Binding Review: 08-09 Salomon Absolute

Location: Keystone, Colorado

Snow Conditions: Cold with hardpacked groomers and some choppy terrain.

Setup: I rode the Salomon Absolute bindings on the Salomon Loft with my Vans Omni Focus boots.

Time to set up the binding: Longer than average due to making the binding fit properly.

Fit: It took about 3 tries to get the bindings to properly be fit to my boot and centered. Each time had to be taken off to fully adjust the binding. I still don’t think the toe strap fit my boot that well especially not looking at photos up close.

First Impression: Please don’t have these ratchets stick like most Salomon ratchets stick. Ah not sticking…YES!

Appearance: It’s white and cute. I like the ankle strap look but to me the toe strap just looks funny like a tube sock.

Comfort: I found the ankle strap very comfortable once it was lined up to my boot. Molded to my boot and didn’t have any pressure points with my boots. The highback was softer, but very comfortable. The toe strap I felt I had to crank down so that wasn’t too comfortable for me.

Functionality: Other than the lack of adjustibility on the straps, the binding was functional. I wanted to test the ratchets which I’ve noticed in the past that Salomon ratchets are prone to sticking. I didn’t have any issues with these ratchets but I didn’t have them for that long either.

Flex: The absolute’s offered a good medium flex for freeriding. It was a good flex laterally on the binding, making it easy to pop around to switch riding or 180’s.

Response: The absolute’s offered up a lot more comfort than response on the mountain. It was a slower edge to toe response and I didn’t feel very comfortable on the heelside edge with the highback holding the support.

Toe Strap: I didn’t like it that much, in looks or how it felt with my boot. The quality is there to mold to my boot but I had gaps where it didn’t feel snug against my boot. I also felt like I had to crank it down which wasn’t that comfortable.

Overall Impression: Definitely a more entry level binding for women riders. I liked the forgiving flex on it. I think with the combo of the loft, it was a bit too soft for that board in riding.

On-snow Photos
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