I havent snowboarded for the past 3 years or so and am considering getting back into the sport. I used to use Switch Step In Bindings and i loved it. I can’t seem to find their up to date website.
I also noticed that K2 doesnt have Clicker anymore. Burton doesnt show their step in bindings either on their site.
So to all u shredders…what is the deal? Has the industry abolished step in bindings???
Pls update me.
thanx…
gary
I use the Switch bindings, but I also haven’t seen them at the shops. Judging from what I see on the slopes, most people weren’t using step-in systems. The very small market may have eliminated those sytems. If I were getting something new I would definitely consider the Flow bindings. Looks like a traditional snowboard binding, but the boot slips in from the rear and the heel closes with one clasp. The Flow uses regular boots too, instead of the special boots needed for Switch or Clickers. Check it out.
thanx Don. Yep i will need to get some new binding system coz i already sold my Boots (switch compatible). It is a pity Switch doesnt make bindings anymore. I thought they had an awesome step in system. I remembered i used to be able to click in with Switch on the lift before we got off.
I will look into Flow. I have heard of it but i am so out of the loop i need to do some research.
What about board? I have a K2 Eldorado but it is ready to hit the dumpster. I am considering a Winterstick ST or All Mtn.
I dont do pipe but just carving with big turns.
Any recommendations on board?
No help on the board. I’m riding a Burton Super that’s at least 10 years old. I split my snow time between boarding and skiing so all my equipment has lasted a long time.
There were performance and liability issues with the step-ins, some more than others. Basically…the market went south as fast as technology hit the shelves…and it didn’t help when Burton had to recall their v1 product.
Flow is a nice way to go, although you’ll want to check your boots to make sure they fit well. In “some” boots, you’ll get a pressure point…the selling point of Flow, btw. Also…get the newer version of Flow, the other ones were prone to breakage.
That said, you may be better served with a good set of strap bindings. That are a snap to get on/off with the latest racket technology.
As for boards, your Eldorado is still a great board and one to keep. Board technology really hasn’t changed much.
If you’re bypassing the park and doing all-mountain freeriding/carving…I’d highly recommend a Prior 4X4, Donek Axis…or a new Burton Custon X. Better yet, get some hard boots and start leaning WAY over! ;o)
You can’t go wrong with a Palmer snowboard with lifters. Shaun Palmer makes a board for every kind of shredding – freestyle, backcountry, etc.
http://www.palmersnowboards.com/
Set it up with some Drake bindings and a pair of Northwave boots.
http://www.northwave.com/?q=drake
Burton has always been, and will continue to be, the Trek of the snowboarding world.
What kind of riding will you be doing?
I will give a big vote for FLOW bindings, I have been riding them for 8 or 9 years and would never switch to another binding. I have tested Drake, Burton and Ride bindings in the past few years and have always come back to FLOW.
Step in bindings have come and gone and the Flow variation on the step in created the best of both worlds.
If you have any more questions let me know
I will give a big vote for FLOW bindings, I have been riding them for 8 or 9 years and would never switch to another binding. I have tested Drake, Burton and Ride bindings in the past few years and have always come back to FLOW.
Step in bindings have come and gone and the Flow variation on the step in created the best of both worlds.
If you have any more questions let me know
The Drake I ride is designed exactly like a Flow with the one piece strap. I’ve read lots of reviews of the flow binding breaking but maybe they have fixed the problem. My son rides the K2 that has a rear entry – you pull the back of the binding down, slip your foot in, and then lock the whole thing up. He really likes them but my boots won’t fit in them properly.
Thanx to all of your suggestions. I went to the Flow binding link, there are so many different models. Which one would u recommend? Diesel recommended the newer version that wouldnt break!
And what stick are you going to buy? The suspense is killing us!
This may not interest you but, backcountry skiing is a great alternative to snowboarding. Today’s fatty skis give you the same floating/surfing sensation when you’re out shredding the POW. I used to snowboard exclusively but have since converted to some fat ol Volkl Gotamas. Skinning up the mountain is a great workout and you have access to perfectly untracked snow. Backcountry snowboarding is still the best but not at all practical. I’ve never tried the splitboard thing but it might work. There is something about paying $50 + for a half day pass at the resorts that rubs me the wrong way. Plus, the snow is usually used and abused.
Backcountry.com is a great source for unbiased snowboard and gear reviews. Occassionally they have killer deals too.
i dont ski anymore. I have stopped skiing for many many years. I think i will just stick with my K2 Eldo board. I love that board and i think Diesel is right. There isnt much change in boards technology.
i dont ski anymore. I have stopped skiing for many many years. I think i will just stick with my K2 Eldo board. I love that board and i think Diesel is right. There isnt much change in boards technology.
Don’t tell the marketing guys at Burton what Diesel said. He is right though, graphics are really the only thing that have changed in the last 15 years. Who knows, the punks at the resort might think your board is retro cool. The kids in my neighborhood love my 20 year old Powell skateboard.
I think boots, however, have changed for the best. When I started snowboarding the only option was a pair of Sorel shells stuffed with ski boot liners. You either had to walk up the hill or wear a little pair of plastic skis to get on and off the chair. Ah, those were the days.
I honestly really loved my Switch Bindings. They were easy to click in even in deep snow. The boots were comfortable too (Van).
i will need to look at the Flow Bindings or just get the standard strap in. My K2 Eldo was the 2nd generation Eldo so definitely has a cool factor.
Stay away from step in bindings, they freeze up and get ice and snow jammed in them and then you freeze your butt off sitting in the snow trying to pick the gunk out with cold bare fingers!! Plus, most of them don’t have rear ankle support so its up to your boots to do that (and most of them aren’t stiff enough). Unless of course you are going to hard plates and plastic boots, then you are on your own, and probably don’t need my advise anyway.
These are the bindings that i used 3 years ago and i still have them. IMHO the design of Switch is just awesome. Snow doesnt clog up on the bindings. Step in is so easy. Looks like i need to find something else.