Any recommendations on ways to lubricate the rotating component of the heel piece without dismounting the binding from the ski?
I have a pair that have seen three seasons and are well loved but in good shape. The heels spin just fine on the workbench, but in cold temps, especially after icing up in warm to cold transitions, the heels are difficult to spin. Clearing ice externally does not help.
I imagine they just need a fresh coat of grease on the internals. Should I bite the bullet and pull the bindings off the ski or is there another trick to access the innards?
Salomon MTN Pure Binding
Salomon’s first tech binding, the MTN. If you think it looks an awful lot like the Atomic Backland, that’s because it is. The companies are related, meaning you can ensure proper color coordination on your setup with identical functionality. If you look good, you feel good. If you feel good, your skiing will likely be just as good. The MTN binding is light, fully featured, and fool-proof (no fools were harmed in our testing). The toe piece features a large, sturdy lever that’s easy to manipulate with frozen hands or thick gloves. A wide mounting pattern improves power transfer on wide skis, so you can confidently use the same binding on both your mountaineering and powder skis. A retractable toe guide makes it easier than ever to step into the binding and disappears once your boot is in, making technical skin tracks a breeze. The unique heel piece features a “semi-adjustable” release value. The MTN binding includes three separate release value fork assemblies that can easily be swapped. Notably, the spring swap changes both the lateral and forward release values, creating one of the lightest bindings with adjustments for release and boot sole length. The spring assemblies are labeled “Women, Men, and Expert,” but we would like to take a moment to humbly note that there are many women of the Wasatch and beyond that can ski harder than the Women's spring would safely allow. The heel housing sits on top of a stout baseplate with 30mm of fore-aft adjustment built in. On the roof are two risers strategically machined to keep weight to a minimum and durability to a maximum. Twist the heel housing 90° and you get a flat mode which makes long approaches much easier. The Salomon MTN binding is one of the most user-friendly tech bindings we have seen.
- A mere 592g per pair, the MTN binding is as light as it is burly.
- Integrated crampon receptor minimizes extra parts to deal with, lose, or break.
- Included leash can be used to set the heel gap at home or in the field.
- Women’s, Men’s, and Expert springs are included for customizable release values.
- Two risers plus a flat mode adapt to the oncoming terrain.
- Wide mounting platform for high-speed stability and power transfer.
- Machined risers add versatility at a minimal weight.
- Long toe lever for extra leverage switching modes.
Note: This binding accepts both Plum and Dynafit crampons, though with the latter the included crampon keeper clip must be used to prevent any lateral movement during use.
Update 2022/23: Salomon is bringing in the new season with a color update to this binding, otherwise it's unchanged.
| Specifications | |
|
Weight |
288g |
| Weight (pair) | 576g |
|
Boot |
Tech |
|
Brakes |
Leashes |
|
BSL |
30mm |
|
Riser |
2 + Flat |
|
Vertical |
Adjustable by swapping springs |
|
Lateral |
Adjusted when springs are swapped |
|
Crampon |
Yes |
| Specs Verified | Yes |
| Design | |
|
|
Aluminum, Plastic |
| Skimo Co Says | |
| Usage | Touring |
| Notes | Leash included doubles as gap tool |
| Bottom Line | A lightweight, stripped-down, touring binding |
| Compare to other Lean Bindings | |
Related Products
Questions & Reviews
4/8/2024
4/8/2024
Hi Duncan, you might be able to sneak some grease in there just by removing the heel pins, but you can't access the entire internal assembly without fully removing the heel piece from the ski. Wildsnow has documented the disassembly. Note you don't need to cut the BSL adjustment screw like they do, it does back out but takes a bit of force to get the tower off the track.
4/8/2024
Thank you! I'll pull the heels and grease them properly. Oh how we miss Lou taking apart bindings.
Answer this question:
3/3/2023
Dear SkiMo: I am also dealing with a loose riser piece, the "flop" as others have described it. Can the entire (still tight) heel piece/tower of another MTN binding (from my other skis) be removed and swapped easily? What would be the best way to do that? Thanks!
