In the world of ski bindings, the Salomon Warden MNC 11 and Look Pivot 12 GW are two top contenders. Both are designed for aggressive skiing and offer excellent power transfer, durability, and safety features. The Salomon Warden MNC 11 is known for its robust heel pieces, excellent boot contact, and satisfying click when stepping into the binding. On the other hand, the Look Pivot 12 GW is renowned for its rotating heel piece, high elasticity, and low stack height. Both bindings are compatible with a wide range of boot soles and offer smooth and reliable release mechanisms. However, the Salomon Warden MNC 11 is slightly heavier and its plastic housing tends to crack with aggressive use. The Look Pivot 12 GW, while offering superior performance, is also on the heavier side and can be tricky to step into, especially in deep snow. In the end, the choice between the two comes down to personal preference and specific skiing needs.

Salomon Warden MNC 11 Ski Bindings · 2023 summary

The Salomon Warden MNC 11 Ski Bindings are a powerhouse, designed to hold in an aggressive skier taking on everything the resort has to offer. They are also perfectly suited for beginner skiers taking it slow and cautiously. The 3-11 DIN range offers plenty of options at both ends of the spectrum, with a smooth and reliable release when needed.

Salomon bindings are known for a loud satisfying click when you step into the binding, letting the skier know they are secure to the ski. The heel pieces are durable and robust, offering durability that Salomon's old Z10 and Z12 series did not. The forward pressure is easy to see and set with ample travel to adjust to a wider range of boot sole lengths than most bindings in its class.

The toe pieces of the bindings offer excellent contact with the boot and have more elastic travel than most, giving the skier a lot of wiggle room to stay in the binding when picking up the pace in the moguls and terrain park. However, after a lot of use and abuse, the plastic housing of the DIN window has a tendency to crack around the toe.

Look Pivot 12 GW Ski Bindings · 2024 summary

The Look Pivot 12 GW Ski Bindings are designed for advanced to expert skiers who prioritize stability, responsiveness, and durability. These bindings are a favorite amongst pros and free skiers for their reliable release mechanism. The rotating heel piece provides additional reliability and safety on release, allowing the bindings to move laterally, a feature not common in many other bindings.

The Look Pivot 12 GW bindings offer one of the highest elastic travels on the market, which helps prevent pre-releases, a crucial feature for freestyle skiers landing spins and jumps. The full action toe piece provides a responsive connection between your boot and the ski, allowing for precise turns and stability.

Despite their high performance, these bindings are on the heavier side and can be a bit tricky to step into, especially in deep snow. However, their durability, high quality, and performance in all conditions make them a top choice for aggressive skiers.

Similarities

Both the Salomon Warden MNC 11 and Look Pivot 12 GW ski bindings are designed for aggressive skiing and offer excellent power transfer, durability, and safety features. They both have a wide DIN range, providing options for both beginner and advanced skiers. Both bindings are compatible with a wide range of boot soles, making them versatile for different boots. They also both offer smooth and reliable release mechanisms, ensuring safety during skiing.

Differences and Who They're Good For

While both bindings are designed for aggressive skiing, they cater to slightly different personas. The Salomon Warden MNC 11 is ideal for skiers who value a solid connection to the ski, with its loud satisfying click and robust heel pieces. However, its heavier weight and tendency for the plastic housing to crack with aggressive use may not suit heavy and aggressive skiers.

On the other hand, the Look Pivot 12 GW is perfect for advanced to expert skiers who prioritize stability, responsiveness, and durability. Its rotating heel piece and high elasticity make it a favorite among pros and free skiers. However, its heavier weight and trickiness to step into, especially in deep snow, may not suit skiers who prioritize a lighter setup or ski frequently in deep snow conditions.

Analysis on Who’s the Winner

In terms of durability, both bindings are robust and built to last, but the Salomon Warden MNC 11 has a slight edge due to its robust heel pieces. For power transfer, both bindings perform exceptionally well, but the Look Pivot 12 GW takes the lead with its full action toe piece and high elasticity. When it comes to safety, the Look Pivot 12 GW wins with its rotating heel piece providing additional reliability on release. Finally, in terms of weight, neither binding is particularly light, but the Salomon Warden MNC 11 is slightly heavier, making the Look Pivot 12 GW the winner in this category.

Conclusions

In conclusion, both the Salomon Warden MNC 11 and Look Pivot 12 GW ski bindings are top contenders in the world of ski bindings. They both offer excellent power transfer, durability, and safety features, making them ideal for aggressive skiing. The choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference and specific skiing needs. The Salomon Warden MNC 11 offers a solid connection to the ski and is ideal for skiers who value a robust and reliable binding. The Look Pivot 12 GW, on the other hand, is perfect for advanced to expert skiers who prioritize stability, responsiveness, and durability. Regardless of the choice, both bindings are sure to provide an exceptional skiing experience.