I always dislike when people use this argument because the burton StepOns solve an issue that pro's just don't face. The target demographic is definitely people that have physical limitations if that's due to older age or past injuries or just people who want to be able to get on and off lifts real simple and fast (and if you ask one of these people they usually say they couldn't recommend it enough). All pros are super athletic and have plenty of time to strap in between runs. They also probably use that strapping in time to calm down and focus on what they are about to do and rushing that process might psych them out before their run. Every review and every person will say that yes the StepOns do feel different and ride differently than normal bindings. So why would a pro take the time to get adjusted to a whole new system when it solves a problem that just does not exist for them.
A lot of good points here. A lot of them follow routines. Changing something that they’ve been riding forever is going to throw them off. Not something they need when they can get seriously injured hitting a big jump. Some will crank and crank on their ratchets. It makes them feel comfortable. When I was at Copper in January, Julia Marino would crank and crank on her boa boots every single time she would get off the lift. It’s what made her comfortable before hitting the large jump line.
DEFINITELY! Been riding the StepOn X's for two seasons now...your videos helped me make the switch! (Just scored the Run DMC StepOns a few days ago, too!) By the way, in all my years of riding, I've had the absolute most positive conversations with other StepOn riders these last two seasons...literally making friends because of these things...Thanks for posting Jimmy! I'm looking forward to next season! (I was at Alpine for Jake Day..I had to leave early though, I just missed ya!)
@@themidwestshredder I know right? It definitely was cool! Now that Alpine is closed, do you know of any other areas in Wisconsin that are still open? I don't wanna be done yet!!
I do think a few weaknesses on step ons. 1) They are not good for buttering, you can do it but need to put in twice as much work. Has to do with fact that bindings is only pulling at 3 points from boots versus leveraging the entire boot across the binding with straps. I think this also comes in to play with a bit of torsional flex on board but is really just a quick adjust in riding style (I switch between step ons and traditional depending on what I am doing/who with). 2) boots wear out faster which makes sense since all the stress from the ride is now on the boot vs some was on strap. That’s probably why pros don’t use them, but for most people think they are great (especially if on short runs or with skiers!). Not sure if they are best to start with give high response but good all round bindings That said used them on snowboard parks, back gates, and everywhere else and never had anyone critiquing me for using them. Feel like it’s more of an online thing. More boots coming out every year so that is starting to become less an issue too! (K2 thraxis in step-on please 🙏)
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. A lot of good points. I’m with you, I’ll be using both as well. I also used them in the park and got a lot of positive responses. I actually noticed some younger kids using them in the tow park that I ride as well. Most of the critique is coming from people online who don’t use them.
The question annoys me. Lewis Hamilton doesn’t race a C Class but nobody would use that as an excuse not to buy one.🤷♂️ Personally as an older guy these helped me massively on my recent trip!
Very well said, I agree 100%! Ride what works and what you like. Nothing is perfect or ever will be but, if you go out and have fun then it's definitely worth it. I have had a whole lot of positive comments and questions about my StepOns and it all has been positive. I still have my strap binding setups but, I have been riding my StepOn setup since I bought it back in December. I'm an "old and busted" rider at 57 and the StepOns have made a huge difference in how much easier it is to ride..... and I do ride all mountain including park and yes, I am "trying" to learn rails. Thanks for sharing and keep yourself safe! 😃👍❤🏂 Randy
Nice video. Rock whatever gets you stoked! I bought StepOns (standard re:flex binding with Ion boots) towards the end of last season. Plan was to work them into rotation with my strap bindings (I wear Ions for my strap boots as well). This season, I bough 2 more sets of SO bindings (regulars and X's) to mount on more of my boards, and haven't used my strap bindings at all, mainly because of the responsiveness of the StepOn system. I'm an older (turning 50 in a few months and started riding in '85), hard charging rider and the StepOn setup is SO responsive for laying carves and digging trenches. Love them. The convenience is just a side benefit. I also rode my SO's in 3ft of fresh powder at Mount Snow, and had no problems. The only downside that I see (at least with my stiffer setup with Ion boots), is in the freestyle side of things. I can't tweak airs like I used to of course...but then again a lot of that is also because i'm old. Hah. Sometimes I am tempted to buy a pair of softer StepOn boots like the Swaths for a more surfy feel and to see if they offer more flexibility to be able to bone out airs.
I ride the Step Ons in the park. Absolutely zero issues! Top gear. I will never again return to strap bindings. I am also intested in trying out the Clews and the new Nidecker
If you like traditional laces then go with the kendos. If you like a stiffer boot with boa dials to tighten, then go with the soft photon. The soft photon is softer than the regular photon, but it's still stiffer than the Kendo. Good luck.
