Salomon Stage GW 11 Ski Binding 2021 – 2022 | Review
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.
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.
On the performance side of things, you’ve got a fully adjustable DIN range of 3 – 11, that’ll be suitable for skiers weighing between 36 – 115 kilograms depending on their ability and ski style. This impressive coverage of DINs means that you could start at the lower end of the DIN range as you first get to grips with skiing, and progressively tune your DIN higher as your ski ability, confidence and speed improves.
Power transfer has been addressed when you begin to put your foot down. This is through a wide mounting stance at the toe – giving a large, and wide, surface area to apply power to your ski edges.
Adjustment of the binding can be made through a single screw in the heel. This offers up to 30 mm of fore and aft adjustment – that’s enough to cover over three ski boot sizes. The Stage GW 11 also automatically adjusts to fit both GripWalk and standard alpine sole units.
Who Is The Salomon Stage GW 11For?
The Salomon Stage GW 11 would be an ideal binding for skiers who are just getting into, and quickly progressing through, the sport. The versatile DIN range makes it an ideal choice for beginners as much as it does lighter weight intermediate – advanced skiers.
What Is The Salomon Stage GW 11 Good At?
Versatility: 8/10
User-friendly: 8/10
Weight: 9/10
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