I completely disagree with a lot of what you said about the step-ons. 1. You can easily get into them sitting down so they are fine for beginners. 2. The latch to get out is super easy and it takes me the same or less time than people with regular straps. I also don't see why you put them on the inside cause if you are used to bending down to release regular straps on the outside it's the same motion for step-ons with the level on the outside. 3. The step-ons are way more responsive than regular bindings. You may not be used to the feel of not having straps and were not getting both clicks in the heel every run so that may make you feel hesitant in your riding (maybe try the photon boots and less forward lean to help with this) but the step-on system essentially makes your boot and binding one piece so every motion is instantly transferred to your board without having to feel like you have to crank anything down. Sounds like a mental thing you need to feel more secure personally.
@6ftMouse Not in the way that step ons do. Regular bindings will always have some play in the straps that is not present with step ons even if you crank them all the way down the strap will still flex first before the energy is transferred to the frame. with step ons the heel ratchet and toe cleats transfer energy to the frame instantaneously. From an engineering/physics perspective the step-ons will always be objectively more responsive because of the way they are attached.
@halorocker2I’d like to know how they do when you’re in waist deep pow or don’t have a stable platform to strap in, like steep stuff. Also, what happens once your boot starts packing out? Regular bindings can help you compensate. And 3-5 mins to strap in huh? That’s definitely user error man, can’t blame bindings for that.
@@doyouevennaturebro4593 I rode in pow ALL the time during peak season never once have problem in deeeeeep pow you can adapt and over come and stand on the powder with your board just like when you do on strap very easy
This review is so weird. The score makes no sense for me. Strapping normal bindings is 4/5?! I’m an advanced snowboarder and after a lot of hesitation I got step ons for this season. As someone that rides with skiers most of the time, it was life changing. It’s just soooo much faster to be ready to go. It’s also so much easier to step out and get back on flat sections. I also have zero complains about the riding feel. I wish I had got those sooner.
The biggest benefit of step ons for me is something that most people don't even mention. It's not the ease of getting in or getting out, it's actually the way your boot is secured. With normal bindings I have to always readjust how tight it is during riding and often it's either too loose or too tight and my feet hurt. And every time I get off the lift, I have to repeat the process. With step ons, I just get in and it's always the same, because it depends on the boot, no the binding. And I've never felt like I'm at 85% of my potential or that I'm not secure enough. I feel more secure, because I know it's not going to get loose while riding because there was snow on it when I strapped in. The added responsiveness (I ride the X version) actually improved my (on piste) riding and I've been snowboarding for more than 15 years. The only negative thing I can say about them is getting out of them, which can be annoying in certain conditions. Like an uneven surface.
The quality of the binding also helps with comfort. I went from Burton Freestyle to the Malavitas and it was a huge difference in comfort of the straps.
One way to step out on uneven surface is to stop on the toe edge (not the heel edge) when the board is perpendicular to the fall line. The "m sky" advise of twisting the heel is basic move to step out for stepons.
@halorocker2 I agree with you. The way he reviewed the two bindings - Step On and Supermatic, was like someone forced him to make a review of the two even though he really just wanted to use traditional bindings. You can totally see it in his "full" reviews with the two bindings uploaded prior to this video. I'm like "How is sitting down, trying to align the two components of a strap while really bent down (twice) and ratcheting it over and over, EASIER than simply stepping on/in????" And in line with the op comment, with a traditional binding you always have "guess" how tight you want the straps to be EVERY TIME you have to strap in. With the step on/supermatic, the tightness is already set. YOu just have to click in. That's why he kept mentioning "making the final click" adjustment with a traditional binding. You don't have this problem with the two. You can totally tell he's looking at it from someone who really just wants to use a traditional binding. The way I look at these reviews is like a skier that was forced to review snowboarding. I can't make a pizza/fries angle with this board, it's 1/5.
For the traditional bindings he said in the summary “it’s not the most convenient to get your foot in”, ..but then rated it the same as the other step-ins at 4/5. C’mon, I own traditional bindings but everyone knows the main purpose of step ins is the east of getting in, especially for beg-intermediates which is who they are made for😂
@@SnowboardProCamp My girl started riding and stepped on easily day 1. She switched from traditional and sitting down on a bench struggling to stand back up to stepping on and being on her heel side coasting slowly down the hill.
Agree. Stepping-in is the whole purpose of the design... If it is not better than traditional, it doesn't explain why ppl keep buying for the price range...
I ride step ons and would never go back to traditional bindings. But at the end of the day, it's truly a matter of personal preference. All binding systems have pros & cons. Choose whatever you shred the best in. Great vid as always!
That's right. If he had put the Step On levers on the outside he wouldn't have had an issue. And, BOA laces allow you to adjust the tightness...Kevin had traditional laces.
im starting to despise having to stop/ sit down to strap in regular bindings. with the step-on is it easy enough to step in getting off the lift without having to stop? Can someone please confirm? if yes it might be a worthwhile investment for me.
I've got the Supermatics and have been having a blast. Thoroughly recommend and have used regular and flows. Absolute game changer and can use any boots with them
I have flow bindings where the back plate flips over. Often these are harder to get in/out than classic bindings… like on steep hill, on back edge you cant open back plate and on front edge its just hard to pull off… also boot gets stuck and it is never same strength as before lift😂Were your flows the same mechanism? If so, would u recommend burton or supermatics over these ?
I rode the Supermatics all last year. Total game changer. Slide your back boot into the binding while on the lift to initiate the 1st click..and when you plant off the lift, you'll lock in and don't even need to stop and wait for your jabroni friends to step-in and strap up 👍🏻
Once you get used to the muscle memory of stepping into a nidecker supermatic, it is def easier than any other binding on the market. You are actually able to give the straps an extra clink if needed and the step functionality will not be affected. It may be a little bit harder for people who have just started using the bindings but after getting used to the movement it is very simple. Also there is a little trick with the lever, U dont have to press on it that hard if you press the lever and lift drive your heel back at the same time as the back of the boot actually helps to enable the mechanism. I agree that it can be tricky in deeper powder conditions but that's when the "dual entry" comes into play, you can use them as normal bindings. No hate, but I feel that maybe you should have taken more time on the review of both these bindings. As new technology roles out that tries to change the market, more time should be taken to really understand it.
Totally agree. The points he makes against the nidecker binding are all non issues after you have ridden it for a bit. I step into mine very easily, get out of them as fast as normal strap ons (given they have a rather modern one with good buckles, otherwise im faster). The soft snow stuff is irrelevant either, cause if need be, i can always use them like a normal strap on. And i ride them as tight as i ride any other binding. Once you got the motion (took me like 3h of riding) you slip into them while gliding of the ski lift. Since I work in snowboard retail and decide what we will buy every season to stock the shop, i also got the opportunity to test out most of the step on systems. Nidecker took the cake by a wide margin in my opinion. Burton and K2 lack straps for powder days and the Clew system is too clunky.
Muscle memory is the key. It took awhile for me to get accustomed to the rear entry of Flow bindings. But once I did, I'd never go back to my Burtons, or Unions. I just ordered a set of Supermatics. I'm hoping the learning curve will be shallow from my years of Flow rear entries.
I will second what was said here by other riders: I feel like there's a bias towards regular straps because you're already very used to and comfortable with it. Step ons actually made my life way easier compared to when I was riding with strap on (and almost gave up on snowboarding because of it). The boot feels connected to the board at all times, and I don't have to readjust straps to feel comfortable and safe. I appreciate your perspective as a more seasoned snowboarder, but my experience has been very different.
Agree 100%. If you are used to straps, give Step Ons a try for 1 full day and you will get used to it; after 1 week you will forget straps. After 1 season you'll miss Step On whenever you use straps!
good to hear that. Im a beginner snowboarder and I was so exhausted trying to bind and unbind my boots every 5-10 minutes while practicing in a short beginners area. I believe these step ons will take out that tiring factor from me and let me focus more on snowboarding than getting tired bending every 5 minutes trying to find the staps behind my boot.
@@chaostade4087 buy the stepons, if theyre good enough for daily riders like me who are beating on them relentlessly , they are definitely worth it for you. youll spend way more time riding and less time fighting the equipment.
@@chaostade4087I know what you mean. I've been learning on an easy slope that takes about 1 - 1.5 min to get down and about 4 minutes to get up with the lift. That's alot of strapping in and out.
A great thing about the Burton Step On system is that you can step into the binding while the board is moving. It's a great feeling to step in after getting off the chair lift without stopping. Or, step into the binding while skating on a flat cat track. This is so much easier than having to be stationary to put your binding on and then shimmying to get going. I haven't seen in this review or others whether you can step in on the go with the Nidecker Supermatic bindings. Or if you can, how that compares to the Burton Step Ons.
Depending on the off ramp, I just step into them right on the chair if there’s a footrest, or step right into them as soon as the board touches the snow. That way you slide right off and start riding right away, as skiers rubberneck and look at you in bewilderment 😂
As a real beginner with difficulty to bend over (not in good shape 😂 ) I must say that changing from normal bindings to step ons was like switching from night to day. I was spending a lot of time and effort (I started the ride already tired) just from the effort of putting the straps. With the step ons I do it when exiting the lift. As to remove, it's a lot easier than the normals, as with one bending push o can reach the level and push it up (btw I haven't tried the others, but if you have to push down it seams to be more difficult).
same. Im a beginner and I was getting tired just by bending and trying to strap my boots. Plus i had to do that every 5-10 minutes because i was practicing in a short beginner area. I feel step ons will be much easier to me. Which brand do you use?
I strongly disagree for stepons :) in the matter of stepping in and out either on the piste or off the piste. It is dramatically faster, easier in comparison to traditional. In the deep snow is enough to make a small jump(5cm) to get the second click of the heel. The decision of swapping the levers in stepons was wrong in my opinion. In that way it is harder to reach inside the heel twisting the wrist and takes much more effort to find and to pull. I would partially agree it is harder to step out when you have fallen in the deepest snow ever for stepon in comparison to traditional. The forward lean for stepons is not so big as for the traditional bindings. But the performance and responsiveness of stepons are far ahead to its counterparts.
I honestly dont think hes used either enough to provide a fair review. He didn’t even know he wasnt getting both clicks on the step ons and called them loose and unresponsive. He didnt even know which was the right and left, and they literally have an L and R on them.
Noooooo..I'm in my second season with StepOn's and nothing touches them for in and out. It gets easier and they are so light. I've seen other systems but Burton have made it so simple. StepOn's are awesome!
It's funny how people don't consider the downsides to straps when strapping up in deep powder... I think some of this comes down to comparing something you've used for many years to something you've used for a few days. I like the step ons for their simplicity and I think there is potential to evolve step ons in the same way that ski boots/bindings have evolved for ultimate responsiveness, whereas I think the Supermatics are really just catering to people who don't want to give up straps.
@@borntobombthat will definitely not happen 😂 Most brands will maybe make one or two boots fitting for the system, but not all of them. The step on stuff is nothing the core scene is looking for at all. You will never see these kind of bindings at the X-Games or Air & Style. They are made for people who ride more casually. Also, people like to forget that step on is not really a new system. We had that 20 years ago and it died out again. Could see that happen again too tbh
I’m not sure how Kevin can rate stepping in with traditional bindings the same as the burton step-ins. That’s the one area they excel, all my buddies are constantly fiddling with their bindings and I’m in my bindings in a second.
@@winterzahnyeah for people that have been snowboarding for a long time this idea of needing to make strapping in easier seems silly. Its cool that these companies came up with an option for people who struggle with it though.
@Brian P you underestimate the power of convenience. I strap in fast, not Tommy Bennet fast but still, it's not hard... I've even done it moving a few times on real mellow starts...got step ons, have 0 desire to use straps again. Nothing to do with struggle, it's just absolutely worth it to me to be able to skate nonstop into riding with no effort. Not a single downside that even comes close to negating that.
@@EwokyBalboa See you can focus on convince but for me, talking about not using the boot and bindings i like best, just so I don’t have to spend 3 seconds on a ratchet strap is a bad trade off.
@Brian P I mean, that's fine. Everyone's feet are different. I really like how the photon wides fit me, and the bindings ride great for me. If other boots and bindings work better for other ppl, they should ride those. My point is that all things being equal, people will absolutely pay more for simple convenience
It's not true that you have to be standing to get into step ons. You can easily get into them while sitting if you just grab your board where the bindings are. And it's still faster and easier than normal bindings. And the same thing works in powder.