I'll just say in general the "Pro rides this" argument is rarely relevant to most riders. You have most comp riders riding non-twin, stiff board to handle 75 foot gaps and the torsion of a triple cork. Doesn't mean we should all hop on a Custom X in the park like Red. Or hop on a super mega blossom like Zeb (lol). Pro's in comps have a unique riding situation, and even casually cruising the park they are riding harder than most comprehend. Ride what works for you, trust the general specs and rider recommendations on the gear, and you know if you are charging hard enough to start messing around with non-typical gear in various situations.
Happy to say that I've never had anything but positive interactions with other riders with regards to my StepOns. I'm pretty sure I've sold a few of them as well, lol.
Not a pro, but have snowboarded for years. Love my step ons… I get a lot of questions and interest on the slope, but the curiosity usually ends when we get to price (it’s not cheap to get both a new binding and boot). I’ve had a great overall experience with them. The only MINOR issues have been: 1) when I have the high back angled too far forward, it makes it hard to get that last heel click, 2) there’s really 2 clicks to get the heel in tight so I’ve noticed some people only push down the heel without that last click and it’s still a bit “loose”… you really have to get that final, subtle heel click to get a tight fit, and 3) still get caught getting out of the binding at times… like 1 out of 10 times it might look ugly. Again, very minor issues that can easily be solved. If you’re thinking about them, at least give them a try. I won’t go back to straps.
@@JohnnyEase getting out of the binding requires a bit of coordination - pull lever, lift heel, slight twist of heel to release toe clips. It sounds complicated, but it’s really a smooth action once you get the hang of it. Then there’s the 1 out of 10 times when you’re not as coordinated. The feeling a bit not secure is when you click in but don’t get that extra/final click in to get the tight fit. This happens if you have the high back angled too far forward, pants get in the way, or if you don’t clear the snow off the binding or bottom of boot. Overall, not much of an issue and I wouldn’t go back to regular bindings.
or I mean if you want to ride a strap binding you can always go with the clew binding that has a step-on style or you can use it like regular straps. but they cost as much as the boots and bindings compared to burton step-ons. but i got them and love them. especially the release placement. burtons are lower then i like but clews are at the top of the highback in a perfect spot. I wish burton would make a version with a higher release lever.
My first Stepons just arrived. I’m so excited and also broke 😅💸, but well… It’s my 4th season and hopefully the longest one which I will ride more than 10 days. I definitely disliked bending to tighten my straps. That took half of my energy for the day.
I know you do a lot of step on vids. Do you know why no one has a review from the flux step on bindings? I can buy them in Europe and know they first came out in Japan 🇯🇵
People who hate on others are usually jealous, especially if they never tried the product- I just got into snowboarding decided to get a burton board, had someone tell me" anyone that knows anything about snowboarding knows not to go with burton lol when I asked why- couldn't give me a single reason- amazes me-
@@toom2141 I'm so happy with Burton, they have some of the best technology in the industry, love the stepons, channel system, the boards are pre flexed and broken in, parts are easy to come by, they offer the best warranty, and amazing customer service
Exactly man. So much hate with no good reason. I’ve asked people why they hate Burton and they couldn’t give me a good reason. Burton makes awesome stuff man. I like to try all different brands of gear and Burton is no joke.
I wish I had step on set up when I ride with my kid. I have to unstrap to help him through the kid adventure trail and I end up riding the entire run one footed
Just pre-ordered a set of Flux Step ons that apparently just hit the US market this year? I want to say they were first dropped in Japan last year or the year before. Would be dope if you could get your hands on a set prior to release. I want to know what i'm in for.
i use the step On on multiple boards and love them.. I used your trick to reverse the release levers ..Only one question left. For a dedicated backcountry powder trip, would you use them or go back to traditional bindings?
If there is any bit of doubt in your mind and it’s a big trip, take the straps. Nothing wrong with that. I asked myself that before my trip to Silverton. I did take my Step ons though and everything worked out really well. Riding powder is different for everyone though so it’s a tough question. Think about how many people struggle getting in and out even with straps.
