One note: I have 2023 bindings and the 3/8" washers run up against the bindings, causing then to get misaligned. Just dropped to 5/16" all over and they fit better. So maybe tighter tolerances in 2023. I suggest people just grab enough washer to go either way. Cost me $1.50 at Breckenridge Building Center, and they were painted black.
Just got back from a week's snowboarding in the French alps without the high-backs on and they were brilliant. Still ripping just as hard as I normally would. Step ons are rad.
I think I’ll try this tomorrow! Might just do the rear foot, I’m mostly interested in easier latching off the lift. Then I still have the high back on the front foot to help initiate heel turns.
Update- not sure I feel safe doing this. Can’t figure out why but it pops a lot without the highback installed? Putting the highback in fixed the popping sound- did you have this? th-cam.com/video/iZEU7Tpu76Y/w-d-xo.html
Thank you Jimmy ! Again, I appreciate you thinking out of the box and taking the time to explain your ideas! Dude! I’m gonna try it…keep shredding and stay safe bro!
I've spent the last three days riding Photon boots on a Custom X, with the high backs removed. I did the prior two days with the highbacks on. Same Colorado mountains. This was a test. Results? I think the first run was a little different - not bad, just felt like I needed a slight adjustment. From there it's been great. The Photons are pretty stiff so I don't think the missing highback is even a thing. I have some softer DC boots coming in next week, and will try those as well. But for now, I think the highbacks are staying off. The local Burton shop has staff that also unofficially mention the option for advanced riders. Some love it, some hate it. I say it's worth the try. I also think the only benefit is getting in the bindings easier. It won't make you a better (or worse) rider. I've seen people look over the board with a "what's missing" stare. Pared down like this, the board is pretty slim looking. Like half of the bindings are missing. Because they are.
Yeah they work just fine. The back of most step on boots are pretty stiff and the way you’re locked in still allows them to be responsive. Plus you still have a lowback. This is different than riding a strap binding without a highback. Pretty cool man, thanks for the info. I rode mine for over a season here in the Midwest and out in Colorado. They rode just fine.
@@themidwestshredder Update: In my last few days of riding I got a bit tired, and did find that I wasn't taking as aggressive a bite on heel edge carves as I did with the high-backs on. I had to consciously push myself to be aggressive and clean it up. Not sure if that applied to others. I did 75 miles of riding in a few days (according to GPS tracking). That's not crazy, but probably a little more than the average rider, and definitely more than my 50+ year old body can absorb without effort. I like to come home tired and sore, every day. Wife thinks I'm bent in the head. Also, Burton is now releasing a "low back" version of the Step-On for 2024 and had them on the shelves this week.
@@FamilyManMoving that’s a lot of riding! I’m with you on that though, I like to put in a good, long riding day when I can. Thanks for the update! I did see those 👍🏽
@@themidwestshredder the verdict.. I’m keeping them off. I wasn’t expecting to feel a weight difference but did and like the lighter feel. It does take slightly more effort to get heel edge but not enough for me to put them back on. I never ran with forward lean anyway. Definitely easier to step on to the binding right off the lift which I love. Thanks for the video! I would’ve never thought to remove them without it.
I’ll have to give that a try. The reason I put it this way is because the highback portion doesn’t go between the the baseplate and the lowback. It’s on the outside of the lowback.
Back in the day when I rode a Burton air 4.1 or 5.1 model it was red top model wow I’m going back to lates 80’s from my memory but to the point I want to make Burton sold a short high back to swap out the the high back for smaller one. It was the best
First couple of runs, it’ll feel a little different obviously because the highback isn’t making contact with the back of the boot anymore but it still responds well. Highback or not, you still have to bend your knees and lean back to get on the heel side. I enjoy riding like this. Also easy to get in and out of. Try it, if you don’t like it just switch back. Always good to try different things 👍🏽
Sorry about that. Most people don’t hear this unless they’re running separate speakers or something. If you see this on a phone or computer, it sounds normal. It has something to do with my external mic.
