The Pilot Classic binding does not have a rubber bumper against the toe like traditional designs. Instead, the flex is provided by a Kevlar based strap that connects to the second pin. The ideal kick in classic skiing is more of a downward motion than a backward motion. A bumper in front of the foot causes a skier to kick somewhat backwards. The new Pilot binding makes it easier to kick downward instead. Athletes testing the new system have been very impressed at how much easier it is to get an effective grip with a Pilot classic versus the old design. They have also noted far greater control of the ski during kick with a double pole and the downhill control is much better than the old design. Tobias Angerer switched exclusively to the Pilot design for all classic events in the last half of the season and he went on to become the overall Worldcup Champion for the 2006 season (Photo: ATOMIC’S NEW SNS PILOT CLASSIC BINDING).

We decided to review the Pilot design for skating as well. Extensive testing in a broad range of conditions provided surprising results. Changes have been made to the materials used in the Pilot Skate binding. It is not the same as the original Pilot binding introduced in the nineties. The end result is that the new construction provides far better flex than the Pilot Skate binding of a few years ago. Atomic will offer Pilot Skate bindings this fall with the advancements in materials and construction. We will also offer a new Pilot Race Skate boot.

We asked a number of American Olympians and Europe’s top athletes to help us with the testing. They were so impressed, that many of them chose to switch to our boots and bindings for this coming season. This includes Jeremy Teela, Lanny and Tracy Barnes, Lowell Bailey and David Chamberlain all of the US. Some of the top Europeans who have chosen to race on our boots include Olympic Gold medalist Claudia Kuenzel, Martin Kougal, and World Champion Tobias Angerer. It is our goal to have over 60% of the Wordcup racers on our boots by 2008.

ATOMIC’S SNS PILOT SKATE BINDING