If you don’t have a lot of time and just want to get the gist of this article, here’s the summary:
In my humble opinion, the S/Lab Shift MN 13 is a versatile and high-performing binding that’s well-suited for backcountry skiing. Its standout features include a PIN toe design for efficient touring, light weight for performance, and compatibility with all ISO-compliant boots. It’s also designed to absorb heavy shocks, simplify climbing aid manipulation, and can be used with crampons, although they aren’t included.
However, it might not be the best choice for everyone. Novice or occasional skiers might find it complex and might not fully utilize its high-performance features. Those who prefer groomed trails might not need the backcountry-focused design. Also, while it’s relatively lightweight, there are lighter options out there. Lastly, if your skis’ brake width falls outside the 90-120 millimeters range or you need more customization options, these bindings may not be a good fit.
In summary, the S/Lab Shift MN 13 seems like a great option for experienced, backcountry skiers who value versatility, performance, and compatibility. However, less experienced skiers, those preferring groomed trails, or those needing more customization might want to consider other options.
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Salomon S/Lab Shift MN 13 Alpine Touring Ski Bindings Review: Who is it for?
After a good look at the S/Lab Shift MN 13, I’ve put together some thoughts about who might fit the bill to get the most out of these Alpine Touring Ski Bindings. These are just my humble opinions, of course, but based on what I understand about the product, I think they might be helpful.
The first feature that really stands out to me is the PIN toe design. This feature allows for full heel rotation, which is really beneficial for efficient touring and kick turning. So, if you’re someone who does a lot of touring and wants your ski bindings to provide convenience and efficiency on untracked lines, this could be a huge plus point.
Being lightweight is another highlight of the S/Lab Shift MN 13. Weighing in at just 1,770 grams per pair, it’s clear that these bindings are designed with the avid skier in mind. If you value performance and don’t want your bindings to weigh you down, this feature should resonate with you.
Another thing to note about these bindings is that they are multi norm certified. The S/Lab Shift MN 13 is compatible with all ISO-compliant boots on the market. Whether you’re used to Alpine (ISO 5355), Touring (ISO 9523), GripWalk, or Walk To Ride (WTR) boots, you won’t need to worry about compatibility issues. For those who might have different boots for various skiing conditions or simply prefer a certain type of boot, this is a factor to consider.
The long toe-wings are another feature that caught my attention. These have 47 mm of elastic travel and are designed to absorb maximum shock while improving energy transfer and efficiency. This would be particularly beneficial for those who venture into rough terrains and need their bindings to withstand heavy shocks.
These bindings also have an easy climbing aids manipulation feature. If you’re someone who enjoys uphill climbs and needs to switch between climbing aid positions often, this could be a significant usability feature for you.
The S/Lab Shift MN 13 is also compatible with crampons, although they’re not included with the purchase. For those of you who enjoy ski mountaineering, this is a noteworthy point.
Lastly, looking at the technical specs, it’s clear that these bindings are made for backcountry skiing. They have an adjustment range of 30 millimeters and their brake width ranges from 90 to 120 millimeters. The DIN settings also range from 6 to 13. If you’re a backcountry skier who needs a versatile and customizable binding, the S/Lab Shift MN 13 could be what you’re looking for.
In conclusion, based on the features and technical specs, I’d say the S/Lab Shift MN 13 is a great fit for backcountry skiers who need versatile, lightweight, and high-performing bindings. It’s designed for efficient touring, heavy shock absorption, and easy climbing aid manipulation. Plus, it’s compatible with a wide range of boots and can be used with crampons. I hope this helps in your decision-making process.
Salomon S/Lab Shift MN 13 Alpine Touring Ski Bindings Review: Who isn’t it for?
Now, let’s discuss who the S/Lab Shift MN 13 is likely not a good fit for. I believe it’s equally important to understand where a product might fall short, just as it is to understand its strengths.
If you’re a novice skier just starting out, the S/Lab Shift MN 13 may not be the best option for you. With a lowest DIN setting of 6, these bindings are designed for those with a certain level of experience and skill in skiing. If you’re not accustomed to managing these settings, the product might come across as overly complex.
Similarly, if you’re not a frequent or avid skier, investing in the S/Lab Shift MN 13 might feel like an overkill. This product is designed for high performance and these features might not be fully utilized if you just ski casually or occasionally.
The S/Lab Shift MN 13 is also not very suitable for those who prefer groomed trails. The product’s design and features are tailored towards backcountry skiing, which involves trekking through unmarked or unpatrolled areas. If you like sticking to established paths and ski resorts, the bindings’ complex features and adaptabilities could go unused.
Another downside to note is about crampon compatibility. Although the S/Lab Shift MN 13 is compatible with crampons, they don’t come included in the purchase. If you’re someone who relies heavily on crampons and expects them to be included, it’s an additional cost to consider.
If weight is a significant factor for you, these bindings are lightweight, coming in at just above 3.5 lbs per pair. However, in the world of ski bindings, there are even lighter options available. So, if you’re someone who aims for the lightest possible gear, you may find other bindings more suitable.
Lastly, I noticed that the bindings have a fairly wide brake width range, from 90 to 120 millimeters. If your skis fall outside of this range, these bindings won’t be a proper fit. Likewise, the 30 millimeter adjustment range may not be enough if you need more customization options.
In conclusion, while the S/Lab Shift MN 13 comes with an impressive list of features, it’s not for everyone. Casual or novice skiers, those who prefer groomed trails, skiers needing skis with a brake width outside 90-120 millimeters, and those seeking the lightest gear or expecting crampons included might want to consider other options. I believe it’s all about finding what’s right for you – not just what’s popular or feature-rich. I hope this helps shed some light on the topic.
Salomon S/Lab Shift MN 13 Alpine Touring Ski Bindings Review: Conclusion
In my humble opinion, the S/Lab Shift MN 13 is a versatile and high-performing binding that’s well-suited for backcountry skiing. Its standout features include a PIN toe design for efficient touring, light weight for performance, and compatibility with all ISO-compliant boots. It’s also designed to absorb heavy shocks, simplify climbing aid manipulation, and can be used with crampons, although they aren’t included.
However, it might not be the best choice for everyone. Novice or occasional skiers might find it complex and might not fully utilize its high-performance features. Those who prefer groomed trails might not need the backcountry-focused design. Also, while it’s relatively lightweight, there are lighter options out there. Lastly, if your skis’ brake width falls outside the 90-120 millimeters range or you need more customization options, these bindings may not be a good fit.
In summary, the S/Lab Shift MN 13 seems like a great option for experienced, backcountry skiers who value versatility, performance, and compatibility. However, less experienced skiers, those preferring groomed trails, or those needing more customization might want to consider other options.