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 | Colors = Black (left), Peacock Iridescent (right) |
Brake Sizes = 90, 100, 115, 130 (Black), 100/115 (Peacock Iridescent)
The standout feature of this model is its low center of gravity, which is only 20mm high.
A lower center of gravity offers advantages such as more direct handling and improved power transfer. It's
even lower than Salomon's freeride all-mountain model, the "WARDEN," and the "STH2" in particular has a center of gravity that's 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)
It comes in three colors. Among them, Peacock Iridescent is particularly interesting because the color subtly changes depending on how the light hits it. It matches perfectly with the sole print of the "QST 106," making it the optimal combination. On the other hand, the all-black version matches any ski.
Despite having all these features, the "STRIVE" is also very affordable, which is a major appeal. It's a highly anticipated binding for the 22-23 season that will bring out the full potential of your skis.
