Binding Review: 12-13 Salomon Absolute Premium

Location: Winter Park, CO

Snow Conditions: Hardpacked to softpacked groomers.

Setup: I rode the Salomon Absolute Premium bindings on the YES Greats/Venture Helix with my Vans Ferra Boots size 8.

Time to set up the binding: Pretty normal time to set up the bindings.

Fit: I tried the Salomon Absolute Premium bindings in the medium size which were suitable to my size 8 boots. Good comfortable fit on the width and baseplate to my boots.

First Impression: Responsive, comfortable and a toe strap I finally like.

Appearance: They only come in White for the Absolute Premium bindings but I like the design since it’s a mix of white and purple with a subtle mint coloring in spots. I definitely like the look of the binding and the color choices bring out the flawless design.

Comfort: Good comfort on the Absolute Premium bindings. The ankle strap is padded and molds very well to the boot without causing any pressure points. The toe strap didn’t have any problems and the padding in the baseplate helped absorb any rough bumpy terrain while riding.

Functionality: The Salomon Absolute Premium bindings offer up a high end responsive binding for women. The baseplate is a transfer baseplate with a composite 45% and power heel lock with a ADJ toe ramp, universal disc and IMS. The highback is a women’s specific geometry with Drumframe and HB filter. The padding is a SCS and full EVA padding with 2.5 degree canting. The straps are a 3D asym supreme ankle strap with a lock-in deluxe toe strap (new this year). Both are designed with a women’s specific geometry and micro max strap adjustments and viper aluminum buckle.

Flex: The Absolutes Premiums offer up a more responsive binding on the stiffer end of the flex scale. The highback and baseplate hold a stiffer flex so you get good response for the mountain. The straps are super comfortable and padded for a comfortable ride. 

Response:  Definitely aren’t lacking on response, that’s for sure. They offer up quick engagement and turn initiation for a rider wanting fast response on the slopes.

Toe Strap: This was my biggest like was the upgrade to the lock-in deluxe toe strap. Finally I didn’t have to worry about the toe strap slipping off of my Vans boots like I had dealt with for previous years with the absolute bindings. Much needed upgrade and really happy with the new toe strap.

Overall Impression: The Salomon Absolute Premium bindings offer up an all mountain binding for the women that’ll give you response and good turns down the mountain. Very comfortable, built for quickness and can handle a variety of riding.

Shay’s Honesty Box: I’ve been waiting a while (a couple years to be exact) for Salomon to upgrade the toe strap to a design that would stay on the toe of my boot. Finally it’s here. I rode multiple boards with these bindings and no slippage at all. It was great to finally see the new improvement in the right direction.

Review Disclosure: I demoed this binding at the SIA On-Snow Demo at Winter Park, CO.