Issue link: https://bluemagazine.uberflip.com/i/25233
BOOTS AND BINDINGS While board feel is somewhat subjective, boot-and-binding feel is supremely subjective because it factors in the unique and objective shape of each person's foot. Beyond these variables, we find two major types: strap and step-in. Straps are the traditional style with simple ratchet mechanisms holding your feet in place. Step-ins push the envelope of technology and lean toward the ski or mountain-bike style of "click-in" engagement. Following are some things to keep in mind. * * * * * * Step-in bindings engage more quickly Strap bindings offer more movement and better sensitivity Step-in boots are more supportive Traditional boots are more comfortable Straps are better-suited to freestyle Step-ins are better-suited to free riding . • • The Flow setup capitalizes on many advantages found in both strap and step-in systems. The bindings create a powerful connec- tion between foot and board with the mammoth footstrap that presses down on your foot. As for engagement, the quick rear- entry design, employing a foldaway highback, is lightning quick and on par with any step-in system. And since it's more strap than step-in, the boots are mucho comfy. The only thing we'd add is a Velcro strap to the cuff for added cinch power and support. (Also available in low- to mid-end models for less dough.) Flow, www.f1ow.com. boots: $250, bindings: $350 SALOMON SYNAPSE BOOTS AND SP6 BINDINGS It seems Salomon's new system can accommodate any and all rider types and prefer- ences. At the high end, its Synapse boot features a "Customfit 3D" liner that is heat- formed to your foot (as soon as you buy them). Lace-wise, a new "Quicklace/Power lace" system eliminates calloused fingers and premature loosening with a unique plas- tic handle and eyelets that actually lock onto the laces. The corresponding bindings are anatomical to the nines, but the slick feature is the flip-away toe strap. It doesn't come undone like traditional strap bindings, but rather flips down and out of the way, making entry that much quicker. (Also available in women-specific designs.) Salomon, www.salomonsports.com. boots: $250 and sp6 bindings: $250 BURTON ION SOCKET SI BOOTS AND SI-X BINDINGS With most step-ins, you trade connection for convenience. That is, the soles of the step- in boots are reinforced to accommodate the cleats that engage the bindings; therefore, the snow can feel a mile away. Since the SI system engages from the side and since the boots are designed accordingly, your toes will actually think it's a strap setup. And when compared to other step-ins, the engagement is the quickest we've found, allowing you to drop in first. Getting out, however, can be a little slow and cumbersome, as you need to individually flip the four points of engagement. Burton, www.burton.com. boots: $280 and SJ-X bindings: $250 ---iiinE - MATRcr BINDINGS Having used the Clicker system since its 1996 debut, we're still big fans of it, especially in the high back style and when you mix-and-match Ride with K2. Ride's boots seem to kept our heels down better-a common shortcoming of step-in bindings, in general- and were just more comfortable. As for bindings, parent company K2 is one step ahead with its new "funneling" toe-engagement mechanism that intuitively guides the cleat into the binding, and the magnesium/carbon construction is featherlight. Overall, the HB system is supportive and freeride specific. Plus, it lends itself to backcountry explo- ration in lieu of K2'S Clicker-specific, bc gear add-ons, including Approach Skis, Vert Climber snowshoes, and crampons. Ride, www.ridesnowboards.com. boots: $180 and K2 Magma HB Pro bindings: $230 HiniOOTSAND K2-MAGMA HifPRO ~ THE FIRST NAME IN BACKCOUNTRY BARTA