Hi Javier, this mod doesn’t change how you ride much at all. If it does, very minimal. It did made me focus on the basics of bending my knees and leaning back to get on my heel edge, but that’s more for a leaned out heelside carve though. Riding fast, normal, and just carving back and forth is really no different with this mod.
@@themidwestshredder I just ordered the Genesis Step On bindings, (I already bought the flex (regular) Step On bindings but haven't tried them yet. Would you say I should return the new Genesis and just try this modification to avoid a bit of back heel contact? Or should I keep them when they arrive? Is this mod also good in powder? Thanks Jimmy! Is going to be my very first complete snowboard set. (Board, boots and bindings).
Most of the time I don’t run forward lean unless I’m out west in Colorado or something. I switch things up a bit since I like to ride a little bit of everything. Doesn’t take much getting used to. First run out when I remove the highback, I feel a little difference, but after that it’s normal.
Do recommend having the photon boot for feeling any play snowboarded forever on rentals first time buying my own setup and got the Burton bindings and hear a lot abt the play in the heel depending on what boot you have and noticed you don’t have photon so do you have any recommendations based on your setup in this video I wouldn’t think you would since you’re taking off the back plate which I would feel like give more secure feelin lmao sorry for long message hope you reply !
I’ve used the photon and the photon soft. The boot I currently use is the photon soft. For me, the regular photon is a little too stiff and responsive. Some people like a stiff boot though. My friend uses the photon and he loves it. It’s all personal preference. A bunch of my friends and I use these bindings and we are happy with the way they are. The play is not a problem for us and I can tell you most people are happy with them. I’ve made videos trying to figure out “play” but it’s not because it’s affected me. I’ve done it because some people have complained about it.
To answer your question, the regular photon is a good boot and is very responsive with this binding. The photon soft is a little less stiff but is still nice and responsive with the step on binding. Let me know if you have any other questions.
Thx for the video. Great idea! My small issue with the bindings has been the high back making it difficult to lock in getting off the lift. This should be a good solution. What about just taking highback off the rear binding? Think that would feel awkward when carving?
If you’re trying to step on directly from the lift, this makes it easier for sure. I stepped on multiple times yesterday from the lift without stopping.
Removing the highback portion feels a little different maybe the first couple of runs but it still works well. No matter what, getting on your heelside to get a good carve, you have to bend your knees and lean back. This mod won’t stop you from doing that.
Great video Jimmy. Quick question though. Do you think it makes the board less responsive? Asking as James at the good ride says that with the standard bindings paired with the photon boots, it makes most standard width boards too responsive and a bit twitchy. I have the standard step on binding with ion boots with a flight attendant and thinking of selling the flight attendant for something wider and slower turning to compensate for the stiff boot binding combo but now that I've seen this I'm thinking maybe I'll just keep my flight attendant. Sorry for waffling.
Hi Bob, it might make it just a little less responsive. You can give it a shot to see if it makes any difference for you. Those washers will only cost you a couple of dollars. The stiffness of the boot makes a big difference with the step ons. I usually ride the swath or the ruler for that reason. I just reviewed the photon soft and I really liked that boot. The flight attendant is a good board so I wouldn’t get rid of it. I would get a more flexier set of boots before I got a new board. Is this a completely new set up or a set up you’ve been riding and don’t like the stiffness and responsiveness?
@@themidwestshredder Ilas the ions have independent lacing zones I'm thinking do the liner up tight and the bottom half of the boot for heal hold then do the laces up quite loose on the upper part of the boot. What do you think?.
Like paaatster mentioned it might be good to have a couple of your washers between the lowback and base? Also wondering if it would be worth trying nylon washers so the material is closer to the same? Great vid, keep them coming : )
With the shown installation, wouldn't the extended washer and nut wear out the boot? I like the idea of having the washers in between to avoid contact with boot.
@@robertygee1 it’s not extended. It takes up the space that the highback took when it was there. The highback portion does not go between the lowback and the baseplate. It goes exactly where the washers are.
