What Our Gearhead(R) Experts Are Saying:"The Shift2 16 MN Bent Chetler Binding is the binding I reach for when the objective is serious. The aluminum Hike and Ride Switch makes transitions between uphill and downhill faster and more reliable than anything else I've used in this category, and the 3-Part Power Heel absorbs the kind of impact you get on big mountain descents in a way that you feel immediately in how stable the platform stays underfoot. The power transfer from the aluminum Power Block is exceptional."When Atomic developed the Shift2 16 MN Bent Chetler Binding alongside athletes like Daron Rahlves, Tonje Kvivik, and Craig Murray, the brief was simple: build a hybrid binding that climbs efficiently and skis without compromise on the steepest, most consequential terrain on the mountain. The result is a binding that earns its place in the quiver of anyone who takes big mountain freeride seriously. The Micro AFD houses an aluminum Power Block that increases lateral stiffness for power transfer that rivals a dedicated alpine binding, while the reinforced metal and rubber baseplate adds precision and absorbs vibration across variable snow. A 3-Part Power Heel maximizes shock absorption on hard landings and high-speed variable terrain, keeping the platform stable when conditions demand it most. The full-aluminum Hike and Ride Switch is built to last and transitions between uphill and downhill modes smoothly and reliably with a ski pole tip. Multi Norm Certified compatibility means this binding works with every normed boot on the market, the two-position climbing aid helps you work efficiently on steep skin tracks, and crampon compatibility opens up the most technical approaches on the calendar.