Black Diamond Helio 145 Binding
The Black Diamond Helio 145 is a rock-solid race binding that can be somewhat tailored to your size and aggressiveness. The binding is offered in three release-value settings and has three riser-heights to match your intended usage. Your choice of one of three predetermined release-values dictate the performance characteristics out of the box. The values are determined by a hidden lateral and swappable vertical heel-spring, both made of steel. The heel operates like a typical race binding with a flap covering the pins for uphill, but you can also spin the tower 180° to access a third, higher riser. Moving to the toe-piece, it had half of the wing-springs removed to reduce weight and complexity, but otherwise is a tried-and-true design that has the smoothest lever-action in the business. If you’ve never tried a race binding and are interested in having your mind blown, the BD Helio 145 is a great place to start.
- Your choice of 6, 8, or 10 in release values, both lateral and vertical.
- Roller bearings in the toe offer clean and crisp locking power.
- MonoLink Technology 1.0 removed half the toe-springs without sacrificing performance.
- Flat mode, heel-flap, and reversed heel-flap offer climbing versatility.
- Optional crampon slot takes Black Diamond Helio crampons.
Specifications | |
Weight |
148g [8] |
Weight (pair) | 296g [8] |
Boot Compatibility | Tech |
Brakes | No |
BSL Adjustment | Optional plates |
Riser Heights | 2 + flat |
Vertical Release | 6, 8, or 10 |
Lateral Release | 6, 8, or 10 |
Crampon Ready | Optional |
Specs Verified | Yes |
Design | |
Materials | Aluminum alloy, stainless steel |
Skimo Co Says | |
Usage | Speed touring, racing, mountaineering, adventure skiing, grand course racing |
Notes | Extra riser accessed by spinning heel piece 180° |
Bottom Line | The benchmark for versatility in a race binding |
Compare to other Race Bindings |
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Questions & Reviews
Technically I have the 180, although since I initially mounted it without the adjustment plate, functionally I'm using the equivalent of the 145.
Details at my review of the 180, but everything just works really smoothly (as it should of course), and is nicely refined from ATK's constant evolution of its basic binding design over the years.
The big decision is whether to save $ initially and go with the 145, or spend a bit more on the 180 for all the accessories.
The only issue I find are the heel flaps which could be designed a little better, there is a bit of effort required to flip especially when cold.
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