I have used these for about 20 days now, mounted on Blizzard Zero G 85s.
Likes:
- I am new to super light setups, but I feel like these give me a lot more control over my skis than I was expecting given how minimal they are.
-The two riser heights are perfect.
-Overall, build quality seems exceptional. There is hardly any play in any component where there shouldn't be.
-Adjustable release in the heel is impressive for a binding this light.
-Plenty of lateral adjustment for the heel piece if you need to switch boots.
Dislikes:
-They seem to ice up more easily than other bindings I have used, and easier than my partners' bindings on the same day. The upside is the there is lots of room underneath the spring assembly in the toe, so its fairly easy to clear out.
-Somewhat difficult to line up the pins with toe inserts to step in to.
I would give these 4.5 stars if I could, but I feel like they are good enough to round up to 5. Overall, I would recommend.
Plum Oazo 8 Binding
The “Race Plus” category is growing neatly. That is, alpine touring ski bindings that are more featureful than race bindings but more streamlined than traditional touring designs. The Plum Oazo embodies that trend with a slick set of features that have it sitting right at the 200-gram mark (after which you start to feel the weight every step). The sturdy toe is a proven design that is simple, light, easy to operate, and nothing more. The heel-piece features a fixed vertical release that hits the sweet spot for many skiers while the lateral release is adjustable from 5-10. Multiple easily-accessed risers are at your disposal should you need them, just flip the flaps into place. No rotation is necessary to climb, making it super easy and fast to transition. However, you can also rotate the heel for a full flat-on-ski mode for long approaches. If you have tried a Plum binding before, chances are you’ve taken note of the durability and ability to outlast multiple skis and boots while performing at a high level. The Oazo is no exception and offers a tempting combination of weight and features.
- Optional brakes can be screwed onto the heel baseplate so you can temporarily meet a race or resort requirement.
- Heel adjustment track to accommodate multiple boots.
- Included crampon receptor comes at the ready on the toe piece.
- Fixed vertical release value and adjustable lateral release values from 5-10.
- Three total climbing positions including a flat-on-ski mode.
- Generous 220lb skier weight limit.
Update 2022/23: The Oazo 8's new baseplate has a longer 25mm (vs 20mm) BSL adjustment onto which you can add or remove brakes with one screw. Leashes are no longer included.
| Specifications | |
|
Weight |
219g |
| Weight (pair) | 438g |
|
Boot |
Tech |
|
Brakes |
Optional 80, 90, 100, 110 |
|
BSL |
25mm [2022/23] |
|
Riser |
2 + flat |
|
Vertical |
Fixed |
|
Lateral |
4-10 |
|
Crampon |
Yes, Removable |
| Specs Verified | Yes |
| Design | |
|
|
7075 Aluminum, POM |
| Skimo Co Says | |
| Usage | Ski touring, mountaineering |
| Notes | No need to turn heel piece to use the risers! |
| Bottom Line | Light and versatile |
| Compare to other Lean Bindings | |
Related Products
Questions & Reviews
Comment on this review:
11/11/2024
Is the only difference between the Oazo4/6/8 the beefiness of the different U Springs? So if I purchased an Oazo 6 and wanted to amp up the retention, I could swap in the thicker U fork? Or are there some other differences?
Thanks!
Thanks!
11/11/2024
Hi Alex,
Yes, you can get a stronger (or weaker) U spring here. The springs for the 8 are called "Steel Forks" to differentiate from some older Titanium forks.
Yes, you can get a stronger (or weaker) U spring here. The springs for the 8 are called "Steel Forks" to differentiate from some older Titanium forks.
Answer this question:
3/28/2024
Is there a template available to mount the oazo 8? Also are the 23-24 versions the same as 22-23?
3/29/2024
Hi Noel, there was no change to the Oazo for 23/24. The mounting template will appear in the Product Docs section of your account with a purchase.
12/10/2024
The templates mentioned above were not correct. Several other sites also said they had Oazo temples but none of them matched the whole pattern. I ended up photo copying the whole patterns putting the bindings on a photo copy machine and making my own. It worked out fine but was stressing and took forever.
