Review: Armada N Warden MNC 11 Ski Bindings · 2023
By Ski Expert
Leo Cocchiara
Armada N Warden MNC 11 Ski Bindings · 2023
$119.97
$199.95
50% off
4 photos
The Curated Take
4.8/5
The Armada N Warden MNC 11 Ski Bindings offer best-in-class power transfer, ensuring excellent performance even for aggressive skiers. They provide reliable retention and smooth, safe releases. Their versatility covers various ski styles and accommodates all boot types due to their MNC rating. Despite a slight loss in spring resiliency over time, the Warden bindings maintains their position as a top pick for all ski levels, from beginner to advanced, providing great value for money.
Ideal for
- Versatile to all styles of skiing with great power transfer
- Reliable release and an easy step in
- MultiNorm Certified (MNC) to take any mainstream bootsole
Not ideal for
- The plastic housing of the DIN window that wraps around the front of the toe piece tends to crack with hard use
- Not the lightest binding in its class
- Users should avoid over-tightening the toe height adjustment
Power Transfer
Power transfer is how well someone's skis respond to the energy they put into them. Think of it like a car reacting to one's foot on the gas pedal. The...Read more
Release Reliability
Release reliability goes two ways. Skiers have to have confidence that their skis will stay on their feet when they want them to and release smoothly when needed. The Warden...Read more
Durability
I used the Wardens for years on the rental fleets I managed around Colorado, so I've had the opportunity to see how they've handled the hardest use and abuse. The...Read more
Versatility
The Warden is well-suited for every skiing discipline outside sanctioned racing and uphill ski touring. With them, I can confidently tackle top speed, moguls, trees, park, and deep powder on...Read more
Expert Reviews of the Armada N Warden MNC 11 Ski Bindings
Leo Cocchiara I've demoed every alpine ski binding on the market. The Warden has remained one of my favorites for years because the reliable retention and power transfer are the best in class. At times, my ski style can be described as a linebacker being shot out of a cannon. Because of that, I have a habit of exploding out of bindings when I'm getting a little too excited, even when I have them cranked up accordingly. However, the Warden has never let me down in that sense. I've always stayed securely connected to the ski until I actually need it to release, and when it does, it feels smooth, safe, and crisp. It's everything I can ask for. On top of that, it's versatile to any discipline, ski, and boot thanks to its MNC rating, making it one of the most capable options in its category. The one only flaw that I've found with this binding after years of hard use on both my personal skis and the rental fleets that I've managed is that the very front of the toe piece, where the plastic of the DIN window wraps around, tends to crack with hard use. It's more aesthetic than anything and never a deal breaker for me but worth considering when looking at the options.
Product Specs
| Gender | Unisex |
| Model year | 2023 |
| Ski binding type | Alpine |
| Skill level | Intermediate, Advanced |
| Din release - low value | 3.5 |
| Din release - high value | 11 |
Review Ratings
Power Transfer
5/5
Leo Cocchiara gave 5 of 5 stars. Power transfer is how well someone's skis respond to the energy they put into them. Think of it like a car reacting to one's foot on the gas pedal. The difference in power transfer is a difficult feeling for most recreational skiers to pick up on. It takes strong technique and attention to detail to really pick apart the nuance between brands and models. As someone who's had the opportunity to try all the different models of bindings side by side many times, the Warden has always been my top pick for best-in-class power transfer. Those who want to really push themselves will appreciate the performance of the Warden.
Release Reliability
5/5
Leo Cocchiara gave 5 of 5 stars. Release reliability goes two ways. Skiers have to have confidence that their skis will stay on their feet when they want them to and release smoothly when needed. The Warden is my personal top choice for this in the 11 DIN binding class as someone who skis fairly aggressively. However, the DIN range is appropriate for all levels of skiers, and there's no reason why one couldn't put a beginner skier on them as well. Skiers can be confident they'll let them go at exactly the right time when set appropriately.
Durability
4/5
Leo Cocchiara gave 4 of 5 stars. I used the Wardens for years on the rental fleets I managed around Colorado, so I've had the opportunity to see how they've handled the hardest use and abuse. The binding manufacturers obligated me to torque test a percentage of our rental fleet weekly, and each time I made a binding adjustment for someone's ski in a process called the "ASTM test." My rentals were used regularly, which kept the bindings in good working order all season.
Occasionally, though, there was a ski that hadn't been touched for a couple of seasons and released too easily for its intended settings. Therefore, it had to be cranked up a bit to keep it in the proper range. If someone has Wardens on their skis that haven't been used for a long time, it's worth having them rechecked before dusting them off.
Versatility
5/5
Leo Cocchiara gave 5 of 5 stars. The Warden is well-suited for every skiing discipline outside sanctioned racing and uphill ski touring. With them, I can confidently tackle top speed, moguls, trees, park, and deep powder on any given day, and they're appropriate for every resort ski. It's the only 11 DIN to hang on to its MNC rating as well, making it valuable for those who want to use their touring boots with their resort skis.
FAQs
What was your favorite moment with this gear?
Leo Cocchiara The Wardens have been my personal choice of binding for a long time, thanks to their reliable retention and power transfer. The confidence they give me in my connection to the ski makes it so I can continue to push myself in the trees, moguls, powder, park, and over the course, pushing top speeds and clean carves on the groomers.
Why did you choose this product?
Leo Cocchiara I ski at a DIN of 8, which puts me in a position where I'll typically choose a 13 DIN binding for higher performance, but it's not always necessary, depending on the ski. Sometimes I'll go with an 11 DIN to reduce the weight of the ski or the overall cost of the setup. If, for whatever reason, I end up with an 11 DIN binding on my skis, I prefer the Warden over every other model because the power transfer and retention are the best in class. I can ski at my highest level, confident that my skis will respond to my input. As importantly, it always feels crisp and smooth in its release when I get into a situation where my skis need to come off.
What is the value for the money versus other options?
Leo Cocchiara The Warden offers the best power transfer and retention reliability in the 11 DIN class. It has oversized tow wings that connect securely with the boot and a rugged heel piece that gives the patented loud Salomon "Clack" for a secure step-in. The Warden has an MNC rating which means it can take alpine, GripWalk, and touring soles, making it a great choice for those who have multiple pairs of boots or those who prefer a touring boot when skiing alpine.
What do you love about this product?
Leo Cocchiara There's a lot I love about the Warden bindings: easy step-in with a loud clack that lets me know I'm secure, excellent power transfer, and reliable retention and release, with great boot-to-binding contact.
