Bindings have evolved dramatically in recent years, driven by the diversification of backcountry skiers' needs as a result of lighter skis and boots
The range of uses for skis is diverse, including climb & rides that combine climbing and descents, long tours that go deep into the mountains, and aggressive freeriding that uses light gear while hiking, and the demand for lighter, more comfortable hiking performance is only increasing
Supporting this trend, new bindings have been released one after another, starting with the introduction of frame touring bindings that are compatible with any boot, followed by lighter tech bindings and hybrid tech bindings (such as SHIFT) with adjustable toe pieces that combine tech bindings and alpine bindings
On the other hand, if you're mainly skiing at ski resorts, separate bindings are undeniably superior. They don't impair the ski's natural flex, have a reliable safety mechanism, and allow you to ski with a natural feeling underfoot. Salomon has just released a new model of separate bindings
That's "STRIVE."
DIN=7-16 | Weight = 1110g (1/2 pair) | Price = ¥38,500 | Color = Black (left), Peacock Iridescent (right)
Brake Size = 90, 100, 115, 130 (Black), 100/115 (Peacock Iridescent)
The main feature of this model is its low center of gravity, which is 20mm higher.
A lower center of gravity provides direct control and improves power transmission, which is its advantage.
It is lower than Salomon's freeride/all-mountain model, the "WARDEN," and the "STH2" is 40% lower.
The secret lies in the 5mm ramp angle, which is composed of a toe height of 19mm and a heel height of 24mm. This 5mm difference creates the sweet spot angle that is said to allow for the most neutral stance. No matter what ski you attach it to, it makes it easy to adopt a neutral stance
The AFD pad on the toe piece is also wide at 72mm, which increases the contact area between the boot sole and the binding, further improving power transfer
The STRIVE is available in 16 and 14 release settings. While the toe piece is the same, each model features a unique heel piece. The 16 model features an extra-wide BC3-part heel with a metal lever. This minimizes resistance and provides a secure hold and stability. The 14 model is made up of three thinner parts that absorb vibrations while allowing frictionless release when needed. Each model has the appropriate characteristics to meet the needs of each segment
DIN=5-14 | Weight = 980g (1/2 pair) | Price = ¥31,900 | Colors = Peacock Iridescent (left), Black (center), Metal (right) |
Brake sizes = 90/100/115 (Peacock Iridescent), 90/100/115/130 (Black), 90/100/115 (Metal)
There are three colors available. The Peacock Iridescent is particularly interesting as it changes color subtly depending on the light. It matches perfectly with the sole print of the QST 106, making it the perfect combination. On the other hand, the all-black color will match any ski.
One of the great attractions of the STRIVE is that it offers such great performance yet is at an affordable price. This is a binding that will bring out the full potential of your skis, and is sure to be a hot topic for the 2022-2023 season.