12/10/2024
Hi Noel, I just double-checked the files. They are for the Oazo with 26.5x30 toes and 25x55 heels. You do need to print them at the correct scale.
12/11/2024
I checked the scale and it was fine. The Oazo 8 I received did not line up with the pattern on the templates available at any of the sites I downloaded from. Thanks for your concern though. Skimo has been very helpful.
Answer this question:
3/8/2024
I'm looking to replace some Marker Alpinists w/ brakes with the Oazos on my Backlands 86. Would that make sense in order to shave some weight off and would it be easy to mount them with holes already there?
3/9/2024
Hi Joe,
It would save some weight, for sure. I think it would be a good upgrade! With any remount, unless you have the same exact hole pattern you are probably looking at moving the toe and heel piece a little bit, in order to have sufficient clearance (10mm minimum) from the old holes. This usually isn't a big deal and re-mounting skis is a common practice - but it will change where you are mounted on the ski slightly.
It would save some weight, for sure. I think it would be a good upgrade! With any remount, unless you have the same exact hole pattern you are probably looking at moving the toe and heel piece a little bit, in order to have sufficient clearance (10mm minimum) from the old holes. This usually isn't a big deal and re-mounting skis is a common practice - but it will change where you are mounted on the ski slightly.
3/9/2024
Joe, The hole pattern is different. If you remount, you will have to mount the toe piece +1 or -1 cm, so you won't be boot center anymore.
Weight, you can take the brakes off to shave a bit off.
If you do switch, the Oazo is a great binding.
Weight, you can take the brakes off to shave a bit off.
If you do switch, the Oazo is a great binding.
Answer this question:
12/23/2023
Would you pick these or the Vario2 for a Black Crows Solis? Im 6’ 2” 185 and ski aggressively. I see that Black Crows uses the Oazo on the Solis in their blog post.
The Oazo have a better ramp angle which is important to me for steep skiing skis. Is the release that much better/reliable with the Vario2s?
The Oazo have a better ramp angle which is important to me for steep skiing skis. Is the release that much better/reliable with the Vario2s?
12/25/2023
Hi Evan, the French like to stick together! The Vario.2s do have more elasticity which can help with release/retention. They are also available with higher release values than the Oazo. That said, the flat ramp of the Oazo is nice, as is the ability to use the 2nd riser without rotating the heel. Lots of of tradeoffs in this category. If you want more detailed help for you specifically, check out our binding finder as there is more to the equation than just height/weight.
Answer this question:
10/1/2023
Hello
I am playing with an idea of putting this binder on a pair of 2000g 104 underfoot skis for backcountry and occasional slackcountry and maybe even a groomer? I am an advanced skier but i rarely ever get my skis airborne. I know its not a simple yes/ no answer, but I would like to know if I should be looking at something like Atk R12 evo, which is almost 2x the weight with fr spacer or I could get away with the OAZO
. My usual Din setting is ~ 8
Thanks for any advice / input
I am playing with an idea of putting this binder on a pair of 2000g 104 underfoot skis for backcountry and occasional slackcountry and maybe even a groomer? I am an advanced skier but i rarely ever get my skis airborne. I know its not a simple yes/ no answer, but I would like to know if I should be looking at something like Atk R12 evo, which is almost 2x the weight with fr spacer or I could get away with the OAZO
. My usual Din setting is ~ 8
Thanks for any advice / input
10/2/2023
Daniel,
As you mentioned, it depends on your skiing style and safety tolerance. The reasons why not to:
- a heavy, wide ski could be difficult to manage on a narrow tech binding - a freeride spacer could help with power transfer if you ski very aggressively.
- A heavy, wide ski puts more torque on your knee, so it wouldn't hurt to have a binding with more safety features.
That said, I personally wouldn't hesitate to use the Oazos in your scenario. Unless you're tall/heavy and catch a lot of air, you probably won't notice the absence of a freeride spacer. And for the release issues, that's personal risk tolerance.
If you want to go more in detail, reach out to us at help@skimo.co!
