Expert Comparison: Salomon S/Lab Shift MNC 13 Ski Bindings · 2024 vs Marker Duke PT 13 Ski Bindings · 2024
VS
Side by side comparison | Most recommended | |
|---|---|---|
Price | $419.97 30% off | $389.99 40% off |
Color options |   | |
User rating | 3.56(105) | 3.33(3) |
The Curated Take | Best for skiers who want a versatile binding for both resort and backcountry skiing, with efficient uphill and powerful downhill performance. | Best for skiers seeking a versatile binding for both backcountry and resort skiing, with great power transfer and durability. |
Ski binding type | Alpine Touring, Tech | Alpine Touring, Tech |
Skill level | Advanced, Expert | Intermediate, Advanced |
In the world of ski bindings, the Salomon S/Lab Shift MNC 13 and the Marker Duke PT 13 are two top contenders. Both are designed for skiers who want to venture into the backcountry without sacrificing downhill performance. The Salomon Shift is a game-changer with its cost-effective solution for skiers who want to adventure away from the resort. It's a great choice for skiers who want a traditional alpine binding feel on the descent and are looking for a hybrid setup that can be trusted on both the uphill and the downhill. On the other hand, the Marker Duke PT 13 is perfect for resort skiers who want to venture into the backcountry and only have one ski to do it. It's a great fit for freestyle skiers looking to take their skills out of the resort or anyone who needs a versatile binding for all their skiing needs. However, it's a bit heavier for a touring binding. In the end, the choice between the two depends on your specific needs and preferences.
The Salomon S/Lab Shift MNC 13 Ski Bindings are a game-changer in the world of ski bindings. When this binding hit the market in 2018, it revolutionized the game for in-bound skiers who wanted to venture away from the resort. The Shifts are designed 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 so you can clip in just as you normally would on an alpine binding. This makes it a great choice for skiers who want one setup for resort skiing and touring.
The Salomon Shift is also a fully certified downhill binding as good as you will find on any set of skis, yet you can easily transition to use it uphill or for touring purposes. It's ideal for skiers north of 180 lbs that often need a 13 DIN binding. The power transfer is excellent, allowing you to really lean into your turns and feel confident on the mountain. One of the standout features of these bindings is their ability to handle steep, icy slopes with ease.
However, the Salomon Shift does have some issues. Over time, the mechanism that held the upward pressure in the AFD plate would wear out, allowing for unexpected prerelease. This problem has mostly been solved, but can still happen under heavy use. It's also not the lightest touring option, but it's a great cost-effective option for skiers who only ski 10-15 times a year and do some moderate touring.
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 Duke PT 13 Ski Bindings are designed for resort skiers who want to venture into the backcountry and only have one ski to do it. These bindings work like a normal binding on the downhill and are compatible with both backcountry and alpine boots. This makes them perfect for freestyle skiers looking to take their skills out of the resort or anyone who needs a versatile binding for all their skiing needs.
The Duke PT 13 has a removable toe piece which gives you access to the touring mode of the binding. For descents, it is essentially a Marker Griffon 13 binding - super reliable and great power transfer. This makes it a great setup for someone who is spending 90% of their time in the resort but still wants to be able to get out into the backcountry once in a while.
However, the Duke PT 13 is a bit heavier for a touring binding. The risers can also be a little finicky to get used to. But if you're willing to sacrifice a little uphill performance to have all the downhill performance of a normal binding, the Duke PT 13 is a great choice.
This binding is perfect for resort skiers who want to venture into the backcountry and only have one ski to do it or for people looking to get real gnarly in the backcountry. The Duke PT 13 works like a normal binding on the downhill; it is compatible with both backcountry and alpine boots, meaning you can use it in the resort all you want, and it will still get you up the hill when you do want to tour.
This binding is perfect for resort skiers who want to venture into the backcountry and only have one ski to do it or for people looking to get real gnarly in the backcountry. The Duke PT 13 works like a normal binding on the downhill; it is compatible with both backcountry and alpine boots, meaning you can use it in the resort all you want, and it will still get you up the hill when you do want to tour.
Marker Duke PT 13 Ski Bindings · 2024
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- Returnable
Similarities
Both the Salomon S/Lab Shift MNC 13 and the Marker Duke PT 13 Ski Bindings are designed for skiers who want to venture into the backcountry without sacrificing downhill performance. They both offer the same downhill performance as a normal binding and are compatible with both backcountry and alpine boots. This makes them perfect for skiers who want one setup for resort skiing and touring. Both bindings also have a tech uphill setup that transforms into a more traditional alpine binding for the descent.
Differences and Who They're Good For
While both bindings are designed for skiers who want to venture into the backcountry without sacrificing downhill performance, they cater to slightly different personas. The Salomon Shift is a great choice for skiers who want a traditional alpine binding feel on the descent and are looking for a hybrid setup that can be trusted on both the uphill and the downhill. It's ideal for skiers who only ski 10-15 times a year and do some moderate touring. However, it's not the lightest touring option and has some issues with the AFD plate.
On the other hand, the Marker Duke PT 13 is perfect for resort skiers who want to venture into the backcountry and only have one ski to do it. It's a great fit for freestyle skiers looking to take their skills out of the resort or anyone who needs a versatile binding for all their skiing needs. However, it's a bit heavier for a touring binding and the risers can be a little finicky to get used to.
Analysis on Who’s the Winner
When it comes to versatility, both bindings offer great performance for both resort and backcountry skiing. However, the Salomon Shift has a slight edge due to its traditional alpine binding feel on the descent.
In terms of durability, the Marker Duke PT 13 seems to have fewer issues compared to the Salomon Shift, which has had some problems with the AFD plate.
As for weight, the Salomon Shift is lighter than the Marker Duke PT 13, making it a better choice for those who prioritize a lighter touring binding.
Finally, in terms of cost-effectiveness, the Salomon Shift is a great cost-effective option for skiers who only ski 10-15 times a year and do some moderate touring.
Conclusions
In conclusion, both the Salomon S/Lab Shift MNC 13 and the Marker Duke PT 13 Ski Bindings are excellent choices for skiers who want to venture into the backcountry without sacrificing downhill performance. The Salomon Shift offers a traditional alpine binding feel on the descent and is a great cost-effective option for skiers who only ski 10-15 times a year and do some moderate touring. On the other hand, the Marker Duke PT 13 is perfect for resort skiers who want to venture into the backcountry and only have one ski to do it. It's a great fit for freestyle skiers looking to take their skills out of the resort or anyone who needs a versatile binding for all their skiing needs. However, it's a bit heavier for a touring binding. In the end, the choice between the two depends on your specific needs and preferences. Happy skiing!