Dope video. Thanks for sharing! The season is around the corner 👀What do you lean more towards for this season, the step on or cartels? (If you had to pick one) I have been riding a version of Cartels for the last 8 years. Just got a new Never Summer triple camber board to add to my arsenal for this season and I am trying to decide between the Step on Genesis and the Traditional Cartel X…. I have watched at least 10 reviews and I still can’t decide! 😢😂
Cartels are the best bindings out there in my opinion, but why not try something different? You already know what Cartels do. For me, the step ons are just fun. It has nothing to do with being lazy to strap in. It’s just fun to step on and go. If you hate them, throw them on eBay and move on. Somebody will buy them. I’m going to be riding both straps and step Ons this season. All my riding friends started on straps and now ride step Ons. Some ride both and they like them. The standard step on and the genesis are similar. Some people have had the hammock come apart on the genesis. I ride the regular step ons.
@@themidwestshredder man I really appreciate this response! Great advice/input! I was thinking the same thing about the hammock. I’m going to go ahead and order some this week. I’ll let you know my thoughts after my first day on snow (Black Friday). Be safe! 🤙🏽
1… you’re not a pro so stop worrying about it. 2. Pros don’t use them because they are at a professional level with the gear they have… there is no evidence a pro couldn’t use them or they would fail… pros just grew up on straps which they are most comfortable on
![ทางเดินชีวิต - ธีเดช ทองอภิชาติ x อ.ไข่ มาลีฮวนน่า [Official MV]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/1f3wcG16dd4/mqdefault.jpg)
I rode my directional powder board with step on bindings in the park today like a kook 🎉 and I had a great time and a clean day!
That’s badass!! 🤙🏽🔥
I always dislike when people use this argument because the burton StepOns solve an issue that pro's just don't face. The target demographic is definitely people that have physical limitations if that's due to older age or past injuries or just people who want to be able to get on and off lifts real simple and fast (and if you ask one of these people they usually say they couldn't recommend it enough). All pros are super athletic and have plenty of time to strap in between runs. They also probably use that strapping in time to calm down and focus on what they are about to do and rushing that process might psych them out before their run. Every review and every person will say that yes the StepOns do feel different and ride differently than normal bindings. So why would a pro take the time to get adjusted to a whole new system when it solves a problem that just does not exist for them.
A lot of good points here. A lot of them follow routines. Changing something that they’ve been riding forever is going to throw them off. Not something they need when they can get seriously injured hitting a big jump. Some will crank and crank on their ratchets. It makes them feel comfortable. When I was at Copper in January, Julia Marino would crank and crank on her boa boots every single time she would get off the lift. It’s what made her comfortable before hitting the large jump line.
DEFINITELY! Been riding the StepOn X's for two seasons now...your videos helped me make the switch! (Just scored the Run DMC StepOns a few days ago, too!) By the way, in all my years of riding, I've had the absolute most positive conversations with other StepOn riders these last two seasons...literally making friends because of these things...Thanks for posting Jimmy! I'm looking forward to next season! (I was at Alpine for Jake Day..I had to leave early though, I just missed ya!)
That is awesome! I wanted a pair of those. Man how did we miss each other?
Run DMC stepons - stfu!
@@themidwestshredder I know right? It definitely was cool! Now that Alpine is closed, do you know of any other areas in Wisconsin that are still open? I don't wanna be done yet!!
@@cedlouis the only places I know of are Granite and Trollhaugen. Troll I think closes this upcoming weekend.
It was fun for sure!
@@themidwestshredder Thanks!!!
I do think a few weaknesses on step ons. 1) They are not good for buttering, you can do it but need to put in twice as much work. Has to do with fact that bindings is only pulling at 3 points from boots versus leveraging the entire boot across the binding with straps.
I think this also comes in to play with a bit of torsional flex on board but is really just a quick adjust in riding style (I switch between step ons and traditional depending on what I am doing/who with). 2) boots wear out faster which makes sense since all the stress from the ride is now on the boot vs some was on strap. That’s probably why pros don’t use them, but for most people think they are great (especially if on short runs or with skiers!). Not sure if they are best to start with give high response but good all round bindings
That said used them on snowboard parks, back gates, and everywhere else and never had anyone critiquing me for using them. Feel like it’s more of an online thing. More boots coming out every year so that is starting to become less an issue too! (K2 thraxis in step-on please 🙏)
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. A lot of good points. I’m with you, I’ll be using both as well. I also used them in the park and got a lot of positive responses. I actually noticed some younger kids using them in the tow park that I ride as well. Most of the critique is coming from people online who don’t use them.
A lot of people also trash the Clew bindings, but for me they work great! Appreciate your videos
If it works for you, that’s all that matters.
The question annoys me. Lewis Hamilton doesn’t race a C Class but nobody would use that as an excuse not to buy one.🤷♂️ Personally as an older guy these helped me massively on my recent trip!
