In the world of ski bindings, the Salomon S/Lab Shift MNC 13 and the Atomic Shift 13 MNC are two top contenders. Both are designed for skiers who want the best of both worlds - the ability to ski in-bounds and venture into the backcountry. The Salomon Shift is praised for its cost-effectiveness and its ability to perform like a traditional alpine binding while offering touring capabilities. However, it has had some durability issues, particularly with the AFD plate. On the other hand, the Atomic Shift is lauded for its versatility and ease of use, but it's slightly heavier than a traditional tech binding and has only one riser for up-hilling. Both bindings are ideal for skiers who want one setup for resort skiing and touring. However, the Salomon Shift is better suited for moderate use, while the Atomic Shift is a great starting point for skiers looking to dabble in backcountry adventures.

Salomon S/Lab Shift MNC 13 Ski Bindings · 2024 summary

The Salomon S/Lab Shift MNC 13 Ski Bindings are a game-changer for skiers who want to venture away from the resort. These bindings hit the market in 2018 and quickly became a favorite among in-bound skiers who also enjoy some backcountry action. The Shift bindings are designed to switch over from a tech uphill setup into a more traditional alpine binding, providing a seamless transition between different skiing terrains.

One of the standout features of the Salomon Shift is the AFD (anti-friction device) plate. This feature allows your toe to easily slide out of the binding on either side during a crash, providing an added layer of safety. However, it's worth noting that there have been some issues with the AFD plate, particularly with the mechanism that provides the upward pressure to keep your toe securely in place while skiing. Over time, this mechanism can wear out, leading to unexpected pre-release.

Despite these issues, the Salomon Shift offers excellent performance for its price. It's a great choice for skiers who hit the slopes 10-15 times a year and do some moderate touring. However, if you're planning on using these bindings daily, you might want to consider other options.

Atomic Shift 13 MNC Ski Bindings · 2024 summary

The Atomic Shift 13 MNC Ski Bindings are another excellent choice for skiers who want the flexibility to ski both in-bounds and in the backcountry. These bindings are designed to be versatile and easy to use, making them a great option for skiers who are just starting to explore backcountry skiing.

One of the key features of the Atomic Shift is its ability to transition from an alpine to a touring setting with just a flip of a tab on the toe piece. This makes climbing easier on the legs, although the lack of a second riser can make certain pitches more taxing.

While the Atomic Shift is slightly heavier than most tech bindings, it offers a solid connection to your skis and precise control for carving turns, making it a great choice for skiers who want to push their limits on the descent. However, if you're a dedicated backcountry skier who prefers lighter setups, you might want to consider other options.

Overall, the Atomic Shift is a great starting point for skiers who want to dabble in backcountry adventures without breaking the bank on a dedicated backcountry setup.

Similarities

Both the Salomon S/Lab Shift MNC 13 and the Atomic Shift 13 MNC Ski Bindings are designed for skiers who want the flexibility to ski both in-bounds and in the backcountry. They both offer the ability to switch from a tech uphill setup to a more traditional alpine binding, providing a seamless transition between different skiing terrains.

Both bindings are praised for their performance and versatility, offering a solid connection to your skis and precise control for carving turns. They are both compatible with a wide range of boots and are ideal for skiers who want one setup for resort skiing and touring.

In terms of durability, both bindings have had some issues. The Salomon Shift has had problems with the AFD plate, while the Atomic Shift is slightly heavier than a traditional tech binding and has only one riser for up-hilling.

Differences and Who They're Good For

While both bindings are designed for skiers who want the flexibility to ski both in-bounds and in the backcountry, they cater to slightly different personas.

The Salomon S/Lab Shift MNC 13 is a great choice for skiers who hit the slopes 10-15 times a year and do some moderate touring. It offers excellent performance for its price, making it a cost-effective option for skiers who want to venture away from the resort. However, due to some durability issues, it's not recommended for skiers who plan on using these bindings daily.

On the other hand, the Atomic Shift 13 MNC Ski Bindings are a great starting point for skiers who want to dabble in backcountry adventures without breaking the bank on a dedicated backcountry setup. It's slightly heavier than most tech bindings, but it offers a solid connection to your skis and precise control for carving turns.

In terms of differences, the Salomon Shift has had some issues with the AFD plate, while the Atomic Shift has only one riser for up-hilling.

Analysis on Who’s the Winner

When comparing the Salomon S/Lab Shift MNC 13 and the Atomic Shift 13 MNC Ski Bindings, we can look at four key dimensions: performance, versatility, durability, and price.

In terms of performance, both bindings offer a solid connection to your skis and precise control for carving turns. However, the Salomon Shift is praised for its ability to perform like a traditional alpine binding, giving it a slight edge in this category.

In terms of versatility, both bindings offer the ability to switch from a tech uphill setup to a more traditional alpine binding. However, the Atomic Shift is slightly easier to use, making it a better choice for skiers who are just starting to explore backcountry skiing.

In terms of durability, both bindings have had some issues. The Salomon Shift has had problems with the AFD plate, while the Atomic Shift is slightly heavier than a traditional tech binding. However, the issues with the Salomon Shift have mostly been resolved, making it a more reliable choice in this category.

In terms of price, the Salomon Shift offers excellent performance for its price, making it a more cost-effective option.

Overall, while both bindings are excellent choices for skiers who want the flexibility to ski both in-bounds and in the backcountry, the Salomon S/Lab Shift MNC 13 comes out slightly ahead due to its performance and cost-effectiveness.

Conclusions

In conclusion, both the Salomon S/Lab Shift MNC 13 and the Atomic Shift 13 MNC Ski Bindings are excellent choices for skiers who want the flexibility to ski both in-bounds and in the backcountry. They both offer the ability to switch from a tech uphill setup to a more traditional alpine binding, providing a seamless transition between different skiing terrains.

However, the Salomon Shift offers excellent performance for its price, making it a more cost-effective option. It's a great choice for skiers who hit the slopes 10-15 times a year and do some moderate touring. On the other hand, the Atomic Shift is a great starting point for skiers who want to dabble in backcountry adventures without breaking the bank on a dedicated backcountry setup.

In the end, the choice between the two will depend on your specific needs and preferences. If you're looking for a cost-effective option that performs like a traditional alpine binding, the Salomon Shift is the way to go. If you're just starting to explore backcountry skiing and want a binding that's easy to use, the Atomic Shift is a great choice.