The supermatics are step-ins AND traditional strap bindings. Use the boot that fits you...not just the system. The only real drawback is the weight penalty. Step in/out when conditions permit. Strap in/out when conditions require. As a SoCal rider in the early 2000's (Big Bear, Mt High) I used K2 Clickers and Clicker Highbacks (which are similar to the Burton's now) for a handful of years. I liked them most of the time. Dig out your heel cup like you do with strap bindings and you are usually good. Clearing snow off your boot sole and binding baseplate applies to all binding systems. Step-in boots have to be made different to provide the support that straps normally do, meaning stiff above your feet. Fit matters more and the feel is different. Finding a good fit with limited options means they might not be right for you. I never found a great fit, just dealt with it. As a lazy oldish man now, the supermatics will likely be my next bindings...next year. Best/least worst of both worlds. Added weight under foot doesn't bother me.
in the original unboxing video he did, he switched the lever around, idk why he did it, because I also much prefer the lever on the outside. but yeah he doesn't have the bindings switched around
Could you, @kevin, have done the same thing with the Supermatic? Maybe the levers should be on the outside? I was really eyeing on those bindings…. If I can find them anywhere…
It’s pretty straightforward with step ons: if your boot fits correctly they offer far more response. However, most people don’t buy boots that fit correctly and account for this by cranking down their straps. So when they try step ons with poorly fitting boots, they want straps to crank down to feel locked in.
And some people are used to and like poorly fitting boots because thats how they've always worn them. Only valid complaint i see here is if you just prefer a looser fitting boot and cranking straps?
This is so true! I always tried to make up for slightly loose but comfortable boots by tightening down my bindings extra. Now with my step-ons I really have to get my boot perfect. (I’m putting in an insole too to take out some vertical play in the toes)
First of all, you're using a soft boot in the step ons. You should try an Ion and revisit this. With a stiffer setup you won't lose any performance to a standard binding, in fact you may find you are faster edge to edge because you are pulling the board over rather than pushing it over. This system really shines with a stiff setup and you are doing the review a disservice by not having a stiffer, more adjustable boot with a strap over your foot. Also, getting out of step ons is just as quick as standard bindings after some practice, but you should leave the release lever on the outside as intended... It's much better. I'm not sure why people told you the inside was better... The only people I wouldn't recommend step ons to are park riders who like to keep their straps loose or people who only ride sled/heli.
I just started snowboarding, and went with stepons, just curious why do park riders ride with loose bindings, would stepon be pointless for park, and how are they for performing tricks off the park, like buttering ect
Another youtuber weighed the Step Ons with their boots and the Supermatic with Burton boots of the same type and we arrive at the exact same weight for both systems... Without weighing the boots, which are also part of the binding, it makes no sense. Then no need to lock the Supermatic binding while riding, so you can always tighten them along the way like classics.
Thanx for the review. I'm a 60yr old boarder and find it harder to lean over then when I was young. I have considered getting step in bindings but after your review I think I'll stick with my old style bindings. Something I have done to mine is turned the straps around so the buckles are on the inside. I don't have to lean over so far and find it way easier to get in and out. I don't know why they don't come that way, it's not like your feet come together like ski boots do. Try it out!
At 60 I bought StepOns and I'm 65. Run, don't walk to get them. You can't appreciate how good they are in 1 session. Like anything, there's technique involved and once learned, these are magic. Given that you like your buckles on the inside, you'll like the release lever position on these. Key points: 1. Dead easy in/out with simple twist but if you have issues w/ lateral knee twist, these may tweak it. 2. Alone on a chair you can easily put both feet in relieving knee strain when no foot rest. Sometimes even w/ another person on the chair. 3. On many chairs you can ride straight off, locked in, blowing minds around you. 4. If not locked w/ both feet, ride off chair as normal, click in and ride, still blow minds around you. 5. On flats, skate to get momentum then click in and go. If it gets flat again, bend over, release lever, lift out boot, skate and click again. You can do this without ever stopping as your friends are skating, sitting, strapping, repeating. On traverses, the payoff is incredible. You won't do this your first day but once you dial in, fuggettaboudit. 6. No more sitting, bending over, lifting your tired ass off the snow after lunch & tasting your chowder again. Your abs will not miss this. 7. When waiting for friends and you just have to sit because standing strapped motionless is a fail, just pop out a foot, stand until they show up. Step in and go when you see them. Get used to waiting until your friends smarten up 8. Significant weight loss w/ 4 straps and hardware gone. You'll feel it and like it. 9. Packs/stores/ships cleaner w/ less space. 10. Will still work if you screw up and only get 1 toe clip in underway. You will not come out of binding and it will click in on the next turn. 11. The most important and understated piece is that you will save 30% of your energy formerly wasted jerking around w/ all the BS old school bindings require. That energy will be spent riding better, safer, stronger, and longer. Get the Proton boot if you think straps will be missed and make sure it fits. There is zero response sacrifice and I'd argue the opposite. Frankly, it's hard not to be smug as you ride pass packs of sitting strappers at the top. Blow through them and get 1st tracks. In fact, I can think of no downsides except that it's Burton, and that's a personal bias. After about 3 days on them I was dialed in. I simply cannot understand why anyone would use anything else and I thought by 3 years it would completely dominate the market. Still baffled why not. People's need for straps to feel secure is not based in reason, just habit. This is the greatest advancement in snowboarding since the Hy-Bak ( Thanks to Jeff Grell/ Steve Derrah/ Flite Snowboards) This is coming from a passionate boarder who's been riding for 39 years w/ 4 full seasons on StepOns.
@@larrypierce6724I am 67, just got them, putting my regular bindings on was too much. The only thing I miss is resting on my ass, which I can still do. I still might bring a hiking pole to get me up
I think you haven't ridden the step ons long enough if you come up with the same points for stepping in as regular bindings. You can easily sit down and click in the step ons if needed but my truly beginner friend especially bought them so he could stand up while stepping in. I like your channel but this review seems a bit biased to me, stepping in should be: regular 1/5 (can't think of anything harder to get in to compare) - Nidecker 3or4/5 (only observational never used them myself)- Step Ons 5/5 imho.
yeah I would say how you would say its easier to strap in, but harder to step out on a latch system. the flexibility is required for both imo. if anything trying to balance standing up while you strap in is harder vs just stepping in while standing up. even then you don't have to stand up to step in, you can just sit down and step in if you wanted to.
Yeah, that comment seemed off to me too. As a fat beginner, the Step-Ons are great to get into. Regular bindings pretty much require me to sit down and then try to stand back up with the board attached, which isn't super easy for me. Getting out can still be an issue, plan on swapping the release levers and trying that.
@danshepard5083 I've seen some videos about extending the lever with a cord in a tube alongside the highback, if the bending over is too hard. But I guess if it's not a medical condition it might be better to use it as motivation to loose the weight 😅
I’ve seen a lot of people suggest FLOW be included. I rode them for 2-3 seasons. A few things; - Very similar to the Nidecker points Kev made for being a tad awkward wiggling boot in / out if you have very tight straps, but overall very easy. - The lever, if you ride tight with some forward lean, can take massive amounts of pressure to open at times! - The lever on some occasions, if I fell and was tumbling down a piste, can actually open due to it being mounted on the back of the high back. This happened maybe once weekly. This is why I eventually gave them up. - No pushing down needed to engage high back and so you don’t get the Nidecker issue on pushing your heel down to engage the high back when stood in soft snow. - I really liked them, but after them opening up a few times you just begin to lose confidence and that is just a top priority. FLOW NX2 GT 2018
I love the responsiveness of the StepOns! I have been using them since their introduction. But, when I started training for SnowboardCross, the excessive response became an issue to my new riding style so I had to revert back to regular bindings. Still, if somebody asks me if they are worth it, I totally recommend them!
SB-X is precisely the kind of scenario where you want the right setup. I get that, today StepOns are not the precise setup for that, but that is likely only a matter of time before Burton makes a specific model for it. (just like theyve done with their park specific one) SB-X , splitboarding, and hardboot carving are kind of the frontiers that StepOns would have for future challenges, but they are mechanically possible. I even did a StepOn mockup with Voile plates on a splitboard, the tour mode would need some re-engineering but not much.
I like your videos Kevin, and your points are acknowledged...but I have to disagree with the low rating on the step in and step out. Put the Step On levers on the outside and it's easier. I usually wait 30 seconds at the top of the run for my traditional binding brothers to strap in. Steps Ons are worth it just for he amount of time and effort you save...and your lower back will thank you by the end of the day. If you used BOA laces instead....you could easily adjust the tightness.
After six seasons with step ons they are so much easier to get into in powder than my straps as well as you can put them on sitting down super easy. Just so your viewers know. Getting out in deep stuff is easy as well. 😜
Last season I got caught with powder getting into the heel clip of my step ons when I had to remove them to get out of a small tree well. Had to hike 20 mins to the nearest groomer in waist deep pow. Just anecdotal and might have done something stupid since I am a new boarder.
Step On boots are heavier than regular boots, so you have to weight the bindings AND the boots. From other videos the weight of the 2 system seem to be pretty much the same.
Stepons are 1.9lb per binding (3.8 total), supernatics are 2.8 each (5.6 total) so 1.8lb heavier. My SO size 12 wide boots are only 0.25lb each (0.5) heavier than my regulars. So SO system is still lighter by 1.3lb... so not exactly "the same"... do I notice it riding though? Nope.
@Ryan Weddle those are not the part of the comparison here. Op was saying (or it reads this way) that the nideckers plus reg boots are the same as the burton so set
I love how lightweight the Step Ons are and I think my board looks so much cleaner without the loose straps dangling about. I've also never felt limited in my riding because of them... I don't understand what you mean by riding at 85%. I also love that with the Step Ons and my Photon boots with boas, I can 'crank my straps' by tightening the boas... If I'm just on mellow greens, they're just tight enough to not fall off. Get to a diamond and I can crank those boas tight and up the responsiveness. Sure the boots are less comfortable than reg boots, but with the ease of the boas, as soon as I take a break I just pop em loose and I'm in 'walk mode' as the skiers say...
When I decided to start snowboarding I went with the Burton Step Ons. Even as a straight-up beginner, I'm constantly waiting for my buddies to do up their bindings. The convenience is night and day. And when I let my buddy try my set up, he was crazy surprised by how secure it felt. I've never questioned the security of the step on system, either flying down blackcomb or hitting the park at my local hill. I really can't recommend the Step Ons enough (at least trying them if you ever get the opportunity).
Do you feel like it makes you want to snowboard more than your friends? Im asking you because you say youre a beginner, and rider retention is the highest challenge in snowboarding.
The only thing that stopped me was being locked into specific boot options, but they do seem great. Everyone I've talked to has loved them and never had one fail on them.
@@borntobomb I think you can determine rider retention with how they respond to their first day especially. If they just keep getting up and insisting to do another lap after eating shit for the twentieth time you have someone who is hooked.
Not sure how you can compare easy of entry as the same across all three when two of them are clearly easier. I have Rome Katana bindings, some older burton step ons, and the nidecker supermatics and can say plus and minuses to all so depends on what your looking for For Nidecker (caveat haven't had this in like a big power day yet (1ft+) (used maybe 7-8 days so far) 1) traditional binding feel, easier to butter than burton step on (more pull across board) 2) quick entry 3) much faster off the chair to run than traditional bindings. 4) can use any boot negatives: 1) heavy and feels heavy if you take jumps and land. Feels just harsh and heavy on the landing and not much dampening (weights about 300 grams each more than Katana, but also less foam) 2) a bit harder to get out of than traditional or step on. Pushing down on latch is harder than pulling up and you have to move leg up at same time so have to push down while pulling leg out. Fine most of time, but sometimes can be awkward if not on level ground. 3) latch gets stuck with snow! get in some wet heavy snow and just watch it get stuck under the latch and you sit there and have to try to knock it out to get out of binding 4) 100% true, if your that guy that likes to ratchet down bindings like crazy, cant really do that with these are really hard to get in and out. For burton step-ons (used 100-150+ days) 1) super fast to get in and out of. Never had problems getting out or in even on powder (though few situation have to grab board to pull it on) 2) great response feels good down the mountain if you like responsive bindings. 3) works pretty well in all conditions (doesn't matter if snow is sticky or went. might need to clean out snow on binding in power, but same as traditional. If in power just get toe hooks in then press down as moving along). negatives: 1) very dependent on the boot. Boot is what holds your feet in so picking the right boot is important for heel lift and feel. Boots also wear out quicker I think (they are taking all the stress that binding would) and become flexier quicker. 2) limited boot selection... K2 thraxis step ons please. 3) new ones the lips at end can break, old ones make noise (Bothers some people... I never cared personally) 4) foam wears out on foot bed over time and can make heel loose (fixable, but annoying) 5) not great for buttering or tricks, only putting pressure on board in 3 spots, heel and sides of toes so harder to flex board. 6) because they are so responsive. I am not sure these are the greatest for beginners. Rome Katana's 1) great bindings negatives 1) hanging out with skiers and every ones waiting for you or slower laps on small hills. Overall, I don't know what to think about nidecker, this binding is kind of almost there, but not quite, just some improvements they need to make but thats what you get with a first gen product. They need to reduce the weight and maybe redesign the latch a bit. I use them when roaming around mountain and not trying to hit anything bigger than side hit. Stepons I like a lot but boots get trashed fairly fast and I don't like them as much in the park for rails/jibbing. I would probably ditch the nideckers but I really like my K2 thraxis boots and I have too many skier friends these days... (its unfortunate I know...). Anyway, plus and minuses to everything, but nice to have options to be able to get in and out quick!
