Salomon Guardian Mnc 13 Alpine Touring Binding Review
Salomon S/Lab Shift MNC 13
Price: $600
DIN: half dozen-thirteen
Weight per pair: three lbs. fourteen.4 oz.
What we like: A truly impressive all-in-one design for resort and backcountry skiing.
What we don't: Not a leader in weight and the transitioning process takes some time to main.
See the Salomon S/Lab Shift MNC 13
Nigh ski bindings fall into either the downhill or alpine touring category, but the Salomon S/Lab Shift MNC is a do-it-all prepare-up that tin can confidently transition between the front end- and backcountry. In curt, it combines the prophylactic and convenience of a downhill binding with the uphill adequacy of a tech design. The two-mode toe piece and bulky heel exercise add a little weight, but it's a great friction match for those who like to hit large lines or split their time between lift-assisted and touring days. Beneath nosotros suspension down our experiences with the Shift. To see how it stacks upwardly to the competition, see our articles on the best ski bindings and best backcountry ski bindings.
Tabular array of Contents
- Boot Compatibility
- Uphill Performance
- Downhill Functioning
- Transitioning
- Weight
- Build Quality and Durability
- Other Versions of the Shift MNC
- What We Like/What Nosotros Don't
- Comparing Table
- The Competition
Boot Compatibility
The Salomon S/Lab Shift MNC was the first of its kind: a backcountry (tech) binding that converts into a traditional downhill setup in ski mode. Given the hybrid intent, information technology's important to first hash out boot compatibility, which is a bit nuanced but crucial for ensuring a proper release. The Shift is an MNC (Multi-Norm Certified) bounden, meaning it tin can fit a diverseness of ski boots and sole types. This includes standard alpine models (ISO 5355) like the Tecnica Mach1 130, backcountry designs (ISO 9523) like the Scarpa Maestrale RS, Walk to Ride (WTR) soles, and GripWalk boots.
For touring use, the Shift requires a boot with tech toe fittings, which are small holes at each side of the toe that lock into the binding's front pins and allow the heel to move freely when walking uphill. If yous anticipate only using the binding at the resort, any kicking with a lugged heel and toe will suffice (importantly, models without both heel and toe lugs, like the Dynafit Hoji Pro Tour or Atomic Backland Pro CL, won't piece of work). The toe slice is also height-adjustable to arrange different norms, and lengthwise, the Shift has a 30-millimeter aligning range to fit a wide variety of kicking sole lengths. All told, the Salomon Shift is one of the most versatile bindings on the market for backcountry skiers, resort-goers, and those who like to split their time betwixt the two disciplines.
Uphill Performance
With its nearly 4-pound weight and single climbing aid, the Salomon Shift binding might not seem like a great climber on paper. Only in exercise, it'due south been surprisingly capable on the pare track. For starters, the Shift uses traditional tech toe inserts in walk manner, which allow for natural range of motion and splendid mobility for kick turns and climbing wandering routes. And although information technology only features ane climbing bar at x degrees (in addition to the natural lift at 2 degrees), I haven't found this to be also limiting. If I'chiliad on an specially steep slope where I need additional leverage, I simply cutting more switchbacks. I've completed multiple full-twenty-four hours tours in the Mountain Baker Wilderness with no shortage of ascending and didn't think twice about the binding, which is loftier praise. All in all, the Shift has proven itself equally a capable uphill companion in conditions ranging from icy crud to deep, fresh powder.
That beingness said, my biggest complaint most the Shift's uphill performance is that the locking brake lever at the heel tin pop up occasionally, releasing the brakes while skinning. Though slightly annoying, this release thankfully doesn't lock the kick into ski mode, which can be an issue with rotating heel designs like the G3 Ion and Dynafit ST Rotation. However, if you ignore the problem, snow tin build up underneath, making it difficult to push the lever back downwards into place. If this happens, you'll take to remove the ski and thoroughly clean out the heel. My all-time communication is to pay close attention and address the trouble before reaching that point (nosotros've constitute it helpful to preemptively and frequently clean out the binding with a ski pole in deep powder).
Downhill Performance
I typically utilize traditional tech bindings, which aren't very powerful or secure when bombing down groomers, but the Shift thirteen's stability and responsiveness have been game-changing. As I touched on higher up, Salomon accomplishes this with the unique toe piece, which functions like a tech set-upwardly for the uphill merely converts into a fully certified, 13-DIN alpine binding in ski way. I've had no issues with the binding releasing prematurely, and my ski kicking has come out on touch each time I've crashed. The toe piece also offers 47 millimeters of lateral elasticity (many standard tech bindings offer none), while contributes to the consequent release. In addition, the binding's low continuing height keeps me shut to the ski, which increases overall responsiveness and power manual.
Paired with my 107-millimeter Blackness Crows Corvus skis and Rossignol Alltrack Elite 130 boots, I take a versatile set-upwards that tin can accuse groomers with confidence, slash and smear through tight glades, carve and plough through skied-out, choppy snow, and still conquer steep skin tracks—a very tall order that not many bindings are able to reach. The oversized toe platform is a big aid here and helps promote better free energy transfer, especially when pushing wider planks like my Corvus. In fact, I'd even consider mounting the Shift on a wider-waisted, dedicated powder ski for tackling bigger lines.
