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
Thanks!
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.
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.
Weight, you can take the brakes off to shave a bit off.
If you do switch, the Oazo is a great binding.
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?
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
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!
Thanks for your help
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?
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!
If you want to get into it more, fill out our binding finder.
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.
But they are light and they are truly beautiful!!! I just need them to also not break.
Thank you again!
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!
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!
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