A few months on just one pair of new bindings likely isn’t enough testing time for a full endorsement. Given their new-ness and the interest they have generated, I felt the need to post an update on my impressions of the Slatnar bindings. For some background on the company and bindings, check out the first look here.
The Slatnar ST, fresh out of the box.
I have gotten significantly more mileage than I might have expected early season on the new Slatnar ST binding, as well as the Black Crows Solis they are paired with. I have put them to the test on many Teton high peaks, charged through soft chop riding lifts at Snow King, as well as using them for more normal day to day touring. So far, so good.
Slatnar ST and Solis fresh off a day of touring in dense, tracked snow.
Things I like:
- The toes are basic and utilitarian. The single spring design is more “open” than others, so it’s easy to get packed snow/ice out. The lockout is smooth and solid.
- The heel is the most solid and direct connection to the ski that I have experienced. Credit to the freeride spacer and zero gap heel with firm spring tension.
- Long adjustment range is great, especially given how many people ask to try the Solis and/or bindings.
- Heel risers are solid, no play, and magnets are strong. I have had zero issues with accidental riser flipping.
Room for improvement:
- The freeride spacer did not adjust low enough for my Tecnica Zero G Peak. I’ll test every boot I can get a hold of before the final review.
- Clamping force of the toe while unlocked is on the low side, skinning with toes unlocked is a bad option, if you are into that sort of thing.
- The ramp angle is a touch high, I may try making a 5mm shim to bring the delta to 5.5mm (currently 10.5mm)
- The length adjustment is via a 4mm (or maybe it’s 5mm) hex, which I still haven’t added to my bits. A T25 gets the job done, but a T20 or PZ3 would be nice.
Toe pieces, somewhat ordinary, but effective.
Heel piece, used but not yet showing signs of wear and tear.
While a 300g binding won’t be replacing my 120g Ski Trab Gara Titans on all my skis anytime soon, there are certain cases where I want something a bit burlier. The Salomon MTN has filled this role for me, as well as the ATK Raider or its predecessors. The ATK + freeride spacer has some real world skiing improvements, as well as the luxury of two risers and an “ice proof” toe, but brakes and adjustable release just aren’t for me. In that sense, the Slatnar is a winner, it has a similar level of simplicity to the Salomon, with arguably better ski performance than the Raider.
Getting ready to put full trust in the Slatnar for some steep turns.
As I gain confidence in the Slatnar, I am more and more convinced that they will be a major player in the 300g binding market. The heels especially are a bit of a goldilocks for me as far as features, performance, and weight. I will keep you updated if I run into any issues or failures. But, like I said—so far so good.
Thanks for the review.
I just bought a pair of Black Crow Solis and those bindings look ideal( for the heel) but I prefer the Ski Trab toe-piece. I’m a convert to the wishbone design of the Trab bindings for touring.
They are more damp and have eliminated toe-piece icing problems.
When can we expect an updated review on the Solis?
Hey Scotsman, totally agree with your assessment – I am also a trab convert and continue to prefer their toes – that being said, I think the Slatnar heels are the perfect match to a ski like the Solis, and the toe is plenty good. Perhaps a frankenbinding is in order.
I wasn’t planning to publish the Solis review until the fall, but I’ve been enjoying it so much that I have been skiing it a ton. It may be a good one for late winter. Long story short with the Solis is that I have found it versatile and agreeable in a pretty wide range of not-deep-powder conditions. Loving it.