Expert Comparison: Salomon S/Lab Shift MNC 13 Ski Bindings · 2024 vs Marker Kingpin 13 Ski Bindings · 2024
VS
Side by side comparison | Most recommended |  |
|---|---|---|
Price | $419.97 30% off | $699.99 |
Color options |   | |
User rating | 3.56(105) | 5(1) |
The Curated Take | Best for skiers who want a versatile binding for both resort and backcountry skiing, with efficient uphill and powerful downhill performance. | -- |
Ski binding type | Alpine Touring, Tech | Alpine Touring, Tech |
Skill level | Advanced, Expert | Advanced, Expert |
In the world of ski bindings, the Salomon S/Lab Shift MNC 13 and the Marker Kingpin 13 are two heavyweights that have revolutionized the game for skiers who love to venture off-piste. Both bindings offer a unique blend of resort and backcountry performance, making them ideal for skiers who want the best of both worlds. However, they each have their own strengths and weaknesses, and the right choice for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences.
The Salomon S/Lab Shift MNC 13 is a game-changer with its hybrid design that combines the best features of alpine and touring bindings. It's a great choice for skiers who split their time between the resort and the backcountry, offering excellent downhill performance and easy uphill mode. However, it's not the lightest option out there, and it has had some durability issues in the past.
On the other hand, the Marker Kingpin 13 is a robust and reliable option that's slightly lighter than the Salomon Shift. It's a great choice for skiers who lean more towards backcountry skiing but still want strong downhill performance. However, it's not a true tech binding, and it may be overkill for skiers who don't ski the out-of-bounds with park rat or big mountain movie star style.
In the end, both bindings are excellent choices, and the best one for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. So, let's dive deeper into the features and performance of each binding to help you make an informed decision.
The Salomon S/Lab Shift MNC 13 is a revolutionary ski binding that has changed the game for skiers who love to venture off-piste. It's a hybrid binding that combines the best features of alpine and touring bindings, offering excellent downhill performance and easy uphill mode.
One of the standout features of the Salomon Shift is its ability to switch over from a tech uphill setup into a more traditional alpine binding. The toe piece transforms from a tech pin into an alpine toe piece, allowing you to clip in just as you would with a traditional alpine binding. This makes it a great choice for skiers who want one setup for both resort skiing and touring.
The Salomon Shift also offers excellent power transfer, especially for a tech binding. This allows you to lean into your turns and feel confident on the mountain, even on steep, icy slopes where touring bindings typically struggle.
However, the Salomon Shift is not without its issues. It's not the lightest option out there, and it has had some durability issues in the past, particularly with the AFD plate. But if you're only skiing 10-15 times a year and doing some moderate touring, the Salomon Shift is a great cost-effective option.
The Salomon S/Lab shift is a great choice if you are looking for a touring binding that feels like a traditional alpine binding when skiing downhill. As it says in its name, the Salomon Shifts are designed to switch over from a tech uphill set up into a more traditional alpine binding.
The Salomon S/Lab shift is a great choice if you are looking for a touring binding that feels like a traditional alpine binding when skiing downhill. As it says in its name, the Salomon Shifts are designed to switch over from a tech uphill set up into a more traditional alpine binding.
Salomon S/Lab Shift MNC 13 Ski Bindings · 2024
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The Marker Kingpin 13 is another excellent option for skiers who want a blend of resort and backcountry performance. It's a robust and reliable binding that's slightly lighter than the Salomon Shift, making it a great choice for skiers who lean more towards backcountry skiing but still want strong downhill performance.
The Marker Kingpin is a half tech binding, half traditional alpine binding. This "50-50" compromise is ideal for skiers who want the best of both worlds. It offers efficient uphill performance with its full tech toe pins and innovative transitioning, and strong downhill performance with its full heel piece.
However, the Marker Kingpin is not a true tech binding, and it may be overkill for skiers who don't ski the out-of-bounds with park rat or big mountain movie star style. For most backcountry skiers, a lighter option may be more suitable.
