The Salomon Mountain Lab has created something special, this time it’s the MTN Pure binding + brake. The brake follows the “simpler is better” philosophy, which is great when it comes to a lightweight ski touring binding. The toe and heel unit feature a wide mounting platform, which gives it stout and aggressive performance on wider powder skis. However, it will also readily take control of narrower mountaineering skis without issue. The brake is retracted/deployed with the use of a large lever that folds out of the way when not in use.
The toe piece is built out of as few pieces as possible, which contributes to the reliable performance: fewer parts to break, repair, or wear down. A patented Step-In aid guides your boot into the toe piece, but moves out of the way as soon as your boot is in the binding. This helps to not impede range of motion on a technical skin-track. An integrated crampon receptor offers rigid attachment for icy spring mornings.
The heel housing is sandwiched between a threaded adjustment track and two risers. The housing rotates 90° to expose a flat mode which makes long approaches more natural and efficient. It rotates easily back to ski mode when you’re ready to point it down the fall-line. The risers are strategically machined to reduce unnecessary weight and easily manipulated to offer climbing versatility. The most unique part about the heel piece is the combination of simplicity and function. The heel also features fixed-release race bindings, with the option to install different springs for different release values. The MTN Pure binding comes with three in the box: Women’s, Men’s, and Expert which dictate forward and lateral release values simultaneously. The springs can be changed in a matter of minutes at home. The threaded adjustment track offers 30mm of range so you can accommodate different sized boots.
Technicals:
- Wide mounting pattern establishes power and sure-footed performance.
- Three riser options including a flat mode to make approaches more approachable.
- Three included springs to adjust release value to your preferred setting.
- Five brake sizes at your disposal: 80mm, 90mm, 100mm, 110mm, and 120mm.
- Step-In Aid helps you get into the bindings when your heart rate and elevation are sky high.
- Long toe lever makes it easy to switch modes in a flick.
