The Head Protector Bindings

Sad but true: the most common injuries in everyday skiing are knee injuries, especially to the cruciate ligament. In most cases, this happens because of backward spinning falls. Head has therefore put a lot of work into the development of a completely new binding, which should prevent the typical knee twists as best as possible.

 

 

 

THE FULL HEEL RELEASE FUNCTION

While conventional bindings can only release your foot vertically, the Full Heel Release allows a 180-degree release horizontally and vertically at the heel. This can reduce the stress on the cruciate ligament in forward and backward spinning falls by up to 50 percent, compared to conventional bindings.

 

 

HOW DOES THE PROTECTION BINDING WORK?

The heel can move 7 mm to the left and right respectively. This means that when small, short-term forces are applied, this can compensate for the horizontal movement of the heel on both sides. The advantage here is that this elasticity and flexibility prevents false activation.

However, if the forces become too high, the heel moves the full 7 mm laterally and pivots 30 degrees, releasing the ski boot.

Thanks to the reduced release values – for example, in the event of a backward spinning fall – lower forces act on the shin and the cruciate ligament.

 

 

 

HOW WAS THE BINDING TESTED?

Head’s binding was subjected to model simulations at the University of Innsbruck (title: “Lateral Heel Release Reduces ACL Strain in Simulated Backward Twisting Falls”). Various falls were simulated and the corresponding forces were measured. In this simulation it was confirmed that with the Protector binding it is less likely that you suffer from knee injuries while skiing.

In addition, some well-known skiers tried the binding directly on the slopes and found it to be recommendable. Because the trick is: comfort and performance remain the same as with conventional bindings – but the Protector comes with the plus of safety.

 

 

 

TWO DIFFERENT VERSIONS OF THE PROTECOR

In the Protector series there are two types of bindings suitable for different skis. You can also find one version in our online store.

 

PowerRail segment

The Protector Pr 13 and Pr 11 bindings are based on the Power Rail system and can therefore be mounted on all skis with a pre-mounted Power Rail base. For all flat skis Tyrolia offers the Protector Set versions.

 

Attack Segment

The Protector Attack model combines the best of both worlds. The Attack jaw offers optimum strength and stability as well as a powerful Anti Friction Device (AFD) gliding element. It also has defined edges for cleaning the ski boot and a better protected scale window.

This model is also compatible with alpine, gripwalk and touring ski boots. The Demo Tracks make the binding perfect for all flat skis.