The Salomon Strive 16 MN ScrapLab is the burly end of the Strive freeride line, offered here as part of Salomon's limited ScrapLab drop. Mechanically it is the full in-line Strive 16 MN: a high-DIN binding with a three-part metal heel, the wide LDN toe, and a low-profile chassis built to absorb hard landings and rough snow. The ScrapLab version is assembled from surplus production parts as a one-time run, so it rides exactly like the standard binding while looking like nothing else.

Why we like it:

The honest answer is the story: ScrapLab takes leftover parts and builds them into full-performance bindings rather than scrapping them, which is a genuinely good use of surplus stock and keeps a lot of material out of the landfill. On the hardware side, the extra-wide three-part metal heel is the highlight, delivering the strongest hold in the Strive line for skiers who push hard.

Who it's for:

Advanced and expert freeride and freestyle skiers who ski aggressively and need a high-DIN binding that holds when things get loud. The 7-16 DIN range is built for heavier, harder-charging skiers running high settings. It is also for the skier who likes that their gear has a one-off look and a limited-run story behind it.

Highlights:

The Strive 16 MN ScrapLab is built on the extra-wide three-part metal heel, the most resistant and secure heel in the Strive family, engineered for maximum hold and stability under big loads. The LDN toe up front carries an extra-wide pedal and a neutral, ultra-low stance so the skier feels the terrain rather than riding on top of a tall platform. A low-profile chassis keeps the center of gravity down, and the binding offers the generous elastic travel the Strive line is known for. It is Multi Norm certified, so it works across alpine, GripWalk, and touring boot soles. The ScrapLab build uses surplus parts, but the binding is fully Salomon certified and identical in performance to the in-line model; it's a one-shot production run, so once they're gone, they're gone.

Things to consider:

This is a high-DIN binding with a 7 floor, so lighter skiers or those who run lower settings will not get into its usable range and should look down the Strive line. As a limited ScrapLab run it comes in mixed surplus colorways, so the look is unpredictable by design. Availability is extremely limited and North America only.

Fit & sizing considerations:

The Strive 16 MN ScrapLab is Multi Norm certified and accepts alpine (ISO 5355), GripWalk (ISO 23223), and touring (ISO 9523) boot soles. Brakes come in 90, 100, and 115mm widths; match the brake to your ski's waist. Given the high DIN range and freeride intent, a certified technician should handle mounting and the release-setting check.