I've been using the Salomon Guardian for over a season now and it's time to draw a conclusion. From Andermatt to Alaska and from hardpack to bottomless powder, the binding has had to put up with a lot and I want to report on it...
Starting with the least important thing, the look, and the most difficult thing to evaluate, the material: I and most people in the terrain don't care whether there are pink elephants on it or not, but it not only looks functional, but is also well thought out. However, there are some plastic parts that might seem strange to Salomon S916 and S920 or STH riders. However, the lack of metal has not had a negative impact to date and the much-loved click of the Salomon bindings is also present here. The weight saving is of course important for a binding with ascent function, but is not at the expense of freeride use. Of course, the tech binding faction doesn't have to fear competition when it comes to weight, but that was never the plan with the Guardian.
Riding behavior and release function
I asked myself beforehand whether you would notice the lower stand height compared to the old Duke or not, and I have to say: Yes, just like with the Dynafit, standing lower is also clearly noticeable in the mm range and, purely subjectively, manifests itself in better riding behavior when freeriding. As tastes differ here, my assessment cannot claim to be universally valid.
The binding rides solidly and can handle any snow and any speed. This gives you confidence, which in my opinion (speaking from experience) you only get with pin bindings in closed mode or (possibly) with the new Beast. It is therefore possible to get the STH16 or S916 feeling with the ascent function.
The ascent function
What would be an exclusion criterion for mountain enthusiasts is, of course, the weight of the binding. But with a binding like the Guardian, you don't normally climb 2000 meters in altitude, but rather go on freeride tours with lift support and normal tours up to just over 1000-1200 m in altitude. And you can tackle these with a clear conscience. The ascent function works perfectly and the adjustment of the climbing aid also works smoothly with a ski pole. Only the two steps could be a little more and/or steeper. It is remarkably practical to switch from ascent to descent mode, which is also possible in heavy snow and sticky snow without having to unbuckle the ski if you briefly lift the ski up, "rattle" it against the binding and then "step in" with weight. No more icy fingers when pulling the lever!
The accumulation of snow under the front foot is a problem in wet snow on the ascent. As a precaution, I have removed the snow once or twice on some tours during the ascent, because it looks like a big lever and possibly ripped out screws if you then stand on the back of it. This has not only been observed in really wet snow, but also in normal powder. There is still room for improvement here.
Conclusion
All in all, a serious alternative on the freeride binding market, with which you almost get the egg-laying wool-milk sow. Freeriding weight fetishists will probably dig deep into their wallets and get the Dynafit Beast. For everyone else, a freeride set-up with the Guardian and a touring set-up is probably more helpful, because you can also pack an optimal ski under the respective binding.
Advantages & Disadvantages
+ low stand height
+ great handling
+ good durability thanks to metal processing
- high weight
- snow accumulation under the toe piece
- not recommended for use with touring soles (only for alpine soles and Salomon's own WTR soles)
Details
Free ski stoppers prevent snagging on switch landings
Quick changeover from one ski to the next and back again
- no need for a ski touring set-up.landings
Quick switch between hike and ride mode
Low-profile chassis for greater stability and better feedback from the terrain
Oversized platform for maximum power transmission
Compatible with WTR soles and alpine soles
Automatic adjustment of the side wings
High lateral impulse transmission for more precision and control
go here to the manufacturer's website for more information and go here to our partner store where you can buy the binding.
