Icon RS 16 review

Overview

The Salomon Icon RS 16 is the middle model of Salomon's Icon RS race bindings: DIN 8–16, alpine (ISO 5355) soles only and a single 75 mm brake, sold flat. Salomon describes it as its World Cup-winning binding recipe adapted for the next generation of champions, designed for high-end racing, and lists it for advanced and expert skiers. The Icon architecture combines a V-shaped toe piece, Centralized Power Transfer (the mounting screws sit under the boot), a low-profile chassis, metal reinforcements in the toe and heel and a fully flat race pedal. Salomon claims up to 30% more power underfoot and up to 15% less pressure at the tip and tail. The RS 16 was already part of Salomon's range and continues for 26/27 under a new article number; above it, Salomon now adds the new Salomon Icon RS 19.

Who is it for?

• FIS, club and masters racers whose release value has outgrown a DIN 12 binding.
• Older juniors moving up from the Salomon Icon RS 12.
• Salomon lists a minimum skier weight of 66 kg, so this is not a binding for small or light skiers.
• Racers in alpine boots with ISO 5355 soles. GripWalk and touring soles are not supported.

Specs and what they mean

• DIN 8–16: covers the release values most adult FIS and masters racers use. Your setting should come from a technician and ideally sit in the middle of the range. If your value is below 8, the RS 12 is the right binding; if you are at 15 or 16, look at the RS 19 so you are not running the binding at its limit.
• Brake 75 mm: the only width. It suits slalom, GS and narrow race-carve skis; on skis wider than about 75 mm underfoot the brake arms will not clear the edges.
• Weight 1450 g per binding (about 2900 g per pair): typical for race hardware, 70 g more than the RS 12 per binding.
• Elastic travel: Salomon does not publish toe or heel elastic-travel figures for the Icon RS 16.
• Compatibility ISO 5355 A: alpine adult soles only. A US retailer lists a 262–361 mm boot sole length range.
• Stand height: Salomon only says "low profile". Retail spec sheets disagree (12.8 mm binding height at two shops, 17.5 mm stand height at another), probably because they measure different points, so ask your race-service shop if ramp angle matters to you.
• Materials: steel and glass-fibre reinforced polyamide, with metal reinforcements in the toe and heel.

On-snow performance

Pick-A-Ski compares published specs; this section explains what Salomon says the design is meant to do. With the screws concentrated under the boot, the ski can flex more freely at the tip and tail, which is the basis of Salomon's 15% pressure-release claim. The V-shaped toe and flat race pedal are meant to give a direct, precise connection on hard and injected snow, with a stiff race boot doing the steering. Expect a firm, race-oriented feel rather than a cushioned recreational one. Salomon does not publish elastic travel, so there is no number for comparing how much shock the toe and heel absorb before releasing.

Durability and service

Steel and glass-fibre polyamide with metal-reinforced toe and heel is standard race construction and stands up to a season of training and racing. Check the pedal and boot-sole contact areas for wear, keep them free of grit and have the release values checked at the start of each season and after hard crashes. Race boots with worn soles change release behaviour, so replace worn soles or heel and toe lugs when your boot maker recommends it.

Mounting and brake sizing

Sold flat, the Icon RS 16 still uses Salomon's race mounting pattern with the screws under the boot, and it normally goes on a race plate. Check that your plate or ski matches the Icon pattern before ordering, and let a race-service shop mount it and verify the release. The 75 mm brake limits it to race skis and narrow race-carvers. Salomon recommends pairing the flat race pedal with alpine race boots.

Comparisons

• Atomic Icon rs 16: Atomic's binding under the same Icon RS name, with the same 8–16 DIN range and 75 mm brake. Choose by colourway, price and team supply.
• Marker Comp 16: a 6–16 race binding whose lower starting point suits lighter racers who still want headroom to 16.
• Look Spx 15 rockerace: a 7–15 race binding built for Look's Rockerace plate; mainly relevant if your skis use that plate.
• Within the Icon range: the Salomon Icon RS 19 takes over from DIN 11 upwards; the Salomon Icon RS 12 covers DIN 4–12.

Frequently asked questions

Q: RS 16 or RS 19? A: Pick the model that puts your release value near the middle of its range. Around DIN 8–13 the RS 16 fits; if your setting is 14 or higher, the RS 19 (DIN 11–19) gives more margin.

Q: Can I use GripWalk boots? A: No. The Icon RS 16 is ISO 5355 only. Salomon sells a separate Icon 12 GripWalk model for walk-sole boots.

Q: Can I mount it on an all-mountain ski? A: Only if the ski is no wider than about 75 mm underfoot, because 75 mm is the only brake. For wider skis choose a binding with wider brake options.

Q: How much does it weigh? A: Salomon lists 1450 g per binding, about 2.9 kg per pair.