Armada Strive 14 Ski Binding 2022 – 2023 | Review - Mpora

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Armada Strive 14 Ski Binding 2022 – 2023 | Review

The Strive 14 builds on the bombproof STH2 platform, creating a lighter and more nimble offering

Why we chose the Armada Strive 14: Lightweight, solid, safe as houses 

Weight per binding: 980g
Release Value: 5 – 14
Riser Heights: 0˚, 5˚ & 9˚
Brake Sizes: 90, 100 & 115 mm
Heel Adjustment: 30 mm
Price: £210

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Salomon, Atomic and Armada (they all share the same technology) are at the forefront when it comes to ski bindings. The STH2 was the only binding I would use once upon a time and the Shift binding was and still is revolutionary in the backcountry / freeride world. The Amer Sports crew are truly experts when it comes to attaching your feet to your skis, and the Strive is their new best way of doing exactly that.

“The Strive looks a bit like if the Shift and STH2 had a baby”

The Strive looks a bit like if the Shift and STH2 had a baby. It’s definitely smaller but it’s equally as tough. Available in a 14 or 16, you can be sure that your skis will stay on through any terrain you wish and then some. In fact, I think you’ll be pretty hard-pressed to rip these bad boys off if that’s what you’re looking for.

When it comes to bindings, all there is to talk about is the rotational weight, stack height and how they affect the ski-to-boot interface. Salomon has improved on all of these from their previous flagship binding with a lighter, lower profile, offering to help you feel more and, consequently, be more responsive. What’s not to like?

The Strive’s toe piece has been given a new, sportier look. It is 15% lighter than the old STH2 and the ride height has stayed the same, coming in at 20mm which is about as low as it’ll ever get due to most new bindings being fitted with GripWalk technology.

They’ve also somehow managed to reduce the centre of mass of the Strive by 40%. Both the 14 and 16 have the same toe piece but the heels are where you’ll notice the difference between the two with 28mm of adjustment on the toe plate.

The 16 offers a din range of 7 to 16 and has the same tried and tested heel piece as the STH2 which we’ve always found to be much easier to clip into than, say, a Marker Jester. Be careful if you are doing a lot of travelling to not take the heel pieces off when you’re packing as we’ve found it wears down the thread, and makes them more prone to slip off the base plate. A minor issue that is easily avoidable, but something to watch out for.

The 14 offers a DIN range of 5 to 14 and has a new 3-piece heel design with Teflon plates integrated into the binding to provide a more smooth lateral release from the toe. Both the 14 and 16 offer 30mm of travel at the heel.  

The Strive is a binding built for people who want to ski hard and probably call themselves experts. I have personally put my life in the hands of this binding platform, and will be doing so again without hesitation on the new Strives. If you want all your gear to match and own a pair of Atomics, Salomons or Armadas then Strive will be available to run alongside each different branding.

Topics:

Armada Ski 100 2022/23 Ski Bindings
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