(A change was made to this page in November 2001)
Unlike skis the cost of a snowboard has traditionally included a set of bindings supplied by the snowboard manufacturer. (Because of their relative simplicity, companies included the bindings so they could sell the snowboard) Remember, snowboard bindings don't provide a safety release function. This is because when your two feet are connected to a single ski (snowboard), you are in a moderate width stance, and have a fairly short distance between your foot and the end of the snowboard, it is believed that the chances for injury are far less than in Alpine skiing, where your legs can and do move independently in a fall.
Within the past six years the snowboard industry has moved toward the use of a pre-tapped (drilled) "turntable" binding configuration. This design, which most companies follow is called a "4 x 4" mounting pattern (Burton uses its own "3-D" system), permits rapid changes in binding placement and stance angles.
There are two basic types of bindings, the use of which are dependent
upon the use of either "soft" or "hard boots".
Until recently the majority of soft bindings were two-strap "freestyle" designs (you had to bend/sit every time you fastened or released the binding). The straps fit over the boot. The High-Back of the binding is an essential feature which provides the rider with support during "heel-side" turns. (In most of the new Step-In soft bindings desribed below the High-Back is actually built into the boot itself and is invisible from the outside.
This season we are continuing to see significant sales of a totally new type of boot/board (binding) interface called Step-Ins.. These new systems utilize specialized boots with integral binding plates in their soles which attach directly to a companion bracket on a regular snowboard using either a "4x4" or "Burton 3-D" inset system. They permit the rider to "Step-Into" (fasten to) the board directly without the use of the straps which have been used previously. Interestingly, after strong sales in the late 1990'sm sales of step-ins seem to have plateaued at about a 30% market share. The snowboard magazines (2001) report that none of the major Pro Riders are using step-in systems. Apparently they feel that they do not provide the response and control of a traditional trap binding.
Note; none of the boots and bindings in the following
systems are interchangeable (excluding "Flow"). You MUST buy the boot and
the binding as a set for about $300+. Some of the special
boots, most notably
Flow offers a Step-In binding system which works
with your existing Soft Boots. I have not actually ridden their
product, although I have examined it at some trade shows. It does appear
to offer some advantages, while I have personal concerns as to how consistently
you can maintain the angle of the high-back. Transworld
Snowboarding has compiled a comprehensive review of all of the new Step-In
systems.
The following "Step-In" companies have web pages:
For the past five seasons I have been riding on the "Switch" "Step-In system. I am using the "Flexible - Free Ride" boot (size 8). On the positive side I have found the system to be reliable and generally NOT as prone to snow clogging as the "K2 Clicker." Switch is now part of Vans the shoe and snowboard boot company. Switch has "licensed" their system to several different independent boot companies.
The binding brackets on "Switch" equipped boots extend out the side of the sole making it difficult to use the boots with traditional "strap" bindings when you borrow or demo a board.
In the mid 1990's several companies introduced "baseless" binding systems. These designs place the sole of the rider's boot in direct contact with the snowboard deck by eliminating the binding's base plate. It also lowers the sole height by up to 1/8". In "theory" this enhances the "feel" of the board. I owned/used a pair on one of my old boards (Morrow "Rail 155") and with heavy soft boots (Burton "Comps") I really couldn't tell much of a difference.
However, you should note the following issues with baseless designs:
Most baseless bindings are far more difficult to adjust (stance angle/width) than traditional "4x4" designs. They aggravate "toe drag" problems for people with large feet.
The bindings used for hard boots are commonly referred to as "plate" units. Most are simple in design, since as you will recall; snowboard bindings don't contain a safety release function. This season at least one manufacturer (Burton) will be offering a step-in model which will further speed the entry and exit process.
Transworld Snowboarding has an excellent Buyers Guide online.
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Photos Courtesy of TransWorld Publications
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed herein are purely my own. They are based upon my personal experience (who is this "Dave dude") and publicly available materials.
Copyright © 2001 David E. Schutz