Clew is worth the money 💰 it has a great traditional feeling, binding is easy to step in, getting out is easy you only have to reach to the top of the high back
Burton Step on system can be customized to be able to adjust for it's shortcomings. The boots , depending on which ones you use, can be tightened for more secure feel riding. Add a thin layer of foam on the base of the binding for a more secure locked in feeling riding. Also I could not reach the lever AT ALL to release. I added a mechanism to be able to reach easily. I connected a pull tab to the lever running up a small tube to the top edge of the back of the binding. Very simple and very easy to reach to get out without having to bend all the way to reach the lever. With these fixes the Step ons are great! Been riding them for three seasons and love them!
You definitely mounted the step-ons wrong...the latches should be on the outside - this was designed like this so you would naturally reach with your hands to step out instead of reaching between your legs to unlock. This could also explain why you had difficulties stepping in and out (and getting the 2nd click to lock when stepping in). I've got the step-ons for the 4th season now and they are a breeze to step in and out even when you're moving (i.e. off the chairlift). I think we all would appreciate it if you could mount them correctly and do your review again.
They are mounted correctly, he took them apart and swapped the levers. I did this myself and I absolutely prefer them on the inside over the outside. It's 100% personal preference
@@EwokyBalboa but by him swapping the lever to the inside he's making it more of a hassle to pull the lever, if it was in it's original position on the outside it'll be a easy pull, like pulling up traditionals, if he reversed traditional like he did with the lever, he'd probably say it's more difficult
@George Arce you're missing the point. You saying "more of a hassle to pull" is an opinion, based on your physical body's capability. For me, it's easier to pull when it's on the inside (for my left hand)
@@EwokyBalboa Fair point, but I think people are upset he's criticizing the step ons for having levers on the inside when that was his own choice. Basically I'm curious if Kevin put the levers on the outside, would he have had a better time, and given it a better review. The fact he never mentions that as an option makes me feel like he didn't know it was one.
Watching this made me think it was a good idea to not buy Supermatics. After three days at Whistler, I’m realizing again how thankful I am for my StepOns. Ease of getting in and out, not having to strap in at the top of the chair sitting down n getting back up or even having to strap in while standing n bending down with one foot locked in… Just find a flat ground, step in, and I am good to go. Getting out is so easy once you get used to it and so I can quickly step in n out on flat runs where I get stuck… (it happened once so it does happen!!) I compensate the lack of ankle strap by leaning more into my boot by bending my knees more. Also it being lightweight and slim, it makes walking around with my board easier. Thanks for the review!!!
I have the Burton Step On bindings and I have no issues riding at 100% of my ability. If I want some extra support, I can always pull on the draw string in my boots to tighten them down a bit at the top for the run. With the boots being attached at the head and ball of the foot, the Step On bindings provide even more connection to the board than traditional bindings. I would never dream of going back to traditional boots and bindings. I also think the Step Ons are much easier for beginners than having to deal with straps.
@@dsd-downshiftdave8056I have 14+ years on classic bindings and 2 on step on. I agree with the original comment 100%. And I have not seen any significant difference in my riding style (powder, park, hight speed, etc.) I just enjoy getting in and out at lightning speeds
I notice in the video the release lever for the step ons was on the inside of the foot. All my step ons have the lever on the outside of the foot making it easier to release the boot than shown in the video.
Agreed, pretty sure he didn't have the bindings installed correctly. That being said, I do wonder if most people would find lifting the lever on the inside to be easier (because left to right, right to left) as opposed to the outside where you have to reach down left to left and it's a bit more awkward because you are kind of putting center of gravity backwards
Are you lifting your heel when trying to get out of the supermatics? If so, that might be why it's hard for you to push down on the release lever. Try keeping your heel down, pushing the release lever, then lifting your heel up and out. Hope this helps!
I am thinking of buying the supermatics but in the review he said that you need to realy go low to release, I have back issues and currently I am using the flow, in the flow you dont need to go down like in supermatics, what do you think? in supermatics you need to go lower?
I've never used the flow so I don't know about them but with the supermatic, the release point is basically at the side of your foot. So if you can't touch your feet comfortably while standing then you'll probably have some issues with the supermatics. @@eyalyawets410
I disagree a little bit on the ease of stepping-in and stepping out for both Step On and Supermatic. I think this is a matter of practice. It took me half a season to get used to stepping out of my Step On and in the beginning, I was also stepping on while sitting down. It's all in the proper motion. For traditional bindings, it took me a while to get used to quickly used to pulling the two strap clips and pulling my leg out. With a Step On, with a proper twist angle, I can unclip in a second - way faster than traditional bindings.
First season snowboarding and bought some step ons. I can ride pretty comfortably now but I do still struggle to step into the binding but its still faster than straps. Grab a quick seat click click click and off you go rather than fiddling with a ratchet and cutting off all circulation in my feet. I've heard good things about clew bindings but tbh at this point I am convinced its just personal preference.
You are missing a crucial point with the Supermatics, and its the fact that you get the best of both worlds with them. You can use them as a Stop On or as a traditional Binding whenever you want to, depending on the slope or the type of snow you are in. That's what really makes them stand out.
why would you need a hybrid binding, if you are happy with trad bindings why pay silly money for something that is unnecessary and less effective than a cheaper option ? just curious
@@pauljames1258 Easy: less time strapping the bindings => more time to shred. I always found the strapping part annoying. The best thing is: it rides like a traditional binding and one can even use it that way if needed/wanted in specific conditions.
@@MaJa-EmJay totally agree pal I was very sceptical of step ons but I'm a convert to burtons 100% I just can't see the point of the bindings ,I tried supermatics in store recently and they just felt so awkward to get in and out of due ro the bindings Being present ,I'm not a top flight boarder by any means so maybe there's a level where bindings are an absolute must ,when you say certain conditions what do you mean ? Im not being confrontational I'm genuinely interested /curious 🙂
@@pauljames1258 Getting in and out us just a question of practise. Very easy after one day. Some people say they have got problems to step in in powder. So maybe then the traditional way is useful. BUT for me they so far worked well in any condition. Give them a try on the slopes and do a full day or two… For me it’s great to set off immediately getting off the chair lifts. With a little bit of practice you don’t even have to stop. I love that. But maybe some boarders need more pauses… 😂
This is hilarious. Even though you state that you only can ride at 85% of your potential with the Step Ons you give it the same points as the Super Matics. And you give the design of Step Ons higher points than both traditional and Supermatic even though Step Ons design substantially limits the choice of (perhaps the most important piece of kit for beginners/intermediates) boots. Also, i would argue that its actually good for beginners to work on balance right from the start.
I got about 15 years of experience with regular bindings and 2 years on the Burton Step-On X Re:Flex bindings. My short take on the Step-On: + Faster in and out + Easier step in on the go + More responsive - Unadjustable highback angle I'm stickning with the step ons and recommend them to any rider but two types; Beginners (due to the unforgiving super responsiveness) and carvers rocking extreme posi-posi angles (due to the unadjustable highback angle).
Kev, i think you have the step ons on the wrong feet. The release handle is supposed to be on the outside of the binding instead of the inside. Might make the release a little bit easier than reaching through.
ha i thought that but wasnt sure if it is the 2023 binding that had switched the lever ?? makes sense tbf if it is ,i struggle to reach one of my levers on the outside of my binding due to an injury so adapted it with a tie wrap 🤣
You have the Step On bindings mounted backwards. The release lever should be on the outside not on the inside. I can get out of my Step on as quick as any traditional binding. Traditional bindings are great but I won't be going back. I used to get red marks on the top of my foot from the pressure of my binding straps. With Step Ons that has gone away. No more bone out pain.
Great video. A little pointer for the Nideckers to make them easier to get out of. Tighten the toe and ankle straps to your liking. But keep the middle strap a little loose. The middle one is there to help guide your foot and can afford to be loose without effecting the rest of the bindings. It really helps to get in and out of a lot easier.
Thanks to my friend who got me into snowboarding my first bindings were Flow. After that I tried some traditional Union and Now bindings and last year bought Supermatics. I'm pretty sure I will never go back to traditional bindings again.
It's amazing how many ppl, after seeing you use the SO lever from the inside, think you actually have the bindings on the wrong side rather than thinking "oh, you can switch the levers around?"
I think you should go back and rethink on how you test and review these. Do a test and show us on all conditions, groomers, flat, uneven surfaces, chair lift, etc. Use these for a few weeks, etc.
I ride with original clickers for 19 seasons and loved them. I switched to traditional 6 years ago when i couldn't find any replacement boots. This season i bought the nideckers and will be giving those a try
Dude this guy obviously favors regular binding 4/5 ease getting in and out across the board 😂 I’ve had step ons for a few years now and once you get it down it’s seamless. I ride off lifts like a skier. Zero strap in time. And getting out at first is uncomfortable but way easier and quicker then normal bindings. Im from Salt Lake City, Ut. We have the greatest powder on earth. Zero problems stepping in in deep snow. As for responsiveness, every single contact point is right on your edge of your board. It’s next level responsiveness. Zero give.
Interesting Video regarding the comparisons. I've just finished my first week using the Step on's paired with the DC Judge Boot (Which is a extremely stiff boot) and a boot I have used since its inception. I cannot who heartedly agree with the conclusion of the traditional bindings being the winner. You sate that getting those extra few clicks on the trad bindings makes you feel more locked in, the problem with traditional bindings is the fact that the straps as you ride flex and elongate (Unions are especially bad for this) multiple times I've had to stop mid way down a line to re tighten the strap due to this elongation. Where as in comparison the step ons because of the mechanical heel lock there was no such issue. The other issue I see is that the step on's are specifically designed to be right and left to aid release of the boot. If you switch the lever around on these (Like you did) it actually becomes slightly harder to get the boot out due to the way you have to twist your body to undo the latch Its simple ergonomics. And you forgot to mention the biggest benefit of all being able to ride away from the chair lift without having to stop and faff around with the straps. I ride with both Skier's and boarders and 99% of the time I was already heading down the run before the rest of the group were still strapping in/Fiddling with poles.
@dsd-downshiftdave8056 there was a little bit of a learning curve when buttering because the set up is so responsive (I do have the stiffest versions of both the bindings and boots) park riding is pretty much exactly the same. I'm yet to have any issues on landing or jibs.
Unfortunately they are not very popular outside of Europe, but I do agree. The Clew is not perfect since it's hard to walk with them after you stepped-out. But you still can just open the straps and leave the highback in place and then walking is easy again. On the piste, I also think it's the best system when you want to keep your old boots. Hope @snowboardprocamp will test them as well
I got the Clew last year and they work well. They are the easiest to get out of. Also once you set them up you can click in without stopping. If I go into the lodge then I mostly unstrap and loosen my boots anyways.
Mostly agree but a few things. 1. You can definitely put step ons on while sitting it’s almost easier “except in deep pow” 2 I know they say changing the lever to the inside of step ons makes it easier it’s not for me, it is fine just a little further than the release for the heal strap usually. Overall excellent well thought out review maybe think about clew binding
Lever location is definitely personal preference. I actually wish I could get an extra right hand lever so my right foot would be outside and left foot inside lol. Edit: forgot to add, I'm goofy so the left foot inside being easier for me is nice, the right being a little less flexible I'd prefer it outside but since it's my lead foot it's not a big deal
Have been awarded some more time on the slopes with my Step Ons and I'm at the point now where I'm not even stopping to step in. On an insanely steep slope, I can sit down and step in both feet if needed, really easily - it's just a case of a bit of practice and figuring out where pressure is needed to click in. I have absolutely no idea where the "85% of your riding potential" comes from and I think that's some serious bias for normal bindings coming in. I also think the "non-beginner" comments are completely unfounded - I used both traditional and step on bindings as a beginner and the step ons have been far easier than fiddling around with the traditional straps. I think Kevin is partial to (potentially even pressured by) Union bindings and this shows in his oddly unscientific comparison. The fact that all bindings got the exact same score for stepping in is beyond me.
I rode the supermatics today for the 1st time. I’ve made a point of coming back to this video. I was off piste today in chamonix & had no problems getting in or out. Perhaps you have flexibility issues. Before you question my experience, I’m a qualified snowboard instructor with 25 years of teaching.
The step-on's are a game changer for kiteboarding when you need both hands to control the kite for launching. It's easy to get them off even when sitting in deep snow just by turning your heel inwards.
As I am getting older, I was wondering about Step on or Supermatic, but thx this video, I ll stick to regular straps bindings. Thx for the honesty of this test video.
