Lately there’s been a lot of companies looking to snowboarding’s past to influence their present. We’ve seen legendary pros like Chris Roach and Mike Ranquet return, there’s an abundance of new and interesting shapes that are reminiscent of the old powder boards, and of course the abundance of new banked slalom contests. But one technology that I personally am not sure needs to return is the step-in binding.
Yes, it’s true there is a contingent of people that still bitch and moan that the death of the step in was just another nail in the coffin of the demise of snowboarding. I’m not so sure of that, but hey that’s their opinion and they can have it. One thing is for certain though, the step-in will always hold a place in the history of snowboarding.
In the last few years K2 has worked on bringing it back, but is instead marketing it more towards the backcountry segment. Their Kwicker technology is essentially the next generation of the old Shimano Clicker system.
Now Burton is joining in as Boardistan has pointed out. A new patent has been issued to the Vermont based snowboarding brand for a new step in.
Looking through the 41 page patent you can tell that some serious design work has gone into this to revamp what the old Burton SI’s started. The mount points on the sides have changed and we all know boot technology has surpassed the limitations of what was considered top of the line during the heyday of step-ins.
This leaves us with the question of is snowboarding ready for another step-in revolution? And who will be the first super pro to accept a check to ride these?
51 Comments
I’m gonna have to say…pass. Honestly, in my humble opinion, the tryed and true is the standard due to the slight freeplay between boot, binding, and strap give\high back, that allows for more fluid movements… You can access yr actual muscles! As a boarder who’s broken both ankles multiple times skating, you think I’d lien more toward stiffer boots\bindings, but I loose natural feel! I’m forced to hunt for boots n binding with MORE flex, n ratchet the crap out of m n hope there aren’t bad pressure points (which there always are). I’d rather suffer for em then give up the chi anyday!!
IDK, I’d give it a shot, seems to me like there would be fewer pressure points. my feet suck, tried many boots, and all cause some sort of pinch point that will hurt or cause my feet to fall asleep.
still straps seem like the best overall solution.
Non est binding? and old chassis design. That diagram looks old to me.
I predict this ground breaking technology will be used for rentals. I’m surprised that old timey/alpine hardboot step ins are not being resurrected.
There is no denying that if someone could do this right they’d have a potential gold mine on their hands. The Burton design above looks pretty solid to me, and appears to function like one would expect from a modern binding.
The burton design isnt solid. aggressive riders need true downward pressure on the top of their foot and ankle that is directly attatced to their board via binding base.unless the boot is rock hard it wont offer the support that is needed. Why do you think skiers use hard boots in their click-in style bindings? You wanna wear ski boots? i dont.
God i hate everything k2 does. From paying resorts off in the 80’s to not let snowboarders in to today with their supposedly funny/satirical/regal binding narration. I foolishly bought their fastplant board in 160 as a powder board and its lifeless, that board is the equivalent to a girl you take on a date and makes you do all the talking because she literally has nothing interesting to say. shes a wet towel that somehow you can ride down a mountain.
Burton is likely patenting their design so competitor cant make money off of it, ***cough coguh cock block cough*** , the design looks like shit to me i disagree with “Jim” and say that no aggressive rider would ever be able to benefit from the patent art above.
How long does it take to strap in anyways 5-10 seconds? Get over it. Enjoy the sound of the ratcheting and the complete customization of tension on the foot. When else are you going to get to see that hot chick that’s been crushing 270s onto the down box bend over? Never, that’s when! Especially if she sees your neutered ski binding on your snowboard and you stomping into the way an upset feminine man would stomp the ground in frustration.
Who proclaimed you snowboard god? Get over yourself. If a company wants to put out a product who are you to say anything about it? If you don’t like it don’t buy it. You and people like you really need to calm down and except the fact that most people don’t care what you think.
Well 2015 was a different time period so…
its not an old diagram, its based of the re:flex chassis and its definitely not just for the rental beginner market. How they are going to solve no strap over the ankle remains to be seen.
Yes yes YES! I have been riding with my old 1998 Burton Step-In for almost 2 decades. I have done double diamonds, moguls, and even small jumps (not good enough for big jump, which is not the fault of the equipment). They work just fine for me, and there is just no comparison in the convenience factor. Unfortunately they are starting to fall apart, and I am really hoping to see new step-in’s in the market.
Pro’s may not find step-in good enough for them, which is fine. But for more casual snowboarders, there is no comparison in convenience. And honestly most of the casual snowboarders really wouldn’t be good enough to tell the subtle difference any way. Straps will never go away, which is fine. But why not give the market the option for people really want the convenience? Honestly, it’s not rocket science. I just can’t imagine if the industry really want to, they cannot come up with a step-in system without the compromise.
