Hello and welcome to my review of the Salomon Alibi snowboard bindings.
In this review I will take a look at the Alibis as All-Mountain-Freeride snowboard bindings).
As per tradition here at SnowboardingProfiles.com I will give the Alibis a score out of 100 (based on several factors) and see how it compares with other Freeride bindings.
NOTE: The 2020 model was the last model of the Alibi, so this review will no longer be updated. The Alibi Pro does have a 2021 model still though.
Overall Rating
Bindings: Salomon Alibi
Price: $229 (USD recommended retail)
Style: All-Mountain-Freeride
Other Uses: All-Mountain, Freeride
Flex: Medium-Stiff (7/10)
Rating Score: 76.6/100
Compared to other Men’s All-Mountain-Freeride Bindings
Out of the 14 men’s all-mountain-freeride bindings that I rated:
- The average price was $320 (USD)
- The average score was 82.1/100
- The highest score was 94.1/100
- The lowest score was 57.4/100
- The Alibis ranked 13th out of 14
Sizing
Check out the table below for the available sizes for the Alibis.
| Size | Fits Men’s US Boot Sizes | Euro Boot Sizes | UK Boot Sizes |
| S | 4.5 – 7.0 | 35.0 – 40.0 | 3.5 – 6.5 |
| M | 6.5 – 10.0 | 38.5 – 43.0 | 6.0 – 9.5 |
| L | 10.0 to 15.0 | 43.0 to 50.0 | 9.5 to 14.5 |
Who are the Alibis Most Suited to?
The Alibis are ideal for anyone who likes freeriding or aggressive all-mountain riding, but wants to do it on a budget. For the price these bindings are amazing given their responsiveness/flex and given the average price for this category. As you can see above the average price is well above (almost $100 more) the cost of these bindings.
They would also be a good choice choice as low cost (but still decent quality) all-mountain bindings.
Not a good choice for a beginner (too stiff) but anyone into this style of riding from high level intermediate and up they’re suitable.
The Alibis in More Detail
O.k. let’s take a more detailed look at what the Alibis are capable of.
Demo Info
Bindings: Salomon Alibi Bindings 2017, Large
Date: April 9, 2016
Conditions: Hard packed in the morning, with icy patches. Turned quite slushy by the afternoon.
Bindings angles: +18/-6 & +18/-9
Flex
They aren’t the stiffest in the world but they ride stiffer than medium. I’d say they’re about a 7/10 in terms of stiffness (1 being the softest and 10 being the stiffest).
Adjustability
They have an adjustable toe ramp, toolless adjustability for the ankle and toe straps – which is standard these days but still good to have. The great thing about Salomon’s toolless adjustable straps is that they’re probably the easiest to adjust out of any that I’ve tried.
Plus they have universal base plates so that you can mount the Alibis to any snowboard on the market.
The biggest downside to the adjustability of these bindings is that you can’t adjust the forward lean.
That’s fine if you like it where it is. But if you like to adjust it – if you’re still finding what your preference is or if you like to adjust it depending on the conditions or how you want to ride that day, then you’re out of luck, unfortunately.
Shock Absorption
These bindings have a pretty unique system for shock absorption as far as bindings go. They have what’s called a dynamic suspension joint. Most bindings don’t have suspension! So that’s pretty cool. That said, they aren’t the most shock absorbing binding on the market – but they are up there.
Also they’ve cored out the heel and stuffed that with padding, which helps with shock absorption too.
Entry/Exit
The ratchet system is pretty smooth and that makes it pretty easy to get in. I found that I had a bit of trouble at first getting back out (releasing the straps was slightly different to most bindings that I was used to). But once I got used to how the release worked, they were fine.
Not the fastest/smoothest to get in and out of – but pretty decent – and this is a pretty small consideration compared to other factors.
Let’s Break up this text with a Video
This video is for the 2017 model, but nothing has changed for the 2018 model. They rate these as about a 6/10 in the video in terms of flex. I felt they were slightly stiffer than a 6, which is why I rated them a 7/10.
Comfort
These bindings are really comfortable. All that padding and suspension helps with that comfort as well as shock absorption.
Also the Alibis have a Canted Footbed. This helps to align the hips, knees and ankles for a more comfortable ride – particularly if you’re riding a lot.
Responsiveness
The canting in the footbed also adds to the pop and edge control which helps with response.
In addition to that, the stiffness plays a big part in response. I found these bindings to be very responsive and helped to make the board I was riding quicker from edge to edge.
