Ski bindings provide the essential connection between your skis and boots to enjoy excellent performance, protection, and safety. When you choose a ski binding system, don’t get tunnel vision. You must ensure they are compatible with your ski boot. You’ll also want a professional to adjust the settings, to ensure they fit correctly.
Alpine ski bindings are an essential component of your ski gear, consisting of a heel and toe piece. The toe piece can be released upward or sideways, whereas the heel piece releases in multiple directions or upward.
How We Tested and Compared Different Ski Bindings
Based on our experience skiing with different brands and ski gear, we tried a number of different ski bindings to determine which equipment performed the best with our quality Alpine ski boots. We looked at quality, safety features, and how well the bindings provided support on the slopes.
Best Premium Ski Bindings: Salomon Shift MNC 10 100 Ski Binding
Overview:
- Color options: Black
- Skill level: Intermediate to advanced
- Skiing activities: Downhill, uphill, and backcountry
- Sizing: Adult size
- Features: Built-in wings to provide stabilization
What We Like About It
We found these MNC bindings ideal for both downhill skiing and backcountry touring. These Salomon bindings are versatile, sturdy, and durable, so you can enjoy them often and easily. The design is exceptional, including XL wings, so you can achieve greater control over your edges. You’ll also have excellent control with the tech binding inserts when you explore uphill climbing.
What We Don’t Like
These bindings are ideal for intermediate and advanced skiers, which means they’re not a good fit for beginners.
What Past Buyers Had to Say
Backcountry skiers and downhill enthusiasts love these bindings, as they are versatile and easy to use. Salomon is also a well-established brand, providing great skiing equipment and consistent quality.
Best Shift Ski Bindings: Armada Shift MNC 13 110 Ski Binding
Overview:
- Color options: Black
- Skill level: Intermediate to advanced
- Skiing activities: Uphill touring and downhill skiing
- Sizing: Adult size
- Features: Compatible with walk-to-ride; adjustable toe
What We Like About It
These bindings are ideal for uphill and downhill skis, making it easier to set on wider skis. We found these ski bindings were excellent for backcountry skiing and adapted well to hiking mode, allowing you to free your heel in preparation for the next run. You’ll enjoy superb power transfers downhill, which makes these bindings ideal for a wide range of skiing activities.
What We Don’t Like
If you’re a beginner, these bindings are not a good fit, as they are best suited for novice or advanced skills.
What Past Buyers Had to Say
One of the top features of these ski bindings is their ability to support a wide oversized platform so that you can control power transfers. The compatible design is ideal for better traction on ice so that you can adapt well between uphill and downhill skiing.
Best Youth Ski Bindings: Grom 5 Junior Binding
Overview:
- Color options: Black
- Skill level: Beginner
- Skiing activities: Downhill and backcountry skiing
- Sizing: Kids’ size
- Features: Designed for lightweight skiers
What We Like About It
These are a great investment if you’re looking for the ideal ski bindings for kids. We found they made uphill climbing a bit easier for our kids, especially as these are designed for the lightest weight while providing a solid, sturdily built. These bindings are precisely crafted for kids, unlike standard bindings, which are a good fit for younger children.
What We Don’t Like
While these ski bindings are excellent for kids, they come with a high price tag.
What Past Buyers Had to Say
Grom 5 ski bindings for kids are a great buy, even if it’s more expensive, as they are long-lasting, sturdy, and can be adjusted up to five sizes. If your kids grow fast, they won’t outgrow these bindings too soon!
Since these are the lightest bindings, they are easy for kids to use, and the lateral release is also convenient. The design is excellent for beginners, with a toe shaped for easy step-in, even if the boots are a bit worn or differently shaped.
Best Lightweight Ski Bindings: Hagan Core 12 EVO Ski Bindings
Overview:
- Color options: Black/grey
- Skill level: Beginner to advanced
- Skiing activities: Downhill and backcountry skiing
- Sizing: Adult size
- Features: Automatic brakes
What We Like About It
The automatic brakes are one of our favorite features. While push-pin systems cost less, and these ski bindings are a premium, you’ll find the higher price is a good investment if you’re looking for long-term, durable bindings for backcountry touring. If you forget to switch to descent mode once you’re ready for a run, this is done automatically, which is ideal.
These bindings are lightweight, precise, and offer great features worth the expense if that’s what you’re looking for. We found Hagan Core’s 12 EVO to be one of our top choices for this reason.
