Speed-entry Snowboard Bindings – How to Choose the Right Ones?

First, there was just the classic, then Flow came along, and recently there has been a flood of bindings that make strapping in much easier. With so many technologies available, how do you know which one is right for you? Read on to find out.

It's an amazing time for snowboarders. There are lots of smart solutions available to avoid the hassle of fastening straps and sitting in the snow, so you can hit the slopes just as fast as your friends with poles in their hands. However, each technology has its own specifics that may not suit you.

So think about how you ride, what you expect from your bindings, and how much you can invest. Read this guide to binding strapping in technologies, and you'll be clear!

FASE System

The latest addition to the range of binding technologies is already proving a hit. The reasons are simple – it's a noticeable improvement on the tried-and-tested classic strap, making your life easier without having to compromise.

Simply step in, the heelcup closes automatically, you just tighten the pre-connected upper strap and you're ready to go. We wrote about FASE technology in detail at the beginning of the season.

Why would you want it?

• Smooth and quick one-handed buckling
• Works with any boots
• The same confidence and feel from riding as with strap bindings
• No complications, no extra weight
• Minimal or no price increase compared to the same models without FASE

What could bother you?

• Finding any negatives on the FASE is quite difficult, but you may find it harder to step into the bindings on a slope or with a very steep heelcup.

Flow Design

The well-known speed-entry system, which still has many fans. You step in from behind, click your heel in, and you're ready to go. Even after the brand was taken over by the Nidecker group, a wide range of Flow bindings for beginners and the most demanding riders remains available.

If you want to learn more about this system, check out the video on how Flow bindings work.

Why would you want it?

• Easy strap in over the heel
• Works with any boots and can also be buckled from the front
• Confidence and riding feel almost like strap bindings
• Prices very close to classic bindings

What could bother you?

• Slightly heavier weight and additional mechanism
• Need to collapse the heelcup before riding the cable car

Supermatic

This game changer of recent seasons combines several benefits into one binding. You can strap in it instantly and fully automatically, just by stepping on it without bending. You don't need special boots, and you ride with the feel of a classic two-strap binding.

On the other hand, you have to take into account a few extra grams and a slightly higher price tag, although the difference compared to better strap models is not significant. You can find more detailed information about Supermatic on our Blog.

Why would you want it?

• Fully automatic entry without using your hands
• Works with any boots and can also be buckled from the front
• Confidence and riding feel almost like with strap bindings

What could bother you?

• Heavier weight and more complex mechanism
• Higher price

Step On

Today, Burton's time-tested Step On technology has made its way into other brands' offerings, and its sales success confirms that it serves riders well. It's a lightweight and simple fully automatic binding system that you'll get used to very quickly.

But before you decide on Step On, be aware that you will need to factor in the cost of not only the bindings, but also the special boots, which are essential. If you are interested in learning more about this technology, here is a separate article about Step On.

Why would you want it?

• Fully automatic entry without using your hands
• Low weight

What could bother you?

• Requires special Step On boots
• The riding experience differs from strap bindings
• Higher price

Summary

So you see, new snowboard binding technologies offer a variety of options to make strapping in easier for riders of different categories. Consider your preferences and options, here are our tips for choosing:

• Want instant power without bending over and don't need to worry too much about your budget? Go for Step On!
• Want instant power without bending over, but don't want to buy new boots? Get Supermatic!
• Do you want to make it easier and faster to get into your bindings, but with classic boots, the familiar feeling of straps holding you in place, and no extra weight? You're a FASE rider!
• Want to make getting into your bindings easier and faster, but with classic boots and at a great price? Get Flow!

Of course, you will find a wide selection of soft snowboard bindings of all types in our store, including traditional strap bindings, if you are a traditionalist. But now you know that the future belongs to speed, fast, quick, or easy-entry... call it what you want!