Review: Atomic Shift 13 MNC Ski Bindings · 2024

Published on 12/04/2023 · 3 min readCurated Expert, Ricardo M, has tested this product to give you their unbiased, definitive take.
Ricardo M, Ski Expert
By Ski Expert Ricardo M
6 photos
Photo by Ricardo M

The Curated Take

4.8/5

The Atomic Shift 13 MNC ski bindings are ideal for skiers who spend most of their time inbounds but want the option for occasional touring. These hybrid bindings provide excellent functionality as standard alpine bindings, suitable for skiers looking for a one-ski quiver. The transition between alpine and touring modes is simple, and they offer reliable performance in various conditions. However, they are heavier and have only one riser setting for climbing, which might not suit dedicated backcountry enthusiasts. These bindings are great for those who want to explore backcountry skiing without investing in a full touring setup.

Ideal for
  • Ideal binding for the ultimate one-ski quiver
  • Best for skiers who do 80% of their skiing inbounds
  • Amazing functionality as a standard alpine binding
Not ideal for
  • By touring standards, it's a heavy binding
  • Fickle toe height adjustment can lead to pre-release issues
  • Only one riser setting when climbing
Durability
Ricardo M, Curated Expert
I've hammered these bindings for two seasons, and they've held up remarkably well. In all, I've probably used them 70% of the time inbounds, and I've never thought twice about...Read more
Versatility
Ricardo M, Curated Expert
The whole point of a hybrid binding like the Shift is to have the option and versatility between skiing inbounds and touring. For users who are lucky enough to have...Read more
Power Transfer
Ricardo M, Curated Expert
As a ski instructor, I spent a lot of time in my boots (and bindings). With that, I also get to test a lot of gear and compare the pros...Read more
Release Reliability
Ricardo M, Curated Expert
Historically, the toe piece height adjustment has been a sore spot for these bindings. That said, if it's mounted correctly, the binding works perfectly. By now, most ski techs have...Read more

Curated Experts are not sponsored by brands. Their reviews are based on their honest experiences testing products.
About the bindings
  • Model: Atomic Shift 13 MNC Ski Bindings · 2024
Test conditions
  • When I bought these: Spring 2023
  • Where I’ve used it: Jackson Hole area, Teton backcountry, BC backcountry, North Idaho, Utah
  • How many times I've used it: 150

Expert Reviews of the Atomic Shift 13 MNC Ski Bindings

 For one do-it-all binding, then the Atomic/Salomon Shift is the only way to go. No other binding on the market offers the same ease of use and versatility as the Shift. Transitioning from the alpine to touring setting is as simple as flipping a tab on the toe piece and locking down the brake. Once in skinning mode, there are only two level settings: a flat setting and a climbing setting, thanks to one riser (roughly 1.5in). The latter makes climbing a bit easier on the legs. Keep in mind that a standard tech binding has at least two risers, one for moderately steep climbs and another for steeper climbs. That said, the lack of a second riser can make certain pitches more taxing. Secondly, the weight of the Shift binding compared to most tech bindings impacts the uphill performance of the binding. Dedicated backcountry skiers lean towards lighter setups. For dabbling in more backcountry and sidecountry adventures, the Shift is a great place to start! Just don't expect it to have the same performance characteristics as either an alpine binding or tech binding will have. But this is a good way to break into backcountry skiing without breaking the bank on a dedicated backcountry setup.

Product Specs

GenderUnisex
Model year2024
Ski binding typeAlpine Touring, Tech
Skill levelAdvanced, Expert
Din release - low value6
Din release - high value13

Review Ratings

Durability

5/5
 gave 5 of 5 stars. I've hammered these bindings for two seasons, and they've held up remarkably well. In all, I've probably used them 70% of the time inbounds, and I've never thought twice about using a "touring" binding inbounds, which is where bindings get stressed and tested the most. Despite this, they've been solid, reliable, and durable.

