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 | |
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Questions & Reviews
12/17/2020
Hey folks, just wondering if you've encountered durability problems with the risers on these? I managed to snap off a set after a few dozen long days of use. Love the binding, trying to decide if its worth it to buy another pair. Thanks!
12/18/2020
Allow me to answer my own question, it looks like you can buy replacements right on this very website! :) Available here: https://skimo.co/plum-binding-parts
12/18/2020
Wow Ben, what did you do?!? That would be covered under warranty, send us your order # and we'll get you squared away.
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These are a gateway binding: once you go minimal-ish, it is hard to remember why those Speed Turns (or Speed Rad's) sounded like a good idea in the first place. Try these, and next thing you know you'll have an excel spreadsheet with weights and binding deltas for various franken-binding setups, a cart full of 170 heel pieces (they share the same hole pattern), and be scheming various ways to even further lighten your quiver. Your pants will get tighter, your pack smaller, and you'll have to fight the sudden urge to cut notches into all of the tips of your skis.
The uphill on these is great: I haven't had a chance to use the high riser, but foresee getting some action on it next season when the steep-skinner-setting macho bros come back out to play. The heel pieces are kind of difficult to turn when the ski is attached to your toes, but have started to loosen up a little bit. I only seem to use the flat on the approach and then turn to the low setting once the up starts.
Downhill performance is also fantastic: I never felt chattery or like the bindings were going to explode out from under me. I honestly didn't even notice them, which is kind of the point, no? Granted, I was skiing powder on them, but they handled the big skis to which they were mounted (164 cm Voile Hyper Drifters) with aplomb (a-Plum?). I look forward to thrashing these next season.
The uphill on these is great: I haven't had a chance to use the high riser, but foresee getting some action on it next season when the steep-skinner-setting macho bros come back out to play. The heel pieces are kind of difficult to turn when the ski is attached to your toes, but have started to loosen up a little bit. I only seem to use the flat on the approach and then turn to the low setting once the up starts.
Downhill performance is also fantastic: I never felt chattery or like the bindings were going to explode out from under me. I honestly didn't even notice them, which is kind of the point, no? Granted, I was skiing powder on them, but they handled the big skis to which they were mounted (164 cm Voile Hyper Drifters) with aplomb (a-Plum?). I look forward to thrashing these next season.
Comment on this review:
3/4/2020
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!
3/4/2020
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!
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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.
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
Will the Plum 170 heel fit onto the Oazo mounting plate and are the toes the same as 170’s.
3/7/2019
Hey Ray, the Oazo heel should fit into a Race 170 adjustment plate and the toes are the same, just different colors!
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12/24/2018
Any word on the approximate vertical RV of this U spring?
12/24/2018
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.
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11/19/2018
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.
11/21/2018
Hi TSB, the Oazo toe is a race toe! Unfortunately the heels won't be available separately this season, so good thing they are a match with the toes ;)
11/21/2018
Gotcha. Thanks JBo. Got confused by that sweet orange color, which matches my Guides!
Reply to this comment:
11/15/2018
Hi Skimo,
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.
Thank you,
Gabriel
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.
Thank you,
Gabriel
11/15/2018
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.
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11/1/2018
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?
Thanks!
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?
Thanks!
11/1/2018
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.
11/26/2018
Hi nico, I can now confirm the mounting pattern is the same as the Race 170 and the pin-height delta is +4mm.
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8/7/2018
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.
8/7/2018
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?
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