Expert Comparison: Salomon Strive 14 GW Ski Bindings · 2024 vs Look SPX 12 GW Ski Bindings · 2024
VS
Side by side comparison | Out of stock | Out of stock |
|---|---|---|
Price | $155.97 40% off | from:$137.97 40% off |
Color options |  |    |
User rating | 4.39(28) | 5(4) |
The Curated Take | Best for skiers who prioritize power transfer, durability, and consistent release reliability in all-mountain conditions. | Best for aggressive skiers seeking high-performance bindings with excellent power transfer and control. |
Ski binding type | Alpine | Alpine |
Skill level | Advanced, Expert | Intermediate, Advanced |
In the world of ski bindings, the Salomon Strive 14 GW and Look SPX 12 GW are two top contenders for 2024. Both are high-performance bindings designed for aggressive skiers, offering impressive power transmission, shock absorption, and reliable retention. However, they each have their unique strengths and features that set them apart. The Salomon Strive 14 GW is praised for its low stack height, grip walk compatibility, and adjustable springs, while the Look SPX 12 GW is known for its full-action toe, SPX heel, and compatibility with both alpine and GripWalk boot soles. In the end, the choice between the two will depend on your specific needs and preferences as a skier.
The Salomon Strive 14 GW Ski Bindings are a grip walk only binding, designed to provide excellent power transfer and reliability. One of the standout features of these bindings is their adjustable springs, which can be set to 12 or 14 in both the front and rear. This allows for a high degree of customization to suit your skiing style and conditions.
The bindings also feature a fixed toe height, which eliminates the need for adjustment and reduces the risk of loosening over time. This results in a secure fit and excellent contact between the boot and the anti-friction device plate, ensuring optimal power transfer and reducing the chance of play in the toe.
Another notable feature of the Salomon Strive 14 GW is its low stack height. This design brings your boot closer to the ski and the snow, enhancing power transfer and reducing wasted energy. This makes these bindings a great choice for skiers who value efficiency and control.
Despite their mostly plastic construction, these bindings are praised for their durability and ability to withstand seasons of abuse. They are also one of the most affordable options for a 14 DIN binding, making them a great choice for intermediate to advanced-level skiers.
These bindings will stand up to seasons of abuse from the most aggressive of skiers. The Strive 14s also ski like a dream. Coming from the renowned STH's, these bindings ski just as well, if not better, with the low profile toe-piece and neutral stance allowing whatever ski you're on to shine how it's designed to.
These bindings will stand up to seasons of abuse from the most aggressive of skiers. The Strive 14s also ski like a dream. Coming from the renowned STH's, these bindings ski just as well, if not better, with the low profile toe-piece and neutral stance allowing whatever ski you're on to shine how it's designed to.
Salomon Strive 14 GW Ski Bindings · 2024
- We price match
- Returnable
The Look SPX 12 GW Ski Bindings are designed for aggressive skiers who demand high performance from their gear. These bindings feature a full-action toe and SPX heel, which provide impressive elastic travel for shock absorption and retention. This means that they can handle hard landings and lots of twisting, making them a great choice for advanced skiers who like to push their limits.
One of the standout features of the Look SPX 12 GW is its compatibility with both alpine and GripWalk boot soles. This versatility makes these bindings a great choice for skiers who like to switch between different types of skiing.
These bindings also offer incredible power transmission and control, allowing you to push your skiing to the limit. This is thanks to their low-profile design, which enhances power, control, and response.
While these bindings do contain a bit more plastic than some of Look's pricier options, they are still praised for their durability and high-end feel. They also offer top-of-the-line release values and safety standards, giving you confidence in your gear.
With the Look SPX 12 you can be confident knowing you are held in by a piece of equipment with release values and safety standards that are top of the line. The elastic travel and high end feel makes these great for advanced skiers.
With the Look SPX 12 you can be confident knowing you are held in by a piece of equipment with release values and safety standards that are top of the line. The elastic travel and high end feel makes these great for advanced skiers.
Look SPX 12 GW Ski Bindings · 2024
- We price match
- Returnable
Similarities
Both the Salomon Strive 14 GW and Look SPX 12 GW ski bindings are designed for aggressive, advanced-level skiers who demand high performance from their gear. They both offer impressive power transmission and control, allowing skiers to push their limits on the slopes.
Both bindings also feature impressive elastic travel for shock absorption and retention, ensuring that skiers are held securely in place even during hard landings and aggressive turns. This makes both bindings a great choice for skiers who like to push their limits and take on challenging conditions.
In terms of compatibility, both bindings are designed to work with GripWalk boot soles, offering versatility for different types of skiing. They also both offer top-of-the-line release values and safety standards, giving skiers confidence in their gear.
Differences and Who They're Good For
While both bindings are designed for aggressive, advanced-level skiers, they each have their unique strengths and features that may make one a better fit for certain skiers.
The Salomon Strive 14 GW bindings are a great choice for skiers who value efficiency and control. Their low stack height brings the boot closer to the ski and the snow, enhancing power transfer and reducing wasted energy. They also feature adjustable springs, allowing for a high degree of customization to suit different skiing styles and conditions. These bindings are also one of the most affordable options for a 14 DIN binding, making them a great choice for budget-conscious skiers.
On the other hand, the Look SPX 12 GW bindings are a great choice for skiers who demand high performance from their gear. They feature a full-action toe and SPX heel, which provide impressive elastic travel for shock absorption and retention. They also offer compatibility with both alpine and GripWalk boot soles, offering versatility for different types of skiing.
In terms of construction, the Salomon Strive 14 GW bindings are mostly made of plastic, while the Look SPX 12 GW bindings contain a bit more plastic than some of Look's pricier options. This may make the Look bindings a better choice for skiers who prioritize durability and a high-end feel.
Analysis on Who’s the Winner
When it comes to power transfer and control, both bindings perform exceptionally well. However, the Salomon Strive 14 GW's low stack height and adjustable springs give it a slight edge in this category.
In terms of compatibility, the Look SPX 12 GW takes the win as it is compatible with both alpine and GripWalk boot soles, offering more versatility for different types of skiing.
For durability and construction, the Look SPX 12 GW bindings, with their full-action toe and SPX heel, offer a more robust and high-end feel compared to the mostly plastic construction of the Salomon Strive 14 GW bindings.
Finally, in terms of price, the Salomon Strive 14 GW bindings are the clear winner. They offer many of the same high-performance features as the Look SPX 12 GW bindings, but at a more affordable price point.
Conclusions
In conclusion, both the Salomon Strive 14 GW and Look SPX 12 GW ski bindings are high-performance options designed for aggressive, advanced-level skiers. They both offer impressive power transmission, control, and compatibility with GripWalk boot soles. However, they each have their unique strengths and features that may make one a better fit for certain skiers.
The Salomon Strive 14 GW bindings are a great choice for skiers who value efficiency and control, and are looking for a more affordable option. On the other hand, the Look SPX 12 GW bindings are a great choice for skiers who demand high performance from their gear and prioritize durability and a high-end feel.
In the end, the choice between the two will depend on your specific needs and preferences as a skier. So whether you're carving down groomed runs or tackling off-piste challenges, both bindings are sure to deliver the performance and reliability you need to push your limits on the slopes.
