Bulgaria Ski discussion board
Boarders: Switch or normal bindings?
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posts : 13 (Beginner)Date : 02-08-05 08:18Boarders: Switch or normal bindings?
Snowborders: Can anyone offer their opinion on whether the switch bindings (the one's you step in and snap on) are really better than ordinary ratchet bindings? Switch bindings seem more convenient but I've heard they are less responsive and only really for beginners. Thanksre: Boarders: Switch or normal bindings?
Alison,I use a pair of step in bindings. Have used them in Borovets and they were fine. Two possible issues - they can only be removed when downward pressure is applied to the board and build up of ice under the sole of the boot must be removed before stepping in.
I am considering switching to flow or cinch later this year for convenience, dont like ordinary straps.
Mark
re: Boarders: Switch or normal bindings?
Generally speaking step in bindings are less responsive. Very few "pro" riders use them. But they are very convenient for "beginners".re: Boarders: Switch or normal bindings?
Two things to watxh out for (both stated above) Ice and lack of response, People say they are suitable for beginers but I personnaly dont agree, Its when you are a beginer that you need to be able to feel confident initially.
As a new boarder my girlfriend learnt on switch bindings and struggled relativly, when we went to boro (two weeks ago....sob) we bought her a board and bindings set (Burton troop, Burton syncro half UK price!! ) immediatly she said she felt an improvement in the way ...
As a new boarder my girlfriend learnt on switch bindings and struggled relativly, when we went to boro (two weeks ago....sob) we bought her a board and bindings set (Burton troop, Burton syncro half UK price!! ) immediatly she said she felt an improvement in the way ...
Two things to watxh out for (both stated above) Ice and lack of response, People say they are suitable for beginers but I personnaly dont agree, Its when you are a beginer that you need to be able to feel confident initially.
As a new boarder my girlfriend learnt on switch bindings and struggled relativly, when we went to boro (two weeks ago....sob) we bought her a board and bindings set (Burton troop, Burton syncro half UK price!! ) immediatly she said she felt an improvement in the way the board would transfer from edge to edge, thats the control issue, less effort to change edge (no lost movement). And that was only her 6th day on a board so she is at best an advanced beginer.
The Iceing issue effects some step ins more than others, Burton SI's dont suffer too much from ice as they self tighten as it melts under the pressure of your boot, but they do wear and get loose over time. Switch are more prone to becoming ice bound and preventing a good step in.
If you want the best of both worlds Flow are supposed to be a good bet, I have heard they are as comfy as slippers (haven't tried them myself) but again they rely on a moving part to lock them (the high back) I am sure someone who has had experience with Flow bindings can put more to this.
Straps = more time sat on your arse getting cold, but less timing falling on your arse because of lack of edge control
p.s. I was a step in lover but now its straps all the way.
One last point, step ins are useful if you cant bend down of see your feet (ie too much waist line
)
As a new boarder my girlfriend learnt on switch bindings and struggled relativly, when we went to boro (two weeks ago....sob) we bought her a board and bindings set (Burton troop, Burton syncro half UK price!! ) immediatly she said she felt an improvement in the way the board would transfer from edge to edge, thats the control issue, less effort to change edge (no lost movement). And that was only her 6th day on a board so she is at best an advanced beginer.
The Iceing issue effects some step ins more than others, Burton SI's dont suffer too much from ice as they self tighten as it melts under the pressure of your boot, but they do wear and get loose over time. Switch are more prone to becoming ice bound and preventing a good step in.
If you want the best of both worlds Flow are supposed to be a good bet, I have heard they are as comfy as slippers (haven't tried them myself) but again they rely on a moving part to lock them (the high back) I am sure someone who has had experience with Flow bindings can put more to this.
Straps = more time sat on your arse getting cold, but less timing falling on your arse because of lack of edge control
p.s. I was a step in lover but now its straps all the way.
One last point, step ins are useful if you cant bend down of see your feet (ie too much waist line
)