I’ve been jonesing for a test samp of the new Atomic Salomon tech binding. Rather fascinating to see one of the most highly technical ski binding companies on the planet go low tech. But the design is proven by literally millions of ski tourers. We went over this binding in more detail last winter when we visited Atomic. This pair will go on some test skis ASAP and get passed around amongst our guest bloggers. In fact, I guess I should stick them to the Atomic Ultimate 85 we have leaning against our ski rack here in the skunk works. These bindings came direct from Austria to feed our gear blogging fanaticism.
Direct from Austria to Colorado Wildsnow HQ.
They literally jumped out of the box on their own,; special Salomon secret sauce is to blame. What’s super interesting about this binding is how the spring bar-pins control BOTH lateral and vertical release. That’s the thing about tech bindings based on the old Barthel design; they’re so open to innovation that’s still fascinating to watch thirty years later. It has no release value adjustment; this pair feels like they’re set at around a value of 8. It’s possible springs will be available to change release value. Off the top at first glance, my only concern is the fairly thin aluminum toe wings. Note the toe pins appear massively peened-riveted into the aluminum — a lesson taught by other brands attempting to carry steel toe pins in aluminum wings.
Disclaimer is quite specific about this binding not having what I’d call modern release.
Three different rear release “U-springs” are available and I’m pretty sure will ship with each binding (though I’ll check). The U-spring to left is the “W” version with some material cut away to tune it down, probably to around release value of 6. The spring on the right is the super beefy version that I’d imagine yields at least a release value of 10.
Total binding weight with screws, no safety strap: 280 grams.
WildSnow.com publisher emeritus and founder Lou (Louis Dawson) has a 50+ years career in climbing, backcountry skiing and ski mountaineering. He was the first person in history to ski down all 54 Colorado 14,000-foot peaks, has authored numerous books about about backcountry skiing, and has skied from the summit of Denali in Alaska, North America’s highest mountain.