Only issue with my Burton Stuck Ons is that, at the end of every run, I have to come to a full stop on flat ground to take my foot out. With traditional binding I could unstrap and take foot out while still into motion and straight into the lift line. Will I buy the Stuck Ons again? Maybe, the benefits of quick stepping in may still out weight the drawback of cumbersomeness of stepping out. Another HUGE issue with Stuck ONs is that. In deep powder situations it may be a difference of live or death? I had experience of crashing into a hole on Whilster. Luckily I wasn't buried in snow. But it took me forever to get my self out of the hole. I think it would be a lot different if I can just reach and release the binding straps. Stay safe everyone.
Flow bindings for the win! But seriously they add a whole 4th category of binding types here... I was pretty pumped to try out the supermatics but I think I'll just stick with my flow bindings. The one selling point for me with flows is when you get stuck on flats I can actually kick my foot in and strap it in while kick pushing. This may sound noobish but I have been riding flows for about 7 seasons now and there's no going back!
I've been riding Flows for 20 years. They were very problematic at the start but I absolutely love them no. Very curious to try out the Supermatics to compare.
I've tried the supermatic and i like it. However, I like straps really really tight around my boots to get that immediate responsiveness. Yes you can do that for the supermatics by tightening the straps, but it means having to loosen it before stepping out otherwise you're stuck - you cannot leave it at a tight configuration when you step in either, so you'll have to loosen it before stepping in. Ended up spending almost the same amount of time faffing as a classic binding. I hope future designs of the supermatic allows it to tighten further automatically once you're strapped in.
But you can use supermatic as a traditional bindings also if im not wrong. I just got my supermatic and still didn't ride them and only thing I can say is that I'm beginner and I'm a dude with almost two meters and with 115 kilograms so hopefully they are going make it easier for me because I tried traditional bindings and it was hard for me unfortunately.
I have been riding since '92 and have been through a lot of bindings (traditional straps) and I ride powder/trees/park/slopes. The last pair started to break and instead of replacing the parts (again) I went for Step Ons. A few points: Definitely put the release lever on the outside!!! They are easier to get out of than straps as you only have to pull one lever as opposed to 2 on straps Use the heel then toe method to get in - instant secure No having to sit in snow to put them on - so surely they are easier/better rating than straps Less components to fail I like a really responsive set up so went for the Genesis binding and the Photon boot. Game changer for me. So I just can't agree with this review.
I need to say. I have bought the supermatics 2.0 just now and have them immediately wanted to try. Mounted them on the board and immediately found out that "it defeats it's purpose" (for me). I tie my straps always to the hardest. Like my boots. And I was after a few tries at the point that I will sell them unused. I cannot get in or out. It's for ppl with softer style. ((I go with the ride trident boots and ride El hefe carbon binding on a trice pro or golden Orca) no tricks just free ride and turbo on the slopes.))
I’m running the supermatics … stepping in is simple but stepping out can be problematic… as soon as you have the slightest pressure on I.e not on your heals the tension on the release mechanism makes it difficult to depress the leaver to get out … can be really frustrating at times. Overall I’m happy with them.
I am an old school Step-in boarder. I got into using "switch" bindings back in the 90's. The biggest downside of these, and I see it with the Burtons, is you are tied to the Boot. Because Vans killed off switch (dont get me on my soap box) in order to keep the switches I love I am constantly combing Ebay to keep an eye out for boots as they are no longer made. Last year I have a catastrophic failure on a boot. the good part it was at the end of my day. if it were at the beginning I would have been toast as I couldnt hit the sports shop and pick up boots. I now have a few pairs I take with me which is annoying. Also I dont really have a choice when I am getting the boots. if they are the right size and are in decent condition. I get them. total feel of the boot is something I have to live with as there are not choices. I see this could happen with burton as they progress. making one change in how it works could make the older boots/bindings obsolete. One of the things I do love about the step ins that wasnt mentioned is the feel is the exact same every single time as there are no adjustments made. with regular I have found I thought I tightened to the same level each time, but once I started going down, they were not the exact same. If and when I stop using switch I will go with the nideker style, as I dont want to get caught again with hunting for boots. but then again, I am 56 and have 3 more pairs of boots. the last ones lasted 10 years. soooo.
step ons are perfect for the injury riddled veteran boarder ,ive even attached a tie wrap to my lever as i cant bend far enough to my left after a smashed hip/knee injury ,A few hours in my yard booted up helped me master the stepping out part before i hit the slopes ,i tried the supermatic out of curiosity in store and i just couldnt see the point of them ,theyre so difficult to step in or out and they look tacky and feel heavy
The first time i tried snowboarding in i think 98 i remember a burton step on binding with no highback. I remember it being very easy to use. I think you had to put the outside of your foot in and there was a metal bar on the inside of your foot.
The release levers on the step ons are meant to be on the outside. Not sure why you moved them to the inside, where reaching them easily and fluidly is more awkward. In addition the extra secure feeling you mention, can be gained if you get the photon step on boot- it has a built in ankle strap. I've found them so much better than strap bindings. Anyway, everyone will have their own preferences but i thought i'd mention these points for people considering buying them.
There is very few reviews like this so any is appreciated. One comment on Burton. After using them for over 2 years I can get out and in of then 2-4 times faster then any traditional binding or any skier. Years of practice on traditional bindings makes any comparison biased. People should have open mind and put thinks into perspective. You don’t need second click. This happens once you start snowboarding as snow gradually clears and boot gets into 2nd click by itself. On traditional you have to stop and tight bindings after snow clears and keep adjusting.
Really love my step in bindings. Very easy to get in and and out. I constantly have to wait for my friends with traditional bindings. Its actually so fast that I just take off the board when I have to walk for a bit since that is faster than sliding with one foot in.
There are so many comments, but I could not find anybody mentioning Fastec system bindings like SP, Gnu, etc. OK, it's not exactly step-in, but getting in and out of those is very simple. The top strap is adjustable on the go. There is no need for special boots. So it could be a good competitor to what is discussed here: those Clew, Burton, and Nidecker systems.
Just a comment - you should have the levers on the outer side of the step on bindings (don't know if its the same with Supermatics) - that would make reaching the levers way easier... I ride the Photons with my step ons and as they have the extra "strap" attached to the boot they feel as tight as I need them to (you can also crank it down a bit and it feels very similar to getting those extra clicks with traditional binding). I thought about getting traditional binding for backcountry tho, mostly because it can be a bit of a struggle to take of your snowboard when you fall in deep snow, especially if the board is above you or if you're stuck kneeling.
This is like reinventing the wheel Burton, you can keep your Step On. These are for the newbie rider who sits down when binding up, seriously! All you have to do is bind your lead leg, then bash the heel edge into the snow so it's flat before stepping into the back binding. it's literally that simple no need to sit down.
My wife is a beginner and she is in and out of her stop ones before I have 1 foot strapped in. I'm contemplating switching over after watching her zip off... Although it does mean I get to play catch up at speed which is a nice benefit of straps. The other thing that might affect my choice is I have wide feet and the last time I tried a Burton boot it felt like my foot was being pressed into a sausage.
im starting to despise having to stop/ sit down to strap in regular bindings. with the step-on is it easy enough to step in getting off the lift without having to stop? Can someone please confirm? if yes it might be a worthwhile investment for me.
A little piece of knowledge is that Shimano developed the step in system over a decade ago and then sold the patten to Yonex. Yonex really took off with the system and they made a fantastic step in system. They use a lot of light weight metals and simple design. The boots have bars on the bottom of the boot that hook into the step in system. To get out, there's a decent size lever that you pull up and it released the boot. It's worth checking out if you're looking at alternatives to the step in binding system.
I think this was a somewhat biased review. It appears he’s definitely more of an old-school type of rider. I always rode ratchet system. However, I have stepped in on step on bindings, and I have to admit the response edge to edge is much faster, said about standing with step in binding, it’s not true if you remain seated lean over and grab your board and put your foot in, you can still step right into your board, without having to stand. Keep in mind this kind of defeats, the purpose of not having to bend over which is the only reason that I got step on but if you are a beginner, you could learn that technique and be able to utilize it. One more note I believe that’s an older Burton step on system, which was a little bit more difficult to step out of. They have fixed the toe clasps so that they do not squeak and they’re easier when you step out. I did a lot of research before I purchased them. I typically tend to not like Burton snowboards and or bindings. That’s why I did all the research.
I totally disagree in many areas. I have 9 different regular binding representing 5 of the most popular companies. I have 4 sets of Burton step on plates and 2 different types of double boa boots. There is absolutely no problem at all putting on a step-on binding in the sitting position however the entire point is to put them on standing or moving. Next, they are so easy to release, pull the leaver and it will “load” it so you just twist your foot (even in deep powder) - it is WAY more work to fidget with two buckle straps on a regular binding. Finally, there is zero performance loss on the Burton Step-On. The boot is built to mimic the double strap binding (especially the double boa; it clicks to the plate and provides a seamless connection. Just my thoughts from several million vertical feet in all types of bindings
I ride step ons and normal bindings and I feel what you said was pretty fair but I ride my step ons most often because they are so easy and I ride with some skiers when nobody is looking.
I switched to Step-ons a few years ago and love em. No bending over, you just step on while getting off the lift. Worth mentioning is the Boa system which does give you a few extra 'clicks' if you want em tighter. The performance is actually better, I think, in that you're lifting the board from the back of the heel, and the boots are much different and more locked in.
Do you feel a similar ’locked in’ feel as regular bindings with just the boots? My narrow feet get movement in boots and the traditional bindings help prevent foot pain (for me).
@@kerriepearce263 I have narrow feet and been riding an old Switch step-in system and the boots fit well. I found it more comfortable because the boot is holding you in instead of 2 straps that can create hot spots of pressure. Tightening the boot with laces or Boas is a more even tightness and feels better. I haven't used the burton system, but I am leaning toward that because latching in the front and back seems like it would give a more responsive connection to the board. This video was unhelpful in validating that assumption.
The title of this video should be:
"1 day on Step On vs 1 day on Supermatic vs 20 years on traditional bindings"
Honestly
I tested supermatics for two weeks, for the first two days i hated them, for the rest of the time i loved it and would never go back.
@@TheZurekStudio I just got my carbon supermatics! Been practicing on them a little bit on the carpet
Hahaha exactly what I was thinking
I completely disagree with a lot of what you said about the step-ons. 1. You can easily get into them sitting down so they are fine for beginners. 2. The latch to get out is super easy and it takes me the same or less time than people with regular straps. I also don't see why you put them on the inside cause if you are used to bending down to release regular straps on the outside it's the same motion for step-ons with the level on the outside. 3. The step-ons are way more responsive than regular bindings. You may not be used to the feel of not having straps and were not getting both clicks in the heel every run so that may make you feel hesitant in your riding (maybe try the photon boots and less forward lean to help with this) but the step-on system essentially makes your boot and binding one piece so every motion is instantly transferred to your board without having to feel like you have to crank anything down. Sounds like a mental thing you need to feel more secure personally.
2000% agree
I agree with what you’re saying, except for step on’s give you more response. Normal bindings also make your bindings and bots 1 piece
@6ftMouse Not in the way that step ons do. Regular bindings will always have some play in the straps that is not present with step ons even if you crank them all the way down the strap will still flex first before the energy is transferred to the frame. with step ons the heel ratchet and toe cleats transfer energy to the frame instantaneously. From an engineering/physics perspective the step-ons will always be objectively more responsive because of the way they are attached.
@halorocker2I’d like to know how they do when you’re in waist deep pow or don’t have a stable platform to strap in, like steep stuff.
Also, what happens once your boot starts packing out? Regular bindings can help you compensate.
And 3-5 mins to strap in huh? That’s definitely user error man, can’t blame bindings for that.
@@doyouevennaturebro4593 I rode in pow ALL the time during peak season never once have problem in deeeeeep pow you can adapt and over come and stand on the powder with your board just like when you do on strap very easy
This review is so weird. The score makes no sense for me. Strapping normal bindings is 4/5?! I’m an advanced snowboarder and after a lot of hesitation I got step ons for this season. As someone that rides with skiers most of the time, it was life changing. It’s just soooo much faster to be ready to go. It’s also so much easier to step out and get back on flat sections. I also have zero complains about the riding feel. I wish I had got those sooner.
staged
Yeah, using 4.5, 3.5, 2.5? Just use 10 point system bro
The biggest benefit of step ons for me is something that most people don't even mention. It's not the ease of getting in or getting out, it's actually the way your boot is secured. With normal bindings I have to always readjust how tight it is during riding and often it's either too loose or too tight and my feet hurt. And every time I get off the lift, I have to repeat the process. With step ons, I just get in and it's always the same, because it depends on the boot, no the binding.
And I've never felt like I'm at 85% of my potential or that I'm not secure enough. I feel more secure, because I know it's not going to get loose while riding because there was snow on it when I strapped in. The added responsiveness (I ride the X version) actually improved my (on piste) riding and I've been snowboarding for more than 15 years.
