The Salomon MTN binding revolutionizes backcountry touring with its incredibly lightweight design. Weighing a mere 595 grams without brakes, it's the lightest touring binding reviewed by Backcountry Ski Canada, significantly outperforming competitors like the Plum Guide, G3 Ion, and Kingpin in terms of weight. This featherlight construction, achieved through minimalist design and fewer moving parts, doesn't compromise durability or ease of use. The 30-millimeter heel adjustment ensures compatibility with various boot lengths, adding to its versatility.The MTN binding's intuitive design shines in its seamless transitions between skiing and touring modes. The easy-to-activate climbing aids (7 and 13 degrees) and simple heel piece, along with the ability to tour without rotating the heel, minimize effort and maximize efficiency. Combined with conveniently integrated brakes, the Salomon MTN binding offers a streamlined, user-friendly experience that significantly reduces fatigue during extended backcountry adventures. Its superior lightweight performance makes it a worthwhile investment for serious backcountry skiers.
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Weight and Design
The Salomon MTN binding boasts an incredibly lightweight design, weighing in at just 595 grams without brakes. This makes it the lightest touring binding reviewed by Backcountry Ski Canada. The lightweight construction is achieved through minimalist design and fewer moving parts, contributing to its overall durability and ease of use.
This compares favorably to competitors; the Plum Guide weighs 670 grams, the G3 Ion 1170 grams, and the Kingpin a hefty 1400 grams. The 30-millimeter adjustment in the heel allows for compatibility with various boot lengths, adding versatility to its design.
The step-in toe piece is a clever design feature, facilitating quick and easy entry. Simply align your boot and the binding snaps securely in place, streamlining the transition between skiing and touring modes.
Touring Features and Functionality
The Salomon MTN binding offers seamless transitions between ski and tour modes. The climbing aids are easily activated, providing 7 and 13 degrees of elevation, easily accessible with ski poles. The heel piece is simple with minimal moving parts.
A notable feature is the ability to tour without rotating the heel piece, thanks to the elevation provided by the brakes. This eliminates an extra step and simplifies the transition to touring mode.
The brakes are conveniently integrated, easily toggled up or down for both skiing and touring. The streamlined design of the heel piece enhances the simplicity of the overall binding.
Real-World Performance and Conclusion
Field testing in various conditions at Whitewater demonstrated the Salomon MTN binding's excellent performance. Its lightweight design reduces fatigue during extended tours, while the simplicity of the design allows for quick transitions between ski and tour modes.
The considerable weight savings compared to competitors like the Kingpin (almost a kilogram less!) significantly impacts overall comfort and performance. The quick brake release is helpful for rapidly changing from ski to touring mode without removing skis.
Overall, the Salomon MTN binding is an excellent choice for backcountry skiers who prioritize lightweight performance and ease of use. While there is a higher initial price point, the weight savings and streamlined design make it a worthwhile investment for those who regularly engage in backcountry ski touring. The lack of complicated parts also increases the binding's durability.
