Salomon MTN Summit 9 Titan 90mm

The Salomon MTN Summit 9 is a tech-only alpine touring binding that builds on the proven MTN Tour, set up here with 90mm brakes. Release values run 4 to 9, the heel release is adjustable, and Salomon's AutoFlex system adds 4mm of elastic fore/aft travel. A pair weighs 830g with brakes, built from glass fibre reinforced polyamide with a step-in toe, a 50mm adjustment plate and an included crampon mount.

The honest trade-off: this is a touring binding first. It needs tech-fitting boots, and with release values topping out at 9 and a recommended skier weight of 49 to 90kg, it is tuned for efficient climbing rather than hard-charging resort laps.

It is built for intermediate to advanced ski tourers who watch their grams but want more reliable boot retention on the descent.

Boot length is not a limiting factor, and the 50mm adjustment plate gives room to fine-tune mounting. The recommended brake width is equal to or at most 15mm wider than your ski's waist, so the 90mm brake pairs with skis about 75 to 90mm underfoot.

We think the Summit 9 is a great partner for long skin days in the Green Mountains, light enough to forget about on the climb and dependable when it is time to ski.