The evolution of bindings has been remarkable in recent years. The background is the diversification of needs of backcountry skiers who have benefited from lighter skis and boots.
From climbing and riding that combines climbing and downhill, to long tours that go deep into the mountains, to free riding that uses light gears when hiking and glides aggressively, it has a wide range of orientations, and is aimed at lighter and more comfortable hiking performance. Demand is only growing.
Starting with the appearance of frame tour bindings that can be used with any boot, hybrid tech bindings (such as SHIFT) with a variable toe piece that combines tech bindings and alpine bindings and lighter tech bindings. And we are sending out new bindings to the world one after another.
On the other hand, if you mainly ski at ski resorts, the superiority of separate bindings is undeniable. It has a reliable safety mechanism that does not impair the natural flex of the ski, allowing you to ski with a natural underfoot sensation. A new model of such separate bindings will appear from Salomon.
That is "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 topic of this model is that the height of the center of gravity position is 20mm, that is, the low center of gravity.
The advantage is that the lower center of gravity makes it easier to obtain direct operability and improves power transmission.
It is lower than Salomon's freeride all-mountain model "WARDEN", especially "STH2" is 40% lower.
There is also a secret in the 5mm ramp angle, which is composed of a toe height of 19mm and a heel height of 24mm. The angle that this 5mm difference brings is the sweet spot that is evaluated as the most neutral stance. Easy to take a neutral stance on any ski.
In addition, the AFD pad of the toe piece features a width of 72mm. The wide contact area between the sole of the boot and the binding further enhances power transmission.
"STRIVE" has 16 and 14 open values. The toe piece is the same, but each heel piece has its own ingenuity. 16 heel pieces are extra wide BC3 part heels with metal levers. It eliminates the feeling of resistance to the limit and realizes a sense of hold and stability. The 14 is made up of three thinner parts that absorb vibrations while releasing friction-free when needed. It has appropriate characteristics that meet the needs of each segment.
DIN=5-14 | Weight = 980g (1/2 pair) | Price = ¥31,900 | Color = Peacock Iridescent (left), Black (middle), Metal (right)
Brake size = 90/100/ 115 (Peacock Iridescent), 90/100/115/130 (Black), 90/100/115 (Metal)
Available in 3 colors.
Among them, Peacock Iridescent is interesting because it looks subtly different depending on how the light hits it. The matching with the sole print of "QST 106" is the perfect combination. On the other hand, black uniformed in black matches any ski. The big appeal of "STRIVE" is that it has all this performance, but at a price range that is easy to reach. It is a very popular binding for the 2022-23 season that maximizes the potential of skiing.