The only negative thing I can say about them is getting out of them, which can be annoying in certain conditions. Like an uneven surface.
The quality of the binding also helps with comfort. I went from Burton Freestyle to the Malavitas and it was a huge difference in comfort of the straps.
Hey, the twisting your heels inwards when you step out is underrated, try that and you may no longer find it difficult.
One way to step out on uneven surface is to stop on the toe edge (not the heel edge) when the board is perpendicular to the fall line. The "m sky" advise of twisting the heel is basic move to step out for stepons.
@halorocker2 I agree with you. The way he reviewed the two bindings - Step On and Supermatic, was like someone forced him to make a review of the two even though he really just wanted to use traditional bindings. You can totally see it in his "full" reviews with the two bindings uploaded prior to this video. I'm like "How is sitting down, trying to align the two components of a strap while really bent down (twice) and ratcheting it over and over, EASIER than simply stepping on/in????"
And in line with the op comment, with a traditional binding you always have "guess" how tight you want the straps to be EVERY TIME you have to strap in. With the step on/supermatic, the tightness is already set. YOu just have to click in. That's why he kept mentioning "making the final click" adjustment with a traditional binding. You don't have this problem with the two. You can totally tell he's looking at it from someone who really just wants to use a traditional binding.
The way I look at these reviews is like a skier that was forced to review snowboarding. I can't make a pizza/fries angle with this board, it's 1/5.
@@sashashkodich9505 ouchies
For the traditional bindings he said in the summary “it’s not the most convenient to get your foot in”, ..but then rated it the same as the other step-ins at 4/5. C’mon, I own traditional bindings but everyone knows the main purpose of step ins is the east of getting in, especially for beg-intermediates which is who they are made for😂
I had to dock a point because beginners will have so much trouble using them.
@@SnowboardProCamp My girl started riding and stepped on easily day 1. She switched from traditional and sitting down on a bench struggling to stand back up to stepping on and being on her heel side coasting slowly down the hill.
@@SnowboardProCamp There is absolutely no reason why beginners will have trouble using them.
Agree. Stepping-in is the whole purpose of the design... If it is not better than traditional, it doesn't explain why ppl keep buying for the price range...
Stepons were the first bindings i bought never had a problem getting in
I ride step ons and would never go back to traditional bindings. But at the end of the day, it's truly a matter of personal preference. All binding systems have pros & cons. Choose whatever you shred the best in. Great vid as always!
That's right. If he had put the Step On levers on the outside he wouldn't have had an issue. And, BOA laces allow you to adjust the tightness...Kevin had traditional laces.
They're kind of hard for me to step in and out of I've been struggling with it
@@ellstackeradventuresit helps to roll your foot out when trying to get out. I’ve only got one day on mine so far, but I didn’t run into any problems.
im starting to despise having to stop/ sit down to strap in regular bindings. with the step-on is it easy enough to step in getting off the lift without having to stop? Can someone please confirm? if yes it might be a worthwhile investment for me.
@@lakatosjuraj It really doesn't get any easier than step ons!!
I've got the Supermatics and have been having a blast. Thoroughly recommend and have used regular and flows. Absolute game changer and can use any boots with them
I have flow bindings where the back plate flips over. Often these are harder to get in/out than classic bindings… like on steep hill, on back edge you cant open back plate and on front edge its just hard to pull off… also boot gets stuck and it is never same strength as before lift😂Were your flows the same mechanism? If so, would u recommend burton or supermatics over these ?
I rode the Supermatics all last year. Total game changer. Slide your back boot into the binding while on the lift to initiate the 1st click..and when you plant off the lift, you'll lock in and don't even need to stop and wait for your jabroni friends to step-in and strap up 👍🏻
Once you get used to the muscle memory of stepping into a nidecker supermatic, it is def easier than any other binding on the market. You are actually able to give the straps an extra clink if needed and the step functionality will not be affected. It may be a little bit harder for people who have just started using the bindings but after getting used to the movement it is very simple. Also there is a little trick with the lever, U dont have to press on it that hard if you press the lever and lift drive your heel back at the same time as the back of the boot actually helps to enable the mechanism. I agree that it can be tricky in deeper powder conditions but that's when the "dual entry" comes into play, you can use them as normal bindings. No hate, but I feel that maybe you should have taken more time on the review of both these bindings. As new technology roles out that tries to change the market, more time should be taken to really understand it.
people sleeping on FLOW bindings
Totally agree. The points he makes against the nidecker binding are all non issues after you have ridden it for a bit.
I step into mine very easily, get out of them as fast as normal strap ons (given they have a rather modern one with good buckles, otherwise im faster).
The soft snow stuff is irrelevant either, cause if need be, i can always use them like a normal strap on.
And i ride them as tight as i ride any other binding. Once you got the motion (took me like 3h of riding) you slip into them while gliding of the ski lift.
Since I work in snowboard retail and decide what we will buy every season to stock the shop, i also got the opportunity to test out most of the step on systems. Nidecker took the cake by a wide margin in my opinion. Burton and K2 lack straps for powder days and the Clew system is too clunky.
Muscle memory is the key. It took awhile for me to get accustomed to the rear entry of Flow bindings. But once I did, I'd never go back to my Burtons, or Unions. I just ordered a set of Supermatics. I'm hoping the learning curve will be shallow from my years of Flow rear entries.
I will second what was said here by other riders: I feel like there's a bias towards regular straps because you're already very used to and comfortable with it. Step ons actually made my life way easier compared to when I was riding with strap on (and almost gave up on snowboarding because of it). The boot feels connected to the board at all times, and I don't have to readjust straps to feel comfortable and safe. I appreciate your perspective as a more seasoned snowboarder, but my experience has been very different.
Agree 100%. If you are used to straps, give Step Ons a try for 1 full day and you will get used to it; after 1 week you will forget straps. After 1 season you'll miss Step On whenever you use straps!
good to hear that. Im a beginner snowboarder and I was so exhausted trying to bind and unbind my boots every 5-10 minutes while practicing in a short beginners area. I believe these step ons will take out that tiring factor from me and let me focus more on snowboarding than getting tired bending every 5 minutes trying to find the staps behind my boot.
@@chaostade4087 buy the stepons, if theyre good enough for daily riders like me who are beating on them relentlessly , they are definitely worth it for you.
youll spend way more time riding and less time fighting the equipment.
@@chaostade4087I know what you mean. I've been learning on an easy slope that takes about 1 - 1.5 min to get down and about 4 minutes to get up with the lift. That's alot of strapping in and out.
The step on levers are supposed to be on the outside of your setup, makes it so easy to lift and eject your foot, I suggest you try this and re-rate.
A great thing about the Burton Step On system is that you can step into the binding while the board is moving. It's a great feeling to step in after getting off the chair lift without stopping. Or, step into the binding while skating on a flat cat track. This is so much easier than having to be stationary to put your binding on and then shimmying to get going. I haven't seen in this review or others whether you can step in on the go with the Nidecker Supermatic bindings. Or if you can, how that compares to the Burton Step Ons.
In good conditions you can step in on booth while you’re moving
K2 Clickers HB, I'm stepping in 90% of the time while moving ;)
Depending on the off ramp, I just step into them right on the chair if there’s a footrest, or step right into them as soon as the board touches the snow. That way you slide right off and start riding right away, as skiers rubberneck and look at you in bewilderment 😂
You can easly strap moving with conventional bindings😊😊
As a real beginner with difficulty to bend over (not in good shape 😂 ) I must say that changing from normal bindings to step ons was like switching from night to day. I was spending a lot of time and effort (I started the ride already tired) just from the effort of putting the straps. With the step ons I do it when exiting the lift. As to remove, it's a lot easier than the normals, as with one bending push o can reach the level and push it up (btw I haven't tried the others, but if you have to push down it seams to be more difficult).
same. Im a beginner and I was getting tired just by bending and trying to strap my boots. Plus i had to do that every 5-10 minutes because i was practicing in a short beginner area. I feel step ons will be much easier to me.
Which brand do you use?
I strongly disagree for stepons :) in the matter of stepping in and out either on the piste or off the piste. It is dramatically faster, easier in comparison to traditional. In the deep snow is enough to make a small jump(5cm) to get the second click of the heel. The decision of swapping the levers in stepons was wrong in my opinion. In that way it is harder to reach inside the heel twisting the wrist and takes much more effort to find and to pull. I would partially agree it is harder to step out when you have fallen in the deepest snow ever for stepon in comparison to traditional. The forward lean for stepons is not so big as for the traditional bindings. But the performance and responsiveness of stepons are far ahead to its counterparts.
I honestly dont think hes used either enough to provide a fair review. He didn’t even know he wasnt getting both clicks on the step ons and called them loose and unresponsive. He didnt even know which was the right and left, and they literally have an L and R on them.
Noooooo..I'm in my second season with StepOn's and nothing touches them for in and out. It gets easier and they are so light. I've seen other systems but Burton have made it so simple. StepOn's are awesome!
It's funny how people don't consider the downsides to straps when strapping up in deep powder... I think some of this comes down to comparing something you've used for many years to something you've used for a few days. I like the step ons for their simplicity and I think there is potential to evolve step ons in the same way that ski boots/bindings have evolved for ultimate responsiveness, whereas I think the Supermatics are really just catering to people who don't want to give up straps.
Or their favorite boot
@@zackdreamcast which will last about 1 more season before every boot manufacturer is licensed for stepons (I suspect).
@@borntobombthat will definitely not happen 😂
Most brands will maybe make one or two boots fitting for the system, but not all of them. The step on stuff is nothing the core scene is looking for at all. You will never see these kind of bindings at the X-Games or Air & Style.
They are made for people who ride more casually.
Also, people like to forget that step on is not really a new system. We had that 20 years ago and it died out again. Could see that happen again too tbh
I’m not sure how Kevin can rate stepping in with traditional bindings the same as the burton step-ins. That’s the one area they excel, all my buddies are constantly fiddling with their bindings and I’m in my bindings in a second.
you should watch how fast Tommy Bennet straps in traditional bindings, some rider are super fast with traditional bindings
@@winterzahnyeah for people that have been snowboarding for a long time this idea of needing to make strapping in easier seems silly. Its cool that these companies came up with an option for people who struggle with it though.
@Brian P you underestimate the power of convenience. I strap in fast, not Tommy Bennet fast but still, it's not hard... I've even done it moving a few times on real mellow starts...got step ons, have 0 desire to use straps again. Nothing to do with struggle, it's just absolutely worth it to me to be able to skate nonstop into riding with no effort. Not a single downside that even comes close to negating that.
@@EwokyBalboa See you can focus on convince but for me, talking about not using the boot and bindings i like best, just so I don’t have to spend 3 seconds on a ratchet strap is a bad trade off.
@Brian P I mean, that's fine. Everyone's feet are different. I really like how the photon wides fit me, and the bindings ride great for me. If other boots and bindings work better for other ppl, they should ride those. My point is that all things being equal, people will absolutely pay more for simple convenience
It's not true that you have to be standing to get into step ons. You can easily get into them while sitting if you just grab your board where the bindings are. And it's still faster and easier than normal bindings. And the same thing works in powder.
The supermatics are step-ins AND traditional strap bindings. Use the boot that fits you...not just the system. The only real drawback is the weight penalty. Step in/out when conditions permit. Strap in/out when conditions require. As a SoCal rider in the early 2000's (Big Bear, Mt High) I used K2 Clickers and Clicker Highbacks (which are similar to the Burton's now) for a handful of years. I liked them most of the time. Dig out your heel cup like you do with strap bindings and you are usually good. Clearing snow off your boot sole and binding baseplate applies to all binding systems. Step-in boots have to be made different to provide the support that straps normally do, meaning stiff above your feet. Fit matters more and the feel is different. Finding a good fit with limited options means they might not be right for you. I never found a great fit, just dealt with it. As a lazy oldish man now, the supermatics will likely be my next bindings...next year. Best/least worst of both worlds. Added weight under foot doesn't bother me.
You’ve got the step ons the wrong way round on your board. The release is on the outside of the binding not the inside. It’s actually really easy
in the original unboxing video he did, he switched the lever around, idk why he did it, because I also much prefer the lever on the outside. but yeah he doesn't have the bindings switched around
@@estino4 ah right didn’t see that. Not sure you’d do that it’s much easier on the outside
@@jimsdrivingschool I find the opposite.
@@Clluthu fair enough
Could you, @kevin, have done the same thing with the Supermatic? Maybe the levers should be on the outside? I was really eyeing on those bindings…. If I can find them anywhere…
It’s pretty straightforward with step ons: if your boot fits correctly they offer far more response.
However, most people don’t buy boots that fit correctly and account for this by cranking down their straps. So when they try step ons with poorly fitting boots, they want straps to crank down to feel locked in.
And some people are used to and like poorly fitting boots because thats how they've always worn them. Only valid complaint i see here is if you just prefer a looser fitting boot and cranking straps?