Do these ride like the true burton lowback step on? Or should I go for theirs. If they are even close to the same I’m gonna get the option that gives me a 2 for 1
Hi Bob, not really. For me I like riding it like this sometimes because it gives me more of a free and fun feeling. The bindings still work great like this. Please let me know what you think when you try it 👍🏽
@@themidwestshredder will do. Thanks. One more thing, I don't suppose you can put up a video with your boot clipped in to your binding just to show how much movement there is in the heal . Mine has a fair bit and is quite noisey and still don't know if it's supposed to be like this. Other people thst I've spoken to say they don't get that much so I'm none the wiser. It would be really appreciated if you could. Thanks Jimmy
I haven’t tried it with straps but I know that some people do modify their strap bindings to run highbacks. Yeah I’ll put the dimensions of the washers.
Right now they’re staying off, but I’ll probably go back and forth with them. Just depends what I’m feeling. I do like to mess around with my set ups for fun so I like to switch things around.
Hi Emma, I ride the Swath which is the softest and it still works great. I’m sure the stiffer boot will be more responsive but I like my swath. Also, can you tell me what you mean by “what is 30 in christine?”
So far it's been great. Like I said, I rode most of last season like that without issues. It definitely doesn't stop you from getting on your heel edge. If you want to get aggressive on your heel edge, it'll make you focus more on bending your knees which isn't a bad thing. If you're trying to get every bit of response on your heel edge, then leave the highback on.
One note: I have 2023 bindings and the 3/8" washers run up against the bindings, causing then to get misaligned. Just dropped to 5/16" all over and they fit better. So maybe tighter tolerances in 2023. I suggest people just grab enough washer to go either way. Cost me $1.50 at Breckenridge Building Center, and they were painted black.
And this years model comes with lowback. So you moving the industry forward man)))
Just took off my high back and rode all day. Amazing. So glad I found your video.
Awesome!! 👏🏽
Just got back from a week's snowboarding in the French alps without the high-backs on and they were brilliant. Still ripping just as hard as I normally would. Step ons are rad.
That’s great to hear Bob!
@@themidwestshredder burton owe you for this idea now that they're releasing them next season with the hi back.
Jimmy I've just seen this. Burton owe you
Burton is selling LoBack Step On bindings this year. They should pay you for coming up with this idea!!!
Dang! I never even thought about removing my highjacks - and I've been riding these since their release back on Nov 2 2017. Good video!
Thanks Jimmy! Always showing us the unknown possibilities. Can't wait to try this tech. Burton Step ons fully modded!
No problem Solomon! Thanks for watching 🙏🏽
I think I’ll try this tomorrow! Might just do the rear foot, I’m mostly interested in easier latching off the lift. Then I still have the high back on the front foot to help initiate heel turns.
Update- not sure I feel safe doing this. Can’t figure out why but it pops a lot without the highback installed? Putting the highback in fixed the popping sound- did you have this?
th-cam.com/video/iZEU7Tpu76Y/w-d-xo.html
Thank you Jimmy ! Again, I appreciate you thinking out of the box and taking the time to explain your ideas! Dude! I’m gonna try it…keep shredding and stay safe bro!
No problem! Try it for a day and see what you think. Still works great and easy to get in and out of 👍🏽
Lol, outside the box...
Burton even made low back binding, then everyone realized it was dumb, and went back the regular size high backs.
I've spent the last three days riding Photon boots on a Custom X, with the high backs removed. I did the prior two days with the highbacks on. Same Colorado mountains. This was a test. Results? I think the first run was a little different - not bad, just felt like I needed a slight adjustment. From there it's been great. The Photons are pretty stiff so I don't think the missing highback is even a thing. I have some softer DC boots coming in next week, and will try those as well. But for now, I think the highbacks are staying off.
The local Burton shop has staff that also unofficially mention the option for advanced riders. Some love it, some hate it. I say it's worth the try. I also think the only benefit is getting in the bindings easier. It won't make you a better (or worse) rider. I've seen people look over the board with a "what's missing" stare. Pared down like this, the board is pretty slim looking. Like half of the bindings are missing. Because they are.
Yeah they work just fine. The back of most step on boots are pretty stiff and the way you’re locked in still allows them to be responsive. Plus you still have a lowback. This is different than riding a strap binding without a highback. Pretty cool man, thanks for the info. I rode mine for over a season here in the Midwest and out in Colorado. They rode just fine.
