Icon RS 19 review

Overview

The Salomon Icon RS 19 is new for 26/27 and the top model of Salomon's Icon RS race bindings: DIN 11–19, alpine (ISO 5355) soles only and a single 75 mm brake, sold flat. Salomon introduced it as part of its Equipe race programme, positioning it as a high-performance race binding for elite athletes at a more accessible DIN range and price than the World Cup models. It fills the gap between the Salomon Icon RS 16 and Salomon's Icon World Cup 24 and 30. Salomon's description is the same Icon recipe as the RS 16: World Cup binding know-how adapted for the next generation, a V-shaped toe piece that Salomon says channels up to 30% more power underfoot and releases up to 15% of the pressure at the tip and tail, Centralized Power Transfer with the screws under the boot, and a full-flat race pedal. On top of that, the RS 19 gets a full-metal AFD pad, a steel-reinforced toe and metal reinforcements in the toe and heel.

Who is it for?

• FIS, Europa Cup-level and strong masters racers whose release value sits in the teens.
• Heavier, powerful racers who were running an RS 16 close to its DIN 16 limit.
• Athletes who want World Cup-style hardware but do not need a DIN 24 or 30 binding.
• Racers in alpine boots with ISO 5355 soles only; GripWalk and touring soles are not supported.

Specs and what they mean

• DIN 11–19: overlaps the RS 16 between 11 and 16 and continues to 19. A racer set at 14–16 sits mid-range on the RS 19 instead of at the top of an RS 16, which is where a binding behaves most consistently. Below DIN 11, use the RS 16.
• Brake 75 mm: the only width, made for slalom, GS and speed race skis that are well under 75 mm underfoot.
• Weight 1600 g per binding (about 3200 g per pair): the heaviest Icon RS, 150 g per binding more than the RS 16. This figure comes from a Salomon race dealer's spec sheet.
• Elastic travel: Salomon does not publish toe or heel elastic-travel figures for the Icon RS 19.
• Compatibility ISO 5355 A: alpine adult soles only, as used by race boots.
• Materials: full-metal AFD pad, steel-reinforced toe and metal reinforcements in toe and heel for more rigidity than the lower RS models.

On-snow performance

Pick-A-Ski compares published specs; this section explains what Salomon says the design is meant to do. The full-metal AFD pad and metal-reinforced toe and heel aim at maximum rigidity and precision between boot and ski, while Centralized Power Transfer keeps the screws under the boot so the tip and tail can flex more freely. The higher DIN window gives strong racers more retention for hard, icy courses and big forces in GS and speed turns. Expect a very direct, race-only connection. Salomon publishes no elastic-travel figures, so there is no number for how much shock the toe and heel absorb before releasing.

Durability and service

With metal at the AFD, toe and heel, the RS 19 is built for repeated training and race days on injected snow. As with any race binding, the release values should be checked by a race-service shop at the start of the season and after hard crashes, and the pedal and boot-sole contact areas kept clean and checked for wear. Worn race-boot soles change release behaviour, so replace them on schedule.

Mounting and brake sizing

The RS 19 is sold flat but 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 set the release. The single 75 mm brake limits it to race skis. Salomon recommends pairing the flat race pedal with alpine race boots.

Comparisons

• Marker Comp 20 rd: an 11–20 race binding with almost the same window; the choice usually comes down to plate system and team supply.
• Look Px 18 wc rockerace: a 10–18 race binding built for Look's Rockerace plate, relevant if your skis already use that plate.
• Atomic Icon wc 24: a World Cup Icon binding that starts at DIN 14, for racers who need settings above 19.
• Within Salomon's range: the Salomon Icon RS 16 covers DIN 8–16 and the Salomon Icon RS 12 DIN 4–12.

Frequently asked questions

Q: Is the Icon RS 19 new? A: Yes. Salomon added it for 26/27 as part of its Equipe race programme. The RS 12 and RS 16 continue from earlier seasons.

Q: RS 19 or RS 16? A: Choose the model that puts your release value near the middle of its range. At DIN 14 or higher the RS 19 gives more margin; below 11 it cannot be set low enough, so the RS 16 is the right choice.

Q: Can I use GripWalk boots? A: No. The Icon RS 19 accepts ISO 5355 alpine adult soles only.

Q: How heavy is it? A: A Salomon race dealer lists 1600 g per binding, about 3.2 kg per pair.