Im after Snowboard Binding, whats best the ratchet or the step in effect? Much like the FLOW label?

Answer 1

Okay, I've been Snowboarding for over twenty years, worked for a snowboard company (Avalanche Snowboards/Universal Bindings) where I was the Assistant Binding Production Manager for 4 years, spent 4 years as a snowboard rental shop manager and now manage a Winter Sports Retail Store.

Please, don't believe the hype that step-in bindings are dangerous. That is completely and utterly untrue. With proper care and maintenance they are just as safe as the traditional ratchet bindings. People find them a bit more inconvenient than the ratchet type as they are susceptible to clogging with snow, the boots are usually either too stiff or too soft and there are fewer choices of boots to choose from. They are very popular with rental shops as they are much more durable, dependable and fit a wide range of boot sizes more easily than ratchet types. Also, crossover boarders (former skiers) particularly older ones find it more similar to what they were used to on ski's and find them easier on their backs as there is less bending over. Keep in mind that Step-in bindings are becoming less and less popular and many manufacturers have stopped production on them.

I prefer ratchet bindings myself. I like Burton P1 Carbons and I'm really excited to try out Burton's CO2's next season. I've ridden flow bindings and I don't like them as much. They are very easy to use and very comfortable but I cannot get them tight enough to get the response I am use to. I run a very stiff set-up with my P1 Carbons and Driver X boots. I have talked to tons of people who really like Flow bindings but they just aren't for me.

Always be honest with yourself about your skill level and style of riding when purchasing equipment. If all you do is cruise intermediate runs then you don't need the craziest, most high performance setup on the planet. You'll be much happier with equipment designed for your or just slightly above your ability level. Companies like Burton, Drake, Tech 9, Flow, Ride and K2 all make quality products.

Given a choice, get a binding with as many adjustment options as possible. I have found that not all bindings fit the same and the more choices you have to make a binding fit your boot better the more comfortable you will be.

Hope that helped.

Answer 2

i've been a snowboarder for 8 years and have always had ratchet bindings. they do take a little longer to put on but in all honesty they are so much safer for riding. i've heard tons of stories from people who have come out of the step-in bindings and broken stuff, and if it were me i wouldn't take the chance. you will probably find those kinds of bindings slightly more expensive too. the flow ones with the pull up back are actually really good and my brother has them on his board, but then again probably cost a lot.
i would maybe do some research into other types too because they are always innovating! hope this helped....

Answer 3

Examine your situation first. Where do you ski? If you're just on small hills, then go with the FLOW, they're great. But if you're out west in the Rockies, stick with the ratchet. You'll (supposedly) get much better feel of the board and you have a while to strap in and get down. If you're on a small hill though, FLOW's are nice cause they take hardly any time and you don't want to take longer strapping in than boarding down the mountain (hill). Plus if you hit the jumps, go for ratchet. Cruiser? FLOW's may be better. Either way, getting new ones of either will be good.

Answer 4

I just picked up the K2 Cinch 05x at the end of the season. It's a similar next-generation step-in as the Flows. Feels good and solid and had good reviews for it's second year. This will be my in-resort setup from now on and I'm hoping that K2 come out with a high-end light weight version for next year. If not I'll pick up a second pair for the backcountry. If you spend a lot of time transitioning between hiking/skating/riding in the backcountry or in-bounds terrain then a step-in is going to keep you moving. Step-ins for the backcountry are mandatory for your sanity (IMHO) but in the resort will also get you from the chair to the fresh that much faster. Then again stick with straps and let me have first tracks :-)

Answer 5

I have been riding for 10 years, and have used both step in and strap. I prefer strap, and defiantly Burton Custom. But K2 introduced the Cinch step in recently. This is a lot like the flows, but has a much more secure connection. So go with strap, but if you want the ease of step in with performance close to straps, its gotta be the Cinch.

Answer 6

Ratchet bindings are the only way to go.

Answer 7

i work at a ski shop. trust me ratchet is real good just get the kind of bindings that will suite you ex freestyle, racing, all mountain i really like the salomon spx pro, or you can go with the burton cartel. they last along time if you treat them good

Answer 8

u should get some ride ex's theyre awesome theyre strap in bindings but the ratchets work really well so it goes fast

Answer 9

JUST SPENT THE SEASON IN CHAMONIX, I'M A SKIER BUT ONE OF MY MATES IS A BOARDER AND HE HAD STEP INS, VIRTUALLY ALL THE BOARDERS WE MET TOOK THE PISS AND ADVISED HIM TO GET RATCHET BINDINGS (BURTON IS BEST I BELIEVE). CHAMONIX IS A SERIOUS OFF PIEST RESORT AND YOU CAN'T GUARANTEE THAT STEPINS WILL HOLD IN YOU IN OR GIVE YOU THE CONTROL YOU NEED IN HEAVY SNOW OR ON A BIG FALL.