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Bindings

Salomon District 2017-2018 Snowboard Bindings Review

  • Price: £200 / €250
  • Sizes: S, M, L
  • Flex: 6
  • Entry System: Classic
  • salomon.com

UPDATE: Check out our review of the 2018/2019 Salomon District here

The Salomon District is one of a few bindings to feature ‘Shadowfit’ technology. Unique to Salmon, this is based around a flexible, malleable heelcup with a strong Kevlar wire running though it. The effect is that you get unrivalled fit with your snowboard boot, and improved energy transfer. The wire keeps response times high, while comfort is through the roof.

“Thanks to its medium flex, you can do pretty much anything with the District”

Speaking of which, the ankle strap on the Salomon District is mega plush, with quilted detail on the inside that hugs your boot. While the toe strap is a bit simpler, that’s only because it doesn’t need to be anything else. Lightweight and strong, it’ll fit over the toe of your boot to keep you locked down all day – and the ratchets are as quick and easy as they come.

Adjusting the straps on the District (and most Salomon binders for that matter) is unbelievably simple. There’s no fidgeting around, trying to locate holes and hold on to tiny, easy-to-lose parts; just give the plastic screw cover a twist, slide it along to achieve the desired size, and re-tighten. Even if you do it one-handed whilst wearing thick mitts, you’ll have the ideal fit in a flash.

Thanks to its medium flex, you can do pretty much anything with the District, but freestyle is definitely the focus. If you step up to the big stuff, EVA cushioning in the baseplate will take the edge off any big landings, and the chassis is made of a bombproof composite.

“The heelcup all but guarantees compatibility with your boot”

The heelcup all but guarantees compatibility with your boot at the back, but you can also ensure the same at the front thanks to the adjustable toe ramp. The highback can be easily rotated, so if you sweat the small stuff when it comes to bindings (and that’s by no means a bad thing), you’re fully covered here.

This is one of three colourways for the Salomon District, and it’s a match for the park-friendly Salomon Villain snowboard. Together, they make a fine pairing.

Tester’s Verdict

Ed Blomfield – whitelines.com

“If you haven’t picked up a Salomon binding in a few years, prepare to be surprised. Their malleable “Shadow Fit” heel cup is very different to anything else out there, and naturally invites scepticism. All I can say is, it really works!

“The Kevlar wires do a great job of providing edge-to-edge response; carving felt just as natural as a pure plastic or aluminium baseplate would”

Stepping into the District is a pleasurable experience. That flexible baseplate fit perfectly around the back of my boot, while the heel strap featured plenty of plush padding. Combined with high-grade aluminium buckles and a well-proportioned highback that’s wide enough to spread your weight, this is a handsome and – more to the point – comfortable binding. It’s lightweight, too.

All of that counts for nothing if the riding performance isn’t there, but rest assured that the Kevlar wires do a great job of providing edge-to-edge response; carving felt just as natural as a pure plastic or aluminium baseplate would. There is a little more noticeable flex laterally, but personally I prefer that – it’s nice not to feel like you’re clamped in a rigid bear-trap, and for anyone who enjoys tweaking out their tricks it’s ideal.

Serious speed merchants might want to check out Salomon’s more traditional “Blaster” range, but park rats and rail riders will dig these.”

Trade Secrets

Louif Paradis – Team Rider, Salomon

“I do a lot of skating and surfing, and in those sports you can move around your feet the way you want. I feel like that is something we are kind of missing in snowboarding.

The ShadowFit soft heel cup lets you feel more free, giving you more manoeuvrability laterally, more room to tweak and flex your board, while staying responsive.”

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