Transitioning
Put simply, transitioning in the Shift MNC takes some getting used to. With a few more steps than virtually traditional tech bindings, it required a few trials to sort out what initially felt like a complicated process, particularly from walk to ski mode. To switch into walk style, start by pushing the front walk/ride switch down, which expands the toe pins. Side by side, press the toe lever with a ski pole, marshal your boot, release the lever to clamp the pins into your boot's tech fittings, and pull up to lock in. To engage the heel, raise the locking brake lever back, which puts your pes at a ii-degree angle. For especially steep slopes, merely flip up the 10-degree climbing aid using your ski pole. With practice, the procedure has become quite like shooting fish in a barrel and doesn't require much additional fourth dimension compared to standard tech gear up-ups, just it's not the most intuitive when starting out.
To covert the binding to ski manner, it's a matter of reversing the to a higher place procedure: step out of the toe piece, switch the walk/ride lever into ski mode (you'll feel it click), and push the toe lever down toward the ski. Rather than rotate the heel to transition, simply printing the locking brake lever dorsum down—this disengages the brakes, dropping them to the sides. One time the binding is in ski manner, you can step into it as you would a standard alpine blueprint.
Despite the transition process being relatively unproblematic after some practice, there are some intricacies to be aware of when switching betwixt modes. First and arguably most chiefly, the Shift requires you to agree the lever open while aligning your boot for touring—some others, including the G3 Ion, lock open up while you slip your pes in—which makes entering the bounden on off-camber slopes a bit catchy. 2d, both the locking brake lever at the heel and walk/ride lever at the toe tin compression your fingers when released, so it's important to be conscientious when transitioning. And finally, make sure to have the proper sole peak set before heading out. Halfway through a run, I felt some play in the front of the Shift and rapidly realized that there was a little space between the binding and my boot (I had switched boots without adjusting the height). It's an like shooting fish in a barrel set up, but one that tin be dangerous if overlooked.
Weight
The Shift 13'due south iii-pound-xiv.four-ounce weight reflects its hybrid intent: information technology's much lighter than traditional alpine bindings but outweighs most tech setups. For comparison, standard backcountry bindings like the G3 Ion 12 (2 lbs. 9.two oz.) and Salomon's ain MTN Pure (1 lb. v oz. without brakes and one lb. 12 oz. with them) undercut the Shift considerably. Closer competitors similar the Marker Kingpin 13 (3 lbs. 0.7 oz.) and Fritschi Tecton 12 (2 lbs. 12.4 oz.) likewise weigh less and are equipped with an alpine heel, but they lack the overall security and power of the 2-way toe piece on the Salomon. Released last season, Mark'south Knuckles PT 12 features a similar alpine/tech toe pattern and alpine heel that's a dandy friction match for mixed resort and backcountry utilize. That said, information technology comes in more than a pound heavier with the alpine toe attached at 5 pounds one.1 ounces per pair.
All things considered, the Shift's weight is perfectly reasonable given its structure, but it's not a great fit for everyone. Dedicated backcountry-goers that similar to travel light and fast or ski mountaineers focused on rapid ascents volition be better off with a model like the aforementioned Salomon MTN or a true minimalist design similar the Black Diamond Helio 145 R10 (10.2 oz.). Still, for skiers that put a premium on downhill performance—both in the backcountry and at the resort—the Shift offers a notable boost in security and is worth the weight penalty, in my opinion.
Build Quality and Durability
Salomon is known for creating loftier-quality gear, and the Shift is no exception. Later on three and a one-half months of ambitious utilize, I've come away with mostly high praise. In terms of construction, the carbon-infused plastic body is reasonably calorie-free but noticeably hardwearing—this is one of few ski bindings that I oasis't broken. Further, I've experienced no early-release problems in either the heel or toe, and all springs and moving parts are working flawlessly with no signs of article of clothing. Equally I covered above, the restriction can occasionally pop open in climbing mode, merely information technology's a adequately rare occurrence and an piece of cake fix (provided you grab it before snow starts to accumulate). All in all, there are oftentimes some kinks to work out with new technology—especially in alpine touring gear—but the Shift has impressed in this regard.
Other Versions of the Shift MNC
In addition to the MNC 13 model of the Shift that we tested for this review (DIN half-dozen-thirteen), Salomon also makes the binding in a $l-cheaper MNC 10 version with a DIN range of 4-10. We consider this a good alternative for lighter or less aggressive skiers who don't need the all-out power and security of the beefier, thirteen-DIN variation. All other features remain the same, including the wide range of boot compatibility, alpine heel, and unique two-mode toe slice, although weight does become down slightly (the Shift MNC 10 clocks in at three lbs. 13 oz.). Finally, the Shift is too sold under the Armada and Diminutive brand names (all three are role of the Amer Sports group), with the just difference being color.
What We Similar
- The Shift MNC does it all: the security and power of an alpine binding with the touring capability of a backcountry fix-up.