As you mentioned, it depends on your skiing style and safety tolerance. The reasons why not to:
- a heavy, wide ski could be difficult to manage on a narrow tech binding - a freeride spacer could help with power transfer if you ski very aggressively.
- A heavy, wide ski puts more torque on your knee, so it wouldn't hurt to have a binding with more safety features.
That said, I personally wouldn't hesitate to use the Oazos in your scenario. Unless you're tall/heavy and catch a lot of air, you probably won't notice the absence of a freeride spacer. And for the release issues, that's personal risk tolerance.
If you want to go more in detail, reach out to us at help@skimo.co!
Answer this question:
4/8/2023
Hello, I purchased a set of Oazo 8 just about a year ago and really like the binding BUT have now twice run into a problem that seems to be a design flaw in the toe lever that renders the binding inoperable, and I would very much like to know if Plum or anyone else has a fix. There's a small metal pin that rides in cut-outs in the black portion of the toe lever (see attached photo), and this pin is held in place by a small spring that's attached to the orange part of the toe lever. When the toe jaws are open, the orange portion completely captures this pin, but when the toe jaws are closed, and the toe lever is in uphill mode, this pin is partially exposed and has now twice fallen out. And when the pin falls out the toe lever is inoperable. Both times I luckily found the pin and it was a major hassle getting it back in place. Obviously desperately trying finding a loose pin that is about 1/16" wide and 1/2" long is not a good situation. I love these bindings and am astounded that this pin is so vulnerable. This seems like a major design flaw or maybe there's just something going on with my particular pair? Do you know if this is a known issue with these bindings, and if so does Plum offer a fix? Or has anyone else had this problem and come up with their own fix? Thanks very much for any and all help.
4/8/2023
Hi Peter, certainly not a common issue, sounds like something is up with your toe piece. Please reach out to help@skimo.co and we can help find a solution for you there.
Answer this question:
3/9/2023
Love these bindings so far! I got new boots that are a slightly shorter BSL. Can you advise on how to adjust the heel piece? Looks like the torx T20 (or 25?) screw beneath the swivel piece, but the operating manual is a bit unclear.
Thanks for your help
Thanks for your help
3/9/2023
Hi Torri, thanks for the feedback! Those are T25 bolts.
Answer this question:
2/28/2023
So I have been running these on a pair of Armada Tracer 98s with a Tecnica Zero G Scout boot. In short I love them after 3 seasons.
I know it may seem silly, but I am hesitant about getting some for my powder boards. Do you think I will have any issues running them on a Pair of Moment Deathwish Tours 184cm? Would it be to much ski for this type of binding?
I know it may seem silly, but I am hesitant about getting some for my powder boards. Do you think I will have any issues running them on a Pair of Moment Deathwish Tours 184cm? Would it be to much ski for this type of binding?
3/1/2023
Hey Wesley, if you plan on hucking cliffs and skiing aggressively, a more aggressive binding like the ATK Raider would be a good match. If you intend on keeping the skis on the snow, then the Oazo 8 would be a great choice!
Answer this question:
2/15/2023
How will this pair with a Blackcrows Solis? Considering these are light weight wondering if they would be good for a 100mm ski which is designed to ski steeps in varied conditions. If not what else do you suggest? I’m looking for a binding weighing between 200-275gms preferably.
2/15/2023
These would pair great with them! If you want to gain a bit of weight, the Ski Trab Titan Vario.2 has great retention/release profiles. If release and BSL adjustment isn't needed, you could also go with a race binding. While many people would worry about the binding pulling out, in reality this doesn't happen often.
2/15/2023
Thanks Emmett. I did look at the Trab Titan Vario, but the heel raiser seems a bit unclear to me. I understand it had flat + 2 raisers, but does it function for example like a Plum Summit 12. essentially flat, and next 2 risers just flipping on each other. Do you have a video or doc which goes over the mechanism.
2/15/2023
We don't have a video, unfortunately. The flat position is with the heel turned 90 degrees in either direction. The first riser is with the heel as you would have it for ski mode with the metal flap covering the pins. The second riser position is with the heel turned 180 degrees.
