Snowboarding mags: boot 'n binder questions

[BigKuba]

I need new boots. I've had the same boots for the last 5 seasons and they're completely packed out and starting to fall apart. My problem is that over those 5 years I've gotten really used to my Switch step-in bindings. Now, some may rip on step-ins because they limit your steeze on the jibbering, but they've been awesome for me -- I can click in and out of them on a traverse, they're good for touring, and on a powder day I just skate past the herd of snowboarders sitting on their asses putting on their boards in front of the lift and get first tracks. Unfortunately they don't make this stuff anymore -- I looked around everywhere, and there just aren't any Switch-compatible boots in normal sizes.

Do you by any chance know of anyone/any place that might still have them? I've checked eBay, Evogear, etc with no luck.

If not, I will need new 'normal' boots, and therefore also new binders. My questions:

- Can you recommend a stiff softboot for riding pow and trouring? Way back when I used to ski, so I like stiff boots. Some other things to consider:
I know it all comes down to fit, but would like some sort of starting point.
I plan on using my splitter a lot, so all else equal, weight would be a factor.
Durability is key too. I don't want any air pocket heel gimmicks that will fall apart in the first 10 days.
I really like Northwave's liners and their lacing system. I'm convinced that they've saved my ankles many times... I'd like something like that... (and Backcountry Outlet has Northwave Concepts on sale in my size)

- Is there any new innovation in snowboard boots worth my consideration? I went to the REI today and saw all sorts of fancy lacing systems that looked like a good idea but also looked like they'd break in a week...

- As for bindings, what differentiates them? I would like durable, so more metal would be better for that reason. The Catek Freeride looks like a sweet binding, but would that be going over the top?

- Are Flows worth looking into? I'd like something relatively easy to put on so I can approach the convenience of the stepins.

- How do you feel about the Burton toe strap?

Thanks for the help. I especially look forward to hearing from the mags who regularly post awesome knuckledragging touring stoke, like WYsplitride, bcrider, bodhi, and such.

[advres]

Can't help on the Switch boots but I can chime in on some other questions.

Boots: I ride Northwave. I have rode many boots and it all comes down to comfort. Just like head shapes, feet shapes are dramatically different. What feels good to some may not feel good to another. I have been very pleased with Burton and Northwave over the years. One nice thing about some Burtons (Sabbath and others) they have a removable hard plastic peice that you can insert or remove from the tongue to stiffin the boot.

I personally would not buy any boot unless you previously tried it on no matter what the deal is.

You mentioned "your size"... Are you talking street shoe size, Northwave size, or Switch size? My street shoe size is 9.5, My Burton size is 9 and my Northwave size is 8.5. Your results may very but I like my feet firmly seated.

Bindings: I personally am not a fan of metal bindings. Sure they are stiff but they seem to create a "dead-spot" under your feet. With todays injection molded plastics, you can get a super stiff binding that will still slightly flex so not to create a "dead-spot".

After riding for 12 years, you ride a lot of good stuff and a lot of bad stuff. I have been through the horrific baseless binding era and have to admit, I was duped like the rest. I went through the lowback/highback de-evolution. Through all this, I have rode a multitude of bindings and I only ride Burton bindings now.

I have multiple pairs and love em all. There construction is bulletproof pretty much (fuck you c-16's). The toe cap was not burtons design originally, they stole it. But, they perfected it in my opinion.

So, take this info for what you will. It is just my $.02.

[BigKuba]

Fair enough, thanks man. With the bindings, one of my main concerns is durability. It bothers me that most snowboard gear is made to last for 5 days a season for 2 seasons, after which it's no longer cool so it breaks. That's what's made me think of metal, but you seem to have had good experiences with plastic Burton bindings. Have you ever had to deal with their warranty? How is it? Are there are brands that particularly stand out with their warranty service (I'm preparing for shit to break, you see)?

[BigKuba]

bumpity bump. Come on, there have to be some gear-knowledgeable snowboarders here...

[SplitbordKayak]

Couldn't tell you a thing about clikers or switch shit either! But I can tell you they dont make that stuff anymore for a reason.

Check out thirty-two's. I ride the TM-two's and it's the finest boot i've ever ridden. So light, so comfortable, so warm. Perfect stiffness in every direction for my taste. I've toured probably 30 days in the BC so far this season and I have no complaints. Northwaves make sick boots too.