Exactly Craig!! 👍🏽
Very well said, I agree 100%!
Ride what works and what you like. Nothing is perfect or ever will be but,
if you go out and have fun then it's definitely worth it. I have had a whole
lot of positive comments and questions about my StepOns and it all has
been positive. I still have my strap binding setups but, I have been riding
my StepOn setup since I bought it back in December. I'm an "old and busted"
rider at 57 and the StepOns have made a huge difference in how much easier
it is to ride..... and I do ride all mountain including park and yes, I am "trying"
to learn rails.
Thanks for sharing and keep yourself safe! 😃👍❤🏂
Randy
Love to hear this Randy!
@@themidwestshredder 😎👊
Nice video. Rock whatever gets you stoked!
I bought StepOns (standard re:flex binding with Ion boots) towards the end of last season. Plan was to work them into rotation with my strap bindings (I wear Ions for my strap boots as well). This season, I bough 2 more sets of SO bindings (regulars and X's) to mount on more of my boards, and haven't used my strap bindings at all, mainly because of the responsiveness of the StepOn system. I'm an older (turning 50 in a few months and started riding in '85), hard charging rider and the StepOn setup is SO responsive for laying carves and digging trenches. Love them. The convenience is just a side benefit.
I also rode my SO's in 3ft of fresh powder at Mount Snow, and had no problems. The only downside that I see (at least with my stiffer setup with Ion boots), is in the freestyle side of things. I can't tweak airs like I used to of course...but then again a lot of that is also because i'm old. Hah. Sometimes I am tempted to buy a pair of softer StepOn boots like the Swaths for a more surfy feel and to see if they offer more flexibility to be able to bone out airs.
This is awesome Alvin 🤙🏽
Of course we should ride them..... who cares what the pros use, I love my step ons !!
True!! 🤙🏽
I ride the Step Ons in the park. Absolutely zero issues! Top gear. I will never again return to strap bindings.
I am also intested in trying out the Clews and the new Nidecker
That’s awesome 👏🏽
I can’t wait for this season. I just need the boots but stuck between the Kendo’s and Soft Photons
If you like traditional laces then go with the kendos. If you like a stiffer boot with boa dials to tighten, then go with the soft photon. The soft photon is softer than the regular photon, but it's still stiffer than the Kendo. Good luck.
I'll just say in general the "Pro rides this" argument is rarely relevant to most riders. You have most comp riders riding non-twin, stiff board to handle 75 foot gaps and the torsion of a triple cork. Doesn't mean we should all hop on a Custom X in the park like Red. Or hop on a super mega blossom like Zeb (lol).
Pro's in comps have a unique riding situation, and even casually cruising the park they are riding harder than most comprehend. Ride what works for you, trust the general specs and rider recommendations on the gear, and you know if you are charging hard enough to start messing around with non-typical gear in various situations.
Well said man 👍🏽
I lke them a lot but there is 2 things i dont like and is the highbacks dont rotate and when you go on the toe edge the highback lift a bit .
Happy to say that I've never had anything but positive interactions with other riders with regards to my StepOns. I'm pretty sure I've sold a few of them as well, lol.
Haha nice!!
Not a pro, but have snowboarded for years. Love my step ons… I get a lot of questions and interest on the slope, but the curiosity usually ends when we get to price (it’s not cheap to get both a new binding and boot).
I’ve had a great overall experience with them. The only MINOR issues have been: 1) when I have the high back angled too far forward, it makes it hard to get that last heel click, 2) there’s really 2 clicks to get the heel in tight so I’ve noticed some people only push down the heel without that last click and it’s still a bit “loose”… you really have to get that final, subtle heel click to get a tight fit, and 3) still get caught getting out of the binding at times… like 1 out of 10 times it might look ugly. Again, very minor issues that can easily be solved.
If you’re thinking about them, at least give them a try. I won’t go back to straps.
Thanks for sharing this 🤙🏽
Can you elaborate what you meant with "caught getting out of the binding"? It's hard to get out sometimes or you're not secured sometimes when riding?
@@JohnnyEase getting out of the binding requires a bit of coordination - pull lever, lift heel, slight twist of heel to release toe clips. It sounds complicated, but it’s really a smooth action once you get the hang of it. Then there’s the 1 out of 10 times when you’re not as coordinated. The feeling a bit not secure is when you click in but don’t get that extra/final click in to get the tight fit. This happens if you have the high back angled too far forward, pants get in the way, or if you don’t clear the snow off the binding or bottom of boot. Overall, not much of an issue and I wouldn’t go back to regular bindings.
or I mean if you want to ride a strap binding you can always go with the clew binding that has a step-on style or you can use it like regular straps. but they cost as much as the boots and bindings compared to burton step-ons. but i got them and love them. especially the release placement. burtons are lower then i like but clews are at the top of the highback in a perfect spot. I wish burton would make a version with a higher release lever.
