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Newbie Bindings Question



 
 
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  #1  
Old February 12th 04, 05:42 PM
Joe Blanchard
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Default Newbie Bindings Question

I'm real new to sport of snowboarding after skiing for some 35 years
(I'm 44), decidind it's about time to see what this sport is all
about. I'm a windsurfer (sailboarder) so being "locked" to a board
and stearing via heels and toes in nothing new for me, and I'm stoked
to give it shot!

My questions deals with binding "lingo". I heard of stepins,
clickers, and flow bindings. Can someone give me a quick lesson in
termonology and what is recommended for a beginner?

Thanks,

Joe
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  #2  
Old February 12th 04, 07:22 PM
Baron
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Default Newbie Bindings Question



My questions deals with binding "lingo". I heard of stepins,
clickers, and flow bindings. Can someone give me a quick lesson in
termonology and what is recommended for a beginner?


Most bindings have two straps which tighten down with a ratchet, these are
by far the most popular type. Step-ins are a type where the boot clips into
the binding much like a ski binding, hence popular with crossover skiers but
are quite heavy and restricted to the compatable boot as there are a few
different systems. Clickers are one such proprietary system and have just
been discontinued.

Flow bindings are similar to a windsurfing footstrap in that the foot is
slipped in to the single strap from the back. The highback then folds up
into position to lock the foot in place. Easy to use and works with any
boots (pretty much).

Most people go with straps (inc 99% of pros) but look at www.flow.com and
try them if you like the look.


  #3  
Old February 12th 04, 07:41 PM
Mike T
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Default Newbie Bindings Question

Step-ins are a type where the boot clips into
the binding much like a ski binding, hence popular with crossover

skiers but
are quite heavy and restricted to the compatible boot as there are a

few
different systems. Clickers are one such proprietary system and have

just
been discontinued.


Clickers were actually very light, and the Clickers with Highbacks
performed very well. IMHO it's a shame they are gone. If you go to
K2's site, it shows they are still making the "flat" Clickers though. I
will agree that the biggest problem with step-ins is that you can only
choose from a narrow selection of boots, which is bad because the three
most important things when choosing a boot are fit, fit and fit.

Most people go with straps (inc 99% of pros)


I like to caution that basing equipment choices on what the pros ride is
usually not a good idea. First of all, their equipment is usually
specific to what they do in competitions, and not what you are doing;
second, the pros could have custom-made boards finished to look like
board XYZ that their sponsor is selling them as riding on.

I always reccomend making boots your #1 purchase, and only buy a
step-ion system if you would have bought the boots anyways based on
comfort.

Mike T


  #4  
Old February 13th 04, 04:10 AM
Neil Gendzwill
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Default Newbie Bindings Question

"Mike T" wrote in message
...
Step-ins are a type where the boot clips into
the binding much like a ski binding, hence popular with crossover

skiers but
are quite heavy and restricted to the compatible boot as there are a

few
different systems. Clickers are one such proprietary system and have

just
been discontinued.


Clickers were actually very light, and the Clickers with Highbacks
performed very well. [snip]


As far as step-in soft systems are concerned - most people don't like them
and as has already been pointed out they limit your boot choice. I had the
opportunity to ride for a weekend with a fellow who had Flows - while not
step in, they work very well and quickly compared to normal strap bindings.
The binding consists of a sort of sleeve for the front of the boot,
adjustable for size at four corners, plus the highback which is held in
place by a lever and cable system. You slide your foot into the sleeve,
lever up the back and you're good to go. It works much slicker than you'd
expect, and my friend reports the bindings as comfortable.

The Intec and FAST step-in systems work very well for hard boots, if those
interest you at all. Unlike the soft systems, the hard systems are a
retrofit to the boot itself and work with most modern snowboard-specific
hard boots. I would never go back to conventional toe-clip plate bindings.

Neil



  #6  
Old February 16th 04, 01:42 AM
Jef350
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Default Newbie Bindings Question

Well, I'm probably not the best to give advice, as I've been snowboarding for 2
years. But I've been windsurfing for 20
years. But go with the standard strap
bindings. Clickers have a metal piece on the bottom of the boot , that clicks
into the
plate on the board, but this can get clogged with snow. Flows have the front
strap set
from what I understand and then you slip your foot in, and just buckle the
second
strap. Regular bindings work just fine, and
I think are best when first starting. The main reason I answered your question
was to comment on windsurfing and snowboarding. ..Snowboarding is much easier
to learn, that being said, the first day is tough, but as many have commented,
the learning curve is steep.
Only my second year, and I'm really loving
the feeling of " surfing the mountain"
Unfortunately, windsurfing skills don't help
much, except for the balance aspect, but
the addiction can be almost as strong.
I wish I had taken snowboarding up
years ago...I'm 58..
Paul

 




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