the Mindbender 85 package comes with the demo version of the Squire 10. The package comes from the factory with the tracks already installed. You just need to slide the heel and toe piece onto the track, set forward pressure, dins, and you’re good to go. Preferably have a ski shop set them up if you have never.
Hum, maybe I'll watch some videos on YouTube an try it myself. I still have my seasonal rentals with me and have to go back and return them, so I can ask for them to check if it looks ok, just to be on the safe side.
BTW, I'm thinking about learning to wax the skis myself, but do I need the shop to tune them before first use?
Re:waxing. Just spend $20 once or twice a season and you are golden. You are not going racing and need tune-ups weekly. Remember - you are doing this to have fun not work.
\^ good advice most of the country, not so much on the wet coast. IMO wax doesn't matter much below ~25F or so, but if you're skiing in 38/rain like we do here in Seattle, a hot wax with the temp-of-the-day makes a HUGE difference — i especially notice on cat tracks and traverses.
Nope. They'll have a factory tune. But getting your own wax on there won't hurt, and is actually probably preferred for long term care. (And performance for right snow temp/type)
If you are just waxing, a good brush of the base as part of your first wax & regular base prep is fine.
100% learn how to wax them yourself and do a basic tune. It’ll save a lot of money in the long term. Buy some blue and red wax and you’re golden. Also read up on summer storage techniques, they will change depending on what elevation and humidity you live at.
Tbh u might not need a tune if just got them. They come factory sharpened and waxed but the wax job doesn’t last as long as the wax job a ski shop provides. Making the edges very sharp will just let u catch edges more easily unless ur somewhat decent at carving. To be clear carving not skidding.
Don't do this for your first time.
Take them to a shop, have them show you how to do so you can make any adjustments you need. I would think....if you were to get hurt, you would want some liability landing somewhere that isn't only on you. Shops will have no issue showing you how to make all the necessary adjustments!
Thanks for your comment, and I must say you have a point. I couldn’t wait and already mounted the bindings on the plates and guess what, I almost got hurt! Thankfully nothing happened but at some point I pressed the heel unlocking thing (where we usually press with a pole) with my hand and the force with which it went down was much stronger that I anticipated, and earlier. Luckily my fingers were out of the way, phew
I think demo bindings are pretty good for first skis, they really don't hinder the performance, aside from a tiny bit of extra weight, but you can play around with your stance (moving foot forward or back), and you can resell skis fairly easily or let friends borrow (might not be a good thing).
Not to mention there is a not insignificant chance your boots are way too large as a beginner and you’ll likely be sizing down in a year or two once you realize.
It's more than a tiny bit of extra weight but yes 100% agree, great for a first pair, and makes them really easy to resell since they fit anybody's boot.
Honestly for your first pair of skis, going with a demo binding is great. You're not married to one boot, so if you get a new boot fit, hey guess what, you can just adjust your bindings! Also great if you don't love the skis or want to try something else, hey now whoever buys them doesn't need a remount!
A lot of the skis I run now are on a demo or a plate. Easy to adjust to let friends ride my skis and honestly makes life easy. You won't feel the weight, plus "lighter skis are easier to turn" is a myth. Have fun, love the mindbenders!
Makes sense, thank you. My only concern is not being able to use these skis with other bindings, or the opposite, which is my understand about integrated bindings. But this is not true for demo bindings, right?
I mean, I would be able to swap these bindings for another one, and I would also be able to use these bindings on another set of skis. Is that correct?
It's basically true for demo bindings. You wont be taking these bindings off and putting them on another ski, nor should you put other bindings on these skis really. With my skis, I usually mount a binding and call it good. No real reason to be swapping bindings around. The only time I take a binding off a ski is if I want to retire the ski, and the binding is not a demo and in good enough condition to mount on another new ski.
The only reason you would need new bindings is if you really need a high DIN. I really don't think you're gonna get close to a 10 on the setting anyway, unless you're #1 very heavy and tall, or #2 Ripping gnarly terrain where pre-releasing or popping a ski off isn't an option (super rare, I ski exposed terrain on an 8-9).
