To help you find your way around the multi-faceted world of snowboard bindings, we want to provide a more detailed guide on the different binding systems. Our snowboard experts Oli and Alen will share valuable tips with you in an interview. Read about their experiences with fast entry snowboard bindings and benefit from first-hand expertise.
The different types of snowboard bindings at a glance
Strap-In
Snowboard bindings with straps are the classic and proven systems, but these do not belong to the fast entry systems. With two straps - over the toes and in the ankle area - you can adjust the bindings flexibly and re-adjust them at any time. Although you have to open the straps every time you get on the lift and then close and adjust them again when you have reached the summit, they provide optimum support and individual adjustment options for dynamic snowboarding in your personal riding style and level. The highback, i.e. the heel and calf support, is fixed on these models.
Rear Entry
Binding systems with rear entry offer the option of folding the highbacks backwards, making it quick and easy to get into the bindings. As soon as you have your boots in the bindings, simply pull up the highbacks and close the lever. Getting out of the bindings is just as easy. In addition, adjustable straps allow ideal fitting to your boot shape and personal riding style. Rear entry bindings, such as those from Nidecker and SP, are a good choice for all those who simply want to concentrate on snowboarding on the mountain.
You can find more information about the Nidecker Supermatic® snowboard bindings in our Blue World.
Step On®
The Step On® systems are the result of innovative development work by the legendary snowboard brand Burton. In 2017, the former step-in systems were redesigned from the ground up. The result is snowboard bindings that are characterised by comfort, safety and performance - without any straps. These models are available for all levels and snowboard bindings with the Step On® system have even been developed for children. It should be noted that Step On® bindings can only be used with Step On® boots. Besides Burton, top snowboard brands such as DC and Nitro now also offer these boots. Step On® bindings are recommended for all those who want to avoid frequent adjustment of the straps and time-consuming adjustments before and after the lift ride.
Experiences and tips on snowboard bindings with fast entry
Interview with our snowboard experts Oli and Alen
What advantages do fast entry snowboard bindings offer?
- Alen: The biggest advantage offered by fast entry bindings is the speed of handling: with a short movement or grip, respectively, you're ready to ride. An additional advantage is that you don't have to bend down much, which is more comfortable, especially for the older generation with back problems. Fast entry snowboard bindings are also very practical for children and parents, as they make the little ones faster and more independent without needing much help from their parents. Conversely, parents can jump out of the bindings more quickly to support the children. And last but not least: With Fast Entry, you can get off the lift just as quickly as skiers, which is of course an advantage when snowboarders and skiers are travelling together in a group.
- Oli: As the name suggests, you can enter quickly. If you're travelling with a group, you get the first line in untracked powder. Or if you're a Park Rat and want to blast down as many runs as possible, you don't have to constantly strap on. You don't have to bend down to close the bindings. This is of course very comfortable and back-friendly for older snowboarders. And beginners / intermediates don't have to sit in the snow all the time to strap on. With the Fast Entries featuring straps, you only adjust the straps once and then always have the same setting, although you can of course still adjust it at any time. With normal bindings with straps, every run can feel different because you strap on a total of 4 straps each time and rarely get exactly the same setting. Burton even has the first fast entry splitboard bindings. Especially for splitboarding, it's nice to have fewer individual parts, i.e. straps, that interfere.
Are there differences in riding behaviour compared to the classic entry type with straps?
- Alen: When it comes to riding behaviour, there are differences depending on the system used. With Burton Step-On® you have to get used to the fact that there are no straps, but after a short time of familiarisation this feeling soon disappears and it then feels like a normal snowboard binding. With the Nidecker Supermatic®, I think it's more difficult to have the straps permanently tight, because then the fast entry doesn't work so well.
- Oli: Not really. Only with a lot of experience and if you concentrate on it, you can minimally feel with Step-On® that you don't have any straps over your foot.
Do Fast Entry snowboard bindings also have disadvantages?
- Alen: There are also a few disadvantages: With both systems, you have to use a lever to get out of the bindings. This is sometimes difficult to find, or rather difficult to operate with gloves. It is also sometimes difficult to get out of the bindings on icy surfaces without getting stuck. Nidecker bindings are relatively heavy and have many moving parts that are very sensitive. With Burton, you also have to buy matching boots, as Step On® bindings can only be used with Step On® boots.
- Oli: The Supermatic® is fairly heavy and bulky, and you notice the weight when riding. For example, when pushing one-legged in the lift queue, you can feel the massive chassis and the folded back highback. The same applies to the other Nidecker bindings and those from SP. One disadvantage of all Fast Entries is that although it's easy to get in without bending down, you have to pull a lever to get out again, and then you need to bend down to do so. And if there is too much snow or ice in the bindings or on the boot, you may not be able to get into the bindings straight away. The same applies if your pants are too long and get caught in them. And a ‘disadvantage’ of Step On® is that you not have to use special Step On® boots (Nidecker and SP can be used with all conventional boots), and you also need to pay close attention to the matching binding and boot sizes.
Who would you particularly recommend this binding system to?
- Alen: I would recommend bindings with fast entry to older snowboarders in particular, because it's simply more comfortable to get in and out very quickly without having to bend down a lot. I would also mention beginners and children as another target group, but fast entry bindings are also a good option for all those who rarely snowboard.
- Oli: Older people who can't bend down so well or those who don't want to bend down so often. Also beginners and intermediates who don't want to sit in the snow so much. Freeriders who want to catch the first line. Park riders who want to ride one run after the other as swiftly as possible. And those who always want to have the latest equipment.
If you have any questions, our customer service team will be happy to help, or you can pop into a Blue Tomato Shop near you. Plenty of interesting information about snowboarding and the right snowboard equipment awaits you in our Blue World and in the comprehensive Snowboard Buyer's Guide.
