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 | |
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Questions & Reviews
10/1/2019
Hey do you guys have the specs for just the toe piece weight on these guys? I’m looking to go frakenbinding with this toe and a plum race heel. Cheers.
10/1/2019
Ben, I do now. The toe weighs 123g without screws. We have the Plum heels, but not the Salomon toes.
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9/28/2019
Is there any kind of toe shim made for these for super-low-delta nerds like myself?
9/30/2019
Hey Joshua! Not as of yet. The toe pattern doesn't match up with any other binding either.
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9/19/2019
Hi SkimoCo!
Have y'all ever mounted the brakeless version of this without the plastic heel baseplate/shim? I was just fiddling around with it and realized it comes off. I like the idea of no plastic on the binding so it crossed my mind to mount without it. What would this do to skiability/touring?
Thanks!
Have y'all ever mounted the brakeless version of this without the plastic heel baseplate/shim? I was just fiddling around with it and realized it comes off. I like the idea of no plastic on the binding so it crossed my mind to mount without it. What would this do to skiability/touring?
Thanks!
9/20/2019
Hey Steve, the main issue here would be screw length. You may need to find shorter screws or modify the existing ones so that you don’t risk dimpling your bases. Should be fine, it’ll flatten out your pin height delta and make it just a bit lighter.
12/4/2019
I've mounted multiple pairs of skis (Helio 116, Backland 95 and 107, Movement Alp Tracks 100) sans shim and without shortening the screws - no issues on any of my setups.
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1/17/2019
I have the Kreuszspitze GT with quiver killers which I have been super impressed with. They are my goto binding for any big day or multi day trips. I just bought some Blizzard ZG 108s which I'm going to use for day tours and side country w/ some in-bounds thrown in and am thinking I might want something slightly beefier with dedicated ski brakes for that set up. Looking at the Atomic/Solomon MTN bindings or maybe the Plum Guide. Plum is slightly heavier and my Dynafit crampons won't work (right?) but they look like they are built super well and its an established design. Atomic/Solomon look good on paper but the issues mentioned with the riser tabs are a concern to me. What are your thoughts on these options...or any others you think would be a good match...or should I just get another set of quiver killers and save $600!?
1/18/2019
Hi Brent, these Atomic/Salomon bindings have been absolutely excellent performers. Given the number that we have sold, I'm thoroughly impressed by them and I have seen them used very very hard. I personally have not seen any come back for warranty and the comment about the heel flaps is the first I've heard. I would go for it. The odds are that you will be super happy with these bindings.
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These seem like great bindings to begin with. Widely available, relatively light, and adjustable. They inspire confidence unlike many other UL bindings, one feels solidly attached to their skis.
However after moderate use the heel riser flaps begin to flip up and down at random with the skinning motion. Think the old Ion and Speed Radical twist while skinning.
However after moderate use the heel riser flaps begin to flip up and down at random with the skinning motion. Think the old Ion and Speed Radical twist while skinning.
1/24/2019
I have this same issue and am in the process of a warranty with salomon however they wont have any more of these in stock until next fall so we may just have to deal with it until next winter. It does sound like theyll make it right but its annoying and Ill probably have to replace the heels every spring...
1/28/2020
How many days did you all put on these before they failed? thanks
Comment on this review:
1/5/2019
Greetings,
Will you sell just a pair of the Salomon MTN (or Atomic similar...) HEELS? (Not toes).
I’m trying to ‘save’ a pair of recently mounted skis (w Superlights) w a heel that’s easier to use.
(I’d even take a pair of lightly used ones if you had em.)
This is for an intermediate female skier who is not a hard charger).
Thanks for your continued awesome service.
Will you sell just a pair of the Salomon MTN (or Atomic similar...) HEELS? (Not toes).
I’m trying to ‘save’ a pair of recently mounted skis (w Superlights) w a heel that’s easier to use.
(I’d even take a pair of lightly used ones if you had em.)
This is for an intermediate female skier who is not a hard charger).
Thanks for your continued awesome service.
1/5/2019
Hey Richard! It's entirely possible, though not on the table at the moment. I am keeping my fingers crossed for individual availability of toes and heels in the near future as the toes are amazing in their own way and the heels are amazing in their own way as well, so it'd be fun to use them as a franken-binding. It sounds like you already know where to look for toes and heels individually, so I won't bother you there, but for anybody else that's reading this, you can find toes and heels separately here.
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4/14/2018
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 )
thanks!
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 )
thanks!
4/17/2018
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.
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4/5/2018
Here's a picture of the Dynafit crampon keeper installed. It'll save the crampon and binding from marring each other up.
4/5/2018
And here's a picture of the stopper knot you have to tie so you don't lose the crampon keeper.
2/15/2020
Any source of the crampon keeper? Mine have disappeared.
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3/30/2018
Do these come with all 3 springs for release value?
3/30/2018
Hi Will, yes, they come with all 3 springs.
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2/23/2018
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!
2/24/2018
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.
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.
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2/13/2018
does the toepiece of the mtn tech binding release laterally at the toe and how do you adjust din setting
2/13/2018
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.
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2/7/2018
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.
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.
2/7/2018
Hi Dillon, it looks like a close call, but on paper it looks like you will be able to mount this binding without interference from your old holes.
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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...
Comment on this review:
1/10/2018
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.
1/10/2018
Thanks for pointing that out Eric. Very cool to see the French companies collaborating.
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11/20/2017
Do you know the approximate DIN/RV of the women's, men's, and expert U springs?
11/22/2017
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?
11/23/2017
Ideally somewhere in the 8.5-9 range
11/24/2017
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.
12/24/2019
How about if I normally run 11 din on Salomon sth steel/916 and 11 RV on ION?
12/25/2019
Hi Michael, you're a good candidate for the expert spring!
12/25/2019
Thanks! Happy Hanukkah and merry Christmas.
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11/3/2017
what is the delta on these?
11/3/2017
Hi Steve, the heel pins are +8.5m above the toe pins. More details here (same as Atomic Backland).
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