2025 Salomon S/Lab Shift2 13 MN Ski Bindings Review
By: Jordan Berde, Ski Buyer | Published: May 17th, 2024
The Lowdown
We talked, Salomon listened. After 6 years on the market, the Salomon Shift gets a significant overhaul, making one of our favorite hybrid bindings even better. The original Shift binding came onto the market in 2018 after 7 years of R&D, where it completely shook up the AT binding world. Skiers no longer needed to compromise weight or safe, reliable release, now they could have the best of both worlds. It eliminates the need for multiple setups - a "quiver killer" if you will - making the transition between in-bound and backcountry smooth as can be. The improvements from the Shift to Shift² (aka Shift 2 or Shift 2.0) are all about inspiring confidence in your day out on the slopes, whether that's inbounds or in the backcountry. A more precise AFD (anti-friction device), allowing for a more dialed-in fit, larger toe wings for better power transfer, and some height on the climbing aid (heel riser) are a few of the updates to the Shift². Same name, new features, improved performance.
>> Also available as the Atomic Shift² 13 MNC and Armada Shift² 13 MN.
Technical Details
The most notable update is to the AFD plate in the toe pieces of the binding. The new Shift2 now features a "Power Block" insert that allows for more micro-adjustability, making for a more precise fit that eliminates any play or slippage, and gives you improved power transfer. In the original Shift, the AFD sat on little "wedges" that throughout the day tended to drop down, which sometimes gave the Shift a sloppy feeling, occassionally leading to the dreaded pre-release. The new Power Block keeps the AFD from dropping down, giving you the confidence and security you need when charging down the slopes.
| Construction | Carbon-Infused PA, Aluminum, and Steel |
| Brake Sizes (mm) | 90, 100, 110, 120 |
| DIN Range | 6 - 13 |
| Adjustment Range (mm) | 30 |
| Height (mm) | 24.2 |
| Weight (1 toe + 1 heel) | 920 g |
Ride Impressions
I have been using the previous version of this binding since its inception in 2018 after I upgraded from my clunky frame binding. It's been incredible to see Salomon take feedback from all sorts of channels - feedback from athletes, shops, and consumers through on-snow events, forums, even social media apps - and deliver those updates for Shift 2. The most noteworthy update that I could feel right away was the improved AFD plate. I'm a smaller skier, but I do ski aggressively and I'm not afraid of a little air. In the previous Shift binding, my confidence had wavered after hearing of countless "pre-releases" from friends and strangers alike, where the boot ejected from the binding with little to no pressure. With the Shift 2, I felt secure right off the bat, forgetting that I was skiing on an alpine touring binding. No matter the terrain or the turn shape, I felt locked in. Adjustment for the AFD has moved from the side of the plate to under foot, and although a little more awkward to adjust, it was still easy enough to do myself.
Rating: ★★★★★
Pros
- AFD plate felt locked in all day long, even after a few runs on bulletproof snow
- Larger toe wings had me forgetting that I was on a hybrid-touring binding
- Improved brake mechanism kept the brakes in place on the skin track
- Aesthetically pleasing (purples and pinks are in, and I'm here for it)
Cons
- The toe level is still a pain to lock into place, especially if there's any build-up of snow
- The slot to release the brakes down when transitioning is still very small and challenging to do with thicker gloves on
Who Are They For?
If you're looking to start exploring the backcountry, you have a trip to Japan and only want to bring one ski, or you have that one ski that you want to ski anywhere and everywhere without buying several different bindings, consider the Shift 2. It's available in two DIN ranges - 10 DIN and 13 DIN - for skiers of all ability levels and sizes. It's been beefed up to make sure that you feel confident and secure in all snow conditions. If you're a bigger person and routinely hucking off of cliffs and jumps, this may not be the binding for you.
The Bottom Line
If you're looking to pick up a binding that allows you to tackle an early morning dawn patrol, a hut trip with friends, or endless chairlift laps on a powder day, the Shift 2 is a solid option. Salomon continues to lead the pack in binding innovation, and these updates are a testament to that. In my opinion, it is the best hybrid binding on the market, and if I'm choosing just one binding that can do everything, it's going to be the Shift 2. With fun colorways that pop, you're guaranteed to be one of the better looking skiers on the mountain. Now that this binding packs a little more confidence, it could make you one of the best skiers on the mountain. No promises, though.
Shop Salomon S/Lab Shift² MN 13 Ski Bindings
About the Author
Name: Jordan Berde
Age: 34
Height: 5'2"
Weight: 140 lbs
Location(s) & Conditions: Arapahoe Basin, CO (Packed Powder) | Winter Park, CO (Packed Powder) | Loveland Pass, CO (Backcountry)
Skis: Salomon QST Stella 106
Boots: K2 Mindbender 115 BOA W & Salomon Shift Alpha BOA 115 W
Riding Style & Ability Level: A typical day out for me includes seeking out deep and steep runs in the trees, or finding hike-to terrain with a secret powder stash. If not there, you can find me cruising down any run on the mountain trying to find all the side hits. Backcountry is my true love, and I'll be the first one up at the crack of dawn to set the skin track. In it for the views and summit snacks!