Salomon Guardian MNC 13 Alpine Touring Binding reviews and deals for sale

Durable and trustworthy!

I used these bindings during my first season of touring, and they are AMAZING if you are using the same setup for the resort and the backcountry. Yes, they add quite a bit of weight, but the stability/durability tradeoff is well worth it if you are riding on a single setup. I was still able to do a few long, multi-day touring trips despite the added weight with no issues. I beat… read more these up quite a bit in the resort, and they are still in perfectly good shape!

Liking them a lot

Thus far, I’ve ridden these bindings a couple times both in resort and a couple of times during tours. I’ve mounted them to my pair of Soul 7s, and while the highly experienced skinner might complain about the weight of the guardians, being the somewhat newbie that I am I’ve been happy with their performance. The transition between touring and downhill is flawless and couldn’t… read more be easier to operate, and in resort they perform just as well, if not better, than traditional downhill bindings. The guardians are a great binding for someone without a developed quiver, such as myself, who wishes to split their time between backcountry and resort.

Defective Product

This binding is defective and Salomon knows it. The aluminum rails will break in the location of the rivets. Not sure who payed off some of these good reviews but don't buy this binding!

heavy but burly

I got these to get into touring this year but unfortunately hurt myself before i got to actually try them. I did ride them on resort a few time and i do like them! They are a tad heavy but i expected that

Bindings for Everything

If you only have one pair of skis and you are planning on spending time at the resort but cannot resist those tasty backcountry laps these bindings are great. They are low profile, relatively light for a frame binding and reliable. One of the coolest features of this bindings is that you can transition in and out of walk mode without having to take off the skis. My only wish would… read more be that the walk mode could have a little more variation.

Solid binding

Great binding for skiers just getting into touring. It is rather heavy, but you get great downhill performance.

Review

Pros

Awesome, but a little heavy

I've only gotten up on these once so far since purchasing but so far I love the way they function. If you want a solid set up to tour, but don't have the money to get set up with a quiver of skis, these are a solid bet. They adjust really nicely and function perfectly. As most other have said they are heavier than a tech binding, but they still fit the bill perfectly.

Great frame binding

This was my first touring binding and as far as frame'd AT bindings go, I think it is the best on the market. This binding has one of the lowest stack heights around which was important to me because I like the feel of being close to my skis and the snow. Also makes tricks a lot more engaging. As for the weight, it's a common concern, I don't notice it too much but I am… read more sure I would if I was coming from a tech set up. It doesn't really bother me too much though. Being able to release the heel without stepping out of the skis is super convenient. I only wish that Solomon would have included an intermediate riser option. The riser in up position is great for steep skin tracks and the rider in the down position is still good for slight up hill skinning, the only problem comes when you are on terrain that isn't quite steep but also not mellow, doesn't bother me too much but is still present. My roommate has the marker duke bindings which I have gotten the chance to use and I would take these over the dukes without a question.

good for the money

I bought this for my girlfriend to use when she comes into the backcountry with me. the only downside is compared to the other similar binding i have is this one is heavier. it has a smaller construction but it heavier.

Go tech if you want to go fast

Going along the same lines as most reviews here. These bindings are just too heavy for my use. If you are are on a budget they are great. But otherwise I would urge you to go with a full tech set up. You will be happy you made the choice - even though it is a stout investment, it is all worth it in the end. I used these for two seasons until getting Kingpins in October '15. I… read more am very glad I made the switch/investment and I wish that I had done it from the start!

Just a little heavy

Getting into backcountry skiing is pretty expensive, and if you don't want to break the bank, a frame binding is an easy way to get into it. I've found that this binding is extremely easy to use, a great price point, and hasn't failed me. The biggest issues with these are the weight, and how you don't have a ton of options in terms of the heel riser height. If you plan on doing… read more long backcountry tours, I would recommend going with a tech binding, but for those who are just getting into it, or experimenting with some sidecountry, this binding is the way to go.

Weight

It's a solid binding, but its really heavy which is a BIG draw back in my opinion. Maybe I'm just out of shape. . . but trying to hike seven miles in these was physically exhausting. Who cares if there is a flex-free platform and low-profile chassis if my legs are burning so badly by the time I reach the top that my skiing is sloppy anyways. Be in really good shape if you buy these… read more and put them on small, light skis or just get lighter bindings.

Awesome Bindings!

Solomon Guardian I purchased these bindings mostly for their versatility. I’m a resort skier who occasionally ventures out into the backcountry and the Guardian is the perfect fit. Stiff enough for the deepest pow on the resort and nimble enough for a full day of hiking. This is my first AT binding, so I can’t really comment on the weight. There may be some lighter bindings… read more out there, but I find the Guardian to be the perfect fit for me. I use these on the K2 Annex and I couldn’t be happier with the combo!

I have these bindings with Scarpa Maestrale RS boots (I think the previous iteration with the white, blue and orange color). I brought these with the boots to have them mounted at my local ski shop and the tech there said he does not think they are compatible - the heel and toe connection did not seem secure and he felt it was dangerous. Is there an adjustment that needs to be… read more made? I was under the impression these two should fit no problem. Salomon customer service on the phone said they should fit but if the ski tech says they don't work go with the ski tech... I have a call out to Scarpa as well. Any advice??

Will those bindings works with Salomon Q-83 Myriad Skis - Womens 2016 152 cm? Thanks

Can you truly get away with running standard alpine boots with these binding or is it best to get a AT specific boot? Im just having a hard time wrapping my brain around touring with my beeefy downhill boot.

I have a set of Tecnica Agent ATs 2010/2011. they have a unique sole on them in comparison to the current ISOs and Tech soles. Will they work with these bindings? Thanks much

I am currently a novice skier, my current DIN setup is at 5. Would these bindings last me a while or should I get the Guardian 16?

Is this binding compatible with the Scarpa Gea GT boot?

What year was this binding manufactured? Does the 13' correspond with 2013?

My boot size is 28.5 what should i get long of short?

If I have a 117mm underfoot, do I need to go with the 115 or 130 brake width? I don't want excess brake on the sides of my skis, but i'm wondering if I could just bend the 115 brake to fit the 117 underfoot. Thanks.

What do these weigh?