Strong all-mountain performance lands in a more accessible release range with the Salomon Strive 10 GW. This is the entry point to the Strive family, a freeride-leaning all-mountain binding that carries the same wide-pedal toe and three-part metal heel found on the higher-DIN versions. The result is a binding that punches well above its DIN range when it comes to power transmission and on-snow stability, with GripWalk compatibility built in for skiers using a modern alpine boot.

Why we like it:

The LDN toe piece is the star here, dropping the center of gravity and widening the pedal so power gets transmitted laterally without the slop you sometimes feel in lower-DIN bindings. The full three-part metal heel is also unusual at this DIN range; most bindings at this level use lighter plastic heels that can't match the hold or longevity.

Who it's for:

Lighter, smaller, or progressing intermediate skiers who want serious all-mountain performance from their binding without overshooting the DIN range they actually need. Also a great fit for women, juniors stepping into adult bindings, and anyone with a smaller frame who's been frustrated by mid-DIN bindings that feel cheap or noodly compared to the higher-output models in the same line.

Highlights:

Salomon built the Strive 10 GW around the same LDN (Low Driving Neutral) toe and three-part metal heel architecture as the higher-DIN Strive bindings, just dialed into a 3-10 DIN range that makes more sense for lighter or less aggressive skiers. The extra-wide pedal sits low and neutral, which means input from the boot translates directly into the ski without rocking through the toe wings. The stack height comes in at 19.6mm, low enough to keep edge feel honest. The 30mm boot sole adjustment range gives shops flexibility on mounting and resale, and brake sizes run L80, L90, and L100 to cover everything from narrow-trail skis up to mid-eighties waist widths. GripWalk and ISO 5355 alpine sole certification means it works with any modern adult alpine boot, and the TÜV approval is there for shops and skiers who care about that certification.

Things to consider:

The 3-10 DIN range covers the majority of skiers in this weight and ability bracket, but harder-charging skiers or heavier folks will likely want to step up to the Strive 12 GW or 14 GW for the additional release range. The brake sizes also top out at 100mm, so wider-waisted all-mountain or freeride skis aren't really in this binding's wheelhouse.

Fit & sizing considerations:

Match the brake to your ski's waist width plus a few millimeters: L80 for narrow trail skis, L90 for mid-eighties all-mountain, L100 for skis right around the 90-100mm range. DIN setting should be calculated based on your weight, height, age, ability, and boot sole length, and we recommend having a certified shop technician handle the final setting.