The Salomon Chief is very similar to the Caliber but with just a little less tech and a little more weight. It’s a great choice for any aggressive all mountain snowboarder. For 2011, there were some minor adjustments to the base plate to slightly improve performance, but the most noticeable change is that the straps have been changed. The ankle strap is softer and the toe strap is hollowed out in the center to fit better over the toe. This new tech isn’t a deal breaker over the 2010 model but the 2011 is definitely better. For 2012, the Chief has a cant in the foot bed which makes for an easier ride on your ankles, knees, and hips. It also puts more pressure on the outer part of boards that have rocker or some type of hybrid shape. For 2013, not much has changed with the Chief. We’d like to see a similar ankle strap for the 2013 Salomon Caliber but it’s still a good binding. The Chief is in a pretty competitive price group that competes with many excellent bindings out there but its aggressive riding style can work for many.
Salomon Chief Binding
Price US $229
Approx. Weight
Feels Normal
Style
Freeride - All Mountain Freestyle
Riding Level
Advanced - Expert
Quick Release
No
Year Reviewed
2013 - 2010
Canted Footbed
Yes
Reduced Dead Spot
No
Burton Channel Compatible
No
Flex
Medium/Stiff
Adjustability
Great
Comfort
Great
Heel-Toe Response
Great
Tip-Tail Response
Average
Boot Support
Firm
Ratchet System
Good
Shock Absorption
Good
Salomon Chief Price Comparison
 | evo Salomon Chief Snowboard Bindings - Demo 2014... | $229.95 | Check Availability | |
 | Powdertools.com Salomon Chief Snowboard Binding - Men's... | $172.95 | Check Availability | |
 | Christy Sports Salomon Chief Snowboard Binding - Men's... | $172.95 | Check Availability | |
 | TightBoards.com Salomon Chief Snowboard Bindings Black... | $171.95 | Check Availability | |
 | evo Salomon Chief Snowboad Bindings 2013... | $160.96 | Check Availability | |
 | Dogfunk.com Salomon Snowboards Chief Snowboard Binding... | $137.94 | Check Availability | |
 | DepartmentOfGoods.com Salomon Snowboards Chief Snowboard Binding... | $137.94 | Check Availability | |
 | Backcountry.com Salomon Snowboards Chief Snowboard Binding... | $137.94 | Check Availability |
Salomon Chief In Depth Review
Salomon Chief Gallery
2013
2012
2011
2010
Salomon Chief User Reviews
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Salomon Chief 2012
Ride on a Salomon Mans Board and makes a great combo for piste and off. Will buy these again.
Very good bindings!
I have used these bindings on the following boards: NS Cobra 161, NS Proto 157, NS Wide series 158 and GNU Billy Goat. I'm currently using them on the Billy Goat which I think is where they will stay because it is about the perfect match. I like a slightly wider stance and the canted footbed makes this stance very comfortable...much more comfortable than any other binding I've tried. The toe strap is a fantastic design...it doesn't come off completely so you just zip it out and flip it forward..very simple. The binding is very adjustable and great for landing jumps even when landing flat.
My only complaint is that they ladder strap for the ankle is way too short. I can barely catch it with the latch to get it started and I have a size 10 1/2 boot in a large binding. My friend with a size 12 can't even use this binding because of the short strap. I know I can replace it but it just seems silly that they didn't put a longer one in there to begin with.
Overall, I highly recommend this binding. It works best with the stiffer boards...I didn't like it quite as much with the more park oriented Proto. Thanks to the Good Ride for recommending this to me. An excellent suggestion once again...you guys sure know your equipment.
