Review: Atomic Strive 14 GW Ski Bindings · 2024

Published on 03/18/2024 · 3 min readCurated Expert, Joseph DeNoyell, has tested this product to give you their unbiased, definitive take.
Joe D, Ski Expert
Maximilian DeRoest, Ski Expert
By Curated Experts Joe D and Maximilian DeRoest
6 photos
Photo by Joe D & Maximilian DeRoest

The Curated Take

4.8/5

The Atomic Strive 14 GW Ski Bindings are ideal for intermediate to advanced skiers seeking a lightweight, downhill-only option. Key features include a wide AFD plate for easier edge control and a low height for a closer connection to the snow. However, they are not MNC compatible and only accept Alpine and GripWalk soles. Users appreciate their durability, power transfer, and smooth release. These bindings are especially favored for their performance in powder conditions, offering a great balance of lightweight design and reliable functionality.

Ideal for
  • Lightweight design
  • Wide AFD plate
  • Low stack height
  • Versatile binding for any conditions on the mountain
Not ideal for
  • Not a full metal design
  • Strictly Alpine binding
  • Not MNC compatible (only accepts Alpine and GripWalk soles)
Versatility
Joe D, Curated Expert
The Strive 14 is a downhill-only binding, so no touring features exist. As a downhill binding, it is one of the elite options....Read more
Maximilian DeRoest, Curated Expert
Skiers could use this binding anywhere on the mountain. There are definitely bindings that skiers shouldn't ski in the terrain park with or shouldn't drop cliffs with. The Atomic Strive...Read more
Durability
Joe D, Curated Expert
I have about 25 days on these, and they still look brand new. If someone wants to knock anything, there are more plastic parts on this binding to cut down...Read more
Maximilian DeRoest, Curated Expert
I'd say the Atomic Strive 14 is definitely a step up from most other bindings on the market when it comes to durability. There are better, durable ski bindings out...Read more
Power Transfer
Joe D, Curated Expert
The Strive has an extra wide AFD plate, coming in at 72MM. This helps with power transfer. It makes it a little easier for me to get my skis on...Read more
Maximilian DeRoest, Curated Expert
Stack height is essentially the height difference between the top of the ski and the bottom of the boot. The lower the stack height, the more control skiers have over...Read more
Release Reliability
Joe D, Curated Expert
Truthfully, I’ve only been released from these once or twice, and it has been at times when I needed to be released. The Strive 14 has 47mm of elasticity. This...Read more

Curated Experts are not sponsored by brands. Their reviews are based on their honest experiences testing products.
About the bindings
  • Model: Atomic Strive 14 GW Ski Bindings · 2024
Test conditions
  • Where I’ve used them: NY and VT
  • How many times I've used it: 25

Expert Reviews of the Atomic Strive 14 GW Ski Bindings

 I tested some Strive demos the year they were released, and I was impressed enough with the performance to pick up a pair. Since I purchased them, I have been very happy with their performance. The Strive 14 is a strictly downhill binding. I love how light it is compared to similar bindings in the 13-14 DIN range. A few differences that make the Strive stand out are the wide AFD plate and low height. The wide AFD makes getting my skis on edge easier, and the low height makes me feel closer to the snow. I think this is the ideal binding for intermediate to advanced skiers looking for a more lightweight option. I have about 25 days on these and will be buying more in the future.
Maximilian DeRoest The Atomic Strive is the long-awaited answer to the common problem that modern all-mountain skiers face. Skiers want a safe and consistent binding with high elastic travel and a low stack height at a reasonable price. Before the Strive, the only binding that checked all these boxes was the Look Pivot with a high price tag. The Tyrolia Attack 14 also checks these boxes, but the Strive is better in nearly every way and has the same price. Bottom line: The Atomic Strive is the ultimate ski binding for just about every skier on the mountain.

Product Specs

GenderUnisex
Model year2024
Ski binding typeAlpine
Skill levelAdvanced, Expert
Din release - low value5
Din release - high value14

Review Ratings

Averaged between reviewers, view below how all experts voted.

Versatility

4/5
 gave 4 of 5 stars. The Strive 14 is a downhill-only binding, so no touring features exist. As a downhill binding, it is one of the elite options.
Maximilian DeRoest gave 4 of 5 stars. Skiers could use this binding anywhere on the mountain. There are definitely bindings that skiers shouldn't ski in the terrain park with or shouldn't drop cliffs with. The Atomic Strive 14 is not one of them. This binding has earned my confidence and respect when it comes to extreme skiing.

Durability

5/5
 gave 5 of 5 stars. I have about 25 days on these, and they still look brand new. If someone wants to knock anything, there are more plastic parts on this binding to cut down the weight than other options in this price range. That said, the bindings feel bombproof, and I have no concerns.
Maximilian DeRoest gave 4 of 5 stars. I'd say the Atomic Strive 14 is definitely a step up from most other bindings on the market when it comes to durability. There are better, durable ski bindings out there, but for the price, it is a great option for weekend warriors or shredders on a budget.

Power Transfer

5/5
 gave 5 of 5 stars. The Strive has an extra wide AFD plate, coming in at 72MM. This helps with power transfer. It makes it a little easier for me to get my skis on edge. The low toe height on these also makes me feel more connected to the ski and helps give me more control.
Maximilian DeRoest gave 5 of 5 stars. Stack height is essentially the height difference between the top of the ski and the bottom of the boot. The lower the stack height, the more control skiers have over their skis. This control comes with a big boost in performance and power transmission. Any binding with a low stack height, the Strive 14 included, will have excellent power transmission.

Release Reliability

5/5
 gave 5 of 5 stars. Truthfully, I’ve only been released from these once or twice, and it has been at times when I needed to be released. The Strive 14 has 47mm of elasticity. This helps with shock absorption and keeps me from unwanted release. They are easier to click into than some other bindings in this price range, but I feel locked in once I’m in the bindings.

FAQs

What do you love about this product?

The weight is what stands out to me. It's a great lightweight option that does not sacrifice performance.
Maximilian DeRoest I love that this product offers nearly every feature that the Look Pivot 15 does at half the price.

What was your favorite moment with this gear?

My favorite day was last year on one of my life's best Northeast powder days. We got over two feet, and having these on a playful ski improved my day.
Maximilian DeRoest I'm no stranger to big crashes, but the first time I got ejected out of these bindings, I was shocked at how smooth and consistent the binding ejected me.

Why did you choose this product?

I tried these at a demo the year they were released and liked how they performed. I liked how close it made me feel to the ski and the wider AFD plate.
Maximilian DeRoest I chose this product solely for its value and because I was a big fan of its predecessor, the Warden 13.

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Joe D
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