Salomon: New tech/alpine binding

**buenonda** · 02-14-2017, 05:33 PM

first we saw them on the last bon appétit

http://www.skipass.com/news/145493-b...renees-a-.html

and karamazofaucunlien put these pictures on skipass

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**ARpowhound** · 02-14-2017, 05:46 PM

That looks like the new Vipec tecton.

**buenonda** · 02-14-2017, 05:55 PM

no.

Click image for larger version.

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**TahoeJ** · 02-14-2017, 05:56 PM

I don't think it's the Vipec. That toe looks like the Solly one, or at least the other picture I saw (maybe in BackCountry magazine?)

So would these go into the marker kingpin category, except I realize they're quite a bit lighter? As in, tech toe with a more traditional style heel piece?

**XavierD** · 02-14-2017, 06:50 PM

Not a standard tech toe would be the main difference between these and everything else (tecton / kingpin )

**m-ruta** · 02-14-2017, 07:02 PM

This thing is a Solly design, they've been prototyping it for like 4 years. Apparently they've been meaning to release it for at least 2 but are only now feeling like it's close to being ready for production. All I know about the design is that they consider it a direct Kingpin competitor.

**nyskirat** · 02-14-2017, 07:27 PM

It looks so much like the Tecton...

**LeeLau** · 02-14-2017, 07:50 PM

Originally Posted by m-ruta

This thing is a Solly design, they've been prototyping it for like 4 years. Apparently they've been meaning to release it for at least 2 but are only now feeling like it's close to being ready for production. All I know about the design is that they consider it a direct Kingpin competitor.

Don't expect it anytime soon

**m-ruta** · 02-14-2017, 08:23 PM

Originally Posted by LeeLau

Don't expect it anytime soon

The Tech Rep is an optimistic species. The Shop Rat, however is not, and this one is 50/50 on whether it even gets released at all.

**LeeLau** · 02-14-2017, 08:50 PM

Originally Posted by m-ruta

The Tech Rep is an optimistic species. The Shop Rat, however is not, and this one is 50/50 on whether it even gets released at all.

Yup. There are issues with certification and Salomon is understandably eager to get it right the first time

**nyskirat** · 02-14-2017, 08:51 PM

Originally Posted by LeeLau

Yup. There are issues with certification and Salomon is understandably eager to get it right the first time

What is their aim? Similar to the Tecton or Kingpin? Or something new

**abraham** · 02-14-2017, 09:02 PM

Why does it need AFDs? Or am I confused about what I'm seeing

**TahoeJ** · 02-14-2017, 09:23 PM

^^ Hmm... that is weird. Sure look like AFD's.

And yeah, in theory it's like the kingpin but much lighter. In theory.

**brown9** · 02-14-2017, 09:53 PM

Sick pole baskets though

**XavierD** · 02-14-2017, 10:00 PM

Originally Posted by abraham

Why does it need AFDs? Or am I confused about what I'm seeing

Because you only use the tech pins to skin up.

**smooth operator** · 02-15-2017, 01:08 AM

Originally Posted by XavierD

Because you only use the tech pins to skin up.

oooh exciting...

**nyskirat** · 02-15-2017, 06:41 AM

Originally Posted by XavierD

Because you only use the tech pins to skin up.

Interesting. Seems like this is the holy grail.

**1000-oaks** · 02-15-2017, 09:21 AM

Heel looks like a skeletonized STH with flip-up climbing bars that encircle the brake pedal?

Hard to see whats going on at the toe, maybe a dual-level Z-style toe with tech pincer arms on top and forward, so heel doesn't have to move?

**TahoeJ** · 02-15-2017, 11:23 AM

So is this completely different from the MTN tech binding coming out?

**XavierD** · 02-15-2017, 11:28 AM

Originally Posted by 1000-oaks

Heel looks like a skeletonized STH with flip-up climbing bars that encircle the brake pedal?

Hard to see whats going on at the toe, maybe a dual-level Z-style toe with tech pincer arms on top and forward, so heel doesn't have to move?

Yes, more or less.

Originally Posted by TahoeJ

So is the completely different from the MTN tech binding coming out?

Yes. as LeeLau stated, don't expect it for retail sale for at least 18 months.

**TahoeJ** · 02-15-2017, 11:33 AM

Originally Posted by XavierD

Yes. as LeeLau stated, don't expect it for retail sale for at least 18 months.

How strange to roll out a product with the potential plan to make it irrelevant not long after...

**adrenalated** · 02-15-2017, 11:36 AM

Originally Posted by TahoeJ

How strange to roll out a product with the potential plan to make it irrelevant not long after...

The MTN Pin binding and this one are completely different types of tech bindings.

Think Dynafit Speed Superlite vs Beast 14

**TahoeJ** · 02-15-2017, 11:52 AM

Yeah, and rolling out too many similar products in a short period of time can cause a cannibalization of some of them. Isn't the Beast being discontinued? But hey, it's not my money and I'm happy to see lots of R&D in this direction so by all means I hope they keep going...

**XavierD** · 02-15-2017, 11:59 AM

This is to replace guardians. The beast didn't last for a variety of reasons. I still think there is a market for a $600-$700 Tech style binding that skis closer to an STH than a radical 2.