Answer this question:
12/30/2022
I’m looking to buy a drill bit to remount some Plum Oazo 8s. Would you mind confirming the hole diameter for the included screws for these bindings?
12/30/2022
Hi Getskied, the proper diameter is determined by the ski, not the binding.
12/30/2022
Got it. They are Voile HyperVector BCs if that helps.
12/30/2022
The recommended drill bit size from Voile is a 3.5 x 9mm. Have fun out there!
Answer this question:
10/17/2022
Wondering your thoughts on this bindings versus the Plum R170 + the crampon adapter? Thinking about mounting to the Movement Carbon Pro 85. Do you see any particular advantages of one over another? I realize the R170 would be slightly lighter but thats all I can figure. Thanks!
10/17/2022
Hi Benjamin J,
A few things to differentiate these bindings. The Plum Race 170 is less feature dense, hence the lighter weight. The Race 170 has a fixed release value, and fewer riser options.
In contrast, the Plum Oazo 8 has more features, at the expense of weight. The 22/23 model has a longer adjustment track, and the ability to add brakes. Additionally, it has a high riser, and adjustable lateral release, which the Race 170 lacks.
If you have further questions on finding a binding that suits your setup, reach out to help@skimo.co!
A few things to differentiate these bindings. The Plum Race 170 is less feature dense, hence the lighter weight. The Race 170 has a fixed release value, and fewer riser options.
In contrast, the Plum Oazo 8 has more features, at the expense of weight. The 22/23 model has a longer adjustment track, and the ability to add brakes. Additionally, it has a high riser, and adjustable lateral release, which the Race 170 lacks.
If you have further questions on finding a binding that suits your setup, reach out to help@skimo.co!
Answer this question:
9/3/2022
I have a pair of these and generally like them. I find that the heel towers are very stiff to turn. I've taken them out for about 10 days. Do you suspect they will get easier to turn after wearing in a bit, or should I consider greasing the parts? Thanks.
9/3/2022
Hi ekaj, these heels are relatively stiff throughout their lifespan...this helps prevent accidental rotation when climbing. Most folks around here rarely spin them since the heel flaps work great. Grease shouldn't be necessary so early, but can help over the years.
Answer this question:
8/23/2022
I've really been enjoying light weight, more minimal bindings and this looks like a great choice for my next set of skis. when the snow is soft, I do enjoy hitting the occasional small drop and doubling over logs and such, will these bindings explode on me? With all of my gear I probably weigh ~200lbs. Thanks!
8/23/2022
Hi Eric, Light is Right is Skimos motto. These Plum's are pretty bomber and should hold up fine. Being able to use both risers without rotating the heel is pretty nice.
If you want to get into it more, fill out our binding finder.
If you want to get into it more, fill out our binding finder.
Answer this question:
5/31/2022
Is this the same mounting pattern as the R170? (So I could just plug them into a ski previously mounted with R170?)
5/31/2022
Hi Jordan, yes they have the same pattern so you could do just that.
Answer this question:
3/24/2022
Hi, just mounted the Oazo 8 on a pair of Atomic Backland UL for a spring ski set-up (I purchased both from you last year) and I wanted to confirm with you (since I didn't find anything on the Plum website) that to set the lateral release, I line up the forward edge of the raised ring that's close to the back edge of the lateral adjustment screw with the setting I want. So in the attached pic, the lateral release is set to 6, right? Thanks very much for your consistent and totally spot-on help!
3/24/2022
Hi Peter,
That's a really good question. You are correct, the left edge of the raised ring lines up with the left edge of the painted line for the corresponding release value. So in your picture, you've got set exactly to 6.
That's a really good question. You are correct, the left edge of the raised ring lines up with the left edge of the painted line for the corresponding release value. So in your picture, you've got set exactly to 6.
Answer this question:
2/26/2022
If I bought the Oazo 8, but then wanted to swap in springs from the Oazo 6 (or, for sake of argument, the 4) could I do so? I get the impression this is straightforward?
