Dynafit Speed Radical Binding
The Dynafit Speed Radical is the standard by which touring bindings are measured. Evolved from the tried and true TLT Speed, the binding is designed to be safer, easier to use, and support a wider range of boots sizes and release values. The skiability and precision control of the previous incarnation remain intact. If you are looking for a lightweight binding that gives you more adjustability and riser options than a race binding, the Speed Radical may be for you.
- Power Towers on the toe pieces are easier to step into and offer protection from pre-release during a side impact.
- Speed Step climbing bars enable you to change riser heights with a flick of a finger or pole, no heel rotation necessary.
- Adjustable heel piece (up to 22mm) lets you step in with various size boots or loan them out to a friend with big feet.
- Release values adjust between 4 and 10 for both lateral and vertical releases, so you can customize your injury prevention.
- Made with forged 7075 aluminum, high-strength plastic, chromoly and stainless steel to ensure your skis stay attached.
- Comes with optional leashes so you can make your rig resort legal when accessing the side-country.
Update 2015/16: All Speed Radicals now come with an anti-rotation mechanism that is mounted under the heel to prevent accidentally spinning into ski mode while skinning.
Update 2017/18: An additional refinforcement plate was installed under the heel roof, adding around 15 grams. All of our stock is current with this update.
Update 2018/19: The most popular touring binding dropped a noticeable amount of weight and got a face lift just in time for ski season. The updated aluminum toe piece is 31g lighter and the binding gets updated anodizing and looks really spiffy!
Update 2019/20: What a neat paint job, it's the same great binding just now in Skimo Co blue!
Update 2021/22: Redesigned toe lever and all-aluminum construction on the toe, aluminum plate to replace the plastic on the heel with some cool branding as well. Ended up about 15g lighter.
| Specifications | |
|
Weight |
333g |
| Weight (pair) | 666g |
|
Boot |
Tech |
|
Brakes |
Leashes |
|
BSL |
22mm |
|
Riser |
2 + flat |
|
Vertical |
4-10 |
|
Lateral |
4-10 |
|
Crampon |
Included Option |
| Specs Verified | Yes |
| Design | |
|
|
7075 aluminum, steel pins, high-strength plastic |
| Skimo Co Says | |
| Usage | Everyday touring with resort drive-bys |
| Notes | Anti-rotation mechanism prevents accidental mode-changes |
| Bottom Line | Lightweight adjustable touring binding |
| Compare to other Lean Bindings | |
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Questions & Reviews
8/17/2024
I wonder what is the lateral elasticity of the binding in millimeters if it's possible and if there is any ?
8/17/2024
Hi Antoine, this binding (and Dynafit bindings in general) has a good amount of lateral elasticity. There is not a standard way of measuring displacement (e.g. is it millimeters from the end of the pins or back of the boot or somewhere else); angle is a better comparison but also hard to measure. We spend a lot of time skiing and feeling the elasticity in the bindings on our wall and have good subjective beta, but do not have a set of precise measurements, sorry.
8/18/2024
ok thanks a lot for your answer !
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11/12/2023
Looking to swap a pair of Dynastar rotation 10 w these bindings. Do you know if the hole pattern will be the same or would this require adding additional holes to the skis?
11/12/2023
Hi Greg, these have a different pattern that would require new holes. You can see the exact layouts in our list of mounting patterns.
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10/3/2023
Does this model use the same mounting pattern as the old Vertical ST? I have some skis with Vertical ST's, and would am curious if they could be replaced with Speed Radical's without needing to drill new holes. Thanks!
10/3/2023
Hi Max,
The heel pattern would be the same, but the toe pattern will be slightly different. You will have to drill two new holes at the front of each toe to accommodate the longer mounting pattern of the Radical. You can keep the pins in the same place, however, so the BSL adjustment won't be affected. The rear two holes stay the same so it's super easy.
The heel pattern would be the same, but the toe pattern will be slightly different. You will have to drill two new holes at the front of each toe to accommodate the longer mounting pattern of the Radical. You can keep the pins in the same place, however, so the BSL adjustment won't be affected. The rear two holes stay the same so it's super easy.