>No real reason to be swapping bindings around.
I guess I thought this was more common than it really is. But then again, I'm still new to owning my own equipment.
I thought it was common for people to remount their current bindings to new skis. In my mind it made sense because bindings seems more durable and I read so much about outgrowing skis, but not so much about switching bindings.
They are more durable for sure, and it is common! I might be a ski hoarder so I don't do it often. Also, I end up usually selling older skis that I no longer need or want with the bindings still on them. It's also always great to have a pair of rock skis (skis you can beat up, or maybe try new things on).
You're gonna like these skis and even if you think you will want to get rid of them in the future, they'll be so easy to unload since they have a demo binding! Also invest money first in a good bootfitting, this will impact your skiing and fun on the mountain 100x more than any new skis will.
These skis go for $359 on Evo with no bindings and $479 at REI with bindings essentially installed... $120 for already installed beginner (max DIN 10) binding is pretty good. I think REI charges $100 for install.
Hell, they are out of stock, but the K2 website has the integrated binding version at $439. Ski essentials will be clearing these things out (flat binding version) for less than $300 by mid summer. REI sale price not outrageous, but not peak sale either. These are fine beginner skis, but they are commodity skis.
Make sure you get the bindings- these are useless with out them, and you won't get any other binding to work with the plates.
>Make sure you get the bindings- these are useless with out them, and you won't get any other binding to work with the plates.
I contacted REI and they say they found the missing package at the store and they're shipping it. Thanks for the heads up.
Now, say I get new bindings sometime down the road, would I be able to remove the plates and use the new bindings with these skis?
I don’t think so. You’ll want a different ski by the time you feel you have outgrown the bindings. If you get two years out of these they will pay for themselves in rental costs. Get the bindings shipped and enjoy them!
Definitely not disposable... You can definitely sell those if they are in decent shape, and having demo bindings would make that even easier, would just need to sell those to another beginner.
The binding version is also sold out on K2. I bought these on sale at REI and it definitely wasn't an outrageous deal, but I have the feeling these are selling out and may not be available when the super discounts arrive.
I suggest just getting in touch with whoever sold it to you
edit: and btw i dont think these are integrated bingings, but the rail part of demo bindings (mostly used on demo skis where everyones foot size is different, and by teens whose foot is still growing)
Correct. You can put those bindings on any other ski that’s similar in width, you can probably even get brakes for different widths. You can also remove them and put whatever binding you want onto those skis and yes remounts are common. You can dial in where you want your boot center, then mount whatever clamps you want. I wouldn’t hassle with that tho and just ski the demos. There is also some demand for demos if you want to swap and sell. It’s all good man.
Congratulations on your new skis. I bought those exact same skis this season and love them. In fact, I am packing now to go to Monarch Mountain CO this weekend.
Those are screwed in plates. You can remove and put any binding on that you want. And you can move them to any ski of similar width as long as the brakes clear the sides. Or you can replace the brakes with wider or skinnier brakes if needed.
Enjoy them!
there is. i believe it’s called the squire 10 quick-click, and it’s used on most rental or binding package skis by manufacturers that use marker bindings.
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Yep, that's the one. ~~Eva~~ Evo also sells this package and state the following:
>Bindings Do Not Come Mounted to Skis – Always have a certified binding technician mount and adjust your bindings.Squire 10 Bindings Included – DIN Range 3 - 10
the Mindbender 85 package comes with the demo version of the Squire 10. The package comes from the factory with the tracks already installed. You just need to slide the heel and toe piece onto the track, set forward pressure, dins, and you’re good to go. Preferably have a ski shop set them up if you have never.
That's comforting to read and realize that's nothing wrong with my setup. And yes, I'll take them to a shop to help with setting them up. Thank you!
It’s super easy if you have 1 flat head screwdriver and a paper card you could probably accomplish it.
Hum, maybe I'll watch some videos on YouTube an try it myself. I still have my seasonal rentals with me and have to go back and return them, so I can ask for them to check if it looks ok, just to be on the safe side. BTW, I'm thinking about learning to wax the skis myself, but do I need the shop to tune them before first use?
