With the new Blacklight Carbon Pro, DYNAFIT presents a speed touring binding that makes an impact with real innovation: the first ever use of laminated carbon in binding technology. What exactly is behind this choice of material and what makes the new binding so special? We asked those questions and took a look behind the scenes. In the interview, Greta Stehling (Product Management Bindings) and Manuel Aumann (Operations & R&D Director Bindings) share exclusive insights into the development of the new high-performance binding.
Carbon Tech: Inspiration and choice of material
How did the idea of using carbon in a ski touring binding even come about? Was there any inspiration from other sports?
Manuel Aumann:
The inspiration actually came from bike sport. The switch from aluminum to carbon happened there over 20 years ago. We’ve optimized the weight and construction space of our bindings so much that we’re slowly but surely reaching a limit. So, the question was: How can we further improve performance and weight? And that’s where carbon came in – a material that allows for high reactivity and direct power transfer.
Greta Stehling:
Initially, carbon was mainly used in the road bike sector, but today it has also proven itself in mountain bikes, which must withstand a lot of force. The bike industry has shown that carbon is durable and strong – and that motivated us to realize this potential with regard to our bindings. It’s not just about the weight, but also about a leap forward in technology.
Technical advantages and a noticeable performance lift
What does using carbon actually do in terms of improvements? What advantages does the material have compared to, for example, aluminum?
Manuel Aumann:
We use laminated carbon – a carbon fiber composite that has 5 to 7-fach times higher tensile strength and up to 5 times higher stiffness compared to aluminum. This extraordinary stiffness allows for precise force transmission directly to the ski edge, which is especially noticeable during fast, technical descents. The material reacts immediately, hardly yields at all, and thus ensures a direct, controlled performance.
Greta Stehling:
We wanted to create a binding that stays in the speed segment despite all its features. The new Blacklight Carbon Pro is a fully adjustable speed binding with dynamic length compensation and a stopper – but despite that it weighs only 282g. When I did the first briefing, it was still being said that “Under 400 grams is not possible.” And now that is exactly what we have achieved. Of course, this is because of the carbon, but also because of the ongoing development, the technologies we use, and the ways in which our team works.
Challenges with the development
What hurdles had to be overcome to be able to use carbon in a binding?
Manuel Aumann:
With regard to bindings, we work with very small construction spaces and an extremely large number of components – sometimes more than 40 to 50 individual parts. This is a big difference compared to the bike industry. The challenge was to design the interfaces precisely so that the forces are transferred smoothly – despite the intricate construction space. That was definitely one of the biggest issues.
How does carbon behave in cold and snow? Are there any special aspects that have to be kept in mind in this regard?
Manuel Aumann:
In our field, that’s not a problem – on the contrary: laminated carbon is resistant to cold and doesn’t corrode due to, for example, salt. In many ways, it’s even tougher than aluminum.
A look at the new Speed Factory
What characterizes your development process in Kiefersfelden in particular?
Greta Stehling:
Our slogan “By athletes for athletes” isn’t just a marketing expression. Real ski tourers – ranging from racers to freeriders – work in our department. That gives the product an authentic connection to real usage Now that we are all based in the Speed Factory’s open-plan office, the pathways between product management, development, design, and quality are basically zero. That really boosts collaboration. And it is also really enjoyable.
Manuel Aumann:
We perform the whole development process completely in-house – from first sketch to final approval. Thanks to our close collaboration, we create an incredible amount of synergies. We spot mistakes earlier and can react faster than would otherwise be the case. This allows us to really optimize every last little bit of functionality and weight.
Handling and performance when touring
What makes the Blacklight Carbon Pro so special with regard to how it handles?
Manuel Aumann:
The handling of the binding is a logical further development of already existing models, such as the Ridge binding and the Seven Summits binding. Insertion into the front part is super easy. The heel is super intuitive to use, even with a stick – turning, locking, using climbing aids, it is all quick and safe. Especially in delicate situations, that’s a real plus.
And what about performance?
Manuel Aumann:
Carbon is half as heavy as aluminum, but way stiffer and more durable. The result: super precise power transfer and maximum control on every descent. The performance is on a whole new level – and you can really feel it.
Durability and Lifetime Guarantee
What does the use of carbon mean with regard to durability?
Manuel Aumann:
Laminated carbon is enduringly durable and extremely resilient – both mechanically and against environmental influences. Based on extensive lab and field testing, we ensure that the binding meets our high standards.
DYNAFIT offers a Lifetime Guarantee for the Blacklight Carbon Pro – just like for all our other bindings. How did the decision to give a Lifetime Guarantee come about?
Greta Stehling:
We’ve always designed our products to be extremely durable. So the 10-year Liftetime Guarantee was a logical consequence of this. We still see bindings in use that are 15 or 20 years old. That shows how robust our products are. With this experience in the background, it’s not an empty promise. We have the proof. And that’s why we consciously pass this confidence to our customers in the form of the Lifetime Guarantee.
Outlook: Where is the journey heading?
What’s next? Where is the topic of bindings and carbon tech at DYNAFIT heading?
Greta Stehling:
We’ve learned what this material can do, and we see a lot of potential: more weight savings, more integration, new designs. This won’t be the last innovation.
Manuel Aumann:
We want to keep implementing technologies where they really make a difference. The mix of know-how, materials, and direct feedback from the athletes is still our recipe – and our motivation. Carbon will continue to play a role.
Interested in experiencing it yourself?
The Blacklight Carbon Pro is now available in the DYNAFIT Shop – for anyone who wants to be at the cutting-edge regarding weight, performance, and innovation when speed touring!
