Weight and functionality (and sometimes the eye candy of machined aluminum in tasty colorways—we’re looking at you, ATK) are benchmarks for ski touring bindings. Listen to Episode 5 of the Gear Shed Podcast, and you’ll hear a lively discussion about weight and functionality that moves the gear-choice-needle needle toward the middle. And that, folks, is where the conversation steers towards introducing Salomon’s new iteration of cross-over binding, the SHIFT ² MN.
The original SHIFT arrived to much fanfare and for some it was a blessing. But, like any new binding to market, there were growing pains. The AFD had adjustment and migration issues, the forward pressure adjustment on the heel unit was finicky, and the brakes, add that to the finicky category too. Some also had issues with the toe lever and it remaining stubborn to lock out (this was remedied with the release of a new DIN window).
The SHIFT (call it 1.0), released for the 2018-2019 season, has endured until now as an option for skiers looking for a touring capable binding with a feature set more tuned for on-piste exploits or hucking, landing, and hard-driving skiing in any segment of the spectrum—from deep wilderness touring to just-popped off the tram and going to send Corbett’s type skiing. That’s a mighty big range of skiing. And you know this: but that’s also a mighty burly skier running this setup: skiers choosing a SHIFT are usually descent-focused (or ski a 50-50 blend of on and off-piste), but gravity hasn’t changed since the 2018-2019 season, it remains a constant, which brings us to weight.
The Weight
The Salomon/Atomic weight specs (read as unverified) for the SHIFT², which, like its predecessor, comes in models with DIN adjustments maxing out at 13 and 10, respectively, are still not dainty. That’s no news flash. The SHIFT² hasn’t miraculously shed grams—expect to keep the legs strong over the summer and fall months—the SHIFT² 13 weighs 920g/binding, whereas the SHIFT² 10 weighs 915g/binding (Specs come from 2024-2025 Atomic catalog—both Salomon and Atomic are owned by Amer Sports.)
The good peeps at Skimo.co have the weights of the original SHIFT MNC 13 at 879g/binding with a 90mm brake (the smallest brake on offer), with the SHIFT MNC 10 weighing 875g/binding with 90mm brakes. So, the latest binding iterations shift upwards in weight. If you are considering this binding, you’re likely not a weight weenie.
What’s New/What’s the Upgrade?
It’s a Monday. It’s also not always about keeping up with the Joneses and being the first to leak, report, speculate, prognosticate on new gear—that’s not our jam. Gavin fiddled with the new bindings on Monday, which are mounted on some Atomic 2024-2025 test/review skis. And we’ll have more to report on the bindings as we learn new things…and we’re also excited for Gavin to experience the joys of the heavier-is-better side of the weight equation.
Both versions of the SHIFT² are MNC certified (Multi-Norm Certified) and work with MNC certified boots. In other words, the bindings work with lots of boots, but those boots need to be one of the following types of soles (which, again, covers a big range): GripWalk, WTR, ISO 5355 soles (Alpine), and ISO 9523 (touring) soles. If you run lighter touring boots with the traditional rockered sole, ensure your boots are compatible before using them with Shifts.
Shift2 MN 13.
Shift2 MN 13.
Here’s what the Salomon press release says about the SHIFT² 13 MN (costs $850) and SHIFT
² 10 MN (costs $800).
- A new Micro AFD allows for a more precise fit with the boot interface and the aluminum Power Block reinforces the connection for more lateral stiffness and improved power transfer. Oversized toe wings increase shock resistance, and a larger toe lever adds stability and durability.
- Updated, oversized wings and toe lever delivers greater reinforcement for improved shock resistance, durability and reliability.
- A redesigned brake lever provides more reliable locking function and eliminates unintentional release while the updated climbing aid adds 4mm of lift.
Shift2 MN 10.
Shift2 MN 10.
We’ll be updating this post with some photos etc. in the next few days.
I’ve been on the Shift since day one. I’ve experienced all of the common complaints, including brake deployment while ascending and migration of the AFD. Neither have caused major issues, though. Rather, they are minor annoyances I’d rather not deal with. Still, all things considered, the original Shift has done what I want it to do. It is a great binding for someone that owns just one pair of skis and uses them in a lot of different situations.
I’m glad to hear they have addressed the common complaints. Hopefully the changes are actually effective. I guess only time will tell.
I plan on buying them, even if it’s mostly due to the aging of my original Shifts. But damn, $800 is steep. Yikes.