Tyrolia’s Protector bindings with “Full Heel Release” is something that every skier ought to know about. Tyrolia calls it “the safest binding we have ever made,” and exactly how it works and how it’s supposed to reduce knee injuries is the topic of this conversation with Andrew Couperthwait, VP of Winter Sports for HEAD / Tyrolia.
Andrew and I get into the design details; what differentiates it from other bindings on the market; where this Full Heel Release technology might go; and more.
TOPICS & TIMES:
Overview of Protector Bindings (4:10)
How Traditional Alpine Bindings Release (5:51)
Protector Technology (8:19)
Backwards Twisting Falls (10:57)
Two Distinct Movements (16:12)
Why 7mm? (20:22)
Retention (25:24)
Knee Bindings vs. Protector Bindings (32:17)
ISO Norms & Boot Soles (36:07)
Look Pivot vs Protector Bindings (40:44)
Priorities: Release or Retention? (46:49)
Development of Protector Technology (49:22)
Product Evolution (52:24)
Where to Find Protector Bindings (58:56)
Crashes & Close Calls (1:00:59)
What We’re Celebrating (1:12:37)
RELATED LINKS
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VIDEO: Blister Summit Binding Panel
Blister Summit 2024 Registration
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- CRAFTED
- Blister Podcast
- Bikes & Big Ideas
- Off the Couch
- Happy Hour (for Blister Members)
How is this binding different from the Knee binding?
I didn’t even know about the Knee bindings before.
They actually addressed this question in the podcast.
But now this makes 3 heel-releasing bindings on the market together with Rick Howell’s design that is supposed to be released this year.
I guess Blister will have some testing to do.
32:17
I have not listened to Podcast yet….the stand height is something of interest.
Did I miss that binding head to head this past winter?
Really good podcast. Something for everyone.
Interesting to see how the hold up in deep snow and icing
Please be careful with the claims.
Although your binding’s additional lateral-heel release function validates my 20-years of research and development of my binding’s additional lateral-heel release function — please be mindful of anti-pre-release with lateral-heel settings low enough to actually provide ACL-integrity. Bindings with special lateral-heel anti-pre-release technology (such as, in-part, lateral-heel off-center pivots, + + ) allow lateral-heel settings low-enough to provide actual ACL-integrity without pre-release.
Also, low standheight is achieved with my binding’s patented technology.
Please be careful with the claims.
Hi Rick,
Can you give more details about your technology? It sounds very interesting!
Is there a link to more information?
Thanks.
I’m unaware of three heel release bindings. If you are thinking of Look, it doesn’t release laterally at the heel.
Rick Howell, you should go on all the ski podcasts out there and get your message and exposure up in anticipation of and to build up the excitement for your bindings.
Honestly, he seems like a bit of a crank. May be a great engineer but they tend to make terrible salespeople.
This seems like a great idea and that Tyrolia has been working on it a long time. Could be a game changer!