Bulgaria Ski discussion board

Hi Benn, I think you are talking about standard two strap binding and step-in bindings. Standard two strap bindings are by far the most common (and most die hard boarders believe they are the best), you'll have to sit down and strap yourself in at the top of each run, (you rachet the straps so that your boot fits snuggly in your binding). There are various designs of step-in binding (some where the boots clip to the board) but I think the most common ones are made by FLOW. With these, the back folds down, you put your foot in place, clip the back into place, and off you go - this can be done on the move when you get the hang of it.
I've got Flows and I love them, but many will say that the two strap bindings provide a snugger fit.
If you are hireing your equipment, I'm pretty certain you'll get two strap bindings. I used these the first 2 weeks I boarded and had no problems, but now i've got Flows, I doubt i'd change back. Hope you have a great time, Jim.

OK,
There are step ins and straps (and plates, but we won't go there)

Step ins have the advantage of, well, just stepping in, by means of atachments on the boot which click into the flat binding. The disadvantages to this are the fact that the boots need to be much stiffer and that the attachment on the boot gets knocked about a lot whilst walking around. The most important disadvantage though is that, in the long run, they just aren't as responsive as straps so no-one really uses them anymore. (I used a set in America a few years back as it was all the hire shop had and can back this up with experience!)

Now strap bindings are what you'll find on 90% of boards ... a simple ratchet system that you can tighten to your own comfort. You will be on your arse a lot, but then again, so will everyone else. By a long way these are the best and most popular types of bindings, they hold your foot in the right place and the lack of any fittings on the sole of the boot means you can wear and walk about in them all day, even in hotel lobbys where ski boots are banned.

There is a variation on the strap binding called a 'flow'. Basically a rear entry binding with a hard back that closes around your boot. They take A LOT of setting up initially, but once you get the right tightness they can be good. I was a big fan of them while teaching so bought a pair to go away with ... they lasted two days before I bought a ratchet set. Ok, for indoor slopes or the dry mat, but uesless with a lot of show around.

So, best option, ratchet. By a mile. In fact, if you're hiring that'll probably be the only bindings available. May be a hassle to get on and off, but I promise, it gets quicker and easier.

Have snowboarded for over 6 years , and who ever told you you need to sit down to strap in two strap bindings was unfit and cant bend , i never sit down to do them , nor do 99% of snowboarders that i ride with , flows are usless in many situations , like powder , restrapping on blacks etc, try strapping in a flow in powder ..enjoy the walk , flows are heavier , and alot of place dont keep spares either ....2 straps every time

K2 cinch are better than flows , but again not to good in powder and again are heavy 9 but lighter than flows )