Let's gooooo
This is so true! I always tried to make up for slightly loose but comfortable boots by tightening down my bindings extra.
Now with my step-ons I really have to get my boot perfect. (I’m putting in an insole too to take out some vertical play in the toes)
A fit a bit like a ski boot then ...but without the knee angle.
THIS
First of all, you're using a soft boot in the step ons. You should try an Ion and revisit this. With a stiffer setup you won't lose any performance to a standard binding, in fact you may find you are faster edge to edge because you are pulling the board over rather than pushing it over. This system really shines with a stiff setup and you are doing the review a disservice by not having a stiffer, more adjustable boot with a strap over your foot.
Also, getting out of step ons is just as quick as standard bindings after some practice, but you should leave the release lever on the outside as intended... It's much better. I'm not sure why people told you the inside was better...
The only people I wouldn't recommend step ons to are park riders who like to keep their straps loose or people who only ride sled/heli.
You know one lever location being "better" is just a "preference" right?
I just started snowboarding, and went with stepons, just curious why do park riders ride with loose bindings, would stepon be pointless for park, and how are they for performing tricks off the park, like buttering ect
Another youtuber weighed the Step Ons with their boots and the Supermatic with Burton boots of the same type and we arrive at the exact same weight for both systems... Without weighing the boots, which are also part of the binding, it makes no sense.
Then no need to lock the Supermatic binding while riding, so you can always tighten them along the way like classics.
Thanx for the review. I'm a 60yr old boarder and find it harder to lean over then when I was young. I have considered getting step in bindings but after your review I think I'll stick with my old style bindings. Something I have done to mine is turned the straps around so the buckles are on the inside. I don't have to lean over so far and find it way easier to get in and out. I don't know why they don't come that way, it's not like your feet come together like ski boots do. Try it out!
At 60 I bought StepOns and I'm 65. Run, don't walk to get them. You can't appreciate how good they are in 1 session. Like anything, there's technique involved and once learned, these are magic. Given that you like your buckles on the inside, you'll like the release lever position on these.
Key points:
1. Dead easy in/out with simple twist but if you have issues w/ lateral knee twist, these may tweak it.
2. Alone on a chair you can easily put both feet in relieving knee strain when no foot rest. Sometimes even w/ another person on the chair.
3. On many chairs you can ride straight off, locked in, blowing minds around you.
4. If not locked w/ both feet, ride off chair as normal, click in and ride, still blow minds around you.
5. On flats, skate to get momentum then click in and go. If it gets flat again, bend over, release lever, lift out boot, skate and click again. You can do this without ever stopping as your friends are skating, sitting, strapping, repeating. On traverses, the payoff is incredible. You won't do this your first day but once you dial in, fuggettaboudit.
6. No more sitting, bending over, lifting your tired ass off the snow after lunch & tasting your chowder again. Your abs will not miss this.
7. When waiting for friends and you just have to sit because standing strapped motionless is a fail, just pop out a foot, stand until they show up. Step in and go when you see them. Get used to waiting until your friends smarten up
8. Significant weight loss w/ 4 straps and hardware gone. You'll feel it and like it.
9. Packs/stores/ships cleaner w/ less space.
10. Will still work if you screw up and only get 1 toe clip in underway. You will not come out of binding and it will click in on the next turn.
11. The most important and understated piece is that you will save 30% of your energy formerly wasted jerking around w/ all the BS old school bindings require. That energy will be spent riding better, safer, stronger, and longer.
Get the Proton boot if you think straps will be missed and make sure it fits. There is zero response sacrifice and I'd argue the opposite. Frankly, it's hard not to be smug as you ride pass packs of sitting strappers at the top. Blow through them and get 1st tracks. In fact, I can think of no downsides except that it's Burton, and that's a personal bias. After about 3 days on them I was dialed in. I simply cannot understand why anyone would use anything else and I thought by 3 years it would completely dominate the market. Still baffled why not. People's need for straps to feel secure is not based in reason, just habit. This is the greatest advancement in snowboarding since the Hy-Bak ( Thanks to Jeff Grell/ Steve Derrah/ Flite Snowboards) This is coming from a passionate boarder who's been riding for 39 years w/ 4 full seasons on StepOns.
@@larrypierce6724I am 67, just got them, putting my regular bindings on was too much. The only thing I miss is resting on my ass, which I can still do. I still might bring a hiking pole to get me up
My first thougt: Wrong boot man... Grab a Photon or Ion. They have that strap feeling you are missing.
I think you haven't ridden the step ons long enough if you come up with the same points for stepping in as regular bindings. You can easily sit down and click in the step ons if needed but my truly beginner friend especially bought them so he could stand up while stepping in. I like your channel but this review seems a bit biased to me, stepping in should be: regular 1/5 (can't think of anything harder to get in to compare) - Nidecker 3or4/5 (only observational never used them myself)- Step Ons 5/5 imho.
yeah I would say how you would say its easier to strap in, but harder to step out on a latch system. the flexibility is required for both imo. if anything trying to balance standing up while you strap in is harder vs just stepping in while standing up. even then you don't have to stand up to step in, you can just sit down and step in if you wanted to.
Yeah, that comment seemed off to me too. As a fat beginner, the Step-Ons are great to get into. Regular bindings pretty much require me to sit down and then try to stand back up with the board attached, which isn't super easy for me. Getting out can still be an issue, plan on swapping the release levers and trying that.
@danshepard5083 I've seen some videos about extending the lever with a cord in a tube alongside the highback, if the bending over is too hard. But I guess if it's not a medical condition it might be better to use it as motivation to loose the weight 😅
@@scratastic1 Yeah, losing weight is the appropriate course of action. LOL
So do your own review.
I’ve seen a lot of people suggest FLOW be included. I rode them for 2-3 seasons. A few things;
- Very similar to the Nidecker points Kev made for being a tad awkward wiggling boot in / out if you have very tight straps, but overall very easy.
- The lever, if you ride tight with some forward lean, can take massive amounts of pressure to open at times!
- The lever on some occasions, if I fell and was tumbling down a piste, can actually open due to it being mounted on the back of the high back. This happened maybe once weekly. This is why I eventually gave them up.
- No pushing down needed to engage high back and so you don’t get the Nidecker issue on pushing your heel down to engage the high back when stood in soft snow.
- I really liked them, but after them opening up a few times you just begin to lose confidence and that is just a top priority.
FLOW NX2 GT 2018
I love the responsiveness of the StepOns! I have been using them since their introduction. But, when I started training for SnowboardCross, the excessive response became an issue to my new riding style so I had to revert back to regular bindings. Still, if somebody asks me if they are worth it, I totally recommend them!
SB-X is precisely the kind of scenario where you want the right setup. I get that, today StepOns are not the precise setup for that, but that is likely only a matter of time before Burton makes a specific model for it. (just like theyve done with their park specific one)
SB-X , splitboarding, and hardboot carving are kind of the frontiers that StepOns would have for future challenges, but they are mechanically possible.
I even did a StepOn mockup with Voile plates on a splitboard, the tour mode would need some re-engineering but not much.
Wait! Why is at 3:35min the release lever on the inside? Did Burton changed it, or are they mounted the wrong way? 🧐
As a 41yo snowboarder, step-ons are a god send.
Lol I have never been beaten stepping in or out of my Step Ons. You can also easily Step On while sitting.
I like your videos Kevin, and your points are acknowledged...but I have to disagree with the low rating on the step in and step out. Put the Step On levers on the outside and it's easier. I usually wait 30 seconds at the top of the run for my traditional binding brothers to strap in. Steps Ons are worth it just for he amount of time and effort you save...and your lower back will thank you by the end of the day. If you used BOA laces instead....you could easily adjust the tightness.
After six seasons with step ons they are so much easier to get into in powder than my straps as well as you can put them on sitting down super easy.
Just so your viewers know. Getting out in deep stuff is easy as well. 😜
Last season I got caught with powder getting into the heel clip of my step ons when I had to remove them to get out of a small tree well. Had to hike 20 mins to the nearest groomer in waist deep pow. Just anecdotal and might have done something stupid since I am a new boarder.
6 seasons also. Early adopter. I'm sure SnowboardProCamp just want views and subscribers.
I've never had an issue with soft snow as he called it haha,, step ons y'all
Step On boots are heavier than regular boots, so you have to weight the bindings AND the boots. From other videos the weight of the 2 system seem to be pretty much the same.
Stepons are 1.9lb per binding (3.8 total), supernatics are 2.8 each (5.6 total) so 1.8lb heavier. My SO size 12 wide boots are only 0.25lb each (0.5) heavier than my regulars. So SO system is still lighter by 1.3lb... so not exactly "the same"... do I notice it riding though? Nope.
@@EwokyBalboa My Rome Katana bindings were 1.9lbs when I weighed them.
@Ryan Weddle those are not the part of the comparison here. Op was saying (or it reads this way) that the nideckers plus reg boots are the same as the burton so set
@Ryan Weddle but those do look like nice bindings though
@@EwokyBalboa I just thought it was a good data point as I see people saying that the step ons are lighter than traditional bindings.
I love how lightweight the Step Ons are and I think my board looks so much cleaner without the loose straps dangling about. I've also never felt limited in my riding because of them... I don't understand what you mean by riding at 85%.
I also love that with the Step Ons and my Photon boots with boas, I can 'crank my straps' by tightening the boas... If I'm just on mellow greens, they're just tight enough to not fall off. Get to a diamond and I can crank those boas tight and up the responsiveness.
Sure the boots are less comfortable than reg boots, but with the ease of the boas, as soon as I take a break I just pop em loose and I'm in 'walk mode' as the skiers say...
When I decided to start snowboarding I went with the Burton Step Ons. Even as a straight-up beginner, I'm constantly waiting for my buddies to do up their bindings. The convenience is night and day. And when I let my buddy try my set up, he was crazy surprised by how secure it felt. I've never questioned the security of the step on system, either flying down blackcomb or hitting the park at my local hill. I really can't recommend the Step Ons enough (at least trying them if you ever get the opportunity).
Do you feel like it makes you want to snowboard more than your friends?
Im asking you because you say youre a beginner, and rider retention is the highest challenge in snowboarding.
The only thing that stopped me was being locked into specific boot options, but they do seem great. Everyone I've talked to has loved them and never had one fail on them.
@@borntobomb I think you can determine rider retention with how they respond to their first day especially. If they just keep getting up and insisting to do another lap after eating shit for the twentieth time you have someone who is hooked.
Not sure how you can compare easy of entry as the same across all three when two of them are clearly easier.
I have Rome Katana bindings, some older burton step ons, and the nidecker supermatics and can say plus and minuses to all so depends on what your looking for
For Nidecker (caveat haven't had this in like a big power day yet (1ft+) (used maybe 7-8 days so far)
1) traditional binding feel, easier to butter than burton step on (more pull across board)
2) quick entry
3) much faster off the chair to run than traditional bindings.
4) can use any boot
negatives:
1) heavy and feels heavy if you take jumps and land. Feels just harsh and heavy on the landing and not much dampening (weights about 300 grams each more than Katana, but also less foam)
2) a bit harder to get out of than traditional or step on. Pushing down on latch is harder than pulling up and you have to move leg up at same time so have to push down while pulling leg out. Fine most of time, but sometimes can be awkward if not on level ground.
3) latch gets stuck with snow! get in some wet heavy snow and just watch it get stuck under the latch and you sit there and have to try to knock it out to get out of binding
4) 100% true, if your that guy that likes to ratchet down bindings like crazy, cant really do that with these are really hard to get in and out.
For burton step-ons (used 100-150+ days)
1) super fast to get in and out of. Never had problems getting out or in even on powder (though few situation have to grab board to pull it on)
2) great response feels good down the mountain if you like responsive bindings.
3) works pretty well in all conditions (doesn't matter if snow is sticky or went. might need to clean out snow on binding in power, but same as traditional. If in power just get toe hooks in then press down as moving along).
negatives:
1) very dependent on the boot. Boot is what holds your feet in so picking the right boot is important for heel lift and feel. Boots also wear out quicker I think (they are taking all the stress that binding would) and become flexier quicker.
2) limited boot selection... K2 thraxis step ons please.
3) new ones the lips at end can break, old ones make noise (Bothers some people... I never cared personally)
4) foam wears out on foot bed over time and can make heel loose (fixable, but annoying)
5) not great for buttering or tricks, only putting pressure on board in 3 spots, heel and sides of toes so harder to flex board.
6) because they are so responsive. I am not sure these are the greatest for beginners.
Rome Katana's
1) great bindings
negatives
1) hanging out with skiers and every ones waiting for you or slower laps on small hills.