And as for bindings, same as the last guy. Burtons got those dialed without question. I tour on missions and ride Cartels at resorts. No complaints here again.

[72Twenty]

Get some skis you pussy. They're step-ins and are better on the traverses.

[advres]

Fair enough, thanks man. With the bindings, one of my main concerns is durability. It bothers me that most snowboard gear is made to last for 5 days a season for 2 seasons, after which it's no longer cool so it breaks. That's what's made me think of metal, but you seem to have had good experiences with plastic Burton bindings. Have you ever had to deal with their warranty? How is it? Are there are brands that particularly stand out with their warranty service (I'm preparing for shit to break, you see)?

I've broke more boards then I have bindings so here is my experience. Burton has a pretty standard warranty. They warranty things bought within the last year to be free of defects in workmanship. Usually you can get around this. If you have a cool shop in your area and you are out of the 12 months, some will make you out a fake receipt and say you purchased as a left over so you can usually push fixes up to 2 years.

Now, I have never waranteed a binding but I know others who have (I worked for a shop for 4 years in college). Most people have no complained. The ONLY warranty I have seen denied from ANY manufacturer we carried was from noticable impact damage. This, no one will warranty usually. I used to tell them if they didn't like it, they should stop hitting shit.

hope this helps.

[Free Range Lobster]

strap bindings and Vans Contras if you like a stiff soft boot.

[SplitbordKayak]

I snapped a burton baron behind the rear binding last year, they had a new one to me within two weeks. That earned my props.

[BigKuba]

Kayak-
Yeah yeah, they don't make step-in bindings anymore because they're not good for jibbing/park. Also, the target customers spend more time sitting on their asses at the top of the lift or in the middle of the run so they don't care for the convenience. For riding with skiers, mountains with flat spots, and for touring they don't suck. I'm not going to get into this debate, this is too newschoolers. As is just brand-name-dropping without substantiation, so:

What really differentiates each manufacturer's top binding lines anyway? What am I missing here?
- more adjustability?
- stiffer, burlier plastic or metal?
- nicer/more durable/better feeling ratchets?
- toe strap thingy?

Kayak, why are your boots so sweet? What do you define to be perfect stiffness, and why do you ride those binders you mentioned?

Sorry for the JONGish questions, but I really haven't paid attention to my boots & bindings for the last 5 years.

[SplitbordKayak]

Dude, I aint making an argument about newschool vs. oldschool or any shit like that. In fact, I would say that the only thing clikers are good for is touring, so your on to something there. And I dont care to argue about how a cliker is better vs. just bending over (some of us can skate and strap in). As for brand name dropping, thats more like just speaking from experience. I dont go into specifics about why each piece of gear is better vs. this and that b/c it differs for every person obviously and there's always something better to some people. I use what works for me. And you were asking for advice about boots and bindings weren't you?

So, if you ask me, why I think burton bindings are perfect (for me)? I ride my missions on my splitboard b/c they're cheap, they are solid, they're light, have all the adjustments I need-which is minimal, I like the toe cap just fine->some people dont-thats fine, they have the right flex for my style of riding->some people prefer stiffer.

I've had no problems with the plastics durability or the ratchets durability other than normal wear and tear. And I've used it all thoroughly in pretty harsh conditions from touring in the frigid cold in Patagonia to just as shitty conditions here in CO.

I told you a little bit about why I think my boots are so sweet. Warm, stiff enough for me yet still a soft boot, comfortable, durable, and light as hell. I obviously cant define perfect stiffness b/c it's different for everybody. I love the stiffness b/c it suits me. It has just the amount of rigidity laterally, vertically and front-to-back that I want. You said your looking for a stiff soft boot....these are what I ride and thats what I recommended, sooo?? Some people would prefer a stiffer boot and some prefer softer than that sooo???

See what I'm gettin at, you just asked for peoples thoughts so I gave it. Dont get snippy with me just cause I offended your switch's. I spend 99% more time in the Backcountry than I do in any jib park so I will say they are good for touring. But as for the I get first tracks cause I dont have to bend over and strap in argument.....come on. Hope this helps.

[SplitbordKayak]

oh yeah, knew i forgot something

The tm two's do have a good lacing system too, the liner lacing system cradles and secures really nicely and the velcro strap closure on the calf is nice too, only wish the liner was a tad stiffer. Plus the tm two and a few other 32 models include the tongue stiffener inserts.

and wanted to add the solomon malamutes are a helluva boot as well. Probably right up your alley. