What’s your favourite bindings?
I’m in the market for some new binding and just wanted get other rider’s opinions on their favourites.
Mine are Flux Streams from 07/08 they lasted me almost 3 full seasons before I lost a quick adjust screw on one of the toe straps. then the straps started to fray quite badly and lose grip over the toe area. It sometimes came over the mid-foot rather than the toe end. That was the only problem I had with them.
Currently running a pair of Flux Distortion/RK30 frankenbinder, which have both seen 2 seasons I’ll be holding on to them as a back up. I have been pretty happy with both RK30 have been indestructable - the EVA foam has worn quite badly from the base, one buckle got broken in a collision (gets sticky sometimes) but all buckles still spring back into place, even the broken one.
Looking at possibly a pair of Raiden Phantoms - not sure on build quality and the mini disc though. Anyone have first hand experience? I test rode a pair in 2010 and they felt pretty solid for the 3 runs but a mate broke both his Zero and Blackhawks within a month so I’m a bit skeptical on their build quality.
Other Bindings I’m considering are Drake Supersport - I had a pair of F50 years ago and they were pretty good except for the buckles, I think in the end I had 3 out of 4 buckle springs snapped and they constantly froze up in Japan.
Not considering Burton or Union as they hurt my feet/calves. But feel free to share if they’re your favourite.
My 2006 Ride SPi DFc have lasted me 7 seasons, just. The quality of metal Ride put into their bindings is amazing. As they were all mountain freestyle, and from 2006, they were quite heavy.
I was planning on getting some to replace them, but went with the union contact pro because Ride were in the middle of switching the names of their models, and I couldn’t get the model I wanted or the size, Union also used lighter materials and I like the idea of their base plate design. I haven’t had the chance to try them yet, but I’ve mounted them and jumped in them and they are comfortable - especially the toe cap, which most people seem to have a problem with not fitting properly.
Raiden and Drake are both binding company’s many experienced riders would avoid. I don’t know a lot about them, and they aren’t all bad bindings, but from what I see and understand they don’t put the same tech and time into their bindings as company’s like Burton, Union, Ride, and Flux etc. They are a bit better for beginner - intermediate bindings.
Sounds like you should stick with the flux range if you already know and like them and also have problems with other bindings hurting your foot.
So far that I’ve tried Burton Malavita reflex, Cartel reflex, and NOW bindings are the best.
so Skip, which ones are you saying are the best? NOW?
I have tried most of the Burton line so if you have any questions go right ahead (but they hurt your calves, so prob not). Your sore calves are prob from the hi-backs (prob from a few years ago?) They’ve changed a lot for the better - the forward lean now starts at zero and you can adjust from there.
So, for me, the best binding out there is the 2013 Burton Genesis. Sooooo amazing. So tech. So perfect. After spending a day in them I was trying to figure out a way I could justify the price tag next season. But then, I got back on my cartel reflex and was totally happy. Reflex tech for the win!
@gamblor: I don’t know comfort wise I like the Malavita the most, they’re just so comfy. I like the highback, hammock, and the straps. Like em more than my cartels (shoud’ve bought the malavita =(). But response wise I like the NOW bindings, when I demoed it the heelcup is still a bit tight but they’re gonna a little bit wider for actual production. I’m interested in the Genesis. How’d they feel gamblor (flex, response, etc)? I usually like padded straps, so not sure how the Genesis straps will feel.
it’s really hard to describe the genesis. really comfy yet supportive yet really light and feel like their hardly there.
I was convinced it was only due to the react straps, so the B rep let me put them on my cartel reflex est’s. it didn’t work. There’s something about the whole genesis package which works perfect. I found the malavitas comfy but not very different to the cartels. I didn’t notice the hinge at all. I don’t like the asym strap very much and I thought if I put react straps on my restricted cartels (with asym strap) I would get a genesis feel…but no.
Burton Cartels are always a safe bet. Mine lasted me 5 seasons.
Right now I’m on Technine Elements with scrub hooks (curved high backs). They are the best bindings I’ve ever owned or demoed.
Their one downside is they are a bit heavy. Other than that they kick ass, and you can get them with normal highbacks if u want.
I have had a couple of pair of Ride bindings, the EX have lasted me for 3 seasons so far and are in pretty decent shape however I decided to upgrade, I almost went with some Cartels but after seeing them in the flesh I really wasn’t sold on them and have since gone for the Ride Rodeo’s, will hopefully be trying em out next weekend. I would be sticking with one of the bigger companies like Burton, Union, Flux or Ride.