Cool to hear the Clews work for you. I’ve tried them and they worked just fine 👍🏽
Respect others and ride what works for you! 😁👍
Exactly!
My first Stepons just arrived. I’m so excited and also broke 😅💸, but well… It’s my 4th season and hopefully the longest one which I will ride more than 10 days. I definitely disliked bending to tighten my straps. That took half of my energy for the day.
You’ll enjoy them for sure! Congrats!
I know you do a lot of step on vids. Do you know why no one has a review from the flux step on bindings? I can buy them in Europe and know they first came out in Japan 🇯🇵
Only reason is because they were not available to us in the US.
People who hate on others are usually jealous, especially if they never tried the product- I just got into snowboarding decided to get a burton board, had someone tell me" anyone that knows anything about snowboarding knows not to go with burton lol when I asked why- couldn't give me a single reason- amazes me-
What a nonsense. Burton is a super brand! You made a good choice! 👍
@@toom2141 I'm so happy with Burton, they have some of the best technology in the industry, love the stepons, channel system, the boards are pre flexed and broken in, parts are easy to come by, they offer the best warranty, and amazing customer service
Exactly man. So much hate with no good reason. I’ve asked people why they hate Burton and they couldn’t give me a good reason. Burton makes awesome stuff man. I like to try all different brands of gear and Burton is no joke.
I wish I had step on set up when I ride with my kid. I have to unstrap to help him through the kid adventure trail and I end up riding the entire run one footed
You would like them EZ!
Just pre-ordered a set of Flux Step ons that apparently just hit the US market this year? I want to say they were first dropped in Japan last year or the year before. Would be dope if you could get your hands on a set prior to release. I want to know what i'm in for.
Other than the style of the highback, they’re supposed to be pretty similar.
i use the step On on multiple boards and love them.. I used your trick to reverse the release levers ..Only one question left. For a dedicated backcountry powder trip, would you use them or go back to traditional bindings?
If there is any bit of doubt in your mind and it’s a big trip, take the straps. Nothing wrong with that. I asked myself that before my trip to Silverton. I did take my Step ons though and everything worked out really well. Riding powder is different for everyone though so it’s a tough question. Think about how many people struggle getting in and out even with straps.
Dope video. Thanks for sharing! The season is around the corner 👀What do you lean more towards for this season, the step on or cartels? (If you had to pick one)
I have been riding a version of Cartels for the last 8 years. Just got a new Never Summer triple camber board to add to my arsenal for this season and I am trying to decide between the Step on Genesis and the Traditional Cartel X…. I have watched at least 10 reviews and I still can’t decide! 😢😂
Cartels are the best bindings out there in my opinion, but why not try something different? You already know what Cartels do. For me, the step ons are just fun. It has nothing to do with being lazy to strap in. It’s just fun to step on and go. If you hate them, throw them on eBay and move on. Somebody will buy them. I’m going to be riding both straps and step Ons this season. All my riding friends started on straps and now ride step Ons. Some ride both and they like them. The standard step on and the genesis are similar. Some people have had the hammock come apart on the genesis. I ride the regular step ons.
@@themidwestshredder man I really appreciate this response! Great advice/input! I was thinking the same thing about the hammock. I’m going to go ahead and order some this week. I’ll let you know my thoughts after my first day on snow (Black Friday).
Be safe! 🤙🏽
@@JBthe3rd yeah let me know what you think. Have fun 🤙🏽
Yes. Yes you should!
🤙🏽👍🏽
let the pros be pros and us noobs ride whatever pleases you!!!
🤙🏽
Well said
🙏🏽
1… you’re not a pro so stop worrying about it.
2. Pros don’t use them because they are at a professional level with the gear they have… there is no evidence a pro couldn’t use them or they would fail… pros just grew up on straps which they are most comfortable on
Exactly right 🤙🏽 There is a young Japanese rider that is sponsored by Burton and he uses them. He’s no joke in the halfpipe. I always forget his name.
Anyone know if the stepon boots wear out quicker
No different than the regular boots. You can replace the rear cleat if that ever gets damaged or worn out on the boot. I haven’t had this issue.
Wohooo 1st
Heck yeah!!