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|  Bindings In the snowboard industry and community this has been the source of endless debate. Which bindings are best? Step-ins or Straps? It's probably not so black and white as many would like it, but with so much other gear to worry about, this trivial controversy is just fueling the difficulty in buying and making your ideal set up. Hopefully by the time your done reading this you'll have a better understanding of what is the best type of binding for your style of riding. Strap bindings or traditional bindings were the first type and mainstream form of integration. The majority of pro snowboarders use them and the many people that ride these prefer to because they believe that straps offer a better feel and that you have more control of your board. They don't have major problems with getting frozen or having ice stuck in them which many step-ins have. This is good because you'll always be able to get in and out of your bindings. Straps, however, lack the convenience of step-ins.
Step-in bindings have risen to popularity the past few seasons, yet many are still skeptical. Some of the step-in riders believe that there is no difference in the feel of the ride between straps and step-ins. Others prefer the feel, while some don't care and are oblivious to the fact. Either way, there has been a great transition towards step-ins. They sometimes do have problems with freezing up and getting ice chunks lodged in them. When frozen, it's very difficult to release your boot and that's unpleasant. If ice is embedded you will have problems getting your foot to lock into the binding. Step-ins do offer a great advantage though. You can generally lock in on the lift (depending on how crowded it is) and ride away while everyone else is sitting on their behinds. If you get stuck in powder or on the flats all you have to do is unclick and skate. Then you just step right back in. It's great. With so many binding options (there are modifications to both steps and straps)
it is a hard decision as to which type you should buy. If your shop offers a
demo program take advantage of it and try out both. Have fun discovering and
hopefully you'll make a suitable and an informed purchase. Step-ins or straps,
either way have fun and ride!
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