DIN is a universal setting that decides how much force is needed for your bindings to release your ski boots. Every set of bindings will have an adjustable DIN setting on the toe piece and heel piece that can be set based on a skier’s ability level or preferences.
I’m a lifelong skier who has been on slopes for decades. I love everything about the sport, including learning about the technical side of things. I know what DIN settings are and how they work with your bindings and skis.
This post will explain what the DIN setting on ski bindings is. I’ll explain what the setting is used for, how it can be adjusted, and why it’s important.
Let’s get to it.
What is DIN?
DIN is short for Deutsches Insistut fur Normung.
If you don’t speak German, that translates into German Institute for Standardization in English. The entire skiing industry has adopted this abbreviation for a universal way to describe ski settings.
For all ski bindings to have similar release settings, the ski industry decided to use this standardized way of measuring how much pressure is needed for any ski binding to release the boots held.
The higher the DIN setting, the more force is required for the bindings to release. So a low DIN setting of 4 would mean that the bindings will release easily. A high setting of 14 indicates that the bindings will require a lot of force to release.
Ski bindings are built with adjustable DIN settings. Each binding can have a different range, but standard options included 4-12 or 2-10. You can set this based on your ability level or personal preferences.
What Should Your DIN Settings Be?
Your DIN setting is based on your height, weight, and ability level. Each skier can have a different setting, so I can’t tell you what your’s should be. The best way to figure this out is to go to a ski shop and have the pros figure it out for you.
A certified ski tech knows how to get your exact DIN setting, and beginners need to follow the advice they give you. The techs will set your settings if you are renting, and you shouldn’t mess with them while you ski.
Generally, beginner skiers will have low DIN settings and advanced skiers will have higher settings. But this also depends on weight. A heavy beginner skier could have a similar DIN to a lightweight expert skier.
How to Adjust Your DIN Setting
Again, if you are a beginner, you should not adjust your DIN settings on your own. This can be dangerous and result in injury. You can easily ruin your ski season if you set them too high and your bindings don’t eject. It’s not worth it.
If you are an experienced skier and feel comfortable setting your DIN, it’s really easy. All you need is a Phillips head screwdriver.
Locate the adjustment screws on your ski bindings. There will be one screw on the toe piece and another on the heel piece. You’ll have four different DIN adjustments you’ll need to make to get everything set to your preferences.
Use the screwdriver to adjust the settings up or down, based on your desired number. After you have them set, double-check everything to ensure that they are all the same. That’s all there is to it.
Many ski resorts have free tools you can use at the top or bottom of a lift. I like to have a small screwdriver with me to make adjustments on the fly if needed. This comes in particularly useful in the backcountry.
Conclusion
DIN settings are a universal standard for binding release measurements. The Germans first developed the actual settings, but the entire ski industry has adopted the system, and it’s used on nearly every ski binding you’ll find today.
While you can easily adjust your own DIN settings, beginner skiers shouldn’t do this. If you don’t know what you are doing, you can do more harm than good. Get them set at the ski shop, and go enjoy your time on the mountain!
