To StepIn or not to StepIn ?

[fleischverpackung]

Hi guys.

I got myself a used F2 RS WC from last season.
The last years, i drove a F2 RS with SnowPro Race bindings.

The new board is harder, so i figured i would need a all my power on the board.
StepIn bindings are much harder, and transmit power more efficient.

Is this the right way to go?
Mainly, I carve down the slopes (Race not EC), but I also want to drive the board as an allrounder.

Why would you choose a normal binding over a StepIn?
What are the Pros and Cons?


Cheers

[Hans]

Stepins are better used on small boards with high stance angles where you hardly need any lateral flex, you'll need direct transfere of the stepin bindings on the carving sides of the board, which are perfect for that. On boards with less steep stance angles, overall it's said to take standard bindings with bails for the lateral flex (better for knees also). So like for instance F2 and Ibex. Bombers TD3 SW are also an option but they are also very stiff. Stepins give you more comfort with stepping in and out.

[fivat]

Exactly.

On narrow boards, step-ins are not bad. On wide boards for EC, we do not recommend them.

https://www.extremecarving.com/tech/mat.html (written by our guru Jacques in 2002)

Because of their stiffness, step-ins are to be avoided in extremecarving. The board bends tremendously during each turn and needs an articulation under each foot. Without the articulation, the rider's legs must follow the movement, which translate into large movements of the knees- tight together or even crossing each others during turns and spreading out during transitions. That stiffness not only interferes with the natural flex of the board, but also produces very large amount of stress just in front of the bindings which potentially can break the snowboard! Another undesired effect is the transmission of unwanted vibration from the board to the feet because of the stiff boots/board bindings interface.

However there are some Swoarders who are still using step-ins. It can take some time to experience the Pros and the Cons. The only Pro of the step-ins is the comfort. I prefer performances. The riders are usually more fluid with standard bindings.

Patrice Fivat