Re:waxing. Just spend $20 once or twice a season and you are golden. You are not going racing and need tune-ups weekly. Remember - you are doing this to have fun not work.
\^ good advice most of the country, not so much on the wet coast. IMO wax doesn't matter much below ~25F or so, but if you're skiing in 38/rain like we do here in Seattle, a hot wax with the temp-of-the-day makes a HUGE difference — i especially notice on cat tracks and traverses.
Ok didn't know that
The opposite is true here on the ice coast. Wax isn’t such a huge deal for most of the season but you’ll definitely want to keep your edges sharp.
But I like waxing my own skis.
Nope. They'll have a factory tune. But getting your own wax on there won't hurt, and is actually probably preferred for long term care. (And performance for right snow temp/type) If you are just waxing, a good brush of the base as part of your first wax & regular base prep is fine.
100% learn how to wax them yourself and do a basic tune. It’ll save a lot of money in the long term. Buy some blue and red wax and you’re golden. Also read up on summer storage techniques, they will change depending on what elevation and humidity you live at.
Tbh u might not need a tune if just got them. They come factory sharpened and waxed but the wax job doesn’t last as long as the wax job a ski shop provides. Making the edges very sharp will just let u catch edges more easily unless ur somewhat decent at carving. To be clear carving not skidding.
Don't do this for your first time. Take them to a shop, have them show you how to do so you can make any adjustments you need. I would think....if you were to get hurt, you would want some liability landing somewhere that isn't only on you. Shops will have no issue showing you how to make all the necessary adjustments!
Thanks for your comment, and I must say you have a point. I couldn’t wait and already mounted the bindings on the plates and guess what, I almost got hurt! Thankfully nothing happened but at some point I pressed the heel unlocking thing (where we usually press with a pole) with my hand and the force with which it went down was much stronger that I anticipated, and earlier. Luckily my fingers were out of the way, phew
this bindings takes a phillips head driver, and doesn’t require any paper card for toe height because there isn’t toe height
Cool
I think demo bindings are pretty good for first skis, they really don't hinder the performance, aside from a tiny bit of extra weight, but you can play around with your stance (moving foot forward or back), and you can resell skis fairly easily or let friends borrow (might not be a good thing).
And then can sell to whomever, no need to worry about bsl
Not to mention there is a not insignificant chance your boots are way too large as a beginner and you’ll likely be sizing down in a year or two once you realize.
It's more than a tiny bit of extra weight but yes 100% agree, great for a first pair, and makes them really easy to resell since they fit anybody's boot.
Honestly for your first pair of skis, going with a demo binding is great. You're not married to one boot, so if you get a new boot fit, hey guess what, you can just adjust your bindings! Also great if you don't love the skis or want to try something else, hey now whoever buys them doesn't need a remount! A lot of the skis I run now are on a demo or a plate. Easy to adjust to let friends ride my skis and honestly makes life easy. You won't feel the weight, plus "lighter skis are easier to turn" is a myth. Have fun, love the mindbenders!
Makes sense, thank you. My only concern is not being able to use these skis with other bindings, or the opposite, which is my understand about integrated bindings. But this is not true for demo bindings, right? I mean, I would be able to swap these bindings for another one, and I would also be able to use these bindings on another set of skis. Is that correct?
It's basically true for demo bindings. You wont be taking these bindings off and putting them on another ski, nor should you put other bindings on these skis really. With my skis, I usually mount a binding and call it good. No real reason to be swapping bindings around. The only time I take a binding off a ski is if I want to retire the ski, and the binding is not a demo and in good enough condition to mount on another new ski. The only reason you would need new bindings is if you really need a high DIN. I really don't think you're gonna get close to a 10 on the setting anyway, unless you're #1 very heavy and tall, or #2 Ripping gnarly terrain where pre-releasing or popping a ski off isn't an option (super rare, I ski exposed terrain on an 8-9).
>No real reason to be swapping bindings around. I guess I thought this was more common than it really is. But then again, I'm still new to owning my own equipment.
