Today’s reader question:
I’m looking for new bindings, but they come with a few types of strap systems and I don’t know which type is the best for me. Some strap systems say they’re faster release, but I’m not sure. Is one better than another?
First, let’s explain what you’re talking about so everyone is on the same page.
Snowboard bindings use straps to hold your boot to the binding. These straps come in several types:
Traditional 2 strap system:
Just your standard 2 straps with a latch to release and tighten each strap.
Quick strap systems:
K2 Auto System – notice in the below photo that there’s no latch on the lower strap? This is because the straps on any K2 Auto binding are connected, so adjusting the top strap will automatically loosen or tighten the bottom strap at the same time.
K2 Cinch System – these bindings have a rear highback that folds backwards for quick entry/exit:
Flow’s Active Strap System – works like the K2 Cinch system with a folding rear highback for quick entry/exit:
Which binding strap system is best?
Honestly, they all work just fine, but if I had to pick a binding for it’s strap system I’d stick with the traditional 2 strap system.
I’ve tried a few of these types of quick release bindings and they worked, although at times they were a little finicky.
For example, I had a pair of K2 Auto bindings and the lower strap would sometimes get a little stuck and require a little force to loosen undo. I also broke the wire system connecting the two straps and had to get it replaced (cost was less then $25).
There’s also little things that I found it annoying. For instance, you have to tilt your foot at a certain angle to get my feet into the lower strap of a K2 Auto binding.
I’m also not sold on how much time it really saves to have a quick release system. When I was using the K2 Autos, I only ever found myself strapping in a few seconds faster than my friends who had regular 2 strap systems.
As far at the highback release systems like the K2 Cinch or Flow bindings, they work fine and I never had any real issues with that, but again I never saw any major time savings vs my friends with regular strap systems.
I also don’t like having extra moving parts on my bindings because it just means more things that can possibly break further down the line. When my K2 Auto’s broke I had to special order a spare part in, which was annoying because I missed a week of snowboarding.
So whats does this all mean? Which binding should I pick?
Pick your bindings based on how they perform and ignore the quick strap technology. The few seconds your save getting in and out of your binding is not worth deciding which binding to buy or not to buy.
Quick strap systems don’t really save more than 5 seconds here and there, so in the end you want to be buying your bindings based on the more major areas that matter in your riding, such as flex and feel.
Hope that answers your question!
- Jed
|
 |
hi jed… have a look to the SP snowboard binding system.
i got a pair of them since 3 years ( average 20 days of snowboarding / year + extra 5 weeks last year ) and all pieces are style pretty much new and strong.
one of the pro : you do your setup one time, and it’s stay like that forever… very strong and hold your feet nicely.
i did recommend these to some friends that would never go back to something else now… you got the best of both world with these binding…
have a look…
cheers.
Interesting, looks a lot like the same system Flow and K2 Cinch uses. I’ll have to check em out if I find a pair, cheers for the tip.
Hi Jed, there’s one more thing against Flow binding system: boot compatibility. I personally have used 2 pairs of NXTs, one got stolen with the board and second broken, but that doesn’t matter – they’re still super-cool. What’s really important is that they require the boot to be a bit narrower on the heel side because of the folding hiback. So if your boot size isn’t close to the bottom of range for a specific binding size – there’s a good chance that they simply won’t fit, or you’ll have to push your feet hard every time you strap in, ruining all time savings and boot’s outsole. Oh, and that chance is significantly bigger if your boot is from a “wider” brand like DC or Vans or 32.
And the second thing regarding any folding system: they all have slightly less heelside response because of flexibility of the connecting wire. However, this is not so important for freestyle.
As for SPs – they’re more known in Europe, and in the US the same line is sold uner GNU brand. Seems to be a good system among other fast-entries, haven’t heard anything bad from my friends who ride them.
Good point about the boots not fitting. Anyone buying new bindings should always bring their boots with them to test the fit in the shop since not all boots are made the same widths and sizes.
Hi Jed, there’s one more thing against Flow binding system: boot compatibility. I personally have used 2 pairs of NXTs, one got stolen with the board and second broken, but that doesn’t matter – they’re still super-cool. What’s really important is that they require the boot to be a bit narrower on the heel side because of the folding hiback. So if your boot size isn’t close to the bottom of range for a specific binding size – there’s a good chance that they simply won’t fit, or you’ll have to push your feet hard every time you strap in, ruining all time savings and boot’s outsole. Oh, and that chance is significantly bigger if your boot is from a “wider” brand like DC or Vans or 32.
And the second thing regarding any folding system: they all have slightly less heelside response because of flexibility of the connecting wire. However, this is not so important for freestyle.
As for SPs – they’re more known in Europe, and in the US the same line is sold uner GNU brand. Seems to be a good system among other fast-entries, haven’t heard anything bad from my friends who ride them.