The big news out of Amer Sports in Ogden is that Salomon and Atomic teamed up to create a new backcountry ski binding. The new bindings, called the Salomon Guardian 16 and Atomic Tracker 16, will be available next year in fall 2012. From the looks of things these bindings will compete directly with Fritschi Freeride and Marker.
Looks like Salomon and Atomic dialed in the design based on the photos, but the real question remains – how do they ski? The companies claim these guys are an improvement as they are lower profile, allow the skier to switch from hike to ski modes without removing skis (Fritschi does this too) and are wider for a more stable ride on the down.
They will have a DIN up to 16, but not much else is being said as far as weight, how the walk/ski mode switch works, and price. It’s nice to see other backcountry options entering the market as it can only mean good things for the consumer as competition forces companies to make better quality products at lower prices.
We hope to get our ski boots clicked into a pair of these soon and see for ourselves if Salomon and Atomic will make big waves in the backcountry ski binding market. In the meantime, here’s the full press release from Amer Sports:
Salomon and Atomic Proudly Present
The Next Generation of Backcountry Bindings: Built Lower, Wider and More Convenient*
Ogden, UT—October 17, 2011 — 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 & 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 free ride 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.
A pair of BBR’s plus these make an interesting proposition. I wonder how these will down with the purists…