I have had a couple of pair of Ride bindings, the EX have lasted me for 3 seasons so far and are in pretty decent shape however I decided to upgrade, I almost went with some Cartels but after seeing them in the flesh I really wasn’t sold on them and have since gone for the Ride Rodeo’s, will hopefully be trying em out next weekend. I would be sticking with one of the bigger companies like Burton, Union, Flux or Ride.
The new array of Ride bindings look pretty sweet. I’ve never really been in Ride bindings before, always thought they were similar to K2 - don’t they come out of the same factories? The Canted foot beds look interesting especially in the Maestro - swappable footbeds. Not interested in the contraband but the others are worth looking into.
@Gamblor - yeah I suspect it’s the Burton highback giving me grief. I have ridden on friends’ boards with burton bindings from mission to customs to cartels but they all hurt the same. And yes I have dialed the forward lean right back to zero and no it doesn’t help. The Genesis Hammock looks like it would be pretty comfy, obviously Burton have heard feedback on their highbacks and decided to do something about the comfort. It does look like they’ll fall apart easily though, I would have to have a closer look.
@SamNZ - going for flux bindings again would be the easy option, I’d probably go for SF45 or the RK again, just wanna see what else is out there.
the old highbacks didn’t go to zero. it said zero but it still had forward lean. the new ones go way back. My friend has used the genesis all of last season and didn’t have a problem with the new hammock.
The new array of Ride bindings look pretty sweet. I’ve never really been in Ride bindings before, always thought they were similar to K2 - don’t they come out of the same factories? The Canted foot beds look interesting especially in the Maestro - swappable footbeds. Not interested in the contraband but the others are worth looking into.
@Gamblor - yeah I suspect it’s the Burton highback giving me grief. I have ridden on friends’ boards with burton bindings from mission to customs to cartels but they all hurt the same. And yes I have dialed the forward lean right back to zero and no it doesn’t help. The Genesis Hammock looks like it would be pretty comfy, obviously Burton have heard feedback on their highbacks and decided to do something about the comfort. It does look like they’ll fall apart easily though, I would have to have a closer look.
@SamNZ - going for flux bindings again would be the easy option, I’d probably go for SF45 or the RK again, just wanna see what else is out there.
Also check out the Rome 390 boss if you’re interested in the cantering.
I have had a couple of pair of Ride bindings, the EX have lasted me for 3 seasons so far and are in pretty decent shape however I decided to upgrade, I almost went with some Cartels but after seeing them in the flesh I really wasn’t sold on them and have since gone for the Ride Rodeo’s, will hopefully be trying em out next weekend. I would be sticking with one of the bigger companies like Burton, Union, Flux or Ride.
The new array of Ride bindings look pretty sweet. I’ve never really been in Ride bindings before, always thought they were similar to K2 - don’t they come out of the same factories? The Canted foot beds look interesting especially in the Maestro - swappable footbeds. Not interested in the contraband but the others are worth looking into.
@Gamblor - yeah I suspect it’s the Burton highback giving me grief. I have ridden on friends’ boards with burton bindings from mission to customs to cartels but they all hurt the same. And yes I have dialed the forward lean right back to zero and no it doesn’t help. The Genesis Hammock looks like it would be pretty comfy, obviously Burton have heard feedback on their highbacks and decided to do something about the comfort. It does look like they’ll fall apart easily though, I would have to have a closer look.
@SamNZ - going for flux bindings again would be the easy option, I’d probably go for SF45 or the RK again, just wanna see what else is out there.
I almost went for the Maestro but it seemed like it might be a little stiff for my liking so I went the Rodeo, I really like the aluminium bases, they seem basically indestructible which is good as I have seen another brand using a polymer/plastic one break. I was never sold on the contraband binding and it seems they have revised it from 3 different versions down to one for this year. The wedgie is a good thing and seems to work.
In regards to the Ride K2 link thegoodride.com mentions “K2 owns ride and we strongly think they should take a lesson from their bindings. We have never had any real issues with any Ride binding we tried.”
the old highbacks didn’t go to zero. it said zero but it still had forward lean. the new ones go way back. My friend has used the genesis all of last season and didn’t have a problem with the new hammock.
Good to know. I might add I usually ride with a little forward lean in my Flux and only zero out if I wanna sesh the park. Probably worth a demo at least. Don’t think I’m sold on it though.
Thanks for all other input, definitely looking closer at some ride bindings.
flux ds30 = love
I love my orginal ride Contrabands. Still have them and if my 390 Boss’ break i will stick them back on and use them till they die.
My FLUX Super Diamonds!!!!!
(Now called DMCC)