Board Feel/Butterability
Probably the weakest part of these bindings is their board feel. They don’t really flex that well with the board. But if that’s not a big concern for you, then that’s fine. I prefer a binding with better board feel but not everyone is as concerned with this factor.
Ankle Support Support
They have quite a firm wrap around the boot – so you should feel nice and locked-in to these bindings. This is great for anyone with ankles that need more support and typically this is the feel that I like for more aggressive riding, bombing fast etc.
Price
I don’t include price in the rating system for all-mountain-freeride bindings. But I thought it deserves a mention. These bindings have a recommended price of just $229, which is a good $92 less than the average price for the 13 all-mountain-freeride bindings I rated.
Score Breakdown and Final Verdict
Check out the breakdown of the score in the table below.
| FACTOR | RATING (OUT OF 5) | CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE |
| Responsiveness: | 4.0 | 24/30 |
| Board Feel: | 2.0 | 6/15 |
| Adjustability: | 3.5 | 10.5/15 |
| Ankle Support: | 4.0 | 12/15 |
| Shock Absorption: | 4.0 | 8/10 |
| Comfort: | 4.0 | 8/10 |
| Entry/Exit: | 3.5 | 3.5/5 |
| TOTAL after normalizing | 76.6/100 |
If you’re looking for freeride or all mountain-freeride bindings, but won’t to pay closer to $200 than to $300, then the Alibis are a great choice.
They’re not the most amazing all-mountain-freeride bindings I’ve ever demoed but they are one of the most responsive in that price range. So, if response, ankle support and comfort at a good price are what you’re looking for, put these on the list.
More Info, Current Prices and Where to Buy Online
If you’re keen to learn more about the Alibis, are ready to buy or want to research availability or current pricing, check out the links below.
If you want to check out some other freeride binding options or see how the Alibis compares to other men’s freeride bindings, check out what I rate as the top 5 freeride bindings currently on the market at the link below.
>>My Top 5 Men’s Freeride Snowboard Bindings
Thanks for replying, I’m glad to have some advice from you! I’ll take the Alibi (not pro), it costs even less! 🙂 now the problem is the size … I have a nike Vapen measuring 43cm and the attack in size M goes from 39 to 43cm, while the size L goes from 43 to 50cm !! the size of my boots is exactly halfway. In your experience, is it better to take a slightly larger or smaller attack?
Hi Fabio
Usually I would say go for the smaller size, but with Nike Vapen the Large might be the safer bet. Nike boots had quite a long outersole, compared to the size of foot the boot is made to fit. So a 43 Vapen is likely longer than most 43s in other brands. That said, Salomon boots tend to have a slightly longer profile too and their binding sizings will be based on their boots. So, whilst I think you’ll get into a Medium, I think going Large is the safer bet, in this particular case.
Hope this helps
Ho Nate, I have to buy an attack for my salomon super 8 and I am undecided between the salomon alibi pro or union force. what do you suggest me?
Hi Fabio
Thanks for your message.
I haven’t ridden the Alibi Pros, but based on the Alibi’s already being quite stiff at 7/10, I would imagine the Alibi Pro, which is meant to be a little stiffer, to be at least 8/10 in terms of flex. The Force is more like 6/10 in terms of flex (to my feel). The Super 8 is more like 7/10 in terms of flex. Just a little stiffer than medium. The Alibi (non-pro) is probably the best option of the 3. But between the other 2, it depends if you want more response and a more locked in, aggressive kind of feel (then go Alibi Pro), or if you would like a slightly more forgiving, slightly surfier feel (then go Union Force).
Hope this helps
Hi!
I was wondering how is the alibi vs the defender ? In responsiveness mainly but also overall performance.
Hi Marcus
Thanks for your message.
In my experience, not too much difference between these two in terms of response. But the Defender probably just that little bit more responsive and a bit stiffer.
Salomon rate the Defender as “responsive” and the Alibi as “medium” but I didn’t get too much difference between them. But if response is your main concern, then go Defender. Otherwise the Alibi is a good buy for the price, IMO.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate,
Thank you for the review!
Have you tried the previous generation, without highback angle adjustment?
I have a very good price for them locally bt not sure if lack of highback angle adjustment will be crucial.
Hi Vlad
The 2017 model was the first I tried. The 2016 model that didn’t have the highback lean adjustment is set with no lean. For me, I don’t like too much lean, so I usually set up with no lean or just a little bit of lean – so if you know that you like your highbacks more upright, then the earlier models would be fine but if you like a bit of lean or like to have the option to sometimes add more lean, then you’ll miss having that adjustability.