Snowboard Binding Strap

Snowboard bindings have worked in the same way since people started rippin up the mountain. You would put one foot in the base of each binding, bend down and buckle two (sometimes three) straps across your boot to secure them to the snowboard. Your board is as ready as you are -- until the next chair lift ride. Now bend down again and un-strap the rear binding. Ride chair. Re-strap. Ride down. Repeat. It can become a pain. There is now a choice when it comes to a snowboard binding strap.

In the last few years, step-in bindings have been gaining popularity. As opposed to the traditional strap binding system, step-in systems let users step down and with one easy click their boot is automatically attached to the board. What a relief!

For some, the choice between a regular snowboard binding strap and step-in bindings is a tough one.

Step-ins are definitely more convenient, but many think that the snowboard binding strap systems offer a better feel. There are pros and cons for each.

Step-in pros:

They are quick and easy -- step right in and start riding. The boots are stiffer. Some people like this because it offers quicker edge to edge response for tearin it up.

Step-in cons:

The boots are stiffer. The subtle balances that take place within the foot while snowboarding get lost in a stiff step-in boot. Tricks are more difficult because it is harder to bend the ankle and the foot.

There are limited choices. Step in boots and bindings must work together, so you must purchase them at the same time. And there just aren't as many of them on the market, making the ultimate boot fit harder to find especially if you have a small foot.

Step-in systems are more usually more expensive.

Snowboard binding strap system pros:

The boots and bindings are sold independently. Any soft boot can pretty much go with any snowboard strap binding on the market offering a lot of choices for the consumer, who can buy any brand of boots this year any brand of bindings next year. This of course gives you more boot choices. A good boot with a good fit is essential to a good snowboarding experience. More choices = better chance of finding the right boot for you.

Snowboard binding strap system is cheaper.

Snowboard binding strap system cons:

They are slow and cumbersome to get in and out for every chair ride.

The ease of being able to step directly into a binding is a great selling point and makes your mountain experience. But so far, the feel of a snowboard binding strap system still outweighs the ease of a step-in system for most snowboarders, including almost all the pros.