The Honest Truth About Salomon/Atomic Shift Bindings: 2 SKIING PROBLEMS!!

The Honest Truth About Salomon/Atomic Shift Bindings: 2 SKIING PROBLEMS!!!
In this video, we're going to be discussing two skiing problems: the shocking truth about Salomon/Atomic Shift bindings, and how to fix them.
In this video I discuss the problems that I had with the Atomic and Shift Binding.
Atomic/Salomon Shift Binding Review: How To Use and How To Overcome Difficulties When Using Them 👇
• Atomic/Salomon Shift B...
Time Codes:
00:17 Disclaimer
00:45 Problem 1 with the Atomic and Salomon Binding
06:13 Problem 2 with the Atomic and Salomon Binding
06:52 Overall Conclusion with the Atomic and Salomon Binding
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[@FreeFloFloss]

Thanks for watching and for my first video on the shift bindings check out 👉kzbin.info/www/bejne/aXWndJR5rKyFbM0si=rPg9Oe2oAlESnoLH

[@thepisteoffice331]

You seem surprised that you left your bindings out overnight and they froze! This can happen to any binding but compared to a traditonal lightweight pin binding the Shift is a lot more complicated as it's an alpine binding first with added features of touring pins and lockable brake - so there's a lot more nooks'n'crannies where water can get in an freeze. If you have to leave your skis outside then take a minute to clean the toe and heel mechanisms out as best as possible and then leave the toe switch 'open' so the toe is in skinning mode and you won't have a freezing problem. And, in the rare event it does freeze, then a bit of warm water will defrost it as the warm water can get 'in' to the mechanism to defrost it which is a lot more difficult to do when the mechanism is closed. And the replacement toe din windows you've fitted have nothing to do with the bindings freezing. That part was an in-production change for season three of the Shift as a very very few bindings had an issue were the toe lever would sometimes 'drop-out' and unlock itself when in skinning mode meaning the ski could pop-off the boot, ie in a knee fall when doing a kick turn etc. And stopping the video were your brake is locked up you can see the levers are catching on the junction of the topsheet/sidewall. This is more likely to happen on skis that have a square profile like your Volkls as opposed to a radiused profile - and if any snow/ice is retarding the force of the brake deployment spring, although the spring on the Shift brakes is probably stronger than any other brake on the market. Cutting a slight 45 degree chamfer on the corner of the plastic feet on the brake levers at the contact point on the ski will cure that.

[@riccardo3923]

Hi Jon, good to see you're still going strong. If I ever decide that skiing uphill is the way to go, I know where to get kitted out.

[@user-sy8kk6dr2f]

Love them for shorter tours and general freeride on my fat skis, but definitely wouldn't use them for long tours - but mainly because they're way heavier than my lightweight touring bindings! This will be my 4th season on them, and the only issue I've had is the brakes don't hold the skis together very well when you're carrying them. Minor quibble.

[@irideaduck939]

I completed the Haute Route several years ago on telemark equipment. Both nights that I left the bindings in ski mode out in the elements in freezing conditions I awoke to frozen bindings that were nearly impossible to switch to touring mode. Our guide was unhappy on the first morning and extremely unhappy on the second morning. The two issues that I've had with my shift bindings were attributed to my actions, 1) ski pre-releases due to snow accumulation under my boot and between the mating surfaces of the binding. Now I just make sure the bottom of my boots are clean whenever I put my boot into any binding and that has solved the issue. 2) ski brake would not stay up during touring, on our fourth lap I stomped the brake into the up position and when I did this I packed snow into the area which resulted in the brake being unable to stay up. I now manually lock the brake in the up position.

[@fadet0green]

Hey Flo, thanks for the review and honest opinion! Keep it up!

[@FreeFloFloss]

Thanks for your comment!

[@jjjjjjjjjjjjjbbbbbbb]

Nice video Flossie. I’ve skied Shifts for 2 seasons now. I can echo the issue with the brakes, had that happen a couple of times. Reading the other comments it looks like some minor admin to clear out the snow regularly during the day will help. I’ve only done day tours, nothing overnight, so not had any issues with freezing but again, there’s some great advice around leaving bindings in walk mode overnight which will help. Probably my biggest issue is struggling to get the toe in while out and about. I have no problems on the flat, but a slight bit of angle and/or deeper snow and it comes a right faff …. Though fully expect this will be down to my poor eyesight and balance as much as design faults! Definitely helps to have a buddy to guide it in. Overall I’ve been really happy. As an aggressive skier I really appreciate the alpine feel when going downhill, and the flexibility to switch quickly. No doubt there’s some teething issues but given what Salomon have achieved in the Shift, I’m happy to accept the niggles to get the flexibility.

[@FreeFloFloss]

Thanks for your message.. great hearing from you. I am glad that you are happy with the shift bindings.

[@Benzknees]

Great idea to review equipment a few years in, when problems start to show. Although I believe Salomon/Atomic recognised the lack of nibs on the front DIN window to be a problem (with the pin locking lever coming unlocked) a few years ago, and sent out improved windows (with the nibs on) free to anyone who asked. I own Shifts & also experienced problems with snow/ice getting lodged into the front ski/walk switch and under the rear brake stomp pad. Since first noticing this, I take time to clear out these areas as much as poss. every time I step out out of the bindings. And have not had any repeats since🤞 The main problem (see many reviews on TGR) is setting the AFD, and the boot play/pre-releases this can cause. The AFD moves in steps, and can click down (under pressure) just after you think it's set correctly. Also the toe lug can hang up on the face of the ski/walk switch, even after pulling the boot heel back. These two issues result in excess vertical play at the front, pre-releases, and dints on the rollers (at the end of the front binding wings). Apparently Salomon originally recommended a 0.5mm gap between the AFD & boot, later changed to 0.1mm. And some informed commentators online suggest going even further, so the AFD is touching the boot. This may sound wrong, but the side release still moves pretty cleanly when pressed firmly by hand. The forward pressure indicator has also been reported as an issue by some, as the Salomon tech manual is less than clear on where the correct setting is. As the most novel & complex binding out there, I guess some teething issues were always likely. Am hoping Salomon redesign the AFD & snow traps, as the binding is otherwise a great compromise between heavy frame bindings and less safe/less elastic pin bindings, without the potential toe losing problem of its nearest competitors (Duke PT & Cast Freetour).

[@FreeFloFloss]

Thanks for this, great info and always thanks for watching ..

[@markorafferty876]

Thanks for the review. I went for a Shift binding as I had a slow fall with a pin binding and sprained/factured my foot as the binding wouldn't release (OK happens with all bindings people may say). The shift binding gave me the confidence to get back into skiing, plus the toe binding has a DIN setting which means it will release in a slow fall. One thing I do carry with me is a small sharpened screw driver which allows you to clear the ice from around the toe piece and under the brake plate.

[@FreeFloFloss]

ThanksMar for your message

[@tompiperson4793]

I’ve been waiting patiently

[@tompiperson4793]

Well I’m relived after having ordered 2 sets!

[@FreeFloFloss]

What do you think? Thanks for watching!

[@tompiperson4793]

@@FreeFloFloss great video. I think when you buy bindings advertised as 25% touring this is the kind of issues you have to accept. Maybe they can solve this issue, but like you said, safety is so important if you’re mostly sending it. I’ll not be leaving my skis outside now anyway so thanks for the heads up.

[@gregwiessner6470]

Thanks for the review. I'm a resort skier who is trying touring skis for the first time this year. I found your channel when looking for instruction on using the Shift (which I had just bought this season). I am hopeful they will function well for me. Because I'm a resort skier, I can keep them indoors nearly every night and will definitely keep an eye out for this problem.

[@FreeFloFloss]

Hi Greg, thanks for your message. I am sure you will be fine with the bindings. Thanks for watching. Speak soon Floss

[@tomekg6629]

I am in similar spot. Now I am after the first ski-touring course (with rented equipment). Currently I am completing my first touring ski set. Actually I heard about these issues with shift bindings. Ultimately I chosen the Fritchi Tecton bindings (what's Your opinion on them?). Now I have a dilemma on skis, Salomon pro MTN 86 Vs K2 wayback 89. Another dilemma is length - I started considering shorter skis as I actually enjoy skiing bumps most as well as steeps. I think I will be resort skiing more frequently than backcountry even with this new ski set. And last, I began to doubt I bought proper boots - K2 mindbender 130 LV (older version with buckles, not the boa version). They feel heavy, although fit great. And the so called walk mode does not seem to help much in walking (does it work better in dedicated touring boots? My feeling is it worked better in rented backland boots - but used them only once, not sure if I remember correctly).

[@Conkee1711]

I can't believe no one talks about the main problem with these which is the brakes don't work. They don't deploy at enough of an angle. I have had more runaway skis with my shifts than every other binding (alpine bindings) combined. I have needed ski patrol to help me recover my ski which is not an option in the back country. So for that reason plus the ones you mention you are absolutely right, you cannot take these deep into the back country. You are limited to a little slack country touring.

[@petitjeremy1]

Same haha

[@jonathangray1507]

Floss. Great review - thanks. I have used it for a couple of seasons but I only lead military groups in the resort area for which I think it is ideal. Does suffer from ice blockages on the coldest days but never had a terminal issue. Curious as to what skis they are on ? I have Volkl 108s - heavy but good in powder (my priority) and happy for the extra griz uphill !

[@FreeFloFloss]

I am a mans 98 Volkls ..Thanks for your comment

[@karinbradbury7215]

My daughter has Shifts, and part of the heel base plate broke. This happened on the day she arrived in Georgia for a week's touring, so was potentially disastrous; however, a local managed to whittle a new one of the broken bit out of plastic! They'd had maybe 2 trips usage, but were out of warranty because she got them just before Covid, and then didn't get the chance to use them at all for 2 seasons. The base plate isn't available as a spare part, but to be fair to Salomon, they did eventually send her a whole new pair of bindings.

[@FreeFloFloss]

Thanks for your comment Karin. Oh no what a nightmare, I am so glad Salomon sent her a whole new pair for bindings

[@andibuchs]

Hey Flossie, I had only a problem with the first version of the binding. After about 3 years the lever to lock the binding in touring mode did not lock anymore. I changed the transparent part that had a changed shape and all is good again.No problems so far. What I can't say about the Marker Kingpin that broke in the Pan de Rideau. The snowconditions we have ourdays with wet snow and cold is causing in fact new problems we not seen in the past.

[@tmotten]

You wanna try the Cast bindings using the Pivot bindings. Epic system.

[@FreeFloFloss]

Thanks for that I will have a look at that ...

[@jarmelnelson]

Did a 3 day hut trip in 2022, 4/5 of the group with Shifts had this same issue, toe would not lock out to tour. Ditch the Shift and go with a Dynafit Rotation, have used Rotations for 6 years without any issues.

[@grapefruitbowl]

I find this astonishing. I've never had an issue.

[@FreeFloFloss]

Thanks for your comment

[@sebulban]

I’ve had mine since they were released. Never ever had any problems with them. Like any other binding I’ve had since -85 I tend to do a small clean up when step out of them so they don’t freeze.

[@andyxco]

I like the shifts bc of the din but what’s an alternative to a pin w din binding? Have you tried Tectons?

[@FreeFloFloss]

No I haven`t tried the Tectons what are they like?

[@shotahayashi2969]

I used them for more than 200 days(resort and bc) and only had it freeze once. The skis are left outside the hut for the night. It works great in dry and cold regions, such as Inland Hokkaido. The snow is deep but it won't stack up on the binding. My only complaint is that the heel/vertical elasticity is not as excellent as a traditional resort binding, for about 10mm vs 16 mm+. Ski gets more prerelease at the heel compared with a resort binding.

[@FreeFloFloss]

Thanks for sharing 😁

[@neuronflow]

Can you explain what exactly was frozen and the effect of these new windows? From which season was your binding? Any thoughts on the shift2?

[@FreeFloFloss]

The jaw was frozen so I couldn`t go uphill ..It was the first shift model to come out ... I think that the new models are better..but I still hear for the frozen jaw so you can`t transition to up hill ..I hope this helps?

[@mikechataway3458]

My only issue has been the lever on the toe not locking down in ski mode, skied out with it unlocked and added some light grease to the pin it latches to at home when all was thawed out and problem solved. I do this seasonally now to prevent the issue.

[@FreeFloFloss]

Thanks for your comment !

[@dirkparkins597]

It is because of the Shift bindings that my daughter and I got into backcountry skiing. I have used men for 3 years. The only issue I have had to date is how fussy they can be to secure the toe for uphill mode. I seem to struggle with this most of the time and I usually have to assist my daughter with hers. This year will be our first year using lighter tech bindings. Fingers crossed, these tech bindings will be an improvement! Thanks for the great videos. I really appreciate the gear reviews.

[@FreeFloFloss]

Thanks, Dirk for sharing...hope to see you in April

[@dirkparkins597]

@@FreeFloFloss ​Yes! Our plans for April are coming together. Now if we could only find someone to guide us in the backcountry of Tignes - Val d'Isère

[@davidrahbany]

Used them since the first season they were released. Minor issues with the AFD plate lowering on its own. Occasionally, the anemic brakes will pop down with the slightest nudge while touring. Otherwise, I'm very happy with them and use them exclusively on at least three current sets of skis.

[@FreeFloFloss]

Thanks David for sharing

[@brianw.blackburn2330]

I have two pairs of the shift bindings on Salomon skis. Haven't toured much with them yet due to health issues last season. Questions, if I may.... When the skis were left outside overnight, which mode were the bindings in, walk or ski? What actually changed by changing the binding windows? More clearance? less icing underneath, etc? Love your videos. Thank you. Have a great season. Brian USA

[@FreeFloFloss]

Hi Brian thanks for your comment. I hope your healths allows you to get back on the skis and to use the bindings! The window was a part of a recall .. so the window was a new part and it stopped the snow coming into the toe piece of the binding. Also the skis were in downhill mode. I hope this helps!

[@brianw.blackburn2330]

Thanks for your response and info. I am doing my best. It is still my goal to get back to Europe and make some turns. Thank you. Have a great year.@@FreeFloFloss

[@tjb8841]

What’s the part number for that release window cover?

[@FreeFloFloss]

@@tjb8841 sorry wouldn’t know

[@livinginpatagonia]

I have had 4 pairs of shift bindings and had to replace the windows on one of the pairs because the toe piece would not stay up in touring mode.My only wish was if the brakes worked better holding the pair of skis together and pulling them apart. Other than that, I'd give them an A rating for being able to tour then lock down like a real alpine binding.

[@FreeFloFloss]

Thanks for sharing ... I forgot about the brakes difficulty ...

[@cathsanders1631]

I watched this and your other video on the Shift bindings with great interest, as I have just got some Shift 10s as a safer alternative to pin tech bindings for days when I'll just be doing short skins. Did a practice session with them at an indoor slope today and the main issue I had was fully locking the toe lever into uphill mode, which needed almost superhuman strength (I struggled!). Any tips on how to overcome this problem? Or does it get easier once the bindings have been used a bit?

[@FreeFloFloss]

Hi Cath, use your first finger as a hook and hook up the toe piece towards your body..they will get slightly easier

[@cathsanders1631]

@@FreeFloFloss thanks for that tip. And thanks for posting the really useful videos too!

[@FreeFloFloss]

@@cathsanders1631 No problem, thanks for watching...is there a video that I can create that you would like to watch? Just getting some ideas.. I wish I had more time to create more videos in the winter.

[@cathsanders1631]

@@FreeFloFloss I've only recently discovered your channel, so still have quite a few to watch! Off piste skills are good - I think there are already a few on that. And hopefully I'll ski with you one day, having heard good things! I'd been planning to come on the Snowheads week in Tignes before Christmas, but have blown my annual leave allowance on other ski trips now 🙄

[@FreeFloFloss]

Ok great ..let me know ..hope to ski with you one day ..@@cathsanders1631

[@husky701rider9]

If I’m going to spend all my time within a resort but want the ability to go up hill on my skies should I get these bindings or something else? All opinions from those with experience is appreciated thanks for your channel.

[@FreeFloFloss]

If your mainly in resort these bindings will be ok

[@user-rr4ye4md9x]

Do you have any tips on getting the toe pins aligned easier with the Shift bindings? For some reason I have difficulty getting my right toe pins lined up.

[@FreeFloFloss]

Make sure your pin holes are free of snow and ice! Stamp out a ledge in the snow so the ski is more flat! That will help!

[@irideaduck939]

@user-rr4ye4md9x I recently moved from 25+ years of telemark equipment to alpine so this toe pin alignment is also new to me ~4 years. My technique is to use both of my ski poles, one to open the toe pins and the other for balance. I like to to get the one pin that is harder to see engaged first, and then engage the easier to see one second.

[@maxleitgeb]

I have regularly experienced issues with the platform and the brakes/ski stoppers. When in the folded position, they freeze together and don't release when I step out of the binding. I am really afraid that they won't release if I crash (hasn't happened yet but just the thought that they won't and a ski takes off (in the worst case hurt another skier)). Any ideas how I can prevent this?

[@FreeFloFloss]

Thanks Max for your comment

[@markvaldez8602]

Is the issue with the brake one that solely affect the shift bindings or does it affect other bindings also?

[@FreeFloFloss]

As far as I know its just the shift bindings ///

[@davidyabsley2629]

Leaving the skis/bindings out over night was not the problem. My Shifts blocked me re-entering ski mode after a crash because powder snow had entered the binding toe piece. The binding was not frozen but was blocked by the powder snow. Sold them but was contacted by Salomon at a later date. They offered compensation but I declined. Interesting that they have a replacement plastic piece for the toe binding. Hope that has solved the problem. I only ski in Niseko, Japan.

[@FreeFloFloss]

Thanks David for sharing

[@fimfengius]

It might seem like a traditional frame binding would be the most reliable for challenging off-grid high altitude assaults?

[@FreeFloFloss]

A tech pin binding is better for longer ski tours

[@steve__vardy]

What is your preference then for long tours ?

[@FreeFloFloss]

A pin binding, I brought ATK Crest 8 and a Kastle TX93 so I will look forward to using them soon and giving them a go

[@jmedaugh]

A bit late to the party but my experience is similar. On a recent 4 day tour we hit the usual mix of snow types from cold powder to sun crust. I mostly had issues with the toe piece when going from walk to ski mode. The brakes deployed a couple of times as well. It seemed to happen when we went from cold to warm snow. I carry a small knife to clear the ice but that's a pain in a storm, for example. I see many reviews with people uphilling on corduroy and they work fine for that. I may try carrying WD-40 to see if that helps.

[@FreeFloFloss]

Thanks for your comment!

[@jmedaugh]

@@FreeFloFloss I also miss the easy transitions I could do on dynafit bindings. I could "rip the hides" without taking off my skis. Now my partners are waiting around for me to de-ice the Shifts.

[@user-dj4cg1zy4l]

Found them to be a nightmare! the heel piece that lifts the brakes just pops off on mine. There's nothing super secure holding them on, so too much pressure on a climb and then just pop off. At which point I have to take the whole heel piece off and then slide them back on.

[@FreeFloFloss]

Thanks for sharing!

[@PowFairways]

Ever try spraying a little lemon Pledge before hitting the slopes? It’s basically a liquid wax. Works great for me.

[@FreeFloFloss]

Will try that one !

[@PowFairways]

@@FreeFloFloss great video btw!

[@FreeFloFloss]

@@PowFairways Thanks 😁

[@jeffjohanson3830]

This is something I wondered about as well. Spraying the binding nooks and crannies down with a silicone or Teflon spray (in your case Pledge) before use. Or even carrying a small can with you to repeat application as needed. It’s certainly worth trying and yours is the first post I’ve seen someone mention it which surprises me.

[@kryszczuk]

I don't get it. If it was frozen (well possible) why wouldn't you just bring it in over the stove to thaw the ice? Clearly pouring hot water on the outside wouldn't cut it since the water got inside.

[@FreeFloFloss]

We would of try that but the stove was out and no more wood

[@kaskar]

I went to Japan this winter and rode with a guide. His opinion was that Shifts are way to unreliable because just this season he had three guests who’s Shifts had broken.

[@alexcheney6692]

I didn’t care for the shifts. They were too shifty! The AFD was as a major challenge. If you didn’t have it cranked all the way there was a possibility of a un expected ejection. The AFD height could also move over time. The brakes often came un locked during tours and often at the worst possible time. Snow was often a challenge as well, as it would build up on aspects of the binding causing the transformation from touring to skiing a challenge. At one point I cracked the binding body trying to lock the binding in ski mode. I ended up selling them and switching all of my touring setups to atk. Atk is the best, and I haven’t had any issues. They ski amazing too.

[@FreeFloFloss]

Thanks for your comment

[@user-lp4ml3vf1h]

I just got back from Hokkiado, and took these bindings and it was a complete disaster. A complete embarrassment really. It was a nightmare. And like you now my confidence has completely gone. My friends will whine if i show up with these binding for any backcountry options.

[@FreeFloFloss]

Sorry to hear about that..they do have their problems

[@billyfarwig7387]

hhhhmmmm....I have 4 pair & never ever had a problem in all conditions. Go figure.