Expert Comparison: Salomon Strive 14 GW Ski Bindings · 2024 vs Look NX 12 GW Ski Bindings · 2024
VS
Side by side comparison | Out of stock | |
|---|---|---|
Price | $181.97 30% off | $219.95 |
Color options |  | |
User rating | 4.6(25) | 5(1) |
The Curated Take | Best for skiers who prioritize power transfer, durability, and consistent release reliability in all-mountain conditions. | Best for beginner skiers needing a reliable, versatile, and lightweight binding. |
Ski binding type | Alpine | Alpine |
Skill level | Advanced, Expert | Intermediate, Advanced |
In the world of ski bindings, the Salomon Strive 14 GW and Look NX 12 GW are two top contenders for the 2024 season. Both are praised for their power transfer, durability, and adaptability, making them ideal for intermediate to advanced skiers. The Salomon Strive 14 GW stands out for its grip walk compatibility, adjustable springs, and low stack height, ensuring excellent power transfer and reliability. On the other hand, the Look NX 12 GW shines with its user-friendly step-in functionality, full-action toe, and lightweight NX heel, offering instant power transfer and shock absorption. While both bindings are excellent choices, the Salomon Strive 14 GW might be a better fit for those prioritizing grip walk compatibility and adjustable springs, while the Look NX 12 GW could be the go-to for those seeking a user-friendly, lightweight binding with a full-action toe.
The Salomon Strive 14 GW Ski Bindings are a grip walk only binding, designed to provide excellent power transfer and reliability. They feature adjustable springs in both the front and rear, allowing for a customizable fit. One of the standout features of these bindings is the fixed toe height, which eliminates the need for an adjustable toe height and reduces the risk of loosening screws. This results in a secure fit and excellent contact between the boot and the anti-friction device plate, ensuring great power transfer and reliability.
The Salomon Strive 14 GW bindings also boast a low stack height, meaning your boot is close to the ski and therefore close to the snow. This design enhances power transfer and reduces wasted energy, making these bindings a great choice for those seeking efficient performance on the slopes. Despite their mostly plastic construction, these bindings are praised for their durability and ability to withstand seasons of use. They are also noted for their sleek design and high max DIN setting, making them a reliable and stylish choice for intermediate to advanced skiers.
These bindings are one of the most affordable options out there for a 14 DIN or higher binding. The power transfer is great, and they are easy to get in and out of. The release is reliable, and I have had no problems with pre-release.
These bindings are one of the most affordable options out there for a 14 DIN or higher binding. The power transfer is great, and they are easy to get in and out of. The release is reliable, and I have had no problems with pre-release.
Salomon Strive 14 GW Ski Bindings · 2024
- We price match
- Returnable
The Look NX 12 GW Ski Bindings are designed for skiers seeking reliable performance and adaptability. They feature a user-friendly step-in functionality that ensures a secure connection between boots and bindings. Whether you're using Alpine ISO 5355 soles or GripWalk soles, these bindings offer seamless compatibility.
One of the standout features of the Look NX 12 GW bindings is the full-action toe. With 45mm of elastic travel and a 180-degree multi-directional release, it offers exceptional protection in case of a fall. The bindings also feature a lightweight NX heel that offers instant power transfer and shock absorption, striking the perfect balance between precision and flexibility.
The Look NX 12 GW bindings cater to a wide range of skiing levels with a DIN/release value range of 3.5 to 12. They are also backed by a one-year warranty, providing an additional layer of confidence during your skiing adventures. Despite their lightweight design, these bindings do not compromise on features or quality, making them a solid choice for intermediate to advanced skiers.
The very user-friendly step-in functionality of the Look NX 12 GW immediately stood out. It ensured a secure connection between my boots and bindings, but what really impressed me was the adaptability. Whether I opted for my Alpine ISO 5355 soles or the GripWalk soles, these bindings easily accommodated both, providing seamless compatibility.
The very user-friendly step-in functionality of the Look NX 12 GW immediately stood out. It ensured a secure connection between my boots and bindings, but what really impressed me was the adaptability. Whether I opted for my Alpine ISO 5355 soles or the GripWalk soles, these bindings easily accommodated both, providing seamless compatibility.
- We price match
- Returnable
Similarities
Both the Salomon Strive 14 GW and Look NX 12 GW ski bindings are designed with the intermediate to advanced skier in mind. They both prioritize power transfer, ensuring that the energy from your movements is efficiently transferred to your skis. Both bindings also offer reliable release mechanisms, providing safety and peace of mind on the slopes.
In terms of adaptability, both bindings are compatible with different types of boot soles, offering seamless compatibility and user convenience. They also both feature a low-profile design, keeping the skier close to the ski for enhanced control and power transfer.
Differences and Who They're Good For
While both bindings share many similarities, they also have distinct differences that cater to different types of skiers. The Salomon Strive 14 GW bindings are grip walk only, making them a great choice for skiers who prefer grip walk boots. They also feature adjustable springs, allowing for a more customizable fit. These bindings are ideal for skiers who prioritize grip walk compatibility and adjustable settings.
On the other hand, the Look NX 12 GW bindings stand out with their user-friendly step-in functionality and full-action toe. These features make the bindings easy to use and provide exceptional protection in case of a fall. The Look NX 12 GW bindings are a great fit for skiers seeking a user-friendly, lightweight binding with enhanced safety features.
Analysis on Who’s the Winner
When it comes to power transfer, both bindings perform exceptionally well. However, the Salomon Strive 14 GW's adjustable springs and fixed toe height give it a slight edge, ensuring excellent contact between the boot and the anti-friction device plate.
In terms of adaptability, the Look NX 12 GW takes the lead with its ability to accommodate both Alpine ISO 5355 soles and GripWalk soles, providing seamless compatibility.
For safety and reliability, the Look NX 12 GW's full-action toe with 180-degree multi-directional release offers exceptional protection, making it the winner in this category.
Finally, when considering price and value, the Salomon Strive 14 GW, being one of the most affordable options for a 14 DIN or higher binding, offers great value for money, making it the winner in this dimension.
Conclusions
In conclusion, both the Salomon Strive 14 GW and Look NX 12 GW ski bindings are excellent choices for intermediate to advanced skiers. They both offer great power transfer, reliability, and adaptability. However, the Salomon Strive 14 GW might be a better fit for those prioritizing grip walk compatibility and adjustable springs, while the Look NX 12 GW could be the go-to for those seeking a user-friendly, lightweight binding with a full-action toe. Ultimately, 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 terrain, rest assured that both these bindings will deliver the performance and reliability you need to conquer the slopes.
