Expert Review: Salomon Warden MNC 13 Ski Bindings · 2021
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 Salomon Warden 13 MNC is an excellent binding choice 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 Salomon 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: 2020 Rossignol All Track Elite 130 LV
- Boot Size: 26.5
- Skis: 2021 Salomon Stance 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 with different boot soles. I wanted a highly-rated binding that was safe and reliable.
Why I chose this gear
The Salomon Warden 13 MNC allows a skier to ski different ski boot soles, making the bindings Multi-Norm Certified. These bindings have an easy step-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 my 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. The Salomon Warden 13s give a little bit of forgiveness, so they won’t pop me out if I make a mistake. When I need to come out, their bindings allow me to come out.
- Downhill Performance: The Wardens feel great on groomers and in the soft snow, with no gapping or movement as I ride.
- Durability: Having had these bindings for three seasons now, they still look brand new. The Salomon Warden 13s have great durable plastic and a great design with an all-blackout look. These bindings can take a beating and still perform well and will last a skier many seasons, knowing they offer safety every time.
- Power Transfer: Using an oversized platform, they help transfer power and energy and energy from the skier to the edges of the skis.
- Versatility: I can use all types of ski boots with the MNC. As a skier with multiple boots with different sole types, these bindings can accommodate all sorts of soles.
Issues I’ve encountered
- Weight: These bindings are fairly light, although not as light as some on the market. Still, they have a fairly average weight for a resort binding. However, they are made of good plastic, sturdy, and built to last.
Toe piece
Favorite moment with this gear
While skiing groomer conditions for most of the morning, 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 groomers and hard turning, but as the soft snow came down, those boots became uncomfortable to cruise around the soft snow. So, I grabbed my other free-ride 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 alpine ski boots, the Salomon Warden 13 MNC is a great binding for riders with multiple boots with different soles. They are highly rated for safety and dependability. Some other options could be the Look SPX series, but those aren’t MNC bindings. Or another good option would be the Marker Griffon 13. They are safe and reliable too, but the Salomon Warden MNC bindings allow safety and diversification for different ski boots.
Final verdict
The Salomon Warden 13 MNC is a great binding to keep one safe. They’re extremely durable and long-lasting, and they look good too. For the versatility of different ski boot soles, these bindings are for all, as the MNC allows for many sole compatibilities.