@@themidwestshredder Update: In my last few days of riding I got a bit tired, and did find that I wasn't taking as aggressive a bite on heel edge carves as I did with the high-backs on. I had to consciously push myself to be aggressive and clean it up. Not sure if that applied to others. I did 75 miles of riding in a few days (according to GPS tracking). That's not crazy, but probably a little more than the average rider, and definitely more than my 50+ year old body can absorb without effort. I like to come home tired and sore, every day. Wife thinks I'm bent in the head.
Also, Burton is now releasing a "low back" version of the Step-On for 2024 and had them on the shelves this week.
@@FamilyManMoving that’s a lot of riding! I’m with you on that though, I like to put in a good, long riding day when I can. Thanks for the update! I did see those 👍🏽
Another great vid, cheers man. I’m definitely getting some step ons, the no high back look is cool
Nice! They’re fun!
Took my highbacks off and going to try it out this weekend.. for the women’s size medium step ons, 1x3/8 and 1x5/16 washer needed for each screw.
That’s awesome Charlene, thank you for posting the size of the washers. Let me know how it goes. Would love to know if you like it or hate it.
@@themidwestshredder the verdict.. I’m keeping them off. I wasn’t expecting to feel a weight difference but did and like the lighter feel. It does take slightly more effort to get heel edge but not enough for me to put them back on. I never ran with forward lean anyway. Definitely easier to step on to the binding right off the lift which I love. Thanks for the video! I would’ve never thought to remove them without it.
@@charlenec.1177 that’s awesome, I’m glad to hear it worked out for you. Thanks for letting me know how it went 🙏🏽
Definitely gonna try this! Thanks Jimmy
No problem 🤙🏽 try it for a day and see what you think. It’s still fun and easy to get in and out of.
burton is actually making these now
That is wild, Jimmy, but looks great! Nice and clean look
It works good too! 🤙🏽
Thanks for the great information I am looking to get some step on
Nice 👍🏽
Never would have even thought of doing that lol will have to give it a shot if I win the contest🤤
I'm brand new to snowboarding but loving my step ons so far. I think I want to give this a try! I never would have thought about doing this
Amazing concept! Love the creativity
It’s fun 🤙🏽
You're the stepon MacGyver 🤣🤣 I will definitely give this a try to see what it feels like. #forscience
Haha I just like trying different things that are possible!
What a trippy modification! Wouldn't you want the washers in between the low back and the binding since it's taking the place of the high back?
I’ll have to give that a try. The reason I put it this way is because the highback portion doesn’t go between the the baseplate and the lowback. It’s on the outside of the lowback.
@@themidwestshredder Ah, my bad. I thought it was in between but I just re-watched it and you're right!
Way to go on 3K Jimmy!
Thanks Shane! 🙏🏽 Looking forward to more of your videos. You will surpass the 3k fast!
Back in the day when I rode a Burton air 4.1 or 5.1 model it was red top model wow I’m going back to lates 80’s from my memory but to the point I want to make Burton sold a short high back to swap out the the high back for smaller one. It was the best
That’s awesome, thanks for sharing! I’ve seen pictures of that lowback. Doing this mod is like riding a low back.
@@themidwestshredder with no high back I know it feel much better to carve
That's nice and I will def try it but I will lose the lean forward tho.
Nice. Love this idea. So, you say it “still responds really well.” Would you say you notice a response difference, or you don’t?
First couple of runs, it’ll feel a little different obviously because the highback isn’t making contact with the back of the boot anymore but it still responds well. Highback or not, you still have to bend your knees and lean back to get on the heel side. I enjoy riding like this. Also easy to get in and out of. Try it, if you don’t like it just switch back. Always good to try different things 👍🏽
People have been taking off high backs since 94... Still dumb.
Thank you for the video. Just to check, is it just for me, or for others the sound is coming just from 1 speaker?
nah its the way the video is
Yeah, I thought it sounded weird.
