Three different binding systems are used in modern cross-country skiing:

• NNN (New Nordic Norm) – including the new R4 NIS variant
• SNS (Salomon Nordic System) Profil
• SNS  Pilot

Older styled three-pin bindings (Nordic Norm), with or without cables, are still used by backcountry and Telemarking enthusiasts.

NNN

New Nordic Norm (NNN) bindings, made by Rottefella, Rossignol, and Atomic, can range from BC (Backcountry) to the R3 Skate and R3 Classic to the NNN R4 NIS, which require a special plate on the skis to be mounted. Boots compatible with these bindings are made by Alpina Sports, Atomic Skis and Rossignol. The R3 and R4 are generally the choice for World Cup Racers using NNN. These are distinguished from SNS (Salomon and Fischer) bindings in that all bindings in the NNN system have two ridges that stick out from the bottom of the binding, with corresponding slots in NNN boots. There is much debate over which is the superior binding system, SNS or NNN. Overall, the differences between the NNN and SNS binding systems are miniscule to the average skier; the choice should come down to which binding fits with the boot that fits the best.

The R4 NIS binding, made by Rottefella and Rossignol, is the top of the line NNN binding. These bindings are compatible with any NNN boot, but can only be used on Rossignol X-IUM or Madshus Hypersonic Skis—the companies’ high-end pro racing skis. Madshus is part of the Rottefella/Madshus/Alpina partnership, and that is the reason for Madshus skis having NIS bindings. The reason for only two different skis being able to use these bindings is that NIS bindings require a special plate only available on these skis. The interesting thing about these bindings is that the rear part can be pivoted back and forth on the plate to match the boots’ length, therefore making better power transfer between the boots and the skis. The NIS bindings made their debut to the general public in 2005.

SNS Profil

Salomon Nordic System (SNS) bindings, made by Salomon and Fischer, however, have their advantages too. Boots that are compatible with the SNS Profil system are made by Salomon, Fischer, Adidas, and Hartjes. SNS Profil bindings are used for both Skating and Classic. As opposed to the SNS Pilot’s two axes, these boots have only one axis at the front of the sole. Pilots are used by many different racers on the World Cup Circuit. Profil bindings are the standard binding for SNS users, its only competition being the SNS Pilot system. Profil comes in “Equipe” models for racing, “Active” for recreational racing/combination, Auto Touring, and Back Country.

SNS Pilot

SNS Pilot bindings, compatible with Salomon, Fischer, Adidas and Hartjes boots, are only used for Skate Skiing. The idea for these bindings came from Bjørn Dæhlie. Pilots are used mostly by elite skiers at the Collegiate/Olympians/World Cup/National level, although it is common to find High School/Citizen Racers with these bindings and their counterpart boots. Pilots are more expensive than Profils at about 100 dollars for a pair, and can only be used for Skating because there are two axes. In Pilot boots, the two axes, one positioned about 1″ behind the other, click into two different slots in the Pilot binding. Profil boots only have one axis and therefore, cannot fit into Pilot bindings. However, Pilot boots can fit into any Profil bindings, due to a small space behind the front of the boot for the other axis. Pilots have proven themselves as good Skate bindings due to reduced ski motion in the air. Salomon released a Pilot bumperless classic binding at the end of the 2005-2006 season. The new binding doesn’t have the ubiquitous classic bumper on all NNN and SNS classic bindings. These new boots and bindings provide a superior subtle kick through a spring loaded back slot for the back axis.

This guide is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia.

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This entry was posted on Friday, April 17th, 2009 at 9:39 am and is filed under Cross-country skiing. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.