In
terms of safety, bindings are the most important piece of the skiing
equipment. Most makes of binding consist of three components: a
heel-piece, a toe-piece and a brake. Sometimes the heel and toe are
mounted separately; sometimes they are attached on one plate. Heel-piece: This releases upwards, opening in a forward fall. Some models offer a diagonal or sideways heel release.
Toe-piece: This allows sideways release in the event of a twisting fall. A Teflon anti-friction pad under the toe allows the boot to slide easily even when body weight is pushing down on it during a fall.
Brakes: When one steps in, the brake lifts out of the snow. If the binding releases, the brake springs back down, preventing the ski from escaping down the mountain and causing injury to other skier.
