Step In or Strap Up?

When it comes to boarding, there are two types of bindings you can take into consideration (well one but I’ll get to that a little later) the step in bindings or the strap in bindings.  Each have their individual strengths and weaknesses and I’m here to dispell the myths, legends, and all around mysteries revolving around both of these bindings.

                

Let me first talk about the step in bindings.  In an attempt to make snowboarding an easier experience for beginners, the step in bindings allowed two metal posts on each side of the snowboard boots.  These posts would snap into the snowboard binding on the board and would allow for more flexibility and freedom for your feet.  The boots are made stiffer to compensate for the lack of a high back and are nice because you can just kick your feet onto your snowboard and down the hill you go.  The problem arises when you’re jumping.  Once you hit your landing, most of the time your boot pops out of the binding and could result in a broken leg…which is probably why they stopped producing them.

                    

Now, lets look at the strap in bindings.  These bindings are a little more technical and supposed to be used with a softer boot.  The boots are strapped in with two buckle straps that go over the toe area and across the ankle area.  These bindings can be tightly ratcheted until a snug fit is successfully made, ensuring you’re not going flying around when you hit those big jumps.  These bindings usually come with a backplate that go up your heel and to your calf to give you more support and control while riding.  The only downfall that these bindings bring are the ridiculously long time they take to ratchet.  Do you sit down and do it, do you ratchet in while you’re on the move, or do you simply stand and do it?  I really don’t know which is the best way to do it but if you find a way, let me know.