Why we chose the Salomon Stage 11 GripWalk: Light, easy to use, versatile
Weight per binding: 860
Release Value: 3 – 11
Brake Sizes: 80 & 90 mm
Heel Adjustment: 30 mm
Price: £150 / €150 / $160
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Brand-new for 2021, the Salomon Stage 11 GW (GripWalk) is the lightest DIN 11 ski binding on the market. Yes, it’s sometimes impressive to see binding manufacturers churn out 16, 18, and even 20 DIN bindings, but it’s also great to see them develop the other end of the spectrum. In doing so, brands give light weight skiers the tools they need to safely shred the mountain.
“The Stage 11 GW is the lightest DIN 11 binding on the market”
Salomon Stage 11 GW Build
As mentioned, weighing in at a measly 860 grams, the Stage GW 11 is the lightest DIN 11 binding on the market. This is thanks to a largely plastic build both in the toe and heel. This plastic (polyamide reinforced with fibreglass) design makes sense to us; the types of skiers this binding’s designed towards beginner and intermediate skiers who don’t require a full-on metal build, and the additional weight metal comes with.
Other features that make this an ideal binding for beginners to intermediates is also the lower amount of force required to click into the Stage 11. We tested this on the bench a few times here in our office, and it really is noticeable. Just a light step onto the heel and the spring closes shut over your boot, making it that bit easier to attach your skis on those awkward slopes, or if you’re extremely lightweight and have found previous bindings too firm to step into.
