Atomic N STRIVE 14 GW BENT CHETLER Ski Bindings

Atomic positions the N STRIVE 14 GW BENT CHETLER as an alpine ski binding designed for advanced to expert skiers who tackle a variety of terrain: all-mountain, freeride, and freestyle. With a DIN range of 5–14, it is designed for skiers who demand precision in release and energy transfer. Its low-profile design and multi-standard compatibility make it a logical choice for those seeking versatility and reliability on all types of snow. TÜV-certified, it meets the most rigorous independent safety standards.

Release and Safety: A DIN Range Suited for Committed Skiers

The N STRIVE 14 GW BENT CHETLER covers a DIN release range of 5 to 14, making it clearly intended for intermediate-advanced to expert skiers. This range accommodates a variety of physical and technical profiles, while maintaining sufficient adjustment leeway for the most powerful skiers. The DIN setting must be adjusted by a professional, based on each skier’s weight, height, sole length, and skill level.

The front binding features a low-center-of-gravity LDN Toe clamp, which promotes precise and consistent release, particularly in the event of a sideways or forward fall. The low-profile 3-Part Heel completes this system by ensuring a reliable upward release. The elastic travel—45 mm or 47 mm depending on the configuration—absorbs shocks and vibrations without triggering prematurely, reducing the risk of early release during challenging runs. The stop automatically adapts to the height and width of the boot, ensuring a precise fit regardless of the boot used. The wide 72-mm AFD plate minimizes friction between the sole and the binding, contributing to consistent release.

Sole Compatibility and Brake Selection

The N STRIVE 14 GW BENT CHETLER is compatible with two sole standards: the Alpine ISO 5355 standard (traditional sole) and the GripWalk ISO 23223 standard, which is found on many recent boots with lugged soles. This dual compatibility significantly expands the range of ski boots that can be used with this binding. It is essential to verify your sole standard before installation, as any compatibility error poses a real safety risk.

Regarding the brake, the binding is available in widths of 100 mm or 115 mm. The brake must be selected so that it slightly exceeds the width of the ski’s waist to ensure effective stopping of the ski in the event of release. A brake that is too narrow would not function properly as a ski stop. The choice of width is therefore directly determined by the geometric characteristics of your ski.

Construction and On-Mountain Performance

The low-profile chassis of the Atomic N STRIVE 14 GW BENT CHETLER brings the foot closer to the gliding surface, which improves terrain feel and the transfer of pressure to the ski. This design promotes increased responsiveness, which is particularly valuable in freeriding or on varied snow conditions. Metal is used strategically in the construction to combine durability with weight management, with each individual binding weighing 1,002 g. The Locking Brakes system allows both skis to be secured together during transport—a practical feature for off-piste travel. Designed by the same team behind the Shift binding, the Strive 14 benefits from recognized expertise in the development of high-performance technical bindings.

The Atomic N STRIVE 14 GW BENT CHETLER is ideal for advanced or expert skiers looking for a versatile ski binding capable of meeting the demands of all-mountain and freeride skiing while accommodating GripWalk-soled boots. Its balance of lightness, durability, and precise release makes it a solid choice for those seeking a reliable binding on varied and challenging terrain.