Radar bindings dont last a year??

[Ripfish]

I went through two sets of Vector bindings where the heal rubber tears out. Each time i got a season out of each. Depending on time of year it was two years into the deal and of course out of warranty. So last year i went to the Profiles hoping to have a better experience. As i recall these cost me $400+. Here i am about a full season in and i see the heel rubber is all cracked and near blowing out. I bet i only have 30 sets on these bindings. They are stored in a full ski bag in the boat under a cover under a roof or in the garage. Never in direct sun or a hot container or anything. I saw a two year old thread on this same subject, and heard that maybe new binding construction was improved. These came from Radar in mid 2017. The thin rubber in the heel is the issue. I cannot keep throwing money at this. What is the solution? Another mfg, Radar improving the rubber quality? Am i buying old inventory? Very frustrated. Most likely these are just inside of the warranty period, but they may say they have not failed yet. I really dislike being a whiner, but there is no way these binding will make it to end of the season. Is this just the new world that we should only expect to get one season from what i consider very expensive gear. God forbid i have to go dig my animals out of a storage box from 2002. My D3 bindings from that era are still intact. I love how the radar bindings fit and perform on the water, i just dont like the longevity. This is a hobby that i am fully invested in, and bindings blowing out in July is far worse than the boat impeller failing. I can afford to have a spare one of those sitting around. Where to turn? Even if radar warranties, I expect next summer i'll be facing the same situation.

[ozski]

This is strange because I have had great service out of my Vector and Profile and Vapor boots and they all run the rubber bit on the back. The oldest one did split after a few years and I repaired it with black silicone and kept using it. I've had zero failures with the others and the Profile has gone on to become the "social" boot that gets used by everyone so it gets a beating.

[Zman]

Had one Vector heal go bad, and Radar replaced it.

I am now on year 6 with my Vapors (actually Stradas), and now finally seeing signs I will need to replace them down the road a bit.

[robmollysilverlake]

Sorry to hear about your bindings failing! I've had the profile bindings, on my second season right now and have had no issues with them. Do you have a picture of the cracking of the bindings, I can't even think of what would cause that to happen.

[thager]

I still have a pair of 2009 RS-1s, 2012 Strada, and 2016 Vapor bindings that I still use so they do last more than one year!

 

[swc5150]

Bummer, I'm 2 years into my Vectors and no issues yet, although I use an RTP. Radar stands strongly behind their products. Def worth a call to their customer service.

[Jordan]

hmmm...I have 4 year old vapor bindings that look like new. Just have to replace the bungee laces regularly.

[Wish]

Buddy had his heal rubber disintegrate as well. Was given a full replacement from Radar. So far they have lasted.

[DavidN]

Happened to me on various Vector, Strada, and Vapor boots.

The rubber insert in the heel is definitely a weak spot on these otherwise great boots!

 

 

[Wac]

I’ve been skiing on radar strata/vapor bindings for years and I’ve got nothing but great things to say about what they have done for my skiing. All four of my ski partners have moved to these as well. Taking the liners out of the boots so the rubber in the heel area is able to air dry and not stay damp has been the key to several years of use. If this isn’t an option, storing in a climate controlled environment might be best. Of the guys that didn’t take this extra precaution, their bindings rubber heal sections seemed to grow brittle after a year or so. Dry rot may be the culprit if the dampness of the liners stays against the rubber. This is just my theory on 5 diierent skiers who are all loving their radar bindings.

[brooks]

Hey @Ripfish, sorry to hear your having an issue. We don’t see this happen very often but shoot me an email and we can get you sorted. Like @wac mentioned this problem arises due to moisture so even if you store your boots in a bag and under the seat the moisture/dampness is what’s causing the brittleness. If you let your stuff dry fully then it won’t happen. Regardless shoot me an email, brooks@squareoneco.com. Thanks

[jjackkrash]

I got new Vapor Carbitex bindings just because. My RS-1 bindings from 2010 (maybe even older, I can't remember exactly) still work fine even though they look like they have seen some use.

[JayG80]

I've experienced sevaral "just beyond warranty" failures with another mfg. with a similar style of boot.

 

Many credit card issuers offer a buyer protection benefit that doubles the warranty term. You can file an online claim with minimal hassle.

 

On an unrelated note. If anyone experiences a serious waterski injury, look to the medical portion of your boat insurance policy. Our Boat US policy covered the $5000 deductible until my regular Med insurance took over.

 

 

[Justin_C]

I have had a slightly similar experience, however, with a strada boot. It was a leftover that I stumbled across about this time last year, brand new. There has been some, what appears to be superficial, cracking on the "Radar" logo which isn't a huge deal but I have noticed that the stitching inside the liner has let go. Does anyone know if the vapor liners will fit a 2011 strada boot?

[Chef23]

@Ripfish reach out to Radar I would be surprised if they don’t step up to help out.

[brooks]

@Justin_C the new liners will fit.

[Chef23]

I do find the new boots run smaller than the old ones. I have a first gen Strada in a 10 that fits great and a 2017 Carbitex Vapor in a 10 that seems very tight. I have molded the new one but haven’t skied on it yet.

 

The liners seem very similar but be careful on the size.

[APB]

Mine have always been great.

[bbrannan]

I’ve had that issue with 3 different Strada/Vapor boots. Always seem to be able to find a cheap replacement, though... 2018 Carbitex is lined up for when my current boot fails. The release characteristics, performance, comfort, and price are good enough to justify buying replacements year after year.

[dvskier]

I've been on Radar bindings for 4 years, no issues at all. I've replaced the laces before but that's all.

[ghutch]

I had the same issue with 2 pairs of binders. I rigged them up and was able to keep going on them but decided to let Radar know about that area being a problem. They were great on the customer service and took care of me. I wasn't asking for anything, only trying to bring that problem area to their attention. Love these binders.

[Killer]

Just had another set on my RS1s. Still look great and perform as expected.. Been through a few liners. As has been said I ALWAYS remove the liner and dry both shell and liner out of the sun.

 

 

[condorpilot]

Wac , great advice regarding removal of liners for boot longivity. Unfortunately the Profiles mentioned in the original post by Ripfish have fixed liners so no option to do this

[oldjeep]

My vectors dry out pretty good in the sun when we are at lake for days, at home the skis are stored hanging upside down from ceiling with bags unzipped by the boots so they dry and dont stink

 

[The_MS]

On my 4th set of Vapors. No issues

[foxriverat]

Just got finished skiing. Remove liners. Wipe down and let her dry out in garage.

 

[markchilcutt]

I have been using Radar boots since the RS-1 through current Vapor. I always remove the liners and let everything dry out after skiing. We live in a dry climate. I ski roughly 80 sets a year. I have only replaced laces. No failures with radar boots for me.

[S1Pitts]

I treat my boots with the same products used to protect seals on drysuits. Look like new with no signs of cracking. Also makes sliding in and out a bit easier.