Going strapless?

Burton has recently unveiled their new flagship system called Step On bindings. Unlike traditional snowboard bindings the front straps have entirely disappeared. The most helpful advantage in doing this is eliminating the procedure of having to sit down at the top of the ski lift to re-tighten straps.

The Step On bindings are a proprietary technology that works in conjunction with Burton specifically made boots to fit the bindings. There are two front clips and one back clip on each boot that firmly locks to the binding during riding.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U9p8piIGhgw

Of users who have been introduced to the Step On system, the reaction has generally been a very positive one. It is a truly innovative to see a piece of sports equipment re-imagined. Most users experience a learning curve, as the feeling of having front straps but looking down and seeing nothing holding your feet to the board, can be hard to shake.

As much as this is useful new equipment, this is not the first iteration to seek alternate binding systems. I have for many years used Flow bindings which are able to unhinge from the back and each time the rider may simply slip their foot in, close the clasp, and hit the slopes. The front straps do still remain on the Flow bindings but the need to loosen and tighten them has been eliminated.

The most notable upside to Flow and traditional binding systems is that they will accommodate almost any snowboard boot size and brand. With the Burton Step On binding however, you must buy a compatible Burton Step On boot. On their website marketing knows this and they sell combo packs of boots and bindings. For snowboarders who own bindings and (favorite) boots already, to make the switch to Burton's system would cost approximately $700. This is the argument against propriety technology. It is double edged sword, for great technology has to be paid for in one way or another. Only time will tell if riders are willing to make the switch and step on for the ride.