Shortly after learning, I bought my first setup with clickers. Never had problems. They did have side to side movement but good heel to toe. Later switched to burton psi which didn’t work good and broke less than ten uses. Got them to trade me more simple si models and have no problems with them. Maybe almost 15 years. Opposite the clickers they have better side to side and worse heel to toe. Niether one is a hindrance for what i need. I’ve done double diamonds to trees to small jumps. Have bad back and knees, ride with skiers and skiboarders, and live in northeast were runs are shorter. To many reasons not to have them. Would love new step ins to go on my new board. I think most riders think there way better than they actually are and probably wouldn’t perform better or worse with stepins.
What’s the problem? We use Burton SI-X on F2 Eliminator LTD for a several years and we never have a problem, even wih extreme carving.
Want a cookie for that?
extreme carving
Been boarding in SoCal since the “Snowboard thing” started to happen in late 80’s early 90’s, as a backcountry only activity novelty. Sorels and Bungie cords, Rope on the Front of the board….pretty basic technology…..hiking around to find some kind of empty run you could try and carve a few Surf / Skate turns….at that time no snowboards were allowed on Ski Resorts anywhere. I had skied for years, trying to do Surf / Skate Turns on my ski, and it was ok…but not really that fun. When the Resorts opened the gate….it was a whole different world….and in 1997 I bought a Sims 168, and the K2 Clicker bindings with the K2 Yak boot….been riding Clickers non-stop ever since. I have upgraded to 2-3 different K2 / Shimano Boots and bindings, and I like the Quick Release options when getting on / off the lift, as well as back country hiking adventures / Hiking. I just bought the K2 Kwicker which is the split board binding / puck system, and I have yet to use it. I think overall, it just depends what kind of riding you do, but I primarily ride powder / groomers, and I have loved the Clicker / Kwicker systems for 20 years….not disappointed.
If it is marketed to the “average” and aging demographic of riders – then Yes, I think it will be successful.
Been riding Switch Special X for almost 2 decades and dread the day I have to give them up since there are no reasonable replacements out there. The switch binding is as no lateral or front back movement. The biggest issue is that the boot is responsible for providing most of the rigidity. My 20 y.o. Boots are losing their stiffness which is starting to effect the performance.
I had the idea to break out my Switch bindings when I got my first split board. The step ins were easier to get in and out of in the back country.It was hard for me to sit and strap in and stand up in deep snow. I use strap bindings with my solid resort snow board. Most of the time you are siting on packed snow.
Then don’t sit down to strap in, it’s not that hard.
Yes. My friend steps in to his strap bindings with ease. He said it not hard to do. I need to work at it. I do see 95% of snowboarders siting in the snow strapping their binding.
Take a quick look on eBay prices & you can see that there is still a steady demand for step-ins. I’m 45 & still love to ride as often as I did when I was 16. Only difference is that bending over to strap in isn’t as easy as it used to be. As long as it’s comfy, safe & works well I’ll buy some new step-ins.
There’s also a lot of fucking idiots selling shit on eBay as well.
Here here!! … maybe I’m a lil bitter cause it’s dumping 2″ p.h. and I’m sick, or maybe it’s the giant hot toddy I just downed, but either way like wtf?!? First off, snowboarding is an athletic sport… to the (dare I say) extreme!! .. and you can’t spare the energy to strap in?!? Even though it will make your riding more effortless? Second, it iss intended for beginners, in that you shouldn’t be bothered with the gear if you don’t know if you like snow…. 20 years ago. If yr into old cheap stuff that seems at first to help you, IV got some rock decks that will change your world! …. but whatever, asking as you dig it and keep boarding I shouldn’t pass judgement… but have you seen they have benches to sit on up top? Rear entry lazy ass bindings?… Do you have a go pro?? Helmet? Battery powered warmers? ….how’s bout you give me the lift ticket, n just say you went boarding
Snowboarders who are attached to starts today are like the skiers I knew in the eighties in JH. Get over yourselves and try something new. I’ve ridden everything, and the only constant since the eighties is that the bindings have always been terrible. All of them. The “good ones” are only good when compared to everything else. I’ve shot photos of some of the best snowboarders in the world (in Alaska, Jackson etc), pretending they are not struggling with their binders, while gripped on a steep—while the skiers snap in. Are ski binders better? yes, waaaaay better, but the boots are hell. There has to be a middle ground by now, right? The BOA lace system has come a long way, and 3D printing will allow for rapid prototyping. Please Burton, save our asses from shitty bindings. Is it time for a step in revolution? Jesus, really? Of course it is.
You sound like an ill informed idiot.
agreed. There’s this crowd of snowboarding trolls that seem to be an unfortunate component of the culture.. Snowboarding still has large elements needing to grow up.. Somehow the dirty hippie punky subculture strains need to be purged.
*intended to write “snowboarders who are attached to STRAPS…”
I unfortunately started using Clickers and the Switch steps in on rentals. When I finally got my own setup, I ran the Burton SI’s for a few days. The SI’s were really easy to get into. But getting out was hard. You have to be flexible enough to press both sides of the binding, at the top sheet, to eject. Then if snow/ice got lodged in there, you were screwed.