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3/16/2023
I currently ski on Rotate 7’s set at about 4 for rotational release and 5.5 for vertical release which is perfect for my 5’ 4” and 140 lbs. I like the added elasticity and release safety of the Rotate Toes, but dislike the Rotate heels with brakes and the associated weight. It looks like the Speed Radical heels offer release settings down to 4, are significantly lighter, and would result in a Delta of about 7mm. The Rotate 7’s don’t have elasticity built into the heel unit so not losing anything there. And it looks like the hole pattern for the heel units is the same. Would this Franken set up make sense to keep some added “safety” in the system but at a more reasonable weight. And no extra screw holes in the skis. Looks like about 874 grams together versus 1200 for the straight Rotates.
Or should I just go to something like a Crest 8 and really save weight.
Release reliability is a major factor for me.
Or should I just go to something like a Crest 8 and really save weight.
Release reliability is a major factor for me.
3/16/2023
Hi Paul, I like the thought process! You can get Speed Rad Heels separately to match your Rotation 7 toes; you are correct, the big-picture release functionality wouldn't be materially different than the Rotation 7 as this would just be the brakeless version of that. As with any franken setup, it might behoove you to get the lateral release tested since specific toes and heels are designed to work together to achieve the numerical value listed only on the heel. Also, brakes can subtly affect both lateral and vertical release so removing them might alter the effective value.
The Crest is a great binding but it might be problematic to work around the existing holes.
The Crest is a great binding but it might be problematic to work around the existing holes.
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I've use these bindings for years on my go-to mountaineering / lightweight setup and absolutely abused them. Still going strong! I have nothing at all negative to say. Great for transitions in super technical terrain. Light for long approaches. Never had a problem in any downhill situation and I've been in them all. Good and easy to use riser options for uphill. I had them before the anti-rotation mechanism was introduced years back and once that was added, the only problem I ever had was fixed. I plan to be using and fully trusting these for years to come
Comment on this review:
2/26/2021
I have a pair of 2017 Dynafit ST rotations on a 178 Zero G 95. This is my spring touring ski for steep skiing. The binding is heavier than I would prefer, can I safely remount it with a Dynafit Speed Radical?
2/26/2021
Hey Andrew, those hole patterns are pretty different, so you should be able to remount just fine.
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The blend of price and function is very high with this binding. I decided to go break-less after seeing my fair share of skis skittering into oblivion on cascade volcanos. Remember most breaks are useless during transitions when they are locked in touring mode. I’ve got two pair in play right now, but I keep reading about lighter and better performing bindings with less delta. A true workhorse, but it’s days for me might be numbered.
Comment on this review:
Seriously a great built binding that stands the test of time. I have close to 100 days on these and no signs of slowing down any time soon. Great entry level pin binding for anyone. They are light(-er than frames), easy to work with, ski well and are feature-rich.
The reason I give 4 stars is due to the weight and heel/toe delta. There are a lot of bindings which are quite a bit lighter that do the job just as well.
I found the heel/toe delta (if you don't know what this is, search the Skimo.co site for "binding pin heights") to be quite excessive and hard to ski at +16. After two seasons of struggling I had SkimoCo put the B&D shims on and it was a night and day difference. This lessens the riser effect but does wonders for skiing capabilities.
The reason I give 4 stars is due to the weight and heel/toe delta. There are a lot of bindings which are quite a bit lighter that do the job just as well.
I found the heel/toe delta (if you don't know what this is, search the Skimo.co site for "binding pin heights") to be quite excessive and hard to ski at +16. After two seasons of struggling I had SkimoCo put the B&D shims on and it was a night and day difference. This lessens the riser effect but does wonders for skiing capabilities.
Comment on this review:
1/6/2021
I've heard the leashes can release in case you are caught in an avalanche and the leashes are attached to a plastic piece on the binding which can break off. is the plastic piece replaceable if this does happen and you get your ski back?
1/7/2021
Jarrett,
Great question! The leash is attached to a metal cord loop, which is routed around a metal pin which is embedded in the plastic of the toe lever. If this were to break you could purchase a Toe Lever as a replacement. Hope this helps!
Great question! The leash is attached to a metal cord loop, which is routed around a metal pin which is embedded in the plastic of the toe lever. If this were to break you could purchase a Toe Lever as a replacement. Hope this helps!
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10/21/2020
Do you have to mount with anti-rotation plate or can you pitch it? I can't remember what I did for my last mount, but the plate isn't there, so I must have thrown them away. Is there an issue doing that?
Been skiing for years in them without issue. Thoughts?
Been skiing for years in them without issue. Thoughts?