- DIN release at both the toe and heel inspire confidence while skiing big lines and variable terrain.
- Extremely well-congenital and impressively durable.
What We Don't
- At almost 4 pounds per pair, the Shift is significantly heavier than traditional tech bindings.
- The locking brake lever has a tendency to accumulate snow, causing the brakes to occasionally engage in walk mode.
- Has merely i heel riser (much of the competition has 2), which is limiting for steep ascents.
Comparison Table
| Bounden | PRICE | Type | Release | Weight | Brake Sizes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salomon South/Lab Shift MNC 13 | $600 | Tech/tall | 6-13 | 3 lbs. 14.iv oz. | 90, 100, 110, 120mm |
| Marker Duke PT 12 | $600 | Tech/alpine | iv-12 | v lbs. 1.1 oz. | 100, 125mm |
| Marking Kingpin 13 | $650 | Tech | 6-13 | 3 lbs. 0.7 oz. | 75-100, 100-125mm |
| Fritschi Tecton 12 | $650 | Tech | 3.5-12 | 2 lbs. 12.4 oz. | 100, 110, 120mm |
| G3 Ion 12 | $617 | Tech | 5-12 | ii lbs. 9.iii oz. | 85, 100, 115, 130mm |
| Marker Baron EPF 13 | $380 | Tech | 4-thirteen | half dozen lbs. two.1 oz. | 110mm |
The Competition
Salomon put a total seven years of R&D into the Shift, and information technology immediately jumped to the pinnacle of the backcountry binding market place at its release. In terms of competitors, the closet alternative is Marker's Knuckles PT 12, which was released last flavour and features a convertible toe similar to the Salomon's. The key difference here is removability: when skinning up, y'all tin take off the top of the Duke's toe slice and stuff it in your pack, which shaves effectually 10.v ounces per foot. On the downhill, only reconnect the tall and tech components and lock in like you would with a traditional downhill bounden. Security and compatibility are similar between the 2 designs, although the Marker features a helpful anti-ice track to scratch off water ice and snow that accrue below your kicking's sole (an effect we had with the Salomon). That said, the Marker is unproven, over a pound heavier per pair (with the tall toe attached), and the transition process is a bit more than complex. For the same cost, we retrieve the Salomon is a bit more than dialed.
Some other option to consider from Marker is their Kingpin 13, which was updated last yr with a toe piece that's lighter and more secure. Like the Shift, the Kingpin is a dandy downhill companion due to its alpine heel, and it'due south considerably lighter at three pounds 0.7 ounces (around thirteen oz. less than the Shift), That said, the Kingpin lacks the unique two-mode toe piece of the Shift in favor of a traditional pin design, which translates to less versatility for resort use. All in all, the Mark is a nice selection for dedicated backcountry-goers who want a strong fix-up and reliable release, but the Salomon is the ameliorate selection for 50/fifty backcountry and lift-assisted riding.
Blackness Diamond makes a similar design to the Kingpin in the Fritschi Tecton 12. Like the Marking, the BD has a tech fit toe and alpine-style heel piece, giving it a solid and stable feel on the downhill. However, the Tecton is the lightest of the bunch at 2 pounds 12.4 ounces including brakes, which undercuts the Shift past a considerable 1 pound 2 ounces. In addition, you lot become another climbing aid for ascending steep slopes and a adequately loftier 12-DIN rating. On the other hand, like the Kingpin, you miss out on the prized boot compatibility for both resort and backcountry riding, plus the Tecton costs $fifty more than. Backcountry skiers aimed at traveling fast and calorie-free simply still wanting a secure build with a smoothen release (both the heel and toe have lateral elasticity) volition likely prefer the Fritschi, but the Salomon is the meliorate all-rounder.
Stepping out of the alpine heel/tech toe world is the calorie-free and user-friendly G3 Ion 12. This binding excels on the uphill with a well-rounded feature set: the toe is like shooting fish in a barrel to secure and go along clean, the ii climbing aids allow you accommodate the height based on steepness, and it's amidst the simplest we've tested to transition betwixt walk and ski modes. The G3 is also more than than a pound lighter than the Salomon. Just it tin't match the Shift's downhill performance—it felt quite a chip more skittish on firm snowfall and wasn't equally piece of cake to drive in deep powder. In the end, we'd throw the G3 on our defended backcountry prepare-up, simply the Shift's 1-quiver versatility makes it the better option for the majority of skiers out in that location.
The terminal competitor is a throwback: Marker's Baron EPF xiii. Right off the bat, the touring performance with this binding can't come close to matching the Shift: it'due south significantly heavier at over half dozen pounds for the pair, and the frame-style set-up is clunky and harder to pivot while climbing. Simply on the downhill, it'due south a proper alpine design that matches upwards very nicely with the Salomon in security and power transfer. And at $389, it gets the clear advantage in price. Skiers planning to only striking the skin rail for short trips, wanting a solid sidecountry choice, or hoping to go a backcountry kit on the cheap will find the Businesswoman to be serviceable, but it tin can't come close to matching the uphill operation of the impressive Shift.
Source: https://www.switchbacktravel.com/reviews/salomon-slab-shift-mnc
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