Thoughts on rear entry bindings
Ok thanks to Snowcrazy (my fiance) I have all of my own equipment now… But a guy at my work was telling me how easy it was to use his rear entry bindings. He said that it was so quick to strap in that his skier friends didn’t have to stop and wait for him at he top of he lifts. Considering it takes me AGES cause I’m such a snowboard noob still I’m considering them. Now I did a little googling and found k2 cinches. I went into a snowboard shop to find them and found flow(somethings - I cant remember the name). Anyway the guy at the shop was saying the flow ones were better. Ok sure, you’re a salesman buddy and you have heaps of these flow bindings in your store, I’m sure you’d tell me anything to move some of your stock! LOL
Anyway, my real questions are… Are these rear entry bindings worth it? Which ones would you recommend? Or would you not recommend any of the rear entry bindings at all?
I tested a bunch of the Flow bindings last season. I was quite impressed with the quality and performance of the bindings, however I definitely prefer regular bindings. For me the time savings were absolutely minimal. At times I struggled to get my boot into the binding where it was meant to be, and it was frustrating. Overall the bindings didn’t feel as secure as regular bindings and they weren’t as comfortable (I’m sure it takes a while to adjust them perfectly to your boots). I understand the appeal of rear entry bindings for some people, but I wouldn’t get them. This is just my personal opinion, and I know there are people out there who would recommend them. Flow have top riders on their team, including Olympic bronze medallist, Scotty Lago. You need to weigh up whether you would like to sacrifice a bit of comfort and performance for minimal time savings. They are legit, just not for me…
Also worth checking out SP bindings: http://www.sp-united.com/ - they are rear entry bindings with regular straps. You can check them out at Time 2 Ride in Jindabyne.
I dont know if im dreaming or not, but a few years back now (maybe 6 - 8 years) i remember having some bindings for a snowboard that were similar to ski’s where all you had to do was clip your boots into the board, just like ski boots onto the ski, its like there was a special clip under the shoe to attach onto the board once you clip on. I can’t remember any straps or anything.. I must be crazy right? Well anyways is there anything like what im talking about or is it just a figment of my imagination haha 
Are those SP bindings the ones where the back (or the main one hat goes over your foot) clip lifts up as well as the back brace thing (sorry dont know terminology) folds back down? I was looking at some in Rhythm that had that and thought it was way better than the flow ones I looked at in Jindy. I liked the fact that you could adjust the clips individually instead of one big padding aross your foot…
So out of 3 responses so far, two are saying no? ...Hmmm does anywhere really rent out bindings like this to try them out first? With the K2’s and the Flows (and the ones which im gessing were SP at Rhythm) costing around $350-400…thats a lot of money to outlay for something which might be crap…
I thought you said you had gotten all your gear… are you missing bindings?
With Flows, once you take the time to set them up to fit your boot it becomes as simple as slipping on a pair of slippers. They are apparently more comfy than strap bindings. No difference performance-wise. They are faster to put on for sure than strap bindings. That said, you can get your ass in gear and learn to strap in pretty fast. Can you strap in standing up?
There are two reasons why I don’t like flows: you have to pull up the back just like old school ski boots. I hate that system. I’d rather cinch down a ratchet at a time til it’s good rather than setting it and yanking it up.
2) they’re really hard to put on in steep terrain or when you’re sitting
oh, and 3) strap bindings are cooler
edit: i should add that yes, I have tried them and also that a good buddy only uses them because due to an old ankle injury, strap binders give him major ankle bite
Are those SP bindings the ones where the back (or the main one hat goes over your foot) clip lifts up as well as the back brace thing (sorry dont know terminology) folds back down? I was looking at some in Rhythm that had that and thought it was way better than the flow ones I looked at in Jindy. I liked the fact that you could adjust the clips individually instead of one big padding aross your foot…
So out of 3 responses so far, two are saying no? ...Hmmm does anywhere really rent out bindings like this to try them out first? With the K2’s and the Flows (and the ones which im gessing were SP at Rhythm) costing around $350-400…thats a lot of money to outlay for something which might be crap…
In regards to your first question, I’m not entirely sure. I had a play with them last season and I remember being impressed, but to be honest I can’t remember how they work.
Time 2 Ride in Jindabyne will probably rent out SP bindings, or maybe even have a couple of demo sets. They have a rental area and they are also the importers for SP. Speak to Shay, let him know you are interested, and I’m sure he will help you out.