10/21/2020
Hi Jeff, with models that ship with the plate, you definitely want to mount it, otherwise there will be a lot of slop in the heel. The first generation of this binding used an internal pin to prevent rotation which did not need the plate...at least until the pin sheared.
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There's a popular saying about weight, price, and performance: you can only pick two. You can expect to pay out the nose for the lightest and sexiest of bindings and the definition of the word "performance" begins to change when you start prioritizing the uphill to the down.
As has been said before by several other reviewers, these bindings do a pretty darn good job at being lightweight(-ish), inexpensive(-ish), and perform admirably in a wide variety of settings. From the backcountry, to side-country, to slack-country: these bindings will not only keep you attached to your skis, but release when needed. The sky-high stiletto risers work well to compensate for AT boots with minimal ankle flexion. The 22mm of BSL adjustment comes in handy if you find yourself loaning out your gear. The crazy high ramp angle didn't bother me until recently when I discovered a whole anodized aluminum world of 0-5mm deltas... then it bothered me a lot. I never tried shims, but they seem like a pretty decent solution if you're married to this binding. Will these be your forever bindings? Probably not. Are they a great place to start? Absolutely!
If you have a little extra money kicking around and aren't terribly concerned with vertical release or specific DIN values, check out the Plum Oazo for a binding that weighs a whole lot less and has nearly the same functionality.
As has been said before by several other reviewers, these bindings do a pretty darn good job at being lightweight(-ish), inexpensive(-ish), and perform admirably in a wide variety of settings. From the backcountry, to side-country, to slack-country: these bindings will not only keep you attached to your skis, but release when needed. The sky-high stiletto risers work well to compensate for AT boots with minimal ankle flexion. The 22mm of BSL adjustment comes in handy if you find yourself loaning out your gear. The crazy high ramp angle didn't bother me until recently when I discovered a whole anodized aluminum world of 0-5mm deltas... then it bothered me a lot. I never tried shims, but they seem like a pretty decent solution if you're married to this binding. Will these be your forever bindings? Probably not. Are they a great place to start? Absolutely!
If you have a little extra money kicking around and aren't terribly concerned with vertical release or specific DIN values, check out the Plum Oazo for a binding that weighs a whole lot less and has nearly the same functionality.
Comment on this review:
4/14/2020
Hi,
I'm interested in the Dynafit Speed radical but not sure whether i can also install brakes. It's possible?
Thank!
Victor
I'm interested in the Dynafit Speed radical but not sure whether i can also install brakes. It's possible?
Thank!
Victor
4/14/2020
Hello Victor, the Speed Radicals are compatible with Kreuzspitze Heel Brakes. Dynafit makes the Radical ST binding which is similar to the Speed Radical but with brakes.
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1/16/2020
Adam
(used product regularly)
Mmmm the Speed Radicals! Love these bindings. For me, they are the perfect balance of lightweight and durability. They release predictably and are nearly indestructible. I have the ST Rotations on another set of skis and cannot tell the difference in ride between the two. The main differences I have noticed are in weight, elasticity, and the rotations included ski brake. I have my speed radicals mounted on my lighter touring/ski mountaineering setup and appreciate the simplicity of the overall design. I have never had these release inadvertently and am confident in taking them in conditions where a lost ski might have consequences. Just do it!
Comment on this review:
Bottom line: For this skier, these bindings offer the best balance between usability, weight, cost, and safety for a dedicated backcountry touring setup.
In addition to the Speed Radicals, I've ridden the Speed Turns and Radical ST 2.0 and 1.0s. I've sold all of those other bindings and now have these on my three touring setups.
Stepping in and locking the toe are easier without the rotating toe offered on on more expensive Dynafit Radical bindings.
Going brakeless saves weight and improves speed/usability during transitions.
Compared to the Speed Turn, the risers on the speed radical are much easier to deploy and stow.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Go check out skimo.co binding ramp delta table. These bindings offer one of the highest ramp deltas posted. This will mean you will have an increased forward lean compared to many other bindings available on this site. If you prefer a more aggressive forward stance while skiing, consider the B&D shims for the toe piece.
In addition to the Speed Radicals, I've ridden the Speed Turns and Radical ST 2.0 and 1.0s. I've sold all of those other bindings and now have these on my three touring setups.
Stepping in and locking the toe are easier without the rotating toe offered on on more expensive Dynafit Radical bindings.
Going brakeless saves weight and improves speed/usability during transitions.
