The Tyrolia Protector PR 13 GW Ski Bindings are a breath of fresh air in the alpine binding world - a new design with the potential to reduce lower leg and knee injuries. The 'fresh" in the Protector is a new heelpiece that features full 180˚ release both vertically (forward) and laterally (twisting). Where traditional alpine heels release only vertically, the Protector FHR (Full Heel Release) design rotates laterally 30˚ to either side to dramatically reduce friction in a "backseat" twisting fall. According to research by the University of Innsbruck, this design may reduce ACL strain by more than 50%, which sounds pretty great to us.