For a "lean" binding these are heavy but very functional.
While these aren't especially light, they're reliable and have some nice features. I got them primarily for the brake integration, which is fool-proof, and I also appreciated not needing to rotate the binding to transition between modes. The tall riser option is also nice if you're using these with beef boots that don't have as much ankle ROM.
Besides being a little heavy, my main complaint is that I have a hard time lining up my toes when stepping in. The built in guide should make this easier, but for me it's been the opposite. And then once clicked into the binding, locking the toe piece feels vague compared to other bindings.
Salomon MTN Binding & Brake
Update 2021/22: Salomon is now including leashes with the braked version of this binding. That means this binding is no different than purchasing the brakeless version and adding brakes. In fact, you now have to do just that to buy these: please go to our listing for the MTN Pure and add brakes as an accessory option to receive the same price as this combo. You will see a package discount in your cart.
The Salomon Mountain Lab has done it again, this time it’s the MTN binding with a brake. The brake follows the “simpler is better” philosophy, which is a breath of fresh air for a lightweight ski touring binding. The toe and heel unit feature a wide mounting platform, which gives it stout and aggressive performance on wider powder skis, but because of this, it will also readily take control of narrower mountaineering skis without issue. The brake is retracted/deployed with the use of a large lever that folds out of the way when not in use.
The toe piece is built out of as few pieces as possible, which contributes to reliable performance: fewer parts to break, repair, or wear down. A patented Step-In aid guides your boot into the toe piece but moves out of the way as soon as your boot is in the binding to not impede range of motion on a technical skin track. An integrated crampon receptor offers a rigid attachment for icy spring mornings.
The heel housing is sandwiched between a threaded adjustment track and two risers. The housing rotates 90° to expose a flat mode which makes long approaches more natural and efficient. It rotates easily back to ski mode when you’re ready to point it down the fall line. The risers are strategically machined to reduce unnecessary weight and easily manipulated to offer climbing versatility. The most unique part about the heel piece is the combination of simplicity and function found in fixed-release race bindings, with the option to install different springs for different release values. The MTN binding comes with three in the box: Women’s, Men’s, and Expert which dictate forward and lateral release values simultaneously. The springs can be changed in a matter of minutes at home. The threaded adjustment track offers a generous 30mm of range so you can accommodate a boot quiver. The MTN binding is the lightweight tech binding for everybody and their mom (Mom’s spring not currently available).
- Wide mounting pattern establishes power and sure-footed performance.
- Three riser options including a flat mode to make approaches more approachable.
- Three included springs to adjust release value to your preferred setting.
- Five brake sizes at your disposal: 80mm, 90mm, 100mm, 110mm, and 120mm.
- Step-In Aid helps you get into the bindings when your heart rate and elevation are sky high.
- Long toe lever makes it easy to switch modes in a flick.
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 new paint job, otherwise the binding remains the same. Please go here to configure the binding how you'd like (with or w/o brakes).
| Specifications | |
|
Weight |
395g [90mm] |
| Weight (pair) | 790g [90mm] |
|
Boot |
Tech |
|
Brakes |
80, 90, 100, 110, 120 |
|
BSL |
30mm |
|
Riser |
2 + flat |
|
Vertical |
Women's, Men's, or Expert |
|
Lateral |
Women's, Men's, or Expert |
|
Crampon |
Yes |
| Specs Verified | Yes |
| Design | |
|
|
Aluminum, steel, plastic |
| Skimo Co Says | |
| Usage | Touring |
| Notes | Brakes come in 5 widths |
| Bottom Line | Lightweight touring binding with brakes |
| Compare to other Lean Bindings | |
Related Products
Questions & Reviews
Comment on this review:
First full season in on these suckers. Very happy with the performance, both in-bounds and out. Easy to use, even for someone who had never used pin bindings before! Toe release is not as easy as they may make it seem, but functions as expected. Wish there was a hands-free way to lock in for the hike up, though that could introduce a reliability concern where there currently is not one. Mounted on DPS Pagoda Tour 100.
