B & D Ski & Board Leash

-

Traditionally, ski leashes have been a pain in the rear. For years I used the short, unyielding ski leashes that are so common. Having to disconnect my leashes every time I needed to clear ice from the binding, or change my skins made them very undesirable. Even worse I had to worry about being beaten with my skis if my bindings released. Plus, the concept of disconnecting them in areas that may slide made me think “what use are they?” But the chance of losing a ski in the backcountry, and seeing guys searching for hours in vain for a missing ski always instilled in me the need for leashes

A while ago I started trying to create a leash that would allow me to exit my bindings to change my skins without removing the leashes, along with a breakaway feature that would provide some added safety in a slide or other situations when I wanted to part company with my skis. I have experimented for years. I finally came across a design that really made it work.

The Element OF Our Leashes Is Designed To Work Together.

1. A coiled cord that stretches out without considerable force, but returns quickly to a coiled shape to stay close to boots and bindings. The cord also provides a method of dispersing the kinetic energy released in a fall, providing a way to absorb or dissipate the energy over a longer period, thus dropping the peak forces on the leash in a fall. Think crumple zones in a car, or limiters in climbing.
2. A plastic fuse link that will break around 40 lb or 60 lb depending on the size selected.
3. Vinyl tubing protects the attachment cord from; shearing over sharp features, wear, and stress concentration.
4. A snap hook that can be opened with thick gloves, and provides quick attachment/detachment.

Why B & D Leashes Are Superior To Other Solutions

Benefits

1.Our leash allows you to exit your bindings to do common actions in backcountry skiing such as installation and removal of skins. You can tour all day without removing the leash. You can even exit your skis to take breaks with the leashes attached.
2. Our leash provides some relief from the ski in a fall, extending to 6 ft.
3. They have a fuse link that will give way when a constant force is applied.
4. Easy hook up and release. It is easier to connect a leash by wrapping it around the boot, or hooking it to back of the boot, than reaching down to the toe of the boot. This counts double when carrying a heavy pack.
5. You can also attach the leash to your boots before taking your skis off your pack! This is a saving grace when trying to get into your skis on an icy 40 degree slope after climbing down a rock face.

In order for a leash to be more than a fashion statement, the leash must be sufficiently strong enough survive the force of a fall. The amount of force on a boot (and therefore on the leash) peaks at the moment when the boot releases from the binding. The violent shock of a boot exiting a binding generates a surprisingly large amount of energy. Years ago I personally broke a short leash comprised of 125 lb test shock cord. This is why most short leashes are steel cables. Steel cables are required to overcome the initial loads with a short leash.
In order for a leash to be more than a fashion statement, the leash must be sufficiently strong enough survive the force of a fall. The amount of force on a boot (and therefore on the leash) peaks at the moment when the boot releases from the binding. The violent shock of a boot exiting a binding generates a surprisingly large amount of energy. Years ago I personally broke a short leash comprised of 125 lb test shock cord. This is why most short leashes are steel cables. Steel cables are required to overcome the initial loads with a short leash.
I always smile when I hear people talking about the superiority of ski brakes. It never fails that a person will launch into a story about how they spent a long time searching for a ski right after telling me why brakes are better. The simple truth is leashes reduce the time that you will spend chasing your skis or searching for a ski hiding in the snow.

Warning

Ski mountaineering is an exceptionally hazardous activity which often results in severe injuries and death. Any person purchasing, or using our equipment, assumes the responsibility for seeking proper training in its use. They also assume all risk for injury, or damage, sustained while using any of our equipment. Our equipment is not to be used for any other purpose other than which it is intended. Failure to follow these warnings increase the risk of injury or death. B & D Precision is not, and shall not, be liable for direct, indirect, incidental, or other types of damages arising out of, or resulting from, the use of our products.
Always test your gear before heading to the backcountry!