I've kept my skis and bindings since 2012, it's Salomon gear that got a lot of use. I want to bring them back out this winter but I'm wondering if the bindings are still reliable after all this time, or if it's dangerous to use them. Is there something I should check or do I really need to replace them?
Salomon bindings from 2012 are pretty old for skiing and the internal springs lose their effectiveness over the years, even when stored. If you really want to keep them, a ski shop can test them and potentially readjust them, but honestly at that age a lot of people prefer to just buy new ones to avoid taking risks on the slopes.
After 14 years, ski bindings can really be problematic. The springs and internal mechanisms degrade over time, even if you're not using them. It's not just about visible rust - the materials become brittle and lose their ability to release properly when you fall. If the binding doesn't let go at the right moment, you risk a serious leg or knee injury.
The best thing is to have them checked by a pro. A ski shop can test the release mechanism to see if the values are still good. But honestly, after 14 years, even if everything looks OK visually, a lot of people just replace the bindings because safety isn't negotiable. The cost of new bindings is nothing compared to torn ligaments.
If you really want to keep them, at minimum check the condition of the springs, make sure there's no corrosion, and especially get them tested before you hit the slopes. But I'm telling you straight: bindings from 2012 are borderline. Honestly I think it's worth replacing them.
The most reliable thing is to have a pro check them out at a ski shop, because they can test the springs and make sure everything releases properly. I pulled out some old gear after years of not using it and the bindings had lost their responsiveness - the shop confirmed it when they tested them on their machine. If you really want to use them, at minimum get the mechanisms cleaned and the springs oiled, but honestly after 14 years there's a good chance you'll need to replace them - it's no luxury to have equipment that works really well when you're flying down a slope.
Do you know if your bindings release easily when you handle them by hand, or are they stuck? Because honestly after 14 years the real risk is that the springs won't unlock properly if you fall, and that's seriously dangerous for your ankles.
What people don't often mention is that you can already run a quick test at home before going to the shop: try to unlock the bindings with your hands by pressing the levers, see if it moves smoothly or if it's stiff and seized up. If it's completely hard or nothing happens, then you've got your answer! A good ski shop can clean them and test them properly with a machine, but if you don't want to spend the money, at least you'll know if they're shot before you even strap them on.
Log into answer.
