L7 GW review

Overview

The Salomon L7 GW (L7 GripWalk) is Salomon's junior all-mountain binding for growing skiers who may already be in adult boots. It covers DIN 2-7.5 and uses automatic wing and toe-height adjustment, so it fits junior and adult alpine soles as well as junior and adult GripWalk soles without manual setup. A light three-part heel keeps the build low. The L7 GW is a long-running model rather than a new design; the 26-27 version (Winter 2027) carries the same DIN range and feature set as earlier seasons.

Who is it for?

• Children and teenagers whose release value falls inside DIN 2-7.5; Salomon lists a skier weight of about 22-85 kg (48.5-187.4 lb).
• Kids moving from junior boots to adult boots: the same binding takes both.
• Families buying one binding that lasts through several boot sizes; retailers list 28 mm of length adjustment.
• Junior all-mountain and piste skis up to about 100 mm underfoot.
• Not for touring and not for race-specific setups.

Specs and what they mean

• Type — junior alpine, GripWalk-compatible: A fixed-heel binding for lift-served skiing. SkiTalk notes that Salomon/Atomic now limit Z-toe bindings such as the L series to junior and junior race use.
• DIN 2-7.5: Covers most children from the first DIN-level bindings up to strong teenagers. A certified technician sets the value from weight, height, age, sole length and skier type, and re-checks it as the child grows.
• Elastic travel — not published: Salomon gives no millimetre figure for the L7 GW.
• Brake widths 80, 90 and 100 mm: These suit junior carving skis around 70-80 mm waist up to wider junior all-mountain and freestyle skis near 100 mm.
• Weight ≈861-880 g per binding: US retailers list 861 g per binding, and Salomon lists 1 lb 15 oz (about 880 g) per unit. That is heavier than several junior rivals.
• Compatibility — ISO 5355 and ISO 23223, junior and adult: One binding handles every common junior and adult sole.
• Materials: Glass-fiber reinforced polyamide with a light three-part heel.

On-snow performance

For a junior binding, consistent release matters more than power transmission. The L7 GW's automatic wing and toe adjustment sets the toe to the boot on step-in, which helps keep the release behaviour consistent when a child switches between junior and adult boots or between alpine and GripWalk soles. The DIN 7.5 ceiling gives headroom for heavier teens and strong young skiers. Lighter children may be better served by a binding with a lower range, because the technician needs their setting to sit comfortably inside the scale.

Durability and service

The glass-fiber polyamide build and simple three-part heel are standard for junior bindings. The main service point is growth: every new boot means a length adjustment and a fresh release check. Keep the AFD and heel track clean and have the binding inspected at the start of each season.

Mounting and brake sizing

Salomon's rule is a brake width equal to the ski waist or at most 15 mm wider. Choose 80 mm for waists of about 65-80 mm, 90 mm for 80-90 mm and 100 mm for 90-100 mm. The L7 GW mounts flat with screws, and its length adjustment lets a shop move it to the next boot size without re-drilling, within the adjustment range.

Comparisons

The Look Nx 7 is a close rival (DIN 2-7) at around 765 g per binding, with Look's published 45 mm lateral elasticity. The Marker Free 7 is lighter at around 575 g and also accepts junior and adult GripWalk soles. The Tyrolia Sx 7.5 matches the DIN 2-7.5 range at around 700 g and includes a 74 mm brake for narrow kids' skis. Teenagers who outgrow DIN 7.5 can move to the Salomon Strive 10.

Frequently asked questions

Q: Will the L7 GW fit my child's adult boots? A: Yes. Salomon lists compatibility with junior and adult alpine soles and junior and adult GripWalk soles.

Q: How long will it last as my child grows? A: The DIN 2-7.5 range and 28 mm of length adjustment cover several seasons for many kids. A technician re-sets length and release value with each new boot.

Q: Which brake should I choose? A: Match the ski waist or go up to 15 mm wider: 80 mm for most junior carving skis, 90 or 100 mm for wider all-mountain skis.

Q: Is it a race binding? A: No. It is a junior all-mountain binding; young racers should look at a race binding such as the Salomon Icon 10.