Snowboard bindings have evolved just as snowboards have over the years. If you've done any shopping around for bindings you have probably seen a variety of styles available, which have no doubt left you with some questions. The majority of what you will find on the market today is categorized as a traditional, or strap-in, binding. However there have been, and still are, numerous styles available. We will discuss these in brief detail to help you gain a better understanding of what you will see when shopping.

Step-In

If you've been into the sport of snowboarding since its inception, or if you are still renting equipment, you are probably familiar with a step-in binding. In case you are not familiar with them, the step-in system generally refers to a stiff boot with some type of pin, or metal piece on the bottom that clicks right into the "binding," which is essentially a plate mounted on the board.

The idea behind this design was to be a quick and convenient way to get in and out of bindings. However, most riders found that the plate or the pin, or both, would accumulate ice buildup, making it impossible to click in. Additionally, many riders found that the design lacked sufficient support, and ultimately resulted in a large amount of energy loss. With a traditional strap-in binding the flex of your boot transfers energy to the strap of your binding, this is then transferred to your board. A step-in binding itself provides no support, but rather the boots are simply extremely stiff. This increased stiffness makes the boot practically impossible to flex, and therefore you have to work harder because much of the energy is lost before it gets to the board.

You may still come across a discounted, inexpensive pair of used step in boots and bindings, but be cautioned that this style of binding is outdated and no longer manufactured.

Traditional (Strap-In)

The most common style of <a rel="nofollow" onclick="javascript:ga('send', 'pageview', '/outgoing/article_exit_link/2721337');" href="/links/?u=http://www.snowboards.net" target="_new">snowboard bindings</a> available in the marketplace, traditional strap-in bindings, have withstood the test of time in the ever-changing world of snowboarding. The design simply involves strapping a softer snowboard boot onto a baseplate with a highback, by way of a toe strap and an ankle strap that fasten with a ratchet buckle system.

Over the years, strap-in bindings have evolved with the sport, featuring various levels of quality, features, and materials. A strap-in binding can be used with any brand snowboard boot, but manufacturer boots generally fit their bindings the best (e.g. K2 Boots with a K2 Binding).

Convenience

Step-in bindings may have been phased out, but the desire for a binding that offers convenience is still great. Many riders feel that strapping in and out of bindings at the beginning and end of every run is a hassle. Fortunately, there are a few manufacturers that have heard their cries and decided to cater to this desire, while still offering a supportive binding that doesn't sacrifice energy transfer.

Flow

Flow was the first company to respond the requests for a binding that offered both the convenience of a step-in binding and the response and support of a traditional strap-in binding. What spawned from this idea was a design with one large strap that went over the boot, and a highback with a latch that unhooked and released the highback down completely. With this design, riders could simply pop the highback down, slide their boot in, pull the highback up, snap it into place and go. The same process was used to remove the boot when needed.

Flow's idea has now grown into a full line with various levels of performance and quality, while the initial design remains relatively the same. Flow also manufacturers their own line of boots, but any brand snowboard boot can be used in this binding system.

Step-ins may have been phased out, but the need for convenience has not been. Many rider's feel as though strapping in and out of bindings at the beginning and ending of ever run is too much of a hassle. Luckily, a few manufacturers have decided to cater to this need, while still supplying a supportive binding that does not sacrifice the transfer of energy.

K2 Cinch

K2 was one of a handful of companies that produced step-in model bindings during their time. As step-in bindings were phased out, K2 still recognized the demand for a convenience style binding. As a replacement to their very popular K2 Clicker, K2 launched the Cinch design in the 2004-2005 snowboard season. This design was similar to the design developed by Flow in that the highback had a latch on it that the rider unsnapped and pulled down. However, instead of one large strap, the binding had a toe and an ankle strap, just like a traditional strap-in binding. When the highback of the binding is pulled down, the two straps will actually rise of from the frame, making it easier to get your boot in and out.

Like Flow, K2 has evolved the Cinch binding into an entire series with various performance levels and material designs, while sticking with essentially the same design. This binding style provides riders the convenience that Flow brought to the marketplace, but with the feel and adjustability of a traditional strap-in binding. Cinch bindings can be used with any snowboard boot, but K2 snowboard boots are likely to work best.

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