Anyone Snowboard? I need new bindings...best place to get them?

[Scarpozzi]

Since Trump got elected, Global warming appears to have ended and the snow on the mountains seems to be better than when Obama was in office.

I went snowboarding for the first time in 2 years. I dusted off my old equipment. My bindings/boots were some step-ins they made about 15 years ago made by Switch. I really liked them because they were responsive and I never had to sit down. I normally would skate off to the side of the lift chute and lock my back boot in without even stopping.

Anyhoo...my boots reached the end of their life and they no longer make switch-compatible boots...especially not in a size 14. I'm in the market for some XL bindings. I'm looking at Flow NX2 Fusions because their rear-entry seems to be the closest to a step-in without spending more on the new Burton system. I've got some Vans and never-worn Burton boots. Should I look at any other bindings? What's probably the cheapest place to pick them up? I checked a few cash-back sites, but it appears eBay may be the best way to score them without tax.

 

[deadlyapp]

I've been out of snowboarding for some time, but I had the flows and loved them. Not quite as easy to get into as the step ins, but much better support and retention in my experience.

You might be able to find last year's models sitting in some clearance racks on some of the main sporting goods sites (Dicks, REI, etc) but you could also save a bit if you're willing to take used and grab off craigslist or eBay.

 

[snoopy7548]

Snowboarding is my jam. I've read mixed opinions on the Flows - they're either great or horrible. I strap in standing up so I would never use them, and I know someone who bought a pair a few years ago and they were always a pain in the ass to get into for her. I would take five seconds strapping in my foot while she would have to wrestle with the binding for 30 seconds.

Rome and Burton make great bindings, but Union gets a lot of love. I've been riding on Rome 390s since I started snowboarding about five years ago and I love them. Probably have about 150 days on them. If I were going to upgrade I'd take a serious look at the upper-level Burtons.

I typically buy all my snowboarding gear (except boots) online at Evo.

You might have more luck posting over in the binding forums at www.snowboardingforum.com. It's a great community and they'll gladly help you pick the right equipment.

EDIT: Burton just came out with a new line of step-on bindings. Here's a thread on it:
http://www.snowboardingforum.com/bindings/243322-burton-step-research-development-process.html

 

[Scarpozzi]

Some guys showed me the Flow bindings last week on the lift. I was looking at the NX2 just because I always assume the entry-level bindings are missing key features I may want.

I read up on the Union Force and Rome 390s. Both get great reviews. I'm stumped now. I read the mixed reviews on Flow bindings too.... Looks like a lot of traditionalists don't like Flow's marketing campaign and Union/Rome make solid hardware. I'm probably going to search for a deal and see what I can do to save cash. All are in that $220-250 range. It's more than I want to spend, but I probably won't buy another pair of bindings for myself. (as long as they hold up)

 

[BudAshes]

Several years ago I would have said Burton makes the best ones by far, but the smaller companies have caught up and the technology has stopped changing. Just get the cheapest ones with a cushioned base and a well padded strap. Make sure they aren't for EST boards as well as those don't work with regular 4 hole mount style snowboards. Size 14 foot is pretty big for snowboarding so really the question is weather a large binding will be big enough. I would think so though, I wear size 12 and have a little room to spare with large Burton bindings.

Also the best site online is evo.com for gear. Check the outlet.


*edit did a quick search and found these for under 200 bucks
2017https://www.evo.com/outlet/snowboard-bindings/burton-mission-2017

 

[snoopy7548]

All are in that $220-250 range. It's more than I want to spend, but I probably won't buy another pair of bindings for myself. (as long as they hold up)

$220-250 seems about right. Once you get into the $300+ range you get a lot of features and tech that most people wouldn't use or notice. Remember that bindings will last a long time, likely through a pair or two of boots depending on how often you board, so spending a little extra is certainly worth it. Like I said, I've had my Rome 390s for five seasons and I have no real reason to upgrade.

 

[Scarpozzi]

$220-250 seems about right. Once you get into the $300+ range you get a lot of features and tech that most people wouldn't use or notice. Remember that bindings will last a long time, likely through a pair or two of boots depending on how often you board, so spending a little extra is certainly worth it. Like I said, I've had my Rome 390s for five seasons and I have no real reason to upgrade.

My step-in bindings are still perfect....I got them in 2001/2002. I just can't find boots for them anymore.

I would expect my next set of bindings to last me 10 years or more as long as they don't dryrot....but I'll be in my late 40s by then...so maybe I won't be interested in breaking my neck by then.

Several years ago I would have said Burton makes the best ones by far, but the smaller companies have caught up and the technology has stopped changing. Just get the cheapest ones with a cushioned base and a well padded strap. Make sure they aren't for EST boards as well as those don't work with regular 4 hole mount style snowboards. Size 14 foot is pretty big for snowboarding so really the question is weather a large binding will be big enough. I would think so though, I wear size 12 and have a little room to spare with large Burton bindings.

Also the best site online is evo.com for gear. Check the outlet.


*edit did a quick search and found these for under 200 bucks
2017https://www.evo.com/outlet/snowboard-bindings/burton-mission-2017

Thank you so much for posting the link for the Missions. I debated getting them, but read some reviews and think the Rome390s get slightly better feedback. They were also only $149 in XL from the evo outet! I wouldn't have seen them if it weren't for you sharing. Thanks!

Thanks snoopy7548. Looking forward to trying the 390s...

This is going to be interesting when I get them. I can't wait to try them out and see what it's like snowboarding without my step-ins....I suppose I'll need to wear a helmet that day.

 

[BudAshes]

My step-in bindings are still perfect....I got them in 2001/2002. I just can't find boots for them anymore.

I would expect my next set of bindings to last me 10 years or more as long as they don't dryrot....but I'll be in my late 40s by then...so maybe I won't be interested in breaking my neck by then.



Thank you so much for posting the link for the Missions. I debated getting them, but read some reviews and think the Rome390s get slightly better feedback. They were also only $149 in XL from the evo outet! I wouldn't have seen them if it weren't for you sharing. Thanks!

Thanks snoopy7548. Looking forward to trying the 390s...

This is going to be interesting when I get them. I can't wait to try them out and see what it's like snowboarding without my step-ins....I suppose I'll need to wear a helmet that day.

The bindings will be way better. Step-ins are awful and dangerous.

Here's a trick to strapping in while standing up: Once you are at the spot you want to strap in, use the front edge of your board to dig a divot in the snow by digging it in behind you while you are standing up and facing directly down the slope. You have to make sure it's at an angle that is perpendicular to the slope you are on, otherwise you will start sliding down while strapping in. Then slide the heal of your board into that divot and it should hold you while you reach down and strap in your back foot.

 

[Elganja]

i've had my mission bindings for a while now, nothing but praise for them... they are reasonable priced (~175 bucks) and have the toe strap which i'm a huge fan of

 

[Scarpozzi]

The bindings will be way better. Step-ins are awful and dangerous.

Here's a trick to strapping in while standing up: Once you are at the spot you want to strap in, use the front edge of your board to dig a divot in the snow by digging it in behind you while you are standing up and facing directly down the slope. You have to make sure it's at an angle that is perpendicular to the slope you are on, otherwise you will start sliding down while strapping in. Then slide the heal of your board into that divot and it should hold you while you reach down and strap in your back foot.

Thanks for the tip.

My Switch step-ins were awesome...never failed me. I only struggled a few times getting them lined up and my boots were great in them. I saw some of the step-in designs and could imagine how they could fail. I'm going to take a day off work in a few weeks and give them a try. Hope for another good snow before the season ends.