Description
Supplies a smooth, easy transition from tour to ski mode.
Why fight the resort crowds when Salomon offers an easy, comfortable way for you to travel out the sidecountry gates or into the backcountry with the Guardian 16 Alpine Touring Binding? Hike-and-Ride technology lets you glide up the skintrack in hike mode and switch quickly into ride mode without removing your skis, and Salomon gave the Guardian a 7-16 DIN range for skiers who like to go fast, stomp airs, and send big-mountain lines.
- 7-16 DIN setting provides hard-charging freeriders solid resort and out-of-bounds performance and security
- 80mm-wide footprint accommodates wider skis which allows for quick edge-to-edge responsiveness
- Low-profile chassis offers lower stand height
- Aluminum bars give you strengthened rigidity which improves your edge-to-edge power transmission
- Metal, aluminum, and plastic components supply a solid, durable binding that can withstand your constant touring needs
- Double Freeflex technology increases downhill performance
- Hike-and-Ride technology: use your ski pole to flip the climbing bar from hike to ski mode, step down with your heel until the binding locks securely into place, and voilà, you're ready for the turns you just earned
- A flat nose 90-degree pivot gives you optimal climbing and kick-turn capability
- Simplified Base Plate reduces snowpack during climbing mode
- Fairly quiet binding and heel strike won't make you wish you had your tunes with you to drown out the annoying clacking sound
- Adjustment Range: 55mm
- Recommended Skier Weight: 130+lbs
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Share your thoughts
What do you think of the
Salomon Guardian 16 Alpine Touring Binding
? Share a...
Rip hard, but these won't hold up.
sooki
Member since
- Familiarity: I've used it several times
They look great. They feel good when you ski them. They are heavy when you hike, but have an interesting system. This is what I expected with this setup and is a sacrifice I was willing to make if they are reliable. Unfortunately, just like Mcclain from Silverton below, these exploded on me on a hike. Luckily I was hiking uphill only a mile from the car and was able to limp back. I did not do anything unusual with these bindings. I would consider the other trusted options on the market before dropping the money on these. It seems like Solomon is building a reputation for unsafe backcountry gear (boots, bindings). Thankfully, backcountry.com has their money-back return policy.The barons I got may only have a 12 din, but so far they are more reliable.
Guardian 16 Alpine Touring Binding
Bradley Austin
Member since
DO NOT BUY
mcclain
Member since
I am 6'2" and 180 lbs, live in Silverton, CO and am in my ski boots 7 days a week for work and play. Loving to hike a lot, ski fast and hop off big rocks, I am who Salomon claimed to have made these bindings for. Initially, I was impressed as they seemed to have strong support for climbing as well as responsiveness on the downhill. This was until 4 days ago. Both bindings (all 4 rails) failed on me in one day (as shown in photo). Neither time was even on a kick turn or any sort of awkward position; and this was actually a relatively warm day (30s). They're "strongest touring binding on the market" claim is apparently a sham, especially because I found out that next year's model is identical. I'm goin back to the Dukes! That day brought much shame to Salomon's name in my books..
forrest m
Member since
Damn. I hope Salomon is monitoring these comments, because they should probably address this. I'm pretty sure they would have tested the candy out of the system prior releasing--a failure like this defies reason. Mcclain, how did this happen?
mcclain
Member since
When I would switch back to the flat mode after hiking with the riser bar up there would be some snow/ice built up under the toe, which created a small amount of flex on those bars whenever I would put my heel down. Even though I constantly cleared the built up snow/ice under the toe whenever I noticed this stress/bending point occurring, eventually this pivot point snapped as you see in the photo.
Ryan Gibbs
Member since
Has Salomon addressed this issue with you/ honored the warranty?
mcclain
Member since
Yes they did honor the warranty, but their next year's model is the exact same binding. Since it only took half of my season to prove their untrustworthiness, I swapped with a local shop's inventory for a pair of this year's dukes.
Tor
Member since
I tried the Guardian the other day and I don't understand why they are marketing the product with the fact that you can switch between touring and skiing mode without taking the ski off. First of all, if you're not touring wind blown hard packed snow ice will build up under the toe. It didn't really feel like the bars were about to break when I tried to click in, but I definitely had to take the ski off to fasten the binding. My mate and I did short laps so we took our gear of quite a few times, and this happened every time. Sometimes the binding didn't wan't to come off when I changed from skiing to touring mode due to ice and snow. So don't choose this binding over the duke for that feature, it won't make a difference. The binding felt really stable while skiing, the 16 din makes it properly robust.
Charles Jonas
Member since
SAME EXACT THING HAPPEN TO ME! Don't buy these bindings if you do any type of serious touring. The design is flawed and with heavy use is sure to snap. With use, the base rail becomes weaker at the toe piece rivet (like a paper clip being bent back and forth) until finally it snaps under normal use .
sooki
Member since
Thanks Solomon!
