Review: Salomon S/Lab Shift MNC 10 Ski Bindings · 2024
By Ski Expert
Danny Dvorak
Salomon S/Lab Shift MNC 10 Ski Bindings · 2024
from:$274.98
$549.95
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8 photos
The Curated Take
4.0/5
The Salomon S/Lab Shift MNC 10 Ski Bindings are a versatile choice for resort skiers looking to venture into backcountry skiing without committing to full tech pin bindings. These bindings provide a seamless transition from resort to backcountry skiing, with a familiar Alpine-style feel in downhill mode and a user-friendly switch to uphill mode. While some users have reported pre-release issues while traversing in touring mode, proper transitioning typically ensures reliable performance. The Shift bindings offer a balance of release reliability and durability, making them well-suited for those seeking versatility in their skiing adventures.
Ideal for
- Great do-it-all binding
- Reliable hold
- User-friendly
Not ideal for
- Risk for pre-release in touring mode while traversing
- Improper connection to boots while transitioning to touring mode
Release Reliability
I have had one premature release that I did not expect, but other than that, these bindings have held up really well and kept me locked in. Some of my...Read more
Durability
I am still careful when I step in and out of the Shift. Many small moving parts are not protected as they might be in other Alpine bindings. There is...Read more
Versatility
The Shift was built for versatility and excels in this category. The whole point of the design is to have the versatility to ski downhill confidently with the ability to...Read more
Power Transfer
The Shift holds up to aggressive skiing and is responsive when it needs to be. I have had no indications that I need to let up while skiing hard on...Read more
Curated Experts are not sponsored by brands. Their reviews are based on their honest experiences testing products.
Danny Dvorak
About the bindings
- Model: Salomon S/Lab Shift MNC 10 Ski Bindings · 2024
Test conditions
- Where I’ve used them: Utah, Wyoming, and Alaska
- How many times I've used it: 30
Expert Reviews of the Salomon S/Lab Shift MNC 10 Ski Bindings
Danny Dvorak The Shift is an ideal binding for the resort skier who wants to venture into the backcountry but wants to avoid committing to a full tech pin binding. In uphill mode, it carries the simplicity and reliability of a dedicated tech pin touring binding without sacrificing the confidence-inspiring Alpine-style binding for the downhill. I was stoked when this binding came out because I wanted something that wouldn't be too much of a change from my regular Alpine binding. I still click in the same in the resort, and when I want to go uphill in the backcountry, it is a simple and user-friendly transition to lock the toe and free the heel.
Some people complain of pre-release in uphill touring mode, especially while traversing. However, I have never had this experience personally. I have found that if the proper time is taken to secure the binding during transitions, it performs as it should.
It is a hybrid between touring and Alpine binding. The Shift will not knock it out of the park in either of those categories exclusively, but it will allow skiers to do both on the same binding and ski, which is pretty cool.
Product Specs
| Gender | Unisex |
| Model year | 2024 |
| Ski binding type | Alpine Touring, Tech |
| Skill level | Intermediate, Advanced |
| Din release - low value | 4 |
| Din release - high value | 10 |
Review Ratings
Release Reliability
3/5
Danny Dvorak gave 3 of 5 stars. I have had one premature release that I did not expect, but other than that, these bindings have held up really well and kept me locked in. Some of my friends have noted that it has released on them while traversing in uphill mode, but I have never had that happen personally.
Durability
3/5
Danny Dvorak gave 3 of 5 stars. I am still careful when I step in and out of the Shift. Many small moving parts are not protected as they might be in other Alpine bindings. There is also lots of plastic that is much less durable than metal. They will hold up just fine to normal use as long as they are treated well.
Versatility
5/5
Danny Dvorak gave 5 of 5 stars. The Shift was built for versatility and excels in this category. The whole point of the design is to have the versatility to ski downhill confidently with the ability to travel uphill. These bindings scream versatility from the get-go and surely deliver on that promise.
Power Transfer
5/5
Danny Dvorak gave 5 of 5 stars. The Shift holds up to aggressive skiing and is responsive when it needs to be. I have had no indications that I need to let up while skiing hard on this binding. I feel confident that when I drive into the binding, all that power goes straight to the leading edge, allowing me to carve hard into the next turn.
FAQs
What was your favorite moment with this gear?
Danny Dvorak My favorite moment with the Shift was a day of touring in Grand Teton National Park. We had just skied Jackson Hole the day before, and I was so stoked that I only needed to bring one pair of skis for this whole trip. The fact that I could cruise the resort and then go for a 6-hour backcountry touring mission the next day on the same ski and binding was pretty rewarding. I felt confident in the resort and the backcountry on the same binding. That is the upside that the Shift really brings.
Why did you choose this product?
Danny Dvorak I chose this product because I wanted to start touring but was afraid of the releasability of regular tech pin touring bindings. I wanted something that would still have the same release mechanism as my regular Alpine bindings with the ability to go uphill.
I also did not want a frame binding, as I had researched that the frame bindings have sub-optimal pivot angles for feet in uphill mode. That and they are quite a bit heavier.
The Shift seemed like the ideal option for all my needs.