Given that, a higher release toggle (#300 on the diagram) might just work. I do remember the SI boots being really heavy and really stiff.
Im still rocking my mid-late 90’s Original Sin SIS boots and bindings. I’ve ridden all over the east crud and west pow. Groomers, glades, parks, and pipes. Jibs and jawns. Ive done it all with this system and it has NEVER let me down. Were there other bad designs?? Sure, but I always believed in the O-Sin SIS system. It’s a shame it’s gone but I’m super stoked Burton is bringing this Step-in system out.
Riding 3 days a year doesn’t count bud.
Don,
I’ve been riding Nitro team boards with burton step ins for the last 15-20 years. Rode yesterday in the New England Storm with a foot of chow & last week at killington. There is no comparison, step ins-ons blow away traditional bindings. Throw a cant plate underneath and you will out ride your friends.
I will never go back. I’ve been riding all over the world since 86′
Thank you Burton, I’m standing in line for these babies.
I have been looking for a cant plate, I can’t find one any where. Where can I buy one.
I ride the k2 Stark boots on old clicker bindings
I love them.
Buy new equipment!
By the way Allen, you only need to release one side of the binding, then tilt your foot out.
Riding is fun, and when I drop off the lift and have to sit down/lean down/whatever to get ready to ride that kills the fun – especially if you’re in a mixed group. I use Switch bindings since I started in 2002, and I will never trade these in for a “cool strap binding”. Switch is self-tightening by the conical lever part; never had a real problem, never had a drop-off; just sometimes snow clogged in. I really like the boot bolted to the board, heel/toe is very direct – that makes the margin for slight errors smaller and you should get used to it. But once you tried and get used to the direct control you are sold – so Burton, please: Do this right.
Like this thread, I’m an old fat fuck, but I can still lay trenches like nobody’s business. However, nothing would instill panic more than my belly preventing me from releasing the rear binding at the end of the run. Unless the binding can be released from the top of the boot cuff, what’s the point? You might as well sit down. That’s why smart old codgers like me still ride hardbooted alpine boards with intec heels, while you degenerate fatty millennials are farting around with straps. I pack more quality runs in a morning before you even lace up…
You’re the best snowboarder on the mountain before 9 a.m.
actually i have been using burton’s old system— I have — 3 pairs of bindings and 2 pairs of boots
I ride the resort ALOT !! and it works just fine– very reliable great soft ride and ease of use … why they ever discontinued is a mystery to me!!— never had any kinda issue .!
Because it sucked.
I can strap into my Union bindings just as fast as stepins with my double boa DCs (no bad pressure points) on my T Rice Lib Tech Horsepower & ride 8 hours a day about 100 days a year with no problems. It’s always good to demo everything so you can figure out exactualy what’s best for you but all this I don’t want to sit down or it’s faster shit, is stupid. Do you want a faster binding or a better binding that takes a few extra seconds to strap in? I’m an aggressive hardcore rider & half the time I ride with broken bones, tore muscles & other problems. This is an extreme sport not a tanning salon. I get to demo almost everything in the shop & stepin bindings just suck. Use the bench, sit down or just ride away on 1 foot & always be 1st Stepin bindings, I say leave them dead in the vintage pile…
We get it you’re the best snowboarder on the mountain.
No I’m not the best rider on the mountain. My pro snowboarder friends win that 1. I ride at a professional level but am not pro. I am in the Indrustry & help change technology through the years for different companies. To be pro these days is extreamley hard. I can only single flip & kids are triple or quad corking these days. Crazyness!! Terje Haakonsen is already riding the step in Burton bindings. At least they have a high back but having no straps to hold your toe in like the toe cap or no ankle strap to keep you foot secure does not sound safe
You’re the best you don’t have to keep telling us. WE KNOW!
I rode clickers back in the 90’s I have a buddy that still has a set of switch si kicking around (he rides straps now) and I even used my uncles set of Burton si from the same period (ebayed long ago). I have been on flows too, but in 20 years of gimicks I still ride straps.
I am 41 and been back riding for about 7 yrs now.
The ratchets are fine if you want to sit in the snow to get your board on, while anyone who’s serious about hitting the snow is already heading down.
Off the lift I give a couple pushes and kick my boot into my Flo’s lock in and glide past all the kids sitting at the top of the slope. They are simple, quick, and work as well as any other binding does. I have the NX2 hybrid and I will not look back.
I get 20% more runs in a day than anyone else on the hills, and never have to sit in the snow.
They also release the same way as any other binding in the instance that you need to remove them the traditional way, like if you’re using a bag jump etc…
If you can’t bend over and strap in you have problems.
Just picked up a set of burton step on’s and some ruler boots for 740 Aussie dollars. Hope they’re better than my flytraps and device step ins that I used for the last 25 years! After reading the reviews I reckon they’ll be ridgy didge better. Fair dinkum.
Whatever you have to tell yourself.
The real choice is how you ride the hill not what your riding down the hill……..
Whatever you gotta tell yourself chief.