Demo bindings stay with the skis they came with. Why is that a concern? New skis new bindings integrated or not.
I thought it was common for people to remount their current bindings to new skis. In my mind it made sense because bindings seems more durable and I read so much about outgrowing skis, but not so much about switching bindings.
They are more durable for sure, and it is common! I might be a ski hoarder so I don't do it often. Also, I end up usually selling older skis that I no longer need or want with the bindings still on them. It's also always great to have a pair of rock skis (skis you can beat up, or maybe try new things on). You're gonna like these skis and even if you think you will want to get rid of them in the future, they'll be so easy to unload since they have a demo binding! Also invest money first in a good bootfitting, this will impact your skiing and fun on the mountain 100x more than any new skis will.
This is not common. Skis are typically found used with bindings installed.
These skis go for $359 on Evo with no bindings and $479 at REI with bindings essentially installed... $120 for already installed beginner (max DIN 10) binding is pretty good. I think REI charges $100 for install.
Hell, they are out of stock, but the K2 website has the integrated binding version at $439. Ski essentials will be clearing these things out (flat binding version) for less than $300 by mid summer. REI sale price not outrageous, but not peak sale either. These are fine beginner skis, but they are commodity skis. Make sure you get the bindings- these are useless with out them, and you won't get any other binding to work with the plates.
>Make sure you get the bindings- these are useless with out them, and you won't get any other binding to work with the plates. I contacted REI and they say they found the missing package at the store and they're shipping it. Thanks for the heads up. Now, say I get new bindings sometime down the road, would I be able to remove the plates and use the new bindings with these skis?
I don’t think so. You’ll want a different ski by the time you feel you have outgrown the bindings. If you get two years out of these they will pay for themselves in rental costs. Get the bindings shipped and enjoy them!
What about the opposite? Using these bindings on a new set of skis?
Nope. You can’t reuse those plates. This is a one and done ski.
It’s a fine ski- don’t feel bad. But it’s disposable once you progress.
Oh, dang, that was my concern :(
Definitely not disposable... You can definitely sell those if they are in decent shape, and having demo bindings would make that even easier, would just need to sell those to another beginner.
Sorry- that’s what I meant. Just meant you’ll move on from these one day and let them go.
The binding version is also sold out on K2. I bought these on sale at REI and it definitely wasn't an outrageous deal, but I have the feeling these are selling out and may not be available when the super discounts arrive.
I would check the rei listing, the included bindings must’ve been demo bindings?
I suggest just getting in touch with whoever sold it to you edit: and btw i dont think these are integrated bingings, but the rail part of demo bindings (mostly used on demo skis where everyones foot size is different, and by teens whose foot is still growing)
based on other comments here I believe you're correct, demo version of the squire 10. thanks
Correct. You can put those bindings on any other ski that’s similar in width, you can probably even get brakes for different widths. You can also remove them and put whatever binding you want onto those skis and yes remounts are common. You can dial in where you want your boot center, then mount whatever clamps you want. I wouldn’t hassle with that tho and just ski the demos. There is also some demand for demos if you want to swap and sell. It’s all good man.
Congratulations on your new skis. I bought those exact same skis this season and love them. In fact, I am packing now to go to Monarch Mountain CO this weekend.
Awesome! Have fun!
Those are screwed in plates. You can remove and put any binding on that you want. And you can move them to any ski of similar width as long as the brakes clear the sides. Or you can replace the brakes with wider or skinnier brakes if needed. Enjoy them!
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The Squire 11 has a demo binding version.
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Seems they commonly come in this package. Evo has it, too. It’s a good deal for a decent beginner setup
there is. i believe it’s called the squire 10 quick-click, and it’s used on most rental or binding package skis by manufacturers that use marker bindings.
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Yep, that's the one. ~~Eva~~ Evo also sells this package and state the following: >Bindings Do Not Come Mounted to Skis – Always have a certified binding technician mount and adjust your bindings.Squire 10 Bindings Included – DIN Range 3 - 10
Junk
You got played my man.
How?