The Marker Kingpin is a wonderful option for someone who is looking to split their time between the backcountry and resort. The Kingpin is fully ISO/DIN certified binding and similar to the Salomon/Atomic Shift, but roughly 100 grams lighter.
The Marker Kingpin is a wonderful option for someone who is looking to split their time between the backcountry and resort. The Kingpin is fully ISO/DIN certified binding and similar to the Salomon/Atomic Shift, but roughly 100 grams lighter.
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- Returnable
Similarities
Both the Salomon S/Lab Shift MNC 13 and the Marker Kingpin 13 are hybrid bindings that offer a blend of resort and backcountry performance. They both feature a tech toe piece for efficient uphill performance and a traditional alpine binding for strong downhill performance.
Both bindings are fully ISO/DIN certified, ensuring that they meet the highest safety standards. They both offer excellent power transfer, allowing you to lean into your turns and feel confident on the mountain.
Both bindings are also designed to be easy to use, with innovative transitioning systems that allow you to switch between uphill and downhill modes quickly and easily.
Finally, both bindings are durable and built to last, making them a great investment for skiers who want a binding that can handle both resort and backcountry skiing.
Differences and Who They're Good For
While the Salomon S/Lab Shift MNC 13 and the Marker Kingpin 13 have many similarities, they also have some key differences that make them suitable for different types of skiers.
The Salomon Shift is a great choice for skiers who split their time evenly between the resort and the backcountry. It's a true hybrid binding that offers the best features of both alpine and touring bindings. However, it's not the lightest option out there, and it has had some durability issues in the past. So, it's best for skiers who are only skiing 10-15 times a year and doing some moderate touring.
On the other hand, the Marker Kingpin is a better choice for skiers who lean more towards backcountry skiing but still want strong downhill performance. It's a half tech binding, half traditional alpine binding that's slightly lighter than the Salomon Shift. However, it's not a true tech binding, and it may be overkill for skiers who don't ski the out-of-bounds with park rat or big mountain movie star style.
Analysis on Who’s the Winner
When comparing the Salomon S/Lab Shift MNC 13 and the Marker Kingpin 13, it's important to consider four key dimensions: downhill performance, uphill performance, ease of use, and durability.
In terms of downhill performance, both bindings offer excellent power transfer and feel confident on the mountain. However, the Salomon Shift has a slight edge due to its ability to feel like a traditional alpine binding when skiing downhill.
For uphill performance, the Marker Kingpin comes out on top. It's slightly lighter than the Salomon Shift, and its full tech toe pins offer efficient uphill performance.
In terms of ease of use, both bindings are designed to be easy to switch between uphill and downhill modes. However, the Salomon Shift has a slight edge due to its ability to switch over from a tech uphill setup into a more traditional alpine binding.
Finally, for durability, the Marker Kingpin is the winner. While both bindings are built to last, the Salomon Shift has had some durability issues in the past, particularly with the AFD plate.
So, in conclusion, the Salomon S/Lab Shift MNC 13 and the Marker Kingpin 13 are both excellent bindings, but the best one for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences.
Conclusions
In the end, both the Salomon S/Lab Shift MNC 13 and the Marker Kingpin 13 are excellent choices for skiers who want a blend of resort and backcountry performance. They both offer a unique blend of alpine and touring features, making them ideal for skiers who want the best of both worlds.
The Salomon Shift is a great choice for skiers who split their time evenly between the resort and the backcountry. It offers excellent downhill performance and easy uphill mode, but it's not the lightest option out there, and it has had some durability issues in the past.
On the other hand, the Marker Kingpin is a better choice for skiers who lean more towards backcountry skiing but still want strong downhill performance. It's slightly lighter than the Salomon Shift, and its full tech toe pins offer efficient uphill performance.
So, whether you're a resort skier looking to venture into the backcountry, or a backcountry skier who wants strong downhill performance, both the Salomon S/Lab Shift MNC 13 and the Marker Kingpin 13 have got you covered. Just remember to choose the one that best fits your specific needs and preferences. Happy skiing!