Versatility

5/5
 gave 5 of 5 stars. The whole point of a hybrid binding like the Shift is to have the option and versatility between skiing inbounds and touring. For users who are lucky enough to have "sidecountry" access at the home resort, there isn't a better option. Inbounds, these bindings ski nearly identically to alpine bindings. But once out in the sidecountry/backcountry, they offer the versatility of going uphill without sacrificing any downhill performance. For the one-ski quiver, the Shift has to be top of the list for bindings.

Power Transfer

5/5
 gave 5 of 5 stars. As a ski instructor, I spent a lot of time in my boots (and bindings). With that, I also get to test a lot of gear and compare the pros and cons of each. And part of the job is owning a lot of different gear. Truthfully, I can rarely tell the difference between the performance and power transfer of the Shift binding compared to my alpine bindings (Marker Jester/Griffons). Purists, like ski instructors, will say that alpine bindings should be used for alpine skiing. However, the negligible difference between shifts and alpine bindings won't compromise too much on power transfer. As I mentioned elsewhere in my review, just be sure to dial the toe height adjustment before taking them out on the hill.

Release Reliability

4/5
 gave 4 of 5 stars. Historically, the toe piece height adjustment has been a sore spot for these bindings. That said, if it's mounted correctly, the binding works perfectly. By now, most ski techs have this dialed, and it shouldn't be an issue. Once that's handled, there is little difference between the Shifts and most alpine bindings.

FAQs

What do you love about this product?

If the budget is limited and one is forced to combine their alpine setup with their backcountry setup, the Shift is ideal. While it's not the lightest touring binding, it's able to go anywhere, both in and out of bounds. Along with that, it's simple and straightforward. It's hard not to love the versatility and reliability. There's a reason why this is become the industry standard for a hybrid binding.

What was your favorite moment with this gear?

Hands down, the best thing about the shift binding is its versatility. I don't have a single moment that stands out with the binding other than when it got me through a whole winter out west as my only ski setup. Mounted on a Nordica Enforcer 104 Free, I used this inbounds and for touring. Just one ski setup for a whole winter. There isn't another binding on the market that I'd choose to do that with other than the Atomic/Salomon Shift.

Why did you choose this product?

If you're looking for the best hybrid binding on the market, the Shift is the clear winner. The transitions are simple, and its inbounds performance rivals standard alpine bindings. To get into backcountry or sidecountry skiing without committing to a dedicated backcountry setup, the Shift is the most pragmatic and practical approach.

What is the value for the money versus other options?

For a hybrid binding with true alpine capabilities, there are a few options: the Marker Duke PT, Tyrolia Ambition/Andrenalin series, and Marker F Series tour. What makes the shift series stand out among these is the ease of use between transitions. Simply pulling a tab on the nose piece engages the tech pins for the boot's tech inserts. This is different from the Marker Duke PT series, for which the skiers remove a part of the toe piece to reveal the tech pins. While this does save a bit of weight on the climb, it's a clumsier process, and it would be easy to lose that part of the toe piece in deep snow. Meanwhile, bindings like the Tyrolia Ambition and Marker F Series are frame bindings where the entire platfrom of the binding hinges from the toe piece. While this can seem like a simplier solution, it's heavier and clunkier, both on the climbs and the descents. For advanced-expert skiers, the raised platform is a noticeable difference compared to skiing standard alpine or tech bindings. Additionally, the frame bindings don't offer as much adjustability when climbing. That said, frame bindings are a good alternative for people on a budget who don't want to commit to a boot with tech inserts. Overall, the Shift series is the category winner for tackling solid sidecountry and backcountry laps while having a consistent ski experience inbounds. As noted above, there are cheaper options, but they will compromise the skiing and touring experience, along with performance. In short, the Shift series or Marker Dukes are more expensive, but the returns gained from the skiing will be way worth it. And between the Shift and Dukes, there's a reason why the Shifts have become so popular and an industry standard in the growing hybrid category: They are reliable and simple to use.

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