, so if you are going to go where you really shouldn't go, just unleash. If you are crazy, lock the toes down. Maybe you can ski out that avalanche, you wild fool. I got leashes after almost losing a ski in deep powder in the backcountry. It would have sucked. The ski released prematurely because I failed to notice ice in the holes in the toe of the boot, preventing the toe from being properly engaged. An easy problem to solve, especially if you use the Dynafit leash which has a handy little tool for that purpose. Take a careful look at your toes and memorize what they look like when they are fully engaged so you will recognize when they aren't.

Low score for the brakes
Dynafit has made an AWESOME tour-lite binding BUT! they need to send the their R & D staff back to the drawing table to come up with a ski brake that works with this binding. It's difficult to mount with the heel piece, doesn't work well when you are trying to switch from climbing to downhill mode. It’s easier to go with a leash. That's why I sent mine back. Hopefully dynafit will get it together...

Not Up to Par
Relatively heavy compared to the TLT binding (you got them to go LIGHT, right?), they make it hard to twist the heel unit to adjust the touring height, and stick in the up position unless you keep them perfectly lubed. Also, you need to dissasemble the heel to install them.

Training Tips

For runners looking to get the maximum benefit from hill training, as you sprint to the top of the hill have your arms pumping faster and faster. Once you get to the top, continue on increasing your speed as much as possible.

After each interval, take your pulse rate by counting the number of beats at your wrist or neck for 15 seconds. Multiply that result by four to get your beats per minute. Your next interval should start before your heart rate is less than 60% of your maximum.

The four components of good fitness include flexibility, muscular endurance, muscular strength, and cardiorespiratory endurance. For optimum health, include at least two of these groups in three workouts per week.

Your fitness level will improve by overloading, working your body hard enough to stimulate the body, progression, increasing the frequency, intensity, and duration of exercise over time, and regularity, working out frequently, at least three times a week.