As I was so pleasantly reminded on my recent trip home, I really enjoy the user-centered design of my snowboard bindings. I bought the K2 cinch a couple years ago when my original strap style ones broke. They are a form of step-in bindings where the back support can be released via a cable and lever to allow the user to step into them without undoing the top straps.
Recent models can be found on their website, pictured here is the women's Cinch Vette.
Their tag line:
"A testament to classic K2 engineering ingenuity, the Vette’s quick entry and exit speed is complemented by a cornucopia of customization options that only a strap system can provide."
Wow, K2 with the fancy words. I do love these bindings though! They are very easy to use, and a great improvement from traditional strap bindings or previous step-in models. (though they still include fully adjustable 'speed ratchet' straps similar to traditional ones) I don't have to sit in everyone's way at the top of the lift to strap in for five minutes, and I don't have to take my gloves off to feed the plastic tongue into the ratchet sleeve or to make tightness adjustments. With the cinch bindings the step in action is most easily performed while standing and the release and lock apparatus uses a flexible band that is easy to slip a gloved hand into to pull the lever up or down (also without sitting). It can be done in a matter of seconds instead of minutes. The other step-ins I've mentioned alleviated these same issues, but were susceptible to other problems that made them difficult to use. These models allow you to simply step down and click in using no straps at all, but would often become snow and ice covered forcing the user to stop and clean them before they would fasten securely. Many users also complained about the diminished support from removing the top straps. Cinch bindings are the best of both versions, customization in fit from the straps which can be adjusted when needed and quick binding action per ride.
I definitely agree with your assessment of the convenience of step-in bindings. When snowboarding, the worst part of every run is at the beginning when you have to sit down to strap in your bindings while your skier friends come straight off the chairlift and start heading down. I do like that my traditional bindings allow me to loosen the straps quickly to give my feet a rest while on the chairlift. These cinch bindings sounds like a great mix of the old and new.
ReplyDeleteIt would be really interesting for a snowboard company to use that time that I'm hunched over my boots to give me some information about my run, such as how long it took, or how much elevation difference I experienced. Although, maybe that would be better delivered while I'm on the lift. It seems like resorts and gear companies are missing out on a huge opportunity to use the time on the chairlift to engage customers. It would be cool if they could somehow facilitate conversation, or give metrics to riders about their past runs, or even interactive information about the mountain conditions.