Sorry about that. Most people don’t hear this unless they’re running separate speakers or something. If you see this on a phone or computer, it sounds normal. It has something to do with my external mic.
@@themidwestshredder just convert your audio to mono and headphone users won't notice anymore :D
gonna try this for my next session. looks fun.
Give it a shot. Only takes 5-10 minutes to set up. If you don't like it, just switch back.
Fun 💡 idea Jimmy!
Did you feel more tension or muscle power was needed from your legs?
Hi Javier, this mod doesn’t change how you ride much at all. If it does, very minimal. It did made me focus on the basics of bending my knees and leaning back to get on my heel edge, but that’s more for a leaned out heelside carve though. Riding fast, normal, and just carving back and forth is really no different with this mod.
@@themidwestshredder I just ordered the Genesis Step On bindings, (I already bought the flex (regular) Step On bindings but haven't tried them yet. Would you say I should return the new Genesis and just try this modification to avoid a bit of back heel contact? Or should I keep them when they arrive?
Is this mod also good in powder?
Thanks Jimmy!
Is going to be my very first complete snowboard set. (Board, boots and bindings).
@@lordcomas I would leave the Genesis or the regular step ons with the highback on 👍🏽
Jimmy, what do you think of Show Stopper. I have one (162) and it's absolutely my favourite board right now. One of the best boards I've ever ridden.
I love it! This particular day that I shot this video, I even rode this board in the park and it was fun. I love the way it carves! 🤙🏽
Nice! Thx for sharing. 👍🏾
I thought you rode with a little forward lean. Did it or take a little getting used to not having that?
Most of the time I don’t run forward lean unless I’m out west in Colorado or something. I switch things up a bit since I like to ride a little bit of everything. Doesn’t take much getting used to. First run out when I remove the highback, I feel a little difference, but after that it’s normal.
Wait.... you Don't need the high back bit...? ... really..,?... i gotta try this
Do recommend having the photon boot for feeling any play snowboarded forever on rentals first time buying my own setup and got the Burton bindings and hear a lot abt the play in the heel depending on what boot you have and noticed you don’t have photon so do you have any recommendations based on your setup in this video I wouldn’t think you would since you’re taking off the back plate which I would feel like give more secure feelin lmao sorry for long message hope you reply !
I’ve used the photon and the photon soft. The boot I currently use is the photon soft. For me, the regular photon is a little too stiff and responsive. Some people like a stiff boot though. My friend uses the photon and he loves it. It’s all personal preference. A bunch of my friends and I use these bindings and we are happy with the way they are. The play is not a problem for us and I can tell you most people are happy with them. I’ve made videos trying to figure out “play” but it’s not because it’s affected me. I’ve done it because some people have complained about it.
To answer your question, the regular photon is a good boot and is very responsive with this binding. The photon soft is a little less stiff but is still nice and responsive with the step on binding. Let me know if you have any other questions.
Thx for the video. Great idea! My small issue with the bindings has been the high back making it difficult to lock in getting off the lift. This should be a good solution. What about just taking highback off the rear binding? Think that would feel awkward when carving?
If you’re trying to step on directly from the lift, this makes it easier for sure. I stepped on multiple times yesterday from the lift without stopping.
Removing the highback portion feels a little different maybe the first couple of runs but it still works well. No matter what, getting on your heelside to get a good carve, you have to bend your knees and lean back. This mod won’t stop you from doing that.
Saved me from buying the new low backs and they can be black n blue
Great video Jimmy. Quick question though. Do you think it makes the board less responsive? Asking as James at the good ride says that with the standard bindings paired with the photon boots, it makes most standard width boards too responsive and a bit twitchy.
I have the standard step on binding with ion boots with a flight attendant and thinking of selling the flight attendant for something wider and slower turning to compensate for the stiff boot binding combo but now that I've seen this I'm thinking maybe I'll just keep my flight attendant.
Sorry for waffling.