2/26/2022
Hi Eric, yes we do have the other springs here. It's not too hard to change them, but requires a pin punch.
Answer this question:
Just finished a 6 day ski mountaineering trip in the Cascades with no complaints, a no-fuss binding on my Voile Hypervectors. I'm 180lbs and my pack was 43lbs, no durability or release issues. It is really nice to be able to slot on the ski crampons without taking your skis off! Used the tallest riser a fair bit and never felt like I needed more. My only quam is the design of the toe lever that doesn't facilitate the use of a ski pole tip - have to use ski pole grip or your hands. The hard plastic of the top of my pole grip likes to slide off the adonized lever so a bit of a pain but not a big deal.
Comment on this review:
2/8/2021
Redd
(used product a few times)
I was super stoked on these binders, seem like a great fit for my new lightweight Voile objectives. Unfortunately it seems that maybe ~200g is not enough material for my height/weight/style. (6'3" 185#) Day one was a quick run up the road at Millcreek with my dogs to simply feel them out. Day 2 was a mellow day at Alta with my 68 year old dad to get a little downhill on them and the skis and bindings felt great. Day 3 was a low angle tour in big Cottonwood, and when I went to release my toe to put my skins on for a third lap, the lever split and it failed to release. It has a large crack in it and the lower portion of it is splayed out on one side, it just flops around freely. Called it a day and gingerly skied out on it, and while it did seem to be holding my toe adequately, it was obviously broken, possibly locked, and a little spooky to ski on. I'm really down because I suddenly don't feel the faith in them that I was trying to build before taking them on big multiday objectives where I'm hours or days from an exit.
But they are light and they are truly beautiful!!! I just need them to also not break.
But they are light and they are truly beautiful!!! I just need them to also not break.
2/8/2021
Hi Redd, sounds like something is wrong. Bring 'em in for us to check out!
10/11/2021
The awesome crew at SkimoCo swapped the broken toe out and it worked great for the rest of the season. Is there a way I can change or repost my review to reflect my improved view of these bindings?
Thank you again!
Thank you again!
10/11/2021
Hi Redd, we're happy to delete or edit if you send your new rating and text to help@skimo.co!
Comment on this review:
1/24/2021
I have been skiing on Plum Guides for many years mounted on early carbon DPS Wailer 99 187cm but I am considering upgrading to Plum Oazo 8. I weight 75Kg and my normal bind setting is 8.5
Few silly questions:
(A) Is it correct to assume that the Oazo screw mounting patterns match both the toe and the heel of the Guides (plan to reuse the holes and maybe even the screws if same depth to be sure I reengage the same thread).
(B) It looks like the system should be as sturdy as my guides but double checking here.
(C) Should I gorila glue before remounting or instead red lo title the threads?
Just trying to save 0.6 Kilos to increase by first aid kit!
Thank in advance - you guys are the best shop!
Few silly questions:
(A) Is it correct to assume that the Oazo screw mounting patterns match both the toe and the heel of the Guides (plan to reuse the holes and maybe even the screws if same depth to be sure I reengage the same thread).
(B) It looks like the system should be as sturdy as my guides but double checking here.
(C) Should I gorila glue before remounting or instead red lo title the threads?
Just trying to save 0.6 Kilos to increase by first aid kit!
Thank in advance - you guys are the best shop!
1/24/2021
Hey Javier, thanks for reaching out!
A) The Oazo and Guide have the same toe pattern, but different heel patterns.
B) The Oazo is designed to be more minimal and lightweight, so the Guide might still win the burliness award.
C) DPS recommends epoxy to go in the holes when mounting bindings, most other ski manufacturers recommend wood glue.
I think the Oazo is a worthy upgrade, and an improved first aid kit is always nice to have!
A) The Oazo and Guide have the same toe pattern, but different heel patterns.
B) The Oazo is designed to be more minimal and lightweight, so the Guide might still win the burliness award.
C) DPS recommends epoxy to go in the holes when mounting bindings, most other ski manufacturers recommend wood glue.
I think the Oazo is a worthy upgrade, and an improved first aid kit is always nice to have!
Answer this question:
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