What's the most innovative snowboard binding you've ever used? - Snowboarding | Product Reviews

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What’s the Most Innovative Snowboard Binding You’ve Ever Used?

As a snowboarder, the bindings you use to attach your boots to the board are essential for controlling your ride, transferring your energy, and protecting your feet. Over the years, snowboard bindings have evolved from simple straps to complex systems that offer various levels of customization, comfort, and performance. Some bindings incorporate high-tech materials, advanced features, and unique designs that claim to enhance your experience on the snow. But does innovation always lead to improvement? In this blog post, I will share my thoughts and experiences about the most innovative snowboard binding I’ve ever used, and explore some of the criteria that can help you evaluate the bindings you might want to try.

Introduction

Before I reveal my answer to the title question, let me clarify what I mean by “innovative” and why I think it matters. Innovation, in general, refers to the creation or adoption of new ideas, methods, or technologies that solve problems, exploit opportunities, or challenge conventions. In the context of snowboard bindings, innovation can take many forms, such as:

– Materials: using lighter, stronger, or more durable substances such as carbon fiber, aluminum, or high-density polymers to reduce weight, increase strength or stiffness, or enhance the look and feel of the binding.
– Features: incorporating features such as adjustable angles, highbacks, straps, or shock absorbers that allow you to customize your riding posture, control, or comfort.
– Interfaces: connecting the binding to the board in different ways, such as using channel systems, disc systems, or mounting patterns that offer different levels of compatibility, adjustability, or ease of use.
– Designs: changing the overall appearance, shape, or structure of the binding, such as using asymmetrical shapes, minimalist profiles, or integrated designs that aim to improve performance, aesthetics, or ergonomics.

Innovation matters because it can enable snowboarders to ride better, safer, and more comfortably, by addressing the challenges and opportunities of different styles, conditions, and preferences. However, innovation can also lead to complexity, inconsistency, or distraction, if the features or designs are not properly implemented or tested. Therefore, when evaluating the most innovative snowboard binding you’ve ever used, you need to consider some criteria that reflect your own priorities and expectations.

Criterion 1: Compatibility

The first criterion that I use to evaluate snowboard bindings is compatibility, which refers to how well the binding fits with my boots and board, and how easy it is to install and adjust. Some bindings require specialized boots or boards, which can limit your options or increase your costs. Some bindings also have complicated interfaces or mounting systems that may require extra tools or time to install or adjust, which can be frustrating or inconvenient. Therefore, the most innovative snowboard binding should be compatible with a wide range of boots and boards, and offer a user-friendly interface for installation and adjustment.

Criterion 2: Control

The second criterion that I use to evaluate snowboard bindings is control, which refers to how well the binding transfers my energy to the board, and how responsive it is to my movements. Control depends on several factors, such as the stiffness and shape of the binding, the height and angle of the highback, the tightness and position of the straps, and the quality and length of the baseplate. Some bindings aim to increase control by adding features such as canted footbeds, asymmetrical highbacks, or responsive baseplates, which can improve edge-to-edge transitions, heel or toe power, or overall stability. Therefore, the most innovative snowboard binding should offer a high level of control that matches my riding style and level, and enhances my performance and confidence.

Criterion 3: Comfort

The third criterion that I use to evaluate snowboard bindings is comfort, which refers to how well the binding fits and feels on my feet, and how much pressure or vibration it absorbs. Comfort depends on several factors, such as the padding and contouring of the straps and highbacks, the width and shape of the baseplate, the compatibility and adaptability of the binding to different boots, and the presence and effectiveness of shock absorbers or dampeners. Some bindings aim to increase comfort by using materials such as memory foam, neoprene, or gel, or by designing the straps and highbacks to follow the natural curves and pressure points of the foot. Therefore, the most innovative snowboard binding should offer a high level of comfort that reduces fatigue and pain, and allows me to ride longer and happier.

Criterion 4: Innovation

The fourth and final criterion that I use to evaluate snowboard bindings is innovation, which refers to how well the binding introduces new ideas or technologies that solve existing problems or create new possibilities. Innovation depends on several factors, such as the originality and feasibility of the concept, the effectiveness and reliability of the implementation, and the user-friendliness and value of the results. Some bindings aim to introduce innovation by incorporating features or designs that push the boundaries of conventional wisdom, such as using magnets instead of straps, or integrating technological sensors that track your speed, acceleration, or rotation. Therefore, the most innovative snowboard binding should introduce an idea or technology that enhances the overall experience of snowboarding in a meaningful and practical way.

Conclusion

So, what’s the most innovative snowboard binding I’ve ever used, according to the above criteria? Well, I’ve used several bindings over the years, but the one that stands out the most is the Burton Genesis EST binding. This binding impressed me with its compatibility, control, comfort, and innovation, which I’ll briefly explain below.

– Compatibility: The Genesis EST binding uses Burton’s exclusive EST (Extra Sensory Technology) interface, which attaches to the board via two sliding clips that allow for a wide range of stance options, angles, and widths. This interface also reduces the material and weight of the binding, making it lighter and more responsive than traditional bindings. The binding is also compatible with a range of Burton boots, and has a simple and effective tool-free adjustment system for the straps and highbacks.
– Control: The Genesis EST binding has a medium to stiff flex rating, which provides a powerful and responsive transfer of energy from the boot to the board. The highback can be rotated independently from the ankle strap, which allows for a more natural and ergonomic riding posture. The straps are padded and contoured, and use Burton’s Hammockstrap technology, which wraps around the back of the boot and distributes pressure evenly for a secure and comfortable fit. The baseplate is made of lightweight aluminum, and has a living hinge design that flexes with the board, increasing board feel and control.
– Comfort: The Genesis EST binding has a lot of features that enhance comfort, such as the AutoCANT cushioning system, which aligns the foot in a natural position and absorbs shock and vibration. The straps and highbacks are made of a material called Flex Slider, which allows them to move freely and reduce pinch points. The ankle strap also has a hinge that pivots with the boot, reducing pressure points and improving flexibility. The toe strap can be adjusted to fit any type of boot, and can be shifted from a cap-style to a toe-style position for maximum comfort and customization.
– Innovation: The Genesis EST binding introduced several innovative features that have become standards in the industry, such as the EST interface, the Hammockstrap, and the AutoCANT. However, the most innovative feature of this binding, in my opinion, is the Hinge technology, which is a small pivot point that allows the highback to flex independently from the baseplate. This technology provides a more natural and fluid movement for the leg and ankle, reducing fatigue and improving balance. It also increases the range of motion of the binding, allowing for more tweaking and grabbing of the board.

Overall, the Burton Genesis EST binding is the most innovative snowboard binding I’ve ever used, because it offers a unique combination of compatibility, control, comfort, and innovation that surpasses other bindings I’ve tried. However, this is just my personal opinion, and your own experience may differ depending on your style, level, and preferences. Therefore, I encourage you to try different bindings and evaluate them based on the criteria that matter to you. By doing so, you can find the most innovative snowboard binding that fits your feet, board, and mind, and take your riding to the next level.