3/3/2023
Hi David, you can replace either the entire heel piece or just the tower/riser assembly. Either way, you'll need to unmount the heels from both skis. Then, either replace the entire heel, or, remove the plastic baseplate / brake plate, screw the tower assembly off of the BSL adjustment track then replace it. When you remount it, put a little wood glue in the holes.
9/21/2023
I've also had the floppy riser defect (yes, this is a defect and Salotomic should recall). That being said, I hammered out the pin and replaced it with a 1/8" x 1 1/2" roll pin. Little tricky getting old pin out/new pin in, but it's fully doable if you're just a wee crafty. Downside to this is the 1/8" diameter is just a hair (0.175mm) larger than the og pin, and results in a more firm throw on the risers.
Answer this question:
2/22/2023
Hello!
Just curious if brakes can be added to these easily? I noticed that brakes are sold separately. Thanks!
Just curious if brakes can be added to these easily? I noticed that brakes are sold separately. Thanks!
2/22/2023
Hi Mol, you decide when mounting the bindings whether or not you'd like brakes. Once installed they are not easily removed.
Answer this question:
1/31/2023
I have a pair of solomon mtn bindings where the flop in the heal piece has me needing to replace the binding (I've tried all sorts of work arounds to "stop the flop" and none work in the long term), but I'm not sure what binding I could remount without changing the location of a new binding too much on the skis I LOVE (Blizzard Zero Gs 105) that I bought from SkimoCo. What are my options here....I like a binding that has two risers...people put in steep skin track in AK.
1/31/2023
Sarah,
Sorry to hear about the flop - no fun, but seems like a sign of good use! Your particular binding has a fairly unique hole pattern (you can reference our Hole Pattern Recognition article for more info!). With that said it opens you up to many possibilities, but until you zero in on your next binding it's hard to say whether or not you will have to change the mounting position on the ski by a few centimeters. Feel free to fill out our Binding Finder, or shoot us an e-mail at help@skimo.co for more info. on the right substitute for your well loved bindings.
Sorry to hear about the flop - no fun, but seems like a sign of good use! Your particular binding has a fairly unique hole pattern (you can reference our Hole Pattern Recognition article for more info!). With that said it opens you up to many possibilities, but until you zero in on your next binding it's hard to say whether or not you will have to change the mounting position on the ski by a few centimeters. Feel free to fill out our Binding Finder, or shoot us an e-mail at help@skimo.co for more info. on the right substitute for your well loved bindings.
Answer this question:
1/30/2023
I went lean with some new boots (Scarpa F1, from Scarpa Maestrales) and need to remount my bindings (G3 Ions) as their adjustment range is about 2-3 mm too small in their current centered mount position.
Since the Ions are pretty old and heavy, I'm thinking of replacing them with something lighter, rather than simply moving them. Naively, it looks like the Salomon Mtn would let me re-use some of the Ion toe-piece holes. Would this be a good plan? Any reason not to go this route?
Skis are Volkl BMT 109.
Since the Ions are pretty old and heavy, I'm thinking of replacing them with something lighter, rather than simply moving them. Naively, it looks like the Salomon Mtn would let me re-use some of the Ion toe-piece holes. Would this be a good plan? Any reason not to go this route?
Skis are Volkl BMT 109.
1/31/2023
P B,
Welcome to the light is right side! While the Ions do share one dimension with the MTN's hole pattern, it would still be suggested to drill new holes to avoid any issues with the 2 other drill holes. You can always fill out our Binding Finder, or shoot us an e-mail at help@skimo.co to help you find the perfect match for your new boots!
Welcome to the light is right side! While the Ions do share one dimension with the MTN's hole pattern, it would still be suggested to drill new holes to avoid any issues with the 2 other drill holes. You can always fill out our Binding Finder, or shoot us an e-mail at help@skimo.co to help you find the perfect match for your new boots!
Answer this question:
12/26/2022
I am interested in Purchasing these. I have a pair of Salomon MTN Summit 79. I would like to order these with brakes. Would these fit?
12/26/2022
Rennie,
Yes, these would work with the MTN Summit 79. For the brakes, you'll want the 30mm x 80mm. For the most accurate recommendations, I'd recommend filling out a binding finder.
Yes, these would work with the MTN Summit 79. For the brakes, you'll want the 30mm x 80mm. For the most accurate recommendations, I'd recommend filling out a binding finder.
12/26/2022
Wow! That was quick! Thank you for the expert information. I am new to this. Skied alpine and Nordic for years. Learning a lot here. Thx!
Answer this question:
12/11/2022
Like others, I really love this binding, but I have the floppy top riser problem that others refer to -- anything come up yet as to a fix? This is really problematic as they can slip off at the most precarious times (when you really want them there).
12/12/2022
Eric,
To date, there is no definitive fix. Given that it is a topic of conversation we will add to this thread should a solution be found!
To date, there is no definitive fix. Given that it is a topic of conversation we will add to this thread should a solution be found!
Answer this question:
12/10/2022
I just picked up a pair of these. I run a 9.5 DIN release on all my bindings-both AT and regular alpine. I'll be using these exclusively for touring. Should I just use the "men" version springs?
12/10/2022
Doug,
I would first suggest using our Binding Finder to see what release value is calculated. Shoot us an e-mail at help@skimo.co with that data and we can give you a more informed answer.
I would first suggest using our Binding Finder to see what release value is calculated. Shoot us an e-mail at help@skimo.co with that data and we can give you a more informed answer.
Answer this question:
Great bindings in the ~300g category. Like another commenter noted, these probably occupy the more stout end of tech bindings, and I'll probably move them to a more wider ski / heavier oriented setup in the future.
As a 145lb male, the Men's U-spring never pre-released on me even on chattery terrain (without toes locked out), but on the other hand I never was in a situation where it should've released and didn't. It would be nice to see how the Women, Men, and Expert bindings roughly translate to DINs on other bindings (it just kind of seems like a black box to me at the moment).
Without the brakes, the ski boot floats on the pins, so you might want brakes if you want more points of contact with the ski but I didn't feel it was a hinderance to power transfer. You can also find the heel-toe delta published on this very site.
My favorite part of this binding is having the flat, +1, and +2 risers all on the same axis without having to turn the heel piece mid-tour (I'm trying to find lighter bindings that can do this at a decent price). I haven't had a problem with floppy risers, but I really only used the 1st one, which is on par with other bindings' highest riser (the information about riser heights can also be found on this site). The BSL adjustment was super handy and easy to change.
Overall, I love these bindings, but I think it's a tad overbuilt if you're trying to put it on some lighter skis. I would love if they cut some of the fat on this binding and made a ~200g version.
As a 145lb male, the Men's U-spring never pre-released on me even on chattery terrain (without toes locked out), but on the other hand I never was in a situation where it should've released and didn't. It would be nice to see how the Women, Men, and Expert bindings roughly translate to DINs on other bindings (it just kind of seems like a black box to me at the moment).
Without the brakes, the ski boot floats on the pins, so you might want brakes if you want more points of contact with the ski but I didn't feel it was a hinderance to power transfer. You can also find the heel-toe delta published on this very site.
My favorite part of this binding is having the flat, +1, and +2 risers all on the same axis without having to turn the heel piece mid-tour (I'm trying to find lighter bindings that can do this at a decent price). I haven't had a problem with floppy risers, but I really only used the 1st one, which is on par with other bindings' highest riser (the information about riser heights can also be found on this site). The BSL adjustment was super handy and easy to change.
Overall, I love these bindings, but I think it's a tad overbuilt if you're trying to put it on some lighter skis. I would love if they cut some of the fat on this binding and made a ~200g version.
Comment on this review:
4/22/2021
Love these bindings, however I had the leash attachment ring break. Any thoughts on how to replace it? It looks like the ring routes around the pin that the toe piece rotates around. I’m not sure how I can rethread a new ring without finding some way to disassemble the toe lever. Any ideas?
4/22/2021
Hey Chris thanks for reaching out! The slot that wire loop comes out of is also open on the bottom, so I would recommend threading a small diameter cord through the slot and capturing the pin, then tying that cord into a loop that replaces the wire loop.
Answer this question:
I’ve used MTN’s for a couple of seasons- I think they are great with a few minor drawbacks. I’ve used them without brakes so I can’t comment on that; but I’ve found that the toes have great holding power, with a satisfying, positive feel upon stepping in. The pins have clearing slots, so take advantage of it and swing your leg a few times after stepping into the toe if there’s a chance you have ice in your boot toe sockets when you prepare to ski. The only thing I’m not stoked on with the toes is the crampon slot, as issued from the factory with a little plastic clip to hold crampons centered. Do not trust this fiddly small bit of plastic- get Plum ski crampons if you are going to use crampons, they are a much better solution.
I like the mellow delta from heel to toe, and thanks to Skimoco for having those numbers listed. The heels have lots of adjustment range, so if you loan skis to friends very often or use different boots, that’s handy. My only issue with the heels is that after a season of stout use, the lifters (which are otherwise great), became so loose on their pivots that they would flop back and forth while I walked. I eventually drilled out the pivot and installed a stainless steel screw that I could tighten to control the flopping.
It’s also nice that all of the screws for mounting are the same length. One less thing to keep track of.
I think of the MTN as occupying the stout end of minimal tech bindings, and still have them on my wider pow skis. They have confident retention, ease of use and appear well built aside from the fast wearing lifters.
I like the mellow delta from heel to toe, and thanks to Skimoco for having those numbers listed. The heels have lots of adjustment range, so if you loan skis to friends very often or use different boots, that’s handy. My only issue with the heels is that after a season of stout use, the lifters (which are otherwise great), became so loose on their pivots that they would flop back and forth while I walked. I eventually drilled out the pivot and installed a stainless steel screw that I could tighten to control the flopping.
It’s also nice that all of the screws for mounting are the same length. One less thing to keep track of.
I think of the MTN as occupying the stout end of minimal tech bindings, and still have them on my wider pow skis. They have confident retention, ease of use and appear well built aside from the fast wearing lifters.
Comment on this review:
1/25/2021
Are there still no suggested fixes to the “floppy heel riser” issue with these bindings. Mine have gotten so floppy they always seem to deploy (the first riser) inadvertently. Quite an annoyance on an otherwise good, reliable binding.
1/25/2021
Hi Cam,
I am sorry to hear that you have had issues with your risers on the MTNs. Shoot us an email at help@skimo.co, and we can talk about solutions!
I am sorry to hear that you have had issues with your risers on the MTNs. Shoot us an email at help@skimo.co, and we can talk about solutions!
Answer this question:
11/17/2020
I have a pair of Salomon MTN that has developed the same floppiness in the heel cover plates mentioned. I've read about this issue in a few different forums and reviews as well. Have you guys encountered this yet? Wondering if anyone's figured a good fix? I've got a few ideas but thought I'd throw out the question.
Simon, did you get this figured out?
Simon, did you get this figured out?
11/18/2020
Benjamin,
Great to hear from you! We have seen this just a few times before and it is caused by a wearing down of the area that rotates around the pin - a sign of good use! Essentially they become ovalized over time and to date we have not found a fix for it. If you want to email us at help@skimo.co we can see if we can help you out!
Great to hear from you! We have seen this just a few times before and it is caused by a wearing down of the area that rotates around the pin - a sign of good use! Essentially they become ovalized over time and to date we have not found a fix for it. If you want to email us at help@skimo.co we can see if we can help you out!
1/16/2022
Perhaps an alternate, though perhaps less elegant solution might be to make your own “old school” homemade heel lifters by cutting pieces of 1 1/2- 2 inch PVC, drill holes and thread elastic bungy cords through them then wrap these around your boots. They are cheap and reliable...
6/22/2023
I've been using loctite 242 blue and adding some to the heel risers every ~5 touring days or so. Needs a day to set in and cure.
Answer this question:
4/9/2020
Hey there, do you guys know where I could purchase the brakeless base plate for Salomon mtn lab bindings? I have a set with brakes and would like to run them brakeless for spring.
Thanks!
Quint
Thanks!
Quint
4/9/2020
Hey Quint, all you need to do is unmount the heel unit as well as unscrew one screw that will be under the brake release lever and remove the brakes then remount the heel into the same holes. You may need to shorten the screws if you don't have the brakeless baseplates that came with the bindings. If you need any extra help or tips feel free to send us an email at help@skimo.co.
Answer this question:
3/11/2020
Does the “keeper” clip Come with the Dynafit crampon to keep the crampon aligned? And does that clip then live on the ski crampon? Is the plume ski crampon a better choice?
3/12/2020
Teague, The keeper clip comes with the bindings. It is not available from Dynafit. Scroll way down and there are some pictures of it attached to a Dynafit crampon, very useful. The Plum crampon does not require the clip and can be easier to use.
Answer this question:
This binding is by far the easiest tech binding to get into. Skimo set them up for my Tlt 8’s and they are truly a breeze to snap into every time. The heel risers haven’t loosed one bit after a ton of use. No issues just all Positives with this binding. Thanks for a great product Salomon/Atomic and thank you skimo for the great mount.
Comment on this review:
2/10/2020
I am fairly new to the ski touring world, I have one season on heavy BD skis with frame bindings that I got as a cheap entry-level setup. I recently got a pair of Salomon QST 106 (188) (2020) skis and am looking at all my options for the best binding to pair with them (I like Salomon products, not for any reason in particular). I have no experience with tech bindings, and am afraid of choosing a binding that would not hold up to the stress I may put on the skis. Because of this I am looking at the Shift and the MTN, with mostly backcountry days in mind, with a few resort days scattered here and there. I have read that these are as strong as I would ever need (not expert level but I ski fairly hard), and am very intrigued by the weight savings. But, I am curious if there is a hypothetical limit to the size and weight of myself and my skis that would cause someone to lean towards one binding or the other? Thanks in advance!
2/10/2020
Quinn,
If the goal is truly to go lighter in the backcountry I would lean heavily towards the MTN binding over the Shift. The MTN is a burly bugger that can handle a 106 ski without issue and overall will be more streamlined for transitions between climbing and rippin' downhill lines. The bindings come with 3 spring tension options and if you are worried about pre-releasing you can put in the "Expert" springs. Have fun out there!
Patrick // Skimo Co
If the goal is truly to go lighter in the backcountry I would lean heavily towards the MTN binding over the Shift. The MTN is a burly bugger that can handle a 106 ski without issue and overall will be more streamlined for transitions between climbing and rippin' downhill lines. The bindings come with 3 spring tension options and if you are worried about pre-releasing you can put in the "Expert" springs. Have fun out there!
Patrick // Skimo Co
Answer this question:
2/1/2020
I have the Atomic Backland bindings (same as Salomon MTN bindings), and having big issues with floppy heel risers (they will flop over into lifted position on a flat skin track with a decent glide). I basically have to ski in the middle position all the time. My local ski shop where I purchased the binding has been pretty unhelpful when it comes to fixing it, and apparently Atomic doesn't sell replacement parts at all. Do you have any access to parts or some kind of solution for the floppy heel risers? I have tried zip ties, elastics, locktite etc. but it always end up as a temporary fix (lasts 3 outings at the most). Thanks.
2/2/2020
Hey Simon, I'm sorry to say we haven't seen this issue! Sounds pretty frustrating, though. Feel free to send us an email at help@skimo.co and we'll see if we can come up with something.
Answer this question:
1/14/2020
Ryan
(downright abused product)
I have 2 pr of these in my quiver, used over 3 years. ~90 days across both pr. I have skied these almost exclusively unlocked. I've skied them at resorts a couple times in quite variable conditions. My alpine din is usually set to 12. I use the "EXP" spring. I have never had a pre-release, even in absolutely tooth rattling conditions.
Love this binding. Considering stockpiling.
Love this binding. Considering stockpiling.
Comment on this review:
10/4/2019
Longtime dynafit user. Broke several heelpieces last winter, looking for a new binding, deciding between the Ion and the Salomon MTN/Atomic Backland. Will not ski at all in ski area. Not planning on brakes. Seems they are similar, though the Ion is heavier but more tried and tested, whereas the salomon/atomic seems to have an issue with the riser becoming too flimsy/mobile/flopping around after 10-20 uses. Have you guys seen this riser issue much in the shop? Can you comment? Thanks so much.
10/5/2019
Scott, haven't heard of that compliant. They have a nice solid clip and do not use a spring that gives out on some other bindings. It is the slickest riser system out there. And have had virtually no warranties.
Answer this question:
Earn store credit by writing reviews. Learn more.