Compared to the Speed Turn, the risers on the speed radical are much easier to deploy and stow.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Go check out skimo.co binding ramp delta table. These bindings offer one of the highest ramp deltas posted. This will mean you will have an increased forward lean compared to many other bindings available on this site. If you prefer a more aggressive forward stance while skiing, consider the B&D shims for the toe piece.
Comment on this review:
2/13/2019
Hey guys thanks for all the info! I'm seriously considering these bindings, but am a little hesitant based on safety. Would appreciate hearing from someone who uses them regularly, how real are any concerns about pre release or other safety release issues? Thanks!
2/14/2019
Jared- In our testing the speed radical has a very consistent release value. If elastic travel and safety are paramount then I would suggest looking at the Rotation series from Dynafit. They have TUV certification the speed radical does not.
2/14/2019
Eric, Thanks for the info, i'm currently on a set of Radical 2.0s, so that is my baseline. I have had zero issues with the Rad 2.0, but since the Speed Rad is quite a bit different wanted to get a feel for any issues (some stated below). I'm not hucking meat off cliffs, just want good knees at 60. Sounds like as long as you are not doing big air, these are solid for release/retention. Is that a fair statement?
2/15/2019
Hi Jared, that is a fair assessment. The release is a bit more reliable with the Radical 2 due to the rotating toe piece and lack of a heel gap, but the Speed Rad is sufficient for most folks casually skiing the backcountry.
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2/7/2019
Is this the same binding as the TLT Speed Radical?
2/8/2019
Yes, it is the TLT Speed Radical
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11/30/2018
I think the answer is probably yes, but I'd love a confirmation -- is the 18/19 Speed Radical hole pattern the same as previous iterations? Don't want to get into the dreaded hole conflict! Thanks!
11/30/2018
Hi Hannes, yes it is! No problems upgrading with the same holes.
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I've had 2 pairs of these (on Cho Oyus and Voile Vector BCs) with every iteration of the warranty replacement heels. The heels never stopped autorotating on steep side hills; that is not only inconvenient, but dangerous. Packed snow and ice builds up under the boot heel worse than any other binding I've had (Vertical ST, Radical ST, Superlite 2.O, Plum Guide & Yaks, and Kingpins). It was so bad I finall covered the bsl adjustment screw & track and plate screws with permanent silicone adhesive; that did help a lot; using Maxiglide, Armorall, silicone spray, waterprood grease, silicone paste, etc. did little. I disliked the flipping climbing aids--they always seemed to flip inconviently on their own. For a minimalist binding these are heavier than most of the competition. But they did work and worked fine when the snow wasn't deep or in a sintering mood.
5/2/2018
Hi Andrew, thanks for the feedback. For what it's worth, in our experience the rotation issues were licked with the version that introduced the little nubbin that gets mounted under/off to the side of the heel. It would be hard to rotate accidentally over that!
Comment on this review:
The old classics, decently light for starting out and reliable workhorses. The unbreakable Dynafit toe piece, paired with adjustable release values, and multiple heel risers, can't go wrong with these.
Pushed these hard enough that the toe pins rounded off to such a degree I was worried about release from my toe while skiing, never actually released so perhaps not a problem.
As these things wear the heels begin to turn under the weight of your boot while skinning, slipping from walk into ski mode. This can be quite aggravating especially on steep icy sections, fixed by replacing the plastic bearing inside the heel tower, or my recommendation, mounting your skis with Maruelli anti-twist plates: https://skimo.co/maruelli-binding-parts. (Work wonders and lighten the binding up).
Pushed these hard enough that the toe pins rounded off to such a degree I was worried about release from my toe while skiing, never actually released so perhaps not a problem.
As these things wear the heels begin to turn under the weight of your boot while skinning, slipping from walk into ski mode. This can be quite aggravating especially on steep icy sections, fixed by replacing the plastic bearing inside the heel tower, or my recommendation, mounting your skis with Maruelli anti-twist plates: https://skimo.co/maruelli-binding-parts. (Work wonders and lighten the binding up).
Comment on this review:
12/16/2017
Do the Speed Radicals have the same mounting pattern as the Vertical FT’s as I’m wanting to swap to a lighter binding with a lower DIN?
12/17/2017
Hey Angus, thanks for reaching out! In the toe, no. In the heel, yes! We have a whole article dedicated to the hole patterns here! The heel should be able to pop into the old holes just fine, whereas the toe will be able to re-use two of the existing holes (you can choose front or back) and then you'll have to drill two other holes.
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