News: Atomic, Salomon To Release New Touring Bindings

These look pretty...



News: Atomic, Salomon To Release New Touring Bindings

October 17, 2011

In 2012 Salomon and Atomic will release two new alpine touring bindings: The Salomon Guardian 16 and the Atomic Tracker 16. Both bindings will be offered for the same recommended retail price and will be identical both technically and functionally. The only difference is that the Guardian is blue and the Tracker is yellow.

The bindings directly compete with the Marker Duke — the toe piece looks just like a Marker and the DIN goes to 16. The difference here is that these bindings switch to tour mode with the flick of a ski pole rather than having to exit the binder to enter that mode, as you must with the Duke.

No word yet on weights or how high (or low) the binding plate sits. As we learn more, we'll share that information.

Here is the press release from Salomon and Atomic:

With  more and more skiers looking for escape in the mountains, seeking untracked snow and an intense way to experience nature, Salomon and Atomic are excited to introduce a new backcountry binding in the fall/winter of 2012, poised to become the benchmark for all snow adventurers.

What happens when the world’s two leading winter sports brands bring together their most creative experts and athletes to develop a backcountry binding? The result is the next generation of freeride performance — the new Salomon Guardian 16 and Atomic Tracker 16 feature unique advantages for every outing into the backcountry.

UNMATCHED SKIING PERFORMANCE

This new premium binding, to be sold as the Salomon Guardian 16 and the Atomic Tracker 16, will change the way skiers approach and enjoy the backcountry. It is designed to provide the highest level of confidence, efficiency and feel in downhill performance for a heightened skiing experience. The binding’s low profile chassis features a lower stand height for greater stability and enhanced terrain feedback, and the oversized platform enables maximum power transmission and responsiveness for quick and more precise turns.

HIKE & RIDE TECHNOLOGY FOR PRACTICAL AND INTUITIVE HANDLING

By offering the most convenient and time-saving transition from hiking to riding, the binding helps enable a better experience in the mountains. Beyond its greater transition efficiency, this design also helps reduce the hazards and inconvenience involved in taking off your skis on difficult terrain. Featuring the hike and ride switch, which is easily engaged with your ski pole, it is no longer necessary to remove your skis when switching between hiking and riding modes. After climbing, simply use your ski pole to flip the climbing bar to skiing position, step down with your heel until the binding locks securely into place, and you are ready for the turns you’ve just earned.

Above all, the new Salomon Guardian 16 and Atomic Tracker 16 bindings provide the power, precision and on-snow feel of a high-performance freeride binding, with the benefits of a very convenient hiking system.

The Salomon Guardian 16 and Atomic Tracker 16 will be available in the fall of 2012 and will set the standard for the ultimate backcountry skiing experience. Above all, the new binding maximizes skiing performance, is extremely practical and adds new meaning to enjoying the backcountry skiing experience. The Salomon Guardian 16 and Atomic Tracker 16 will be offered for the same recommended retail price and will be identical both technically and functionally.

For more, visit the Salomon website and the Atomic website.

Looks like it only has one climbing position. That statement aboout flipping the climbing bar down and stepping down to lock the heel in may have drawbacks. Many times you would want the binding in that position skinning on flattish terrain. Is the heel going to inadvertantly lock in?

FYI this Salomon/Atomic binding has been discussed, theorized about, ridiculed and praised at great length in TGR Tech Talk, with ongoing contributions from Cody Townsend, a Salomon athlete:

http://www.tetongravity.com/forums/showthread.php/216914-Salomon-AT-binding-lt-world-exclusive-spy-shot-gt

The answer to your question is in that thread somewhere...

Bindings look sweet.  Too bad everyone has to wait until next fall to get 'em.

SBR- Interesting thread I think I learned something and I had a few laughs....