Overall, I don't know what to think about nidecker, this binding is kind of almost there, but not quite, just some improvements they need to make but thats what you get with a first gen product. They need to reduce the weight and maybe redesign the latch a bit. I use them when roaming around mountain and not trying to hit anything bigger than side hit. Stepons I like a lot but boots get trashed fairly fast and I don't like them as much in the park for rails/jibbing. I would probably ditch the nideckers but I really like my K2 thraxis boots and I have too many skier friends these days... (its unfortunate I know...). Anyway, plus and minuses to everything, but nice to have options to be able to get in and out quick!
I have a beer belly, step in's sound super helpful for me.
Clew is worth the money 💰 it has a great traditional feeling, binding is easy to step in, getting out is easy you only have to reach to the top of the high back
Burton Step on system can be customized to be able to adjust for it's shortcomings. The boots , depending on which ones you use, can be tightened for more secure feel riding. Add a thin layer of foam on the base of the binding for a more secure locked in feeling riding. Also I could not reach the lever AT ALL to release. I added a mechanism to be able to reach easily. I connected a pull tab to the lever running up a small tube to the top edge of the back of the binding. Very simple and very easy to reach to get out without having to bend all the way to reach the lever. With these fixes the Step ons are great! Been riding them for three seasons and love them!
You definitely mounted the step-ons wrong...the latches should be on the outside - this was designed like this so you would naturally reach with your hands to step out instead of reaching between your legs to unlock.
This could also explain why you had difficulties stepping in and out (and getting the 2nd click to lock when stepping in).
I've got the step-ons for the 4th season now and they are a breeze to step in and out even when you're moving (i.e. off the chairlift).
I think we all would appreciate it if you could mount them correctly and do your review again.
They are mounted correctly, he took them apart and swapped the levers. I did this myself and I absolutely prefer them on the inside over the outside. It's 100% personal preference
@@EwokyBalboa but by him swapping the lever to the inside he's making it more of a hassle to pull the lever, if it was in it's original position on the outside it'll be a easy pull, like pulling up traditionals, if he reversed traditional like he did with the lever, he'd probably say it's more difficult
@George Arce you're missing the point. You saying "more of a hassle to pull" is an opinion, based on your physical body's capability. For me, it's easier to pull when it's on the inside (for my left hand)
@@EwokyBalboa Fair point, but I think people are upset he's criticizing the step ons for having levers on the inside when that was his own choice. Basically I'm curious if Kevin put the levers on the outside, would he have had a better time, and given it a better review. The fact he never mentions that as an option makes me feel like he didn't know it was one.
@happi280 oh I didn't catch that specific point, that makes sense
Watching this made me think it was a good idea to not buy Supermatics. After three days at Whistler, I’m realizing again how thankful I am for my StepOns. Ease of getting in and out, not having to strap in at the top of the chair sitting down n getting back up or even having to strap in while standing n bending down with one foot locked in… Just find a flat ground, step in, and I am good to go. Getting out is so easy once you get used to it and so I can quickly step in n out on flat runs where I get stuck… (it happened once so it does happen!!) I compensate the lack of ankle strap by leaning more into my boot by bending my knees more. Also it being lightweight and slim, it makes walking around with my board easier. Thanks for the review!!!
Just curious how long you boarded with regular bindings, and do you find the stepons just as good for park, tricks and buttering
I have the Burton Step On bindings and I have no issues riding at 100% of my ability. If I want some extra support, I can always pull on the draw string in my boots to tighten them down a bit at the top for the run. With the boots being attached at the head and ball of the foot, the Step On bindings provide even more connection to the board than traditional bindings. I would never dream of going back to traditional boots and bindings.
I also think the Step Ons are much easier for beginners than having to deal with straps.
Just curious how long you boarded with regular strap bindings, and do you find the stepons better in the park, doing tricks and buttering
@@dsd-downshiftdave8056I have 14+ years on classic bindings and 2 on step on. I agree with the original comment 100%. And I have not seen any significant difference in my riding style (powder, park, hight speed, etc.) I just enjoy getting in and out at lightning speeds
For supermatic you can take it off like the traditional binding
you CAN use the supermatic as traditional in case stepping conditions are not perfect
I notice in the video the release lever for the step ons was on the inside of the foot. All my step ons have the lever on the outside of the foot making it easier to release the boot than shown in the video.
Same! Did he have them the wrong way around ...?
Agreed, pretty sure he didn't have the bindings installed correctly. That being said, I do wonder if most people would find lifting the lever on the inside to be easier (because left to right, right to left) as opposed to the outside where you have to reach down left to left and it's a bit more awkward because you are kind of putting center of gravity backwards
Are you lifting your heel when trying to get out of the supermatics? If so, that might be why it's hard for you to push down on the release lever. Try keeping your heel down, pushing the release lever, then lifting your heel up and out. Hope this helps!
I am thinking of buying the supermatics but in the review he said that you need to realy go low to release, I have back issues and currently I am using the flow, in the flow you dont need to go down like in supermatics, what do you think? in supermatics you need to go lower?
I've never used the flow so I don't know about them but with the supermatic, the release point is basically at the side of your foot. So if you can't touch your feet comfortably while standing then you'll probably have some issues with the supermatics. @@eyalyawets410
I disagree a little bit on the ease of stepping-in and stepping out for both Step On and Supermatic. I think this is a matter of practice. It took me half a season to get used to stepping out of my Step On and in the beginning, I was also stepping on while sitting down. It's all in the proper motion. For traditional bindings, it took me a while to get used to quickly used to pulling the two strap clips and pulling my leg out. With a Step On, with a proper twist angle, I can unclip in a second - way faster than traditional bindings.
First season snowboarding and bought some step ons. I can ride pretty comfortably now but I do still struggle to step into the binding but its still faster than straps. Grab a quick seat click click click and off you go rather than fiddling with a ratchet and cutting off all circulation in my feet. I've heard good things about clew bindings but tbh at this point I am convinced its just personal preference.
You are missing a crucial point with the Supermatics, and its the fact that you get the best of both worlds with them. You can use them as a Stop On or as a traditional Binding whenever you want to, depending on the slope or the type of snow you are in. That's what really makes them stand out.
Exactly. It’s a game changer for me too. They are great bindings. Two in one.
why would you need a hybrid binding, if you are happy with trad bindings why pay silly money for something that is unnecessary and less effective than a cheaper option ? just curious
@@pauljames1258 Easy: less time strapping the bindings => more time to shred. I always found the strapping part annoying. The best thing is: it rides like a traditional binding and one can even use it that way if needed/wanted in specific conditions.
@@MaJa-EmJay totally agree pal I was very sceptical of step ons but I'm a convert to burtons 100% I just can't see the point of the bindings ,I tried supermatics in store recently and they just felt so awkward to get in and out of due ro the bindings Being present ,I'm not a top flight boarder by any means so maybe there's a level where bindings are an absolute must ,when you say certain conditions what do you mean ? Im not being confrontational I'm genuinely interested /curious 🙂
@@pauljames1258 Getting in and out us just a question of practise. Very easy after one day. Some people say they have got problems to step in in powder. So maybe then the traditional way is useful. BUT for me they so far worked well in any condition. Give them a try on the slopes and do a full day or two… For me it’s great to set off immediately getting off the chair lifts. With a little bit of practice you don’t even have to stop. I love that. But maybe some boarders need more pauses… 😂
I've been riding for nearly 30 years,, it's only your opinion,, I'm not riding at 85% with step ons.. Keep up the hard with!
This is hilarious. Even though you state that you only can ride at 85% of your potential with the Step Ons you give it the same points as the Super Matics. And you give the design of Step Ons higher points than both traditional and Supermatic even though Step Ons design substantially limits the choice of (perhaps the most important piece of kit for beginners/intermediates)
boots. Also, i would argue that its actually good for beginners to work on balance right from the start.
I got about 15 years of experience with regular bindings and 2 years on the Burton Step-On X Re:Flex bindings.
My short take on the Step-On:
+ Faster in and out
+ Easier step in on the go
+ More responsive
- Unadjustable highback angle
I'm stickning with the step ons and recommend them to any rider but two types;
Beginners (due to the unforgiving super responsiveness) and carvers rocking extreme posi-posi angles (due to the unadjustable highback angle).
You can adjust highback angle on Step-Ons.
Kev, i think you have the step ons on the wrong feet. The release handle is supposed to be on the outside of the binding instead of the inside. Might make the release a little bit easier than reaching through.
Came here to point this out too. Looks like someone got lazy switching from reg to goofy and just turned the bindings instead of remounting them.
ha i thought that but wasnt sure if it is the 2023 binding that had switched the lever ?? makes sense tbf if it is ,i struggle to reach one of my levers on the outside of my binding due to an injury so adapted it with a tie wrap 🤣
aparently you can swap the highbacks or something if you want to move where the lever is at.@@pauljames1258
if Clew binding would be there too; that would be a great VERSUS video. But thank you a lot for the review. 🤙🤙
You have the Step On bindings mounted backwards. The release lever should be on the outside not on the inside. I can get out of my Step on as quick as any traditional binding. Traditional bindings are great but I won't be going back. I used to get red marks on the top of my foot from the pressure of my binding straps. With Step Ons that has gone away. No more bone out pain.
all points agreed. I appreciate how you are covered in snow during the entire review. Thet's legit
Great video. A little pointer for the Nideckers to make them easier to get out of. Tighten the toe and ankle straps to your liking. But keep the middle strap a little loose. The middle one is there to help guide your foot and can afford to be loose without effecting the rest of the bindings. It really helps to get in and out of a lot easier.
Thanks to my friend who got me into snowboarding my first bindings were Flow. After that I tried some traditional Union and Now bindings and last year bought Supermatics. I'm pretty sure I will never go back to traditional bindings again.
It's amazing how many ppl, after seeing you use the SO lever from the inside, think you actually have the bindings on the wrong side rather than thinking "oh, you can switch the levers around?"
why would he switch the levers to the inside and then complain about the placement and how difficult they are to reach??
I think you should go back and rethink on how you test and review these. Do a test and show us on all conditions, groomers, flat, uneven surfaces, chair lift, etc. Use these for a few weeks, etc.
I ride with original clickers for 19 seasons and loved them. I switched to traditional 6 years ago when i couldn't find any replacement boots. This season i bought the nideckers and will be giving those a try
Dude this guy obviously favors regular binding 4/5 ease getting in and out across the board 😂 I’ve had step ons for a few years now and once you get it down it’s seamless. I ride off lifts like a skier. Zero strap in time. And getting out at first is uncomfortable but way easier and quicker then normal bindings. Im from Salt Lake City, Ut. We have the greatest powder on earth. Zero problems stepping in in deep snow. As for responsiveness, every single contact point is right on your edge of your board. It’s next level responsiveness. Zero give.
Interesting Video regarding the comparisons. I've just finished my first week using the Step on's paired with the DC Judge Boot (Which is a extremely stiff boot) and a boot I have used since its inception. I cannot who heartedly agree with the conclusion of the traditional bindings being the winner.
You sate that getting those extra few clicks on the trad bindings makes you feel more locked in, the problem with traditional bindings is the fact that the straps as you ride flex and elongate (Unions are especially bad for this) multiple times I've had to stop mid way down a line to re tighten the strap due to this elongation. Where as in comparison the step ons because of the mechanical heel lock there was no such issue.
The other issue I see is that the step on's are specifically designed to be right and left to aid release of the boot. If you switch the lever around on these (Like you did) it actually becomes slightly harder to get the boot out due to the way you have to twist your body to undo the latch Its simple ergonomics.
And you forgot to mention the biggest benefit of all being able to ride away from the chair lift without having to stop and faff around with the straps. I ride with both Skier's and boarders and 99% of the time I was already heading down the run before the rest of the group were still strapping in/Fiddling with poles.
How do stepons compare to straps for tricks, buttering, and park riding
@dsd-downshiftdave8056 there was a little bit of a learning curve when buttering because the set up is so responsive (I do have the stiffest versions of both the bindings and boots) park riding is pretty much exactly the same. I'm yet to have any issues on landing or jibs.
You definitely have to do a review of the Clew step ins. They fix just about every problem you mentioned about the step ins from Burton and Nidecker
Unfortunately they are not very popular outside of Europe, but I do agree. The Clew is not perfect since it's hard to walk with them after you stepped-out. But you still can just open the straps and leave the highback in place and then walking is easy again. On the piste, I also think it's the best system when you want to keep your old boots. Hope @snowboardprocamp will test them as well
I got the Clew last year and they work well. They are the easiest to get out of. Also once you set them up you can click in without stopping. If I go into the lodge then I mostly unstrap and loosen my boots anyways.
Mostly agree but a few things. 1. You can definitely put step ons on while sitting it’s almost easier “except in deep pow” 2 I know they say changing the lever to the inside of step ons makes it easier it’s not for me, it is fine just a little further than the release for the heal strap usually. Overall excellent well thought out review maybe think about clew binding
Lever location is definitely personal preference. I actually wish I could get an extra right hand lever so my right foot would be outside and left foot inside lol.
