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.
Greetings- I'm looking at this binding for big tours and adventure skiing. It would be used with Voile Hyper V6 and Maestrale boots. Don't need brakes and do need ski crampons. The only other bindings I've used are Dynafit Speed Radical (my daily driver) and G3 Ion (nice but heavy). Would this be a good choice or do you think there would be something better? Thanks!
I think the Oazo might be a great option for you! It has a great balance between features and weight. If you fill out our Binding Finder, we can let you know if the fixed vertical release value is appropriate for you!
This binding is a really nice cross between full-featured and "almost race" bindings. The heel functions well with the flapping risers and you can spin it either way without worry. The toe simply does the usual job well. I have used it for skiing in any snow, any terrain and also with a heavy pack. So far, it performed without any issues. I have also used the Plum Race 170 heel for long time (I like it) and the Oazo is more comfortable to use without much more weight.
Comment on this review:
3/7/2019
Question from
Ray H
Will the Plum 170 heel fit onto the Oazo mounting plate and are the toes the same as 170’s.
Hey Michael! In an attempt to safeguard our butts as much as possible, we try to avoid publishing that info as much as possible just because of the liability aspect of it. It varies a lot depending on a few things like boot size and ski flex. Send me an email and we can chat about if this is an appropriate binding for you or not.
Hey Skimo Co, psyched for some new Plum eye candy (possibly ski candy, to replace Plum Guides on my powder skis). Any chance these will be carried as an individual heel unit? I know anything's possible for Harder... what about the rest of us? :-) Secondary question: What's the compatibility of the Oazo heel with a Race toe, or another lower-stack-height toe piece? Would the ramp angle be too great w/o shimming the toe? Thanks in advance.
If I weigh 90-91kg will the vertical release of 8 be an issue for me? My DIN setting is usually around 9.5-10. I am looking for a mountaineering binding that will go on a Black Crows Vastus Freebird ski that is 76 underfoot and a 163.
Hi Gabriel! This has a lot of potential for sure. We haven't been able to test the vertical release value on it yet so I can't confirm if it's actually going to be releasing at an 8, but if it is, then I think it's probably a bit low for my liking if you are normally at 9.5 or 10. If the spring tests a bit higher than was predicted and it's 9 or higher then this would be a perfect binding for you.
Answer this question:
11/1/2018
Question from
nico
Hey guys
Two quick questions for you 1. Is it the same mounting pattern as the wepa? 2. Couldn't find any data about the ramp angle, same as the wepa?
Hey Nico! I can't be certain because we haven't seen it yet, but based on the adjustment plate it looks a lot like the mounting pattern is the same as the Race 170. We don't have any info on the ramp angle either, but I am assuming it's going to be low. Sub 8mm probably, but ideally I'd like to see it at less than 4mm.
Seems like the important question here is whether Plum will provide you with stand alone heel pieces for those of us wanting to pair our existing toes with this more heavily featured heel. I'm in if you will be carrying them.
Hey Brian, good to hear from you. Here's the scoop: for you, anything's possible. They're not available on the order forms so as of now they are not available individually. Plum offers every other heel piece individually though and when you factor in their incredible ability to come up with excessive amounts of spare parts I think the future for individual Oazo heel pieces is bright. But no, not yet. Or not officially at least. How's that for not helpful?