Jeff L
Member since
How big a factor in this event is your being in them 7 days/week? Seems like that would trash almost anything. Would these hold for an average human being on 14 days / year Rogers pass - style trips?
tour? YES!
hay1510459211
Member since
I have used just about every touring binding out there from a Marker Duke for hitting side country jumps to a Dynafit for the long missions. After only a couple tours on the Guardian I am sold on this new addition to the BC binding market. The system is low to the ski which is crucial for energy transfer and ski feel. The simple change from tour to ski mode and vice versa has been well planned out. No need to pop out of your skis at the top to take your skins off. With just 2 touring heights simplicity is the game, no wondering if you should be at a mid or high height. The downhill mode inspires confidence and I never stop to think about my touring binding being able to hold up to the standards of what is needed for the downhill experience. Hands down most solid touring binding on the market.
Best for making the most of sidecountry
Bucket
Member since
I put these on a pair of Head Super Mojos. While this is in no way a light touring set up, it is the best of both worlds for me whenever there is lift access involved. I enjoy bombing fast cruisers, and these skis literally lay waste to half chop, crud, and everything in between. Finally I now have the perfect combo of bomber binding I can also hike on which is also strong enough to put on a big, heavy, serious ski. While I haven't used the Marker bindings, the big plus with these is not having to take the ski off to free the heel. That, and the fact that they put the boot a bit closer to the ski really make them the better choice.
With any sidecountry skiing, sometimes it's not so much having the ability to free the heel for ascending as it is for making the return trip easier. Many times I've found myself in a flat area that needs traversing where popping the heel loose makes it go faster even though I don't get the skins out. That's what I've always loved Fritchis for, but have been wary of the Markers for. This binding makes for a truly All Terrain set up where their primary use is an alpine binding. For strictly touring I still use my light skis with the Fritchis, but it's nice to have both options now. As per the other reviews, I have found the need to utilize silicone spray to minimize icing, etc. and would ding them one star if my primary purpose was for touring, as it is not, I give these 5 stars.
Stepped in issue
vit4169315
Member since
Good bindings
vit4169315
Member since
- Gender: Male
- Familiarity: I've used it several times
After some usage here is my note:
I've got my bindings mounted on one of skis with some horizontal deviation - binding was not perfect in place, had to push binding few milimeters to side in order to qlick into ski mode. First time after short touring up the hill I almost lost front screw, it almost fell of the mount. Lucky I noticed it before the run. After fixing it on the hill(putting it on the place) it never felt of again. Also deviation in mount had gone. So you need to be carefull with who installs your bindings, obvious mine were not properly mounted .
Touring is easy and comfortable(have not done flat touring though). I got several times my lower ski (to the hill when going not straignt but traversing the slope) being stepped into the ski mode during hiking quite steep slope. Also qlick into the ski mode is sometimes not straightforward, binding seems to be stepped in, but marks say opposite(see video). So I always check bindings before ascent.
Skiing several times in trees, groomers, open pow slope. Binding feels super great and comfortable. Had no chance to test release though Also have not used any other touring binding so cannot compare it to others.
Great binding
Maggie
Member since
Very user friendly for touring purposes. Easy to switch from downhill to touring.
what ski crampons go w/ these? I have the...
brap74364
Member since
what ski crampons go w/ these? I have the 115s... thanks
Bill Porreca
Member since
Unfortunately they have not yet made a ski crampon for this binding.
Bill Porreca
Member since
So I did some more research today, these might work http://www.backcountry.com/voile-universal-telemark-ski-crampon , it will be a little hard to get them on as the frame of the binding will be in the way. You can take a look at it on their site as well http://www.voile.com/voile-ski-crampon.html
brap74364
Member since
thanks for the suggestion. just contacted voile and this is what they said...:
"Our ski crampons are really only for use with telemark bindings. The only way you could make it work with an AT binding is to mount the crampon in front of the binding (which will work, though it would be slightly less effective)."
also contacted Salomon and they were not that helpful. basically just said they didn't make one and they had no idea if anything else could work. I suggested they call that out in their product description and the rep just said its not his job. super frustrating.
mbr3805914
Member since
They do have crampons for Guardian/Tracker.. I've only seen them sold in overseas stores so far. Bet you could get your local dealer to order. They have them in 115mm.
WOW
Adam D
Member since
- Gender: Male
- Familiarity: I've used it several times
Salomon came out swinging. This might be best of class and definitely puts my Barons to shame. Now if I didn't have to bend out the brakes to fit them on my Gypsys
Salomon Guardian Binding
jamey parks
Member since
A little up near Alta, UT
They all have quirks!
Seth Morrison
Member since
- Gender: Male
- Familiarity: I've put it through the wringer
As far as skiing goes they work well. Yet plastic heal reminds me of the plastic 916 bindings and found I had to ride higher din than I thought I should. They are lower to the ski than others and the heightener lacks true flat or a midway. All in all for ski area and daily tours it works just as well as others but I think more bomb proof than others due to the aluminum framing. At the end of the day every system has its problems and there are not any perfect touring bindings, seen them all fail. Beats hauling around trekkers, which I would still use to ski on some setups since I'm not sponsored.