What We Don’t Like
You’ll pay a premium for these ski bindings, and they may not be the most affordable option for everyone. If you’re not a fan of automatic brakes, you may want to consider another brand or tech binding.
What Past Buyers Had to Say
Buyers are generally content with these bindings, especially the solid, consistent performance and robust design, all combined into a stellar, lightweight option. They are also versatile for climbing downhill and are easy to step into without any issues.
Best Budget-Friendly Ski Bindings: Salomon Warden MNC 13 Bindings
Overview:
- Color options: Black
- Skill level: Beginner to advanced
- Skiing activities: Alpine touring and downhill skiing
- Sizing: Adult size
- Features: Wide platform and directional markers for quick adjustment
What We Like About It
Salomon Warden MNC bindings are ideal for freestyle performance and work well with touring and Alpine boots. They offer a low-profile chassis with enhanced power transmission. They are essentially designed for free skiing, and we enjoyed the level of stability on the hill, which was superb.
The extra-wide toe petal is also a great feature, providing support and making you less likely to slip or fall and experience a knee injury. Overall, we found these bindings to be durable and ideal for a wide range of skiing adventures.
What We Don’t Like
Honestly, there’s nothing we didn’t like about these bindings! While they offer many great features, some attributes may not be ideal for some individuals.
What Past Buyers Had to Say
These bindings are unisex, which makes them versatile for men and women. You’ll find the long wings help support your boot, giving you better power transmission. Many buyers enjoy the built-in toe, the U-power toe, strengthening the platform. These lightweight bindings are excellent, giving you more tolerance on skis while remaining durable for many runs.
How to Choose the Best Ski Bindings: Buying Guide
What type of ski bindings are the best? First, you’ll need to choose ski bindings compatible with your boots. Your ski level, the type of skiing you enjoy, and how cautious you are on the hill are all factors you’ll want to consider when investing in a good pair of bindings.
Skill Level
If you’re typically cautious when skiing and consider yourself a beginner or intermediate skier, you won’t need the most lightweight or highest-release setting. You’ll find many ski bindings in this category are the most cost-effective, so you won’t pay as much to get started!
The essential elements of proper bindings should keep you safe, but they are relative to your skill level, size, and height. For example, if you weigh more, you may want a higher release setting or purchase the next level of bindings.
A higher release setting is best if you’re an expert or advanced skier. You’ll also want a lightweight product, usually made of titanium or similar light metals, so that you can enjoy higher speeds and steep hills. Kids’ ski bindings should have a lower release setting and must accommodate their boots, which is important, as some bindings are not designed for a smaller size or kids’ boot.
Don’t forget to pick up a pair of the best ski socks!
Anti-Friction Devices
These devices are designed like pads and mounted on the ski beneath the forefeet. These allow your boots to slide into the bindings much easier and also make it simpler with a toe-piece release.
Ski Brakes
When you fit your boots into the bindings, you’ll notice some prongs line up with the skis, which must be aligned to fit with the type of skis you have. For example, if you have side skis, you’ll want to ensure the brakes on your ski bindings are wide enough to fit. For this reason, it’s important to find bindings designed for a good hold to enjoy quality performance.
Release Settings
In most cases, a quick, easy release is preferred, and these settings are based on various factors, including your age, height, weight, ski boot sole length, and the type of skiing skill level. If the score, based on these factors, is lower, that means you won’t need as much force to release, whereas someone with a higher weight or skill level may need more force, especially if you’re intermediate or advanced.
Final Thoughts
The best ski bindings are an integral part of your ski equipment. While you’ll need to consider which product is best suited to your level, it’s also important to have them inspected and set up by a professional who can provide excellent advice on how to use them effectively.
Once you find the right ski binding for your skis, you’ll enjoy many of the great features they provide, from automatic release and sizing adjustments to other customizable options.
Now it’s time to look for the best ski jackets before you hit the slopes!
FAQs
What is the best surface to adjust or release your ski bindings?
It’s important to stand on a level surface, which can be snow or solid ground. If you’re on a slope, stand sideways so that you’re less likely to fall, and so you can maintain balance.
Where should I store my skis and ski bindings when I’m not using them?
All equipment you use for skiing, whether integrated bindings, touring boot, or other accessories, should be stored in a dry, warm place free of debris or dampness.
Should I wash out the bindings at the end of every season?
Only a certified technician should wash or treat bindings; doing this at home can remove some of the coatings and reduce their function.