I need info about Ride Orion SI Boots/Bindings. Are they decent?

Answer 1

The Orion SI system was originally know as the Device SI System until it was purchased by Ride who then re-named it. As far as step-in systems go it was OK. The best part of the system was that the attacment for your boots was at the toe and heel, which offered very good response and the inclusion of an external hi-back more closely matched the feel of a traditional strap-in binding. The system does share the same snow clogging problems that plague most SI systems but this is hardly a problem if you are sure to wipe away any snow before you step in.

Step-In systems never gained the popularity that manufacturers hoped they would. The main reason for this is attributed to performance. Step-In systems were never able to match the performance and feel of a traditional boot and strap binding system. Also, many binding companies lacked support from other boot companies so many binding customers had no more than a boot or two to choose from for any given system. Another big factor for the demise of step-in bindings was image. These bindings were never viewed as "cool" by the core snowboard community. You had guys in the videos making the statements, "I will NEVER ride step-ins"

The thing to keep in mind when purchasing a system like the Orion is that it is no longer in production and you will get zero support from Ride should you have any problems. Also, if the boots wear-out or they don't fit you very well, you're out of luck as only Orion boots will work with Orion bindings.

I'd personnally pass on this system in favor of a current design but I've seen them for sale online for as little as $50 and for the price-sensitive snowboarder this is still a good deal.