Edit: forgot to add, I'm goofy so the left foot inside being easier for me is nice, the right being a little less flexible I'd prefer it outside but since it's my lead foot it's not a big deal
Have been awarded some more time on the slopes with my Step Ons and I'm at the point now where I'm not even stopping to step in. On an insanely steep slope, I can sit down and step in both feet if needed, really easily - it's just a case of a bit of practice and figuring out where pressure is needed to click in. I have absolutely no idea where the "85% of your riding potential" comes from and I think that's some serious bias for normal bindings coming in. I also think the "non-beginner" comments are completely unfounded - I used both traditional and step on bindings as a beginner and the step ons have been far easier than fiddling around with the traditional straps. I think Kevin is partial to (potentially even pressured by) Union bindings and this shows in his oddly unscientific comparison. The fact that all bindings got the exact same score for stepping in is beyond me.
All in all I think this is a fairly misleading comparison. Some meaningless scores put against opinionated commentary.
he ranked step on bindings the same as regular bindings for the "step in" category. most of what he said just irritated me how biased he was.
I rode the supermatics today for the 1st time. I’ve made a point of coming back to this video. I was off piste today in chamonix & had no problems getting in or out. Perhaps you have flexibility issues. Before you question my experience, I’m a qualified snowboard instructor with 25 years of teaching.
The step-on's are a game changer for kiteboarding when you need both hands to control the kite for launching. It's easy to get them off even when sitting in deep snow just by turning your heel inwards.
I think MidwestShredder put them on his wakeboard as well? blew people away at the wakepark
I’ve never not felt locked in with step ons if anything I’ve felt extra locked in which is where all that extra response comes from.
As I am getting older, I was wondering about Step on or Supermatic, but thx this video, I ll stick to regular straps bindings. Thx for the honesty of this test video.
Only issue with my Burton Stuck Ons is that, at the end of every run, I have to come to a full stop on flat ground to take my foot out. With traditional binding I could unstrap and take foot out while still into motion and straight into the lift line. Will I buy the Stuck Ons again? Maybe, the benefits of quick stepping in may still out weight the drawback of cumbersomeness of stepping out.
Another HUGE issue with Stuck ONs is that. In deep powder situations it may be a difference of live or death? I had experience of crashing into a hole on Whilster. Luckily I wasn't buried in snow. But it took me forever to get my self out of the hole. I think it would be a lot different if I can just reach and release the binding straps. Stay safe everyone.
If you have a big gut like me you will appreciate the step-ons and the Supermatics a lot more. Getting into traditional straps is like a job.
Flow bindings for the win! But seriously they add a whole 4th category of binding types here... I was pretty pumped to try out the supermatics but I think I'll just stick with my flow bindings. The one selling point for me with flows is when you get stuck on flats I can actually kick my foot in and strap it in while kick pushing. This may sound noobish but I have been riding flows for about 7 seasons now and there's no going back!
I've been riding Flows for 20 years. They were very problematic at the start but I absolutely love them no. Very curious to try out the Supermatics to compare.
Do you recommend the traditional flow strap (no toe strap) or the hybrid strap (with toe strap)
I've tried the supermatic and i like it. However, I like straps really really tight around my boots to get that immediate responsiveness. Yes you can do that for the supermatics by tightening the straps, but it means having to loosen it before stepping out otherwise you're stuck - you cannot leave it at a tight configuration when you step in either, so you'll have to loosen it before stepping in. Ended up spending almost the same amount of time faffing as a classic binding. I hope future designs of the supermatic allows it to tighten further automatically once you're strapped in.
But you can use supermatic as a traditional bindings also if im not wrong. I just got my supermatic and still didn't ride them and only thing I can say is that I'm beginner and I'm a dude with almost two meters and with 115 kilograms so hopefully they are going make it easier for me because I tried traditional bindings and it was hard for me unfortunately.
I have been riding since '92 and have been through a lot of bindings (traditional straps) and I ride powder/trees/park/slopes. The last pair started to break and instead of replacing the parts (again) I went for Step Ons.
A few points:
Definitely put the release lever on the outside!!!
They are easier to get out of than straps as you only have to pull one lever as opposed to 2 on straps
Use the heel then toe method to get in - instant secure
No having to sit in snow to put them on - so surely they are easier/better rating than straps
Less components to fail
I like a really responsive set up so went for the Genesis binding and the Photon boot. Game changer for me. So I just can't agree with this review.
I need to say. I have bought the supermatics 2.0 just now and have them immediately wanted to try.
Mounted them on the board and immediately found out that "it defeats it's purpose" (for me). I tie my straps always to the hardest. Like my boots. And I was after a few tries at the point that I will sell them unused. I cannot get in or out. It's for ppl with softer style.
((I go with the ride trident boots and ride El hefe carbon binding on a trice pro or golden Orca) no tricks just free ride and turbo on the slopes.))
Thanks for sharing your experience!
I’m running the supermatics … stepping in is simple but stepping out can be problematic… as soon as you have the slightest pressure on I.e not on your heals the tension on the release mechanism makes it difficult to depress the leaver to get out … can be really frustrating at times. Overall I’m happy with them.
I don’t have any issues with that (anymore). Only a question of practise. Stay patient.
I am an old school Step-in boarder. I got into using "switch" bindings back in the 90's. The biggest downside of these, and I see it with the Burtons, is you are tied to the Boot. Because Vans killed off switch (dont get me on my soap box) in order to keep the switches I love I am constantly combing Ebay to keep an eye out for boots as they are no longer made. Last year I have a catastrophic failure on a boot. the good part it was at the end of my day. if it were at the beginning I would have been toast as I couldnt hit the sports shop and pick up boots. I now have a few pairs I take with me which is annoying. Also I dont really have a choice when I am getting the boots. if they are the right size and are in decent condition. I get them. total feel of the boot is something I have to live with as there are not choices. I see this could happen with burton as they progress. making one change in how it works could make the older boots/bindings obsolete. One of the things I do love about the step ins that wasnt mentioned is the feel is the exact same every single time as there are no adjustments made. with regular I have found I thought I tightened to the same level each time, but once I started going down, they were not the exact same. If and when I stop using switch I will go with the nideker style, as I dont want to get caught again with hunting for boots. but then again, I am 56 and have 3 more pairs of boots. the last ones lasted 10 years. soooo.
EXCELLENT review Kevin!!! People usually tell only the pros of these "step on" kind of bindings.
That's a really good point about the Supermatics - they may be faster to get in but interesting that they are harder to get out!!!
step ons are perfect for the injury riddled veteran boarder ,ive even attached a tie wrap to my lever as i cant bend far enough to my left after a smashed hip/knee injury ,A few hours in my yard booted up helped me master the stepping out part before i hit the slopes ,i tried the supermatic out of curiosity in store and i just couldnt see the point of them ,theyre so difficult to step in or out and they look tacky and feel heavy
The first time i tried snowboarding in i think 98 i remember a burton step on binding with no highback. I remember it being very easy to use. I think you had to put the outside of your foot in and there was a metal bar on the inside of your foot.
The release levers on the step ons are meant to be on the outside. Not sure why you moved them to the inside, where reaching them easily and fluidly is more awkward. In addition the extra secure feeling you mention, can be gained if you get the photon step on boot- it has a built in ankle strap. I've found them so much better than strap bindings. Anyway, everyone will have their own preferences but i thought i'd mention these points for people considering buying them.
There is very few reviews like this so any is appreciated. One comment on Burton. After using them for over 2 years I can get out and in of then 2-4 times faster then any traditional binding or any skier. Years of practice on traditional bindings makes any comparison biased. People should have open mind and put thinks into perspective.
You don’t need second click. This happens once you start snowboarding as snow gradually clears and boot gets into 2nd click by itself. On traditional you have to stop and tight bindings after snow clears and keep adjusting.
Really love my step in bindings. Very easy to get in and and out. I constantly have to wait for my friends with traditional bindings. Its actually so fast that I just take off the board when I have to walk for a bit since that is faster than sliding with one foot in.
There are so many comments, but I could not find anybody mentioning Fastec system bindings like SP, Gnu, etc. OK, it's not exactly step-in, but getting in and out of those is very simple. The top strap is adjustable on the go. There is no need for special boots. So it could be a good competitor to what is discussed here: those Clew, Burton, and Nidecker systems.
Just a comment - you should have the levers on the outer side of the step on bindings (don't know if its the same with Supermatics) - that would make reaching the levers way easier... I ride the Photons with my step ons and as they have the extra "strap" attached to the boot they feel as tight as I need them to (you can also crank it down a bit and it feels very similar to getting those extra clicks with traditional binding).
I thought about getting traditional binding for backcountry tho, mostly because it can be a bit of a struggle to take of your snowboard when you fall in deep snow, especially if the board is above you or if you're stuck kneeling.
This is like reinventing the wheel Burton, you can keep your Step On. These are for the newbie rider who sits down when binding up, seriously! All you have to do is bind your lead leg, then bash the heel edge into the snow so it's flat before stepping into the back binding. it's literally that simple no need to sit down.
How about compared to the K2 CINCH TS’s? Which one is better IYO? Thanks
Haven’t tried those
My wife is a beginner and she is in and out of her stop ones before I have 1 foot strapped in. I'm contemplating switching over after watching her zip off... Although it does mean I get to play catch up at speed which is a nice benefit of straps. The other thing that might affect my choice is I have wide feet and the last time I tried a Burton boot it felt like my foot was being pressed into a sausage.
I know DC makes boots for burton stepon, try them out they may be wider, I'm not sure though,
Ah cheers chap, will take a butchers
I was a beginner when I started with the Burton Step On. 5 out of 5. No problem at all. Don’t know what you were talking about.
im starting to despise having to stop/ sit down to strap in regular bindings. with the step-on is it easy enough to step in getting off the lift without having to stop? Can someone please confirm? if yes it might be a worthwhile investment for me.
A little piece of knowledge is that Shimano developed the step in system over a decade ago and then sold the patten to Yonex. Yonex really took off with the system and they made a fantastic step in system. They use a lot of light weight metals and simple design. The boots have bars on the bottom of the boot that hook into the step in system. To get out, there's a decent size lever that you pull up and it released the boot. It's worth checking out if you're looking at alternatives to the step in binding system.
I think this was a somewhat biased review. It appears he’s definitely more of an old-school type of rider. I always rode ratchet system. However, I have stepped in on step on bindings, and I have to admit the response edge to edge is much faster, said about standing with step in binding, it’s not true if you remain seated lean over and grab your board and put your foot in, you can still step right into your board, without having to stand. Keep in mind this kind of defeats, the purpose of not having to bend over which is the only reason that I got step on but if you are a beginner, you could learn that technique and be able to utilize it. One more note I believe that’s an older Burton step on system, which was a little bit more difficult to step out of. They have fixed the toe clasps so that they do not squeak and they’re easier when you step out. I did a lot of research before I purchased them. I typically tend to not like Burton snowboards and or bindings. That’s why I did all the research.
I totally disagree in many areas. I have 9 different regular binding representing 5 of the most popular companies. I have 4 sets of Burton step on plates and 2 different types of double boa boots. There is absolutely no problem at all putting on a step-on binding in the sitting position however the entire point is to put them on standing or moving. Next, they are so easy to release, pull the leaver and it will “load” it so you just twist your foot (even in deep powder) - it is WAY more work to fidget with two buckle straps on a regular binding. Finally, there is zero performance loss on the Burton Step-On. The boot is built to mimic the double strap binding (especially the double boa; it clicks to the plate and provides a seamless connection. Just my thoughts from several million vertical feet in all types of bindings
I ride step ons and normal bindings and I feel what you said was pretty fair but I ride my step ons most often because they are so easy and I ride with some skiers when nobody is looking.
I switched to Step-ons a few years ago and love em. No bending over, you just step on while getting off the lift. Worth mentioning is the Boa system which does give you a few extra 'clicks' if you want em tighter. The performance is actually better, I think, in that you're lifting the board from the back of the heel, and the boots are much different and more locked in.
Do you feel a similar ’locked in’ feel as regular bindings with just the boots? My narrow feet get movement in boots and the traditional bindings help prevent foot pain (for me).
@@kerriepearce263 i’d say it’s a bit different feel, but generally yes. If you have narrow feet Burton might be too loose.
@@kerriepearce263 I have narrow feet and been riding an old Switch step-in system and the boots fit well. I found it more comfortable because the boot is holding you in instead of 2 straps that can create hot spots of pressure. Tightening the boot with laces or Boas is a more even tightness and feels better. I haven't used the burton system, but I am leaning toward that because latching in the front and back seems like it would give a more responsive connection to the board. This video was unhelpful in validating that assumption.
@@JeffKarau thanks, I will keep that in mind. My problem also is having to buy equipment online. No board stores for 1,700km.
No bending over? How do you get out of them?
My only thing is that you had the latches inside of your stance. I ride with them outside like shown on Burton videos and releasing is super easy.