Hi Bob, it might make it just a little less responsive. You can give it a shot to see if it makes any difference for you. Those washers will only cost you a couple of dollars. The stiffness of the boot makes a big difference with the step ons. I usually ride the swath or the ruler for that reason. I just reviewed the photon soft and I really liked that boot. The flight attendant is a good board so I wouldn’t get rid of it. I would get a more flexier set of boots before I got a new board. Is this a completely new set up or a set up you’ve been riding and don’t like the stiffness and responsiveness?
@@themidwestshredder Ilas the ions have independent lacing zones I'm thinking do the liner up tight and the bottom half of the boot for heal hold then do the laces up quite loose on the upper part of the boot. What do you think?.
@@bob6693 yeah that’s a great idea. Definitely play with it to see if you can figure out something that will work for you.
Like paaatster mentioned it might be good to have a couple of your washers between the lowback and base? Also wondering if it would be worth trying nylon washers so the material is closer to the same? Great vid, keep them coming : )
Both great ideas!
By the way, I put the washers the way I did because the highback is not in between the lowback and the base. It sits on the outside of the lowback.
With the shown installation, wouldn't the extended washer and nut wear out the boot? I like the idea of having the washers in between to avoid contact with boot.
@@robertygee1 it’s not extended. It takes up the space that the highback took when it was there. The highback portion does not go between the lowback and the baseplate. It goes exactly where the washers are.
Do these ride like the true burton lowback step on? Or should I go for theirs. If they are even close to the same I’m gonna get the option that gives me a 2 for 1
Up to you what you want to do. They should ride the same as long as you fit the washers correctly.
Nice cool vid jimmy
Thanks man 🙏🏽
Has anyone tried this and does the lack of a highback add stress to your shins when carving heel size?
No shin stress at all. Give it a try, the step ons still work great without the highback.
Hey Jimmy, apart from being able to step in a bit easier are there any other benefits? I've done the modification but not yet tested it out.
Hi Bob, not really. For me I like riding it like this sometimes because it gives me more of a free and fun feeling. The bindings still work great like this. Please let me know what you think when you try it 👍🏽
@@themidwestshredder will do. Thanks. One more thing, I don't suppose you can put up a video with your boot clipped in to your binding just to show how much movement there is in the heal . Mine has a fair bit and is quite noisey and still don't know if it's supposed to be like this. Other people thst I've spoken to say they don't get that much so I'm none the wiser.
It would be really appreciated if you could.
Thanks Jimmy
Great vid. I guess I'll first try them out with high back (first day on them coming friday) but this does look appealing!
Nice Vincent 👍🏽
Hey guys. How can i buy the high back? I lost both of mine 😢😢
I don’t think you can. Only thing I can think of is to reach out to Burton.
came back here after i saw burton release their low back(women’s) step ons 😂
Would you say this works with strap bindings too? Also, can you link or put up the dimensions of the washers?
I haven’t tried it with straps but I know that some people do modify their strap bindings to run highbacks. Yeah I’ll put the dimensions of the washers.
Do you plan to keep the high backs off or are they going back on?
Right now they’re staying off, but I’ll probably go back and forth with them. Just depends what I’m feeling. I do like to mess around with my set ups for fun so I like to switch things around.
What is 30 in Christine Jimmy are the Boots stiffness or does that not make any difference
Hi Emma, I ride the Swath which is the softest and it still works great. I’m sure the stiffer boot will be more responsive but I like my swath. Also, can you tell me what you mean by “what is 30 in christine?”
Ignore that bit about 30 in Christine, think mic was on and picked up tv 😀 thanks
Any potential negatives?
So far it's been great. Like I said, I rode most of last season like that without issues. It definitely doesn't stop you from getting on your heel edge. If you want to get aggressive on your heel edge, it'll make you focus more on bending your knees which isn't a bad thing. If you're trying to get every bit of response on your heel edge, then leave the highback on.
Do you notice much of a difference with your heal side?
You can feel a slight difference but very minor. You can get on a heal edge very easy. Very easy to try out.
Can you also put the levers on the inside with the highbacks, no issues?
@@tribalart88 yes you can. You can put the levers on the inside.
They had low backs in the 90’s
Yes they did.
But why?
I like to try different things man. I was curious why some people ride without highbacks so I gave it a try and I like it.