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Tommy and Lefebvre Pro Equipment Tip |
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Step-in vs. Strap Bindings
Step-in vs. strap bindings is still one of the longest on going retail battles in the snowboard industry.
Step-In (SI) bindings have been on the market for several years now and are being manufactured by most of the world's top companies.
Most riders and people in the industry would agree that SI technology has reached a point where it is comparable in feeling and performance to the strap binding set up. So what's all the fussing about?
What we're going to do is compare the pros and cons between the two systems and let you decide what might be the right system for you.
Step-In's come in three different types of interfaces: toe to heel, single point side entry and dual point side entry. All systems are available in both internal and external highbacks. Internal highbacks refers to the highback of the binding being inside of the boot. The internal SI is usually preferred by freeriders; the boots are generally a lot stiffer and reduce the ability to grab the board. The internal SI boot will add a little bit of weight to your system.
External highbacks refers to the highback being attached to the heel cup of your binding like that of a strap binding. Most freestylers on SI systems prefer using external highbacks because it gives them the same mobility as a strap binding with the convenience of an SI setup. Usually external SI boots have a much faster break- in time than a boot with the highback built in.
The main advantages to going to a SI system are fast entry into the binding, you only have to set your ankle strap once (which will also give you a consistent pressure on your boot all day.) You also don't have a toe strap to worry about. The best advantage to going to an SI setup is the response time from boot to binding. Where now the boot is actually fixated to the board, there will be no delay in the boot to edge response time.
The things you have to watch out for in an SI system is first the price. To get setup in a SI boot and binding will set you back a few extra dollars. More importantly the boots have to be sized perfectly in order to prevent heel lift in the boots. If a rider has heel lift, they will not be able to apply pressure on the toe edge, reducing the riders ability to control the board's speed.
The strap binding has been around since the beginning. Some riders have the philosophy that "If it ain't broke don't fix it." The reason so many riders are still on straps is simple, because they work. Strap bindings give a rider a certain freedom of mobility. A rider can also fully customize all the strap positions for where they need it most. There is a much wider range of bindings and boots for a rider to choose from in a strap setup (SI boots only work with SI bindings.)
With the technology that has gone into the ratchets on strap bindings you can get them on and off just as fast as an SI system, the only catch is you have to bend over.
Both systems work is the point we're trying to make. Don't base your decision on what the pro's ride or what you saw in all the new videos. If you don't know what system right for you, head down to your local shops. There you can try on some boots, pick up some catalogs, ask staff questions, and find out where and when demos are available for you to try on snow.
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