Salomon

Guardian MNC 16 Alpine Touring Binding

When you venture into the backcountry to slay steep and committing lines, you want a binding that is going to hold you to your ski when you're picking up speed and taking big airs. The Salomon Guardian MNC 16 Alpine Touring Binding is a huck-able binding with DIN values that won't pre-release at the worst possible time. Salomon made a few tweaks to this year's iteration of the Guardian to improve on its now legendary downhill performance. A reduced stand height, an oversized chassis, and the U power toe all come together to increase power transmission to the ski, as well as lateral power transmission, making these bindings an ideal clamp for girthy big mountain boards.

One of the big complaints about previous versions of the Guardian was its boot compatibility. Well, Salomon worked that out by making the binding Multi Norm Certified, so it will now accommodate everything from your alpine boot to lugged AT boot. The hike and ride switch allows for quick transitions from walk to ski mode without having to take off your ski, while the easily lifted heel elevators help make your climb a whole lot easier. With a burly DIN range of 7-16, the Guardian will hold big skiers tight when they're taking big airs and charging down big lines in variable conditions.