Expert Review: Armada N Warden MNC 13 Ski Bindings · 2023
This review is my honest opinion of the ski bindings, which I purchased with my own money in November of 2021.
All photos courtesy of Austen Law
About this Review: This review is my honest opinion of the ski bindings, which I purchased with my own money in November of 2021.
My take
The Armada Warden 13 MNC is an excellent choice in binding for resort skiing that allows a skier to utilize any boot they may have. The bindings are multi-norm certified (MNC), allowing many ski boot soles to fit in the bindings. They are bindings for the intermediate to advanced level skier.
About the gear
- Model: 2021 Armada Warden 13 MNC
About me
- Height: 6’0”
- Weight: 175lbs
- Preferred DIN range: 9-12
- Experience: 26 years skiing and 16 years ski racing
Test conditions
- When I bought these: November 2021
- Days tested: 30+
- Boots: 2021 Rossignol All Track Elite 130 LV
- Boot Size: 26.5
- Skis: 2021 Armada Declivity 92 Ti
- Where I’ve used it: Mt. Bachelor
- Terrain: Groomer, mixed snow, and light powder.
How they perform
What I was looking for
I was looking for a binding that I could use for a multitude of my ski boot options with different boot soles. In addition, I wanted a highly-rated binding that’s safe and reliable.
Why I chose this gear
The Armada Warden 13 MNC allows a skier to ski different ski boot soles, making the bindings multi-norm certified. These bindings "clack" when stepping in, making it easy to get into the bindings without compromising safety. They also have automatic wing adjustment on the toe piece, allowing the binding wings to adjust automatically to one’s boot width and height. These are highly rated for dependability and performance, making them a great choice for any skier.
What I love about them
- Release Reliability: Always great. These give a little bit of forgiveness, so they won’t pop me out if I make a mistake. The bindings allow me to come out when I need to come out. For the most part, these bindings are great until they pack snow in the heel and toe pieces. They don't work properly or release because they gather snow more so than other bindings.
- Downhill Performance: They feel great on the groomer and in the soft snow, with no gapping or movement as I ride.
- Durability: Having had these bindings for three seasons, they still look brand new. The bindings have great plastic and design with an all-blackout look.
- Weight: Great weight. They are relatively light and of good plastic quality—fairly average weight for a resort binding.
- Power Transfer: Using an oversized platform, they help transfer power and energy and energy from the skier to the edges of the skis.
Issues I’ve encountered
- Other: These bindings place the skier on a higher platform. Almost like they have a plate underneath. Just a quick adjustment to feel like skiing.
Favorite moment with this gear
While skiing groomer conditions for most of the morning at Mt. Bachelor, mid-February, it started to snow really hard mid-day, creating some good soft snow conditions real quick. The Warden 13 MNC allowed me to change boots with no problem. I had my boots on for groomer and hard turning, and as the soft snow came down, those boots became uncomfortable to cruise around the soft snow. So, I grabbed my other freeride boots and was able to jump in the bindings without any adjustments. The automatic MNC technology allowed me to get right to skiing.
Value for the money vs. other options
For a binding that can do it all for all types of alpine ski boots, the Armada Warden 13 MNC is a great binding for riders with multiple boots with different soles. They are highly rated for safety and dependability. Another good option would be the Look SPX series, but those aren’t MNC bindings. Or another good alternative is the Marker Griffon 13. They are safe and reliable, too, but the Armada Warden MNC bindings allow safety and diversification for different ski boots.
Final verdict
The Armada Warden 13 MNC is a great binding to keep one safe. They’re extremely durable and long-lasting, and they look good too. These bindings are for someone who wants the versatility of different ski boot soles, as the MNC allows for many sole compatibilities.
