Atomic Shift2 16 MNC Alpine Touring Binding
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Description
The Atomic Shift2 16 MNC is a hybrid freeride touring binding with an 8 to 16 release range and a pin touring toe, at 1,210 g per binding with brakes from 90 to 120 mm.
Tech Specs
Atomic Shift2 16 MNC Alpine Touring Binding
The Atomic Shift2 16 MNC is a hybrid binding for skiers who ski the descent as hard as they climb and want alpine release behavior on a setup that still tours. A release range of 8 to 16 over a 3-Part Power Heel and a reinforced baseplate covers heavier and harder-charging skiers than the 13-value Shift2, and the Hike and Ride switch converts the toe without removing a part. At 1,210 g per binding the Shift2 16 MNC is a freeride binding first, built for lift-served days and shorter tours rather than long ascents.
Is This the Right Binding for You?
CCBB Binding Ratings
CCBB Binding Profile
Why We Like It
- The 8 to 16 release range covers skiers the 13-value Shift2 tops out under, and it is TÜV certified rather than an uncertified extension.
- The Hike and Ride switch converts the toe between pin and alpine without removing a part, so nothing goes in a pocket at a transition.
- Multi Norm Certification means the Shift2 16 MNC takes alpine, touring, and GripWalk soles in ski mode, which covers most of the boots we sell.
- The 3-Part Power Heel and reinforced baseplate carry the load at high release values, and the 30 mm adjustment range absorbs a boot change.
Best Uses
- Resort days and shorter tours on one setup
- Freeride and big-mountain skiing where release values run high
- Skiers between 66 and 125 kg
- Skis mounted for both lift-served and backcountry use
- Boots with certified pin toe fittings
Mounting and Setup Advice
We mount the Atomic Shift2 16 MNC like an alpine binding, and the 30 mm adjustment range means one mount usually absorbs a boot sole length change without a remount. Brake width should match the ski waist or run to 5 mm wider, and the Shift2 16 MNC is offered in 90, 100, 110, and 120 mm. Bring the boots you will actually ski so the shop can set toe height and forward pressure against the sole in front of them.
Release values must be set and tested on a calibrated jig by a certified technician rather than dialed by eye, and that applies with more force at the top of an 8 to 16 range than at the middle of a 4 to 12 one. The toe pins engage the boot's tech fittings in uphill mode, so a boot without certified pin fittings will ski this binding but will not tour on it. Check the fittings, not only the sole norm.
Technical Specifications Manufacturer specs · Click to expand
Release and Fit
Features and Compatibility
Compare the Atomic Shift2 16 MNC
Shift2 16 MNC vs. Atomic Shift2 13 MN
The Atomic Shift2 13 MN weighs 920 g per binding and releases from 6 to 13. The Shift2 16 MNC adds the 3-Part Power Heel and a reinforced baseplate to reach 16, and pays 290 g per binding for it. Skiers who never set above 12 should take the 13.
Shop the Atomic Shift2 13 MNShift2 16 MNC vs. Marker Duke PT 16
Both reach a release value of 16 and both tour on a pin toe. The Marker Duke PT 16 removes part of the toe to tour, which saves weight uphill but leaves a component to carry. The Atomic Shift2 16 MNC keeps the whole binding on the ski and switches the toe in place.
Shop the Marker Duke PT 16Shift2 16 MNC vs. Fritschi Tecton 13
The Fritschi Tecton 13 is a pin binding with a supportive heel, and it tours far better than the Shift2 16 MNC at a much lower weight. The Atomic Shift2 16 MNC answers a different question, with an alpine toe in ski mode and a release range to 16 for resort use.
Shop the Fritschi Tecton 13Common Questions
Who should buy the Atomic Shift2 16 MNC?
What boots work with the Atomic Shift2 16 MNC?
Does the Atomic Shift2 16 MNC weigh the same as the Shift2 13 MN?
How well does the Atomic Shift2 16 MNC tour?
What brake width should I choose for the Atomic Shift2 16 MNC?
Can I use ski crampons with the Atomic Shift2 16 MNC?
Does the Atomic Shift2 16 MNC need to be set up by a technician?
Our Verdict
Frequently Asked Questions
What foot shape works best?
Low- to medium-volume feet with a lower instep and secure heel.
Does it punch well?
Minor boot fitting is possible, but race boots are less forgiving to modify than heavier Grilamid touring boots.