Comment on this review:
4/24/2023
Loving these bindings so far. What is the process for adjusting them to a new boot (other than just cranking the screw). How do you ensure the proper fit?
4/24/2023
Micah, with the MTN binding you want a 4mm gap between the back of your boot and the heel tower when the ski is decambered. Salomon conveniently made the diameter of the leash included with the binding to be 4mm.
Answer this question:
I have over 100 days on these and overall they are great bindings
Upsides:
- with brakes on you don't have to turn the heel to walk and the brakes provide a perfect walk height where I almost never use the heel risers.
- Only pre-released twice, once icy moguls, once landing a hard-pack cliff drop. Never pre-released in the backcountry
- Never had icing problems that couldn't be fixed with a quick pole whack and even that is rarely needed
Downsides:
- Impossible to unlock the toe with just a pole tip, have to smack it width the handle or grab it in my hand
Upsides:
- with brakes on you don't have to turn the heel to walk and the brakes provide a perfect walk height where I almost never use the heel risers.
- Only pre-released twice, once icy moguls, once landing a hard-pack cliff drop. Never pre-released in the backcountry
- Never had icing problems that couldn't be fixed with a quick pole whack and even that is rarely needed
Downsides:
- Impossible to unlock the toe with just a pole tip, have to smack it width the handle or grab it in my hand
Comment on this review:
Sometimes it feels like this binding flies a little under the radar since it doesn't have many of features (elastic travel, zero gap, rotating pins, freeride spacer) that folks look for in this class. That said, it works well, is simple to use, and gets the job done. An added bonus is that the brake lock lever works as an incidental freeride spacer with some boots, giving you a solid platform to stand on. And having two riser heights (with a truly high option) that are available without rotating the heel is awesome. I wish more bindings had this high of a riser option! Sure, there are lighter bindings out there, and bindings with more features, but for a do-everything touring binding, the MTN is rad. Just make sure to grab a toe spacer if you're used to flatter bindings, it's definitely got a lot of ramp!
Comment on this review:
3/30/2022
Hey, Skimo-Team!
I'm big fan of your site. Sorry to bother, but I love the F1 LT Boots from Scarpa and I wanted to buy them for my Salomon MTN 79 Ski with a MTN Pure Bindings. Now I found out in the Instructions of the Bindings that they are not compatible with the Boots? Is that really true? Does anyone tried this Combo (Salomon MTN Pure Bindings + Scarpa F1 LT Boots)?
Thanks a lot and Greetings from Germany!
I'm big fan of your site. Sorry to bother, but I love the F1 LT Boots from Scarpa and I wanted to buy them for my Salomon MTN 79 Ski with a MTN Pure Bindings. Now I found out in the Instructions of the Bindings that they are not compatible with the Boots? Is that really true? Does anyone tried this Combo (Salomon MTN Pure Bindings + Scarpa F1 LT Boots)?
Thanks a lot and Greetings from Germany!
3/30/2022
Hello Iliya! Yes, the F1 LT(and F1) are definitely compatible with these bindings. When the instruction manual states: "These bindings are not compatible with bellowed ski boots such as the Scarpa F1/F3/TX.", it is referring to the older F1 design(pictured above) with compressible bellows that allowed the sole to flex. This sole flex effectively changed the boot sole length and meant that the binding may release inconsistently.
Luckily, the F1 has not had a bellowed shell in many years, so there are no longer any compatibility issues!
Luckily, the F1 has not had a bellowed shell in many years, so there are no longer any compatibility issues!
Answer this question:
4/9/2021
Two questions: 1) Will a 110 brake on the Salomon MTN fit on the 112 Pagoda Tour (which I just purchased from Skimo) or would you recommend the 120 brake? (two mm too small vs eight mm too large);
2) I used the MTNs this season - about 30 days so far and it's still snowing here. Occasionally, the brake flips into ski mode while skinning. There are no apparent defects found on the bindings and icing/snow build-up does not seem to be related. I noticed another person asked about this. Any insight into brake problem? Otherwise, I like the bindings - no icing problems and they did what tech bindings are supposed to do.
2) I used the MTNs this season - about 30 days so far and it's still snowing here. Occasionally, the brake flips into ski mode while skinning. There are no apparent defects found on the bindings and icing/snow build-up does not seem to be related. I noticed another person asked about this. Any insight into brake problem? Otherwise, I like the bindings - no icing problems and they did what tech bindings are supposed to do.
4/10/2021
Hi John,
1. The 110mm brake should fit the 112 Pagoda Tour. Worst case scenario, you may need to stretch the brakes 1-2mm for additional width.
2. My first thought would be an icing or snow build-up problem. However, if that does not seem to be the problem, send us a photo or video to help@skimo.co, and we would be happy to brainstorm a solution!
1. The 110mm brake should fit the 112 Pagoda Tour. Worst case scenario, you may need to stretch the brakes 1-2mm for additional width.
2. My first thought would be an icing or snow build-up problem. However, if that does not seem to be the problem, send us a photo or video to help@skimo.co, and we would be happy to brainstorm a solution!
Answer this question:
Bought these for a dedicated touring setup on Navis Freebird's and they've performed just as I've hoped. No issues, light, and simply get the job done reliably well. I haven't had any issues with preleasing using either of the M or E bindings but I haven't skied them too hard either, I'll have more feedback in the spring.
Comment on this review:
9/27/2020
Just to confirm, if I buy a pair of these bindings with the brakes, I can opt to mount them with the brakeless baseplate?
10/26/2021
Hi Wolfgang, starting this season (2021/22), buying this binding is now no different than buying the brakeless version and adding brakes, so you will be able to mount it however you want and optionally use leashes either way.
Answer this question:
9/15/2020
Hello,
I just purchased a pair of these bindings with the brakes under the impression they also came with a brakeless baseplate in the box - which isn't the case! Where can I find a brakeless baseplate for sale?
thanks,
I just purchased a pair of these bindings with the brakes under the impression they also came with a brakeless baseplate in the box - which isn't the case! Where can I find a brakeless baseplate for sale?
thanks,
9/16/2020
Finn,
For this season Salomon changed their packaging so this is why the MTN with brakes no longer has the plate to make them brakeless. At the moment we are trying to track down the proper plates to go with your binding! If you want to send us an email at help@skimo.co we can keep you updated on our progress securing the correct parts for you.
For this season Salomon changed their packaging so this is why the MTN with brakes no longer has the plate to make them brakeless. At the moment we are trying to track down the proper plates to go with your binding! If you want to send us an email at help@skimo.co we can keep you updated on our progress securing the correct parts for you.
10/26/2021
Hi FinnE, starting this season (2021/22), these will come with the brakeless baseplate.
Answer this question:
4/9/2020
Hi, Can I get the Salomon MTN binding in the "Pure" version like the Atomic? Obviously they are the same binding made in the same place. I don't want brakes but would like the blue lifters. (I'm guessing that Salomon designed this binding so I would also rather support them). Thank you for your time. M.
4/10/2020
Michael, great choice of binding! Salomon does make a brakeless or "pure" version but we are sold out. The brakes are optional when you get the binding and could be mounted as a brakeless binding just make sure you put the brakeless baseplate under the heel piece.
4/10/2020
Great thank you so much. Can I buy the leash from you? Am I correct from the photo that it looks like the factory leash attachment loop on the toe piece lever is still also offered on the brake version. Thanks.
4/10/2020
Michael, you are correct. The toe pieces have the leash receptor and are interchangeable between the two bindings. You can purchase any leashes to work with the bindings; unfortunately the Salomon/Atomic leashes are out of stock. I would recommend the Dynafit guide leash. It has a similar length with a lighter clip that works great. You can see the guide leash by clicking here.
Answer this question:
3/13/2020
Can brakes be easily swapped on these? I am purchasing a pair with 90 mm brakes. Can I swap them out for 100 mm brakes prior to mounting?
3/13/2020
Matt, very easy before mounting. The heel piece is separate and sits on top of brake plate.
Answer this question:
2/10/2020
I have these mounted without brakes. To add brakes I understand I'll need to unmount the heel and swap out the baseplates. Does the braked version have any extra holes that need to be drilled to do this?
