| Ranked Posts: 5 |
| Lancashire |
|
 #1 Is it worth spending the extra on expensive bindings? Posted 14/03/2010 @ 08:13 |
   |
|
Hi
I'm new to boarding and I'm just investing in my first set up after previously hiring. I've decided on the Atomic Hatchet board - now to the bindings! I've read good reports of the Ride SPI's and Burton Cartels.
My question if anyone can help please - is it worth spending £150 to £200 on bindings when I can get what look like reasonable ones to me for much less, such as the Ride LX for £50, Ride EX for £95 or Ride RX for £110?
What do I get extra for my money? I can get my head round what different boards can do for me but I'm still at the stage where I think bindings just keep your feet attached to your board!
Can anyone advise what the more expensive ones do and tell me if its worth shelling out the extra dough? 
Cheers for any help in advance
Mick |
|
 |
|
| Learning fast |
|
|
|
| Ranked Posts: 1420 |
| Somerset |
|
| #2 Re: Is it worth spending the extra on expensive bindings? Posted 14/03/2010 @ 09:54 |
|
|
| In reply to post #1 ... |
I'd take the ride bindings over the cartels any time
they are light & v strong and last forever. Due to the aluminium they can be stiff and a bit rigid for some people, but as long as they fit the boot - go ride. Probably the EX or RX cos they have a capstrap sorta thing and the highback is a bit better.
i have a friend who is on his 4th whole season on a pair of RX bindings ...400+ days on the snow and they are still going strong |
|
|
|
|
|
| #3 Re: Is it worth spending the extra on expensive bindings? Posted 14/03/2010 @ 12:50 |
|
|
| In reply to post #2 ... |
Bindings are very important - you said it yourself, they attach you to the board! As a result, they impact on how you control the board. It's not good having a great board and crap binders, you might not get enough response, they might be too stiff, they might be uncomfortable etc etc
The most important part is obviously your boots, but after that, your board and bindings need to work together. It's like buying a ferrari and then trying to steer it using a bus steering wheel and vica versa. |
|
|
|
|
|
| #4 Re: Is it worth spending the extra on expensive bindings? Posted 14/03/2010 @ 14:36 |
|
|
| Revision #1 (Last edited: 14/03/2010 @ 14:39:29) |
| In reply to post #3 ... |
The answer is no - a lot of the top pros do not use the top bindings in their sponsors ranges. Most of the top end bindings have no tech that is actually going to make any difference over mid ranged bindings. The top end binders are pretty much only in the range to make money out of all the gear no idea riders. Having a top end board does not necassarily mean using top end bindings, as quite often you may prefer the flex of a softer cheaper binding to that of a super stiff expensive one.
The most important things to look at when getting bindings are:
1: Flex - do you want a stiff, medium, or soft binding - stiff bindings are to be avoided unless you really like them or board alot - they give you good response, but for most people unless you have the muscle in your calves built up over the seasons, they will just be painfull. A mid flex binding is probably what you want to be looking for, soft is great when learning, but once you have the basic down you will want something with a bit more response.
2: That your boots fit well in the bindings, whilst all boots will generally work in all bindings, some boots work better with some bindings than others. Take your boots into the shop, and make sure they fit nice and snug in the bindings, and work well with the straps.
3: They fit on your board, both in terms of the fixing system, and in terms of waist width, as some large bindings are too big for narrow boards.
Shaun White rode Burton Missions for most of his career, only switching to Cartels this year as Burton made them softer especially for him.
You do not want to buy the cheapest, but if you are starting out, or only ride a couple of weeks a year, then a Burton Mission, Union Force, Rome 390, or whatever mid range binding you choose to name will do the job. |
|
|
|
| more than yesterday & less than tomorrow |
|
|
|
| Ranked Posts: 4 |
| Lanarkshire |
|
| #5 Re: Is it worth spending the extra on expensive bindings? Posted 14/03/2010 @ 16:06 |
|
|
| In reply to post #1 ... |
| Hi, just wanted to let you know that I just bought some 09/10 Ride SPi's and they are awesome. bornextreme.co.uk is where I got them and they were only £115 inc delivery. |
|
|
|
| Ranked Posts: 107 |
| Hampshire |
|
| #6 Re: Is it worth spending the extra on expensive bindings? Posted 14/03/2010 @ 17:34 |
|
|
| In reply to post #4 ... |
QUOTE (Abrakfkingdabra - 14/03/2010 @ 14:36:56) 2: That your boots fit well in the bindings, whilst all boots will generally work in all bindings, some boots work better with some bindings than others. Take your boots into the shop, and make sure they fit nice and snug in the bindings, and work well with the straps.
This is really key when you have bindings that go 'over the toe' or flip 'round the front'. My Girlfriend and I both have K2 Cinch bindings (really liking them a lot, quick and easy!) but we have different boots. She can't put the toe strap round the front as it doesn't fit properly, whereas I can choose from either. - I don't actually think where you position the toe strap matters, as long as it fits. I can't tell the difference at least. |
|
|
|
| Ranked Posts: 5 |
| Lancashire |
|
| #7 Re: Is it worth spending the extra on expensive bindings? Posted 14/03/2010 @ 17:49 |
|
|
| In reply to post #6 ... |
Thanks for all your help. Very much appreciated.
Mick |
|
|
|
| Learning fast |
|
|
|