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 your mountaineering skis and your powder skis. A retractable toe guide makes it easier than ever to step into the binding, but disappears once your boot is in so technical skin tracks are 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 adjustment for release and boot sole length. The springs assemblies are labeled “Women, Men, and Expert,” noting there are many women of the Wasatch and beyond that can humbly 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 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 Dynafit and Plum style crampons, though with the latter the included crampon keeper clip must be used to prevent any lateral movement during use.
I've had these for a season, and really like them. Low weight, easy risers, Super positive engagement ( tour with Toe in ski mode 90% of the time, for added safety in avy terrain)
However the heel lifters/riser assembly came loose. It is attached with a hex screw, but the only way I could figure out how to access it was to unmount the binding from the ski. Did I miss something? In order to get to the screw, you have to back the adjustment screw out all the way, and slide the heel tower off the mounting plate - which seemed impossible while still on the ski.
Anyway, hoping with loc-tite it stays put ... because it isn't ideal to have to back out the mounting screws to maintain the heel unit. ( I'm used to my dynafits that come apart more easily )
Hi Shane, that's an interesting issue. We haven't seen it here in the shop so I'm not certain how to go about fixing it, but from looking at the binding I believe you have taken the correct action.
I'm trying to decide between the ATK Haute Route 2.0 and these. The ATK's are much lighter on paper. However, not being able to get my hands on a pair of the ATK's and not finding any videos online, I'm not sure if you can turn the heel piece to get to a position where you can access the flat, ~36, and 50mm modes. Does anybody have any insight? Thanks!
Hi Kyle, we do not sell the ATK HR 2.0 so any info I provide you on that binding is purely speculation, but I believe it does have a flat mode.
One thing to keep in mind that if you are based in the U.S. that there won't be any warranty support for ATK branded bindings as they do not sell in the U.S. market.
Hey John! They don't release laterally from the toe in the way that you are probably thinking. The lateral release initiates from the heel piece rotating and the toe piece follows suit. Release value is more along the lines as these bindings don't meet the "DIN" certification but it is adjusted via the varying U-Springs that come with the binding.
I'm wondering if the mount hole pattern on these is different enough from the ATK Haute Route 2.0 to remove the ATK's and go with these at the 0 mount position? The ATK's are my first foray into superlite and they are that and built incredibly well but I'm not a fan of rotating the heel piece for flat and high riser mode. The old stick your hand in powder and slide your pack into your head over and over isn't ideal.
Ive been on these bindings about 9 days so far this season and I am blown away, they're quite impressive. Relatively light, but not race light. 290g wont slow anyone down and having 3 riser heights is great. The highest riser is about the right height if you have a pretty mobile boot. In Vulcan's they feel like a higher riser would be nice but in tlt6 boots they feel perfect. Icy jump turns, pow days, and everything in between, they do very well. They feel bomber. Ive release from the heel and not the toe several times and never released completely, yet...
I though it would be useful for folks considering this binding to recognize that they accept Dynafit, ATK *AND* Plum crampons. The great thing about the Plum crampons is that they drop in from the top, rather than slide from the side. Much easier, and far more secure, and less prone to icing.
Hey Michael, sorry for the slow reply! For liability's sake we're going to forego publishing them on the website. There's almost definitely one that'll match up with your desired release value, but I'm going to answer your question with another question: What release value are you looking for?
Hey Michael, thanks for the response! Men's spring would likely suffice, noting there is a relatively high standard deviation on the springs so it might be worth getting tested. The Expert spring would be stiffer and the women's spring is much too soft. Brakes will change things as well.