2/10/2020
Hey Michael, there is a fifth heel-pattern hole that needs to be drilled to attach a baseplate with brake. It's quite easy to add that fifth hole if you (or your favorite local ski tech) have a Salomon/Atomic binding jig.
Answer this question:
1/28/2020
I have a Salomon QST 106 with Salomon MTN binding and break. I am looking to buy some DPS Yvette's with 112 underfoot. Can I use the same Salomon MTN binding/break combo? If not, is the break replaceable with a larger size?
1/29/2020
Sally, if you have the 110mm brakes they should work on the Yvettes.
Answer this question:
1/12/2020
Has anyone else had trouble with the brakes popping back out when touring with the heel lifters? Trying to figure out if I’m doing something wrong over here. Thanks!
1/13/2020
Matthew,
My thought is to make sure that the lever to hold the brakes up is firmly set without any snow in the way. I have this binding and have not run across this issue, but in deeper snow I could see compaction under that lever keeping the system from properly engaging. If you continue to have issues please e-mail us at help@skimo.co so that we can help you out!
Patrick // Skimo Co
My thought is to make sure that the lever to hold the brakes up is firmly set without any snow in the way. I have this binding and have not run across this issue, but in deeper snow I could see compaction under that lever keeping the system from properly engaging. If you continue to have issues please e-mail us at help@skimo.co so that we can help you out!
Patrick // Skimo Co
Answer this question:
11/7/2019
Are these bindings compatible with the Scarpa F1 boot 2016 model (first year after the F1 Evo fix)?
11/7/2019
Hey Jay, yes, the MTN binding and the F1 would go together well.
12/4/2019
Can you comment on Ramp/Delta. Looks like (on your page) the delta is 8.5 on the Backland which I assume is the same binding...is that correct for this binding with the brakes...also using the F1 which have a pretty aggressive forward setting so hoping that 8.5 is accurate.
Thanks
Thanks
12/4/2019
Hey Paul, yep, the delta stays at 8.5mm regardless of brake usage! If you're used to moderate ramp angles and boots with solid forward lean, the Backland/F1 combo may be perfect for you. If you want a similar binding with a lower ramp, check out the Plum Oazo.
Answer this question:
6/23/2019
Is the brake removable? Do you sell the leash, too?
6/23/2019
The brake is removable, in a sense. The binding must be unmounted, brake removed, and brake replaced with a plastic spacer that comes in the box.
We do have leashes sold separately, and the brakeless version does come with leashes!
We do have leashes sold separately, and the brakeless version does come with leashes!
Answer this question:
2/24/2019
Would you expect a downhill performance difference between the Solomon Mtn Binding and the Dynafit Speed Turn 2.0 on Atomic Backland 107 skis?
2/25/2019
Eric, No, there would not be any detectable difference in those bindings or any in the 'touring category'.
Answer this question:
2/1/2019
Just got these bindings and I went brakeless for low weight and simplicity. I'm now wondering if there are tips or tricks for swiveling the base 90 degrees to go from hiking/climbing mode into downhill mode with a pole? I've only done it by bending over and using my hand to turn the heel base. Not a big deal, but it's getting harder for this stiff gal to get all the way down there! Anyone figured out a pole technique for turning this? No one had explained to me how the binding with the brake never required swiveling the heel, so I"m now wondering if I should add the brakes?
2/2/2019
Hi Trish! You don't have to rotate this binding to get into climbing mode. Just flip the flaps over the pins.
Answer this question:
8/5/2018
Is the brake easlily removed and re-installed? Or do you make your brake/brakeless choice up front once and for all?
8/6/2018
Hi Dane, I wouldn't say that removing the brake is difficult, but it does require complete removal of the heel piece from the ski which could potentially strip the holes if done repetitively. I would suggest making the decision you think you'll be sticking with up front, but know that you can change your mind without too much of a problem.
8/7/2018
Sounds like quiver killers should be part of the order. thanks!
Answer this question:
Earn store credit by writing reviews. Learn more.