Brad Wegman
Member since
I think trekker is looking for someone to pimp their stuff.:)
Thanks for the feedback seth. Funny you mention the din. My buddy and I are finding the need to raise the din as well.
Seth Morrison
Member since
We have been waiting for these for a long time from salomon, so a great first release. I have seen people do crazy lines on them so you can keep that in mind.
Ryan Gibbs
Member since
I have the same din issue on these that I had on my 916's. Not a huge deal, but definitely a familiar quirk.
erip407043
Member since
Seth, how do the full Tilt boots work with the guardians? I have the Konflicts and love them. Deciding between guardians or a pair of trekkers for some sidecountry use. What do you think? Thanks
Salomon Guardian AT Binding
Backcountry Video
Member since
Very Nice
Brad Wegman
Member since
- Gender: Male
- Familiarity: I've used it several times
Mounted to Line Sir Francis Bacon. I don't know what people are talking about they say there is no flat option for touring. In the lowest position it's pretty darn flat. Can't notice any rise really. I think this is the new leader in the pack when it comes to this type of AT binding. Not having to remove skis to switch to tour mode seals the deal for me. Salomon nailed it, BOMBER! Better stride for touring as well.
Ryan Gibbs
Member since
I would agree that the lowest setting is pretty darn flat, but on longer truly flat approaches the lack of a 0 degree option becomes uncomfortable. Granted, they are not designed to be used as a distance approach setup, but its an improvement that could still be made.
Brad Wegman
Member since
Haven't had the chance for long approaches. I agree, I wouldn't recommend these type of AT bindings for long approaches or tours. Better options for that. For hitting Big and Little Cotton Wood back country where skins tracks are short, or side and slack country these perform just great. 15 mile tours in NH or the Adirondacks to ski slides, not so much given the weight and stride. I just think for what the Duke/Guardian/Baron/Adrenalin is designed for, The Guardian takes the cake. Although I haven't skied the Adrenalin yet. Time will tell when it comes to durability, but they sure seem bomber so far. Dukes, Barons are known for slop in the toe piece after heavy use. We'll see what happens with the Guardian.
forrest m
Member since
It looks like there is a problem with your setup--you should definitely send them to me for testing...
Nice kit!
New guardians!!!!
gom2490453
Member since
First day skinning second day skiing still killing it!!!!!
gom2490453
Member since
Easy to clear the snow recommend watching Solomon's video for their easy response to snow build up and or a bit of silicone spray helps in bad conditions
Bomber, but needs some work
Ryan Gibbs
Member since
- Gender: Male
- Familiarity: I've used it several times
Straight out of the box they are clearly bomber. The metal construction is the torisionally stiffest touring binding I have used. In bounds they are everything you could ask for; durable construction, super responsive, and keep you locked in. When you flick them into touring mode is when you start to to notice the flaws. The heel risers fell down every quarter mile or some, not causing any major problems, but added a minor hassle that left a bitter taste in my mouth at some particularly precarious moments along my tour. The weight is VERY noticeable and this is coming from a person that uses Dukes regularly. I hope future models will see creative ways of reducing weight without compromising performance. I will be adding some soft material to dampen the notorious clack sound as well. There were also some icing problems. The snow was moist and packed in under the toe pivot. Snow was cleared easily, but did require me to remove my skis rather than smoothly transition without the need to remove them.
On the plus side the ski/tour mode will absolutely keep you locked in and I dont see a way you could accidentally go into tour mode. The stride of these feels much more natural than any of the Marker offerings.
Market Recommendation: If you are looking for a binding that will be used 80% resort and 20% sidecountry touring this is an incredibly competitive binding in the bomber AT group.
Refinement needs/concerns: Heel riser improvement, ski/tour mode spring longevity, weight.
Awesome review.
Chris Wilke
Member since
Excitement at an all time high
Ethan P Fischer
Member since
- Gender: Male
Can't wait to bust these out this year. The Wasatch is already calling.
When will there be more sizes? More specifik,...
Gustav Lindberg
Member since
When will there be more sizes? More specifik, Small 115mm brake.
Ryan Gibbs
Member since
I'm having the same problem. I spoke with someone in the live chat the other day. They will not be getting any smalls this year. I would check back in with them after the new year.
Ryan Gibbs
Member since
I'm not sure if you noticed Gustav, but they did decide to add the Small 115 to the store as of today. Hope you get to enjoy yours!
Gustav Lindberg
Member since
Thanks for the update Ryan! Appreciate it!
Best Yet
dch2933007
Member since
- Familiarity: I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions
I've skied numerous AT bindings geared towards downhill performance. This is the best skiing AT binding out yet. Its low stack height and stiff frame create a great skiing AT binding.
Ryan Gibbs
Member since
How much time do you have touring on them? Did you find the lack of a flat riser setting to be uncomfortable?
gom2490453
Member since
Just flip the bale forward under foot that is the flat mode
View all contributions... Be patient, it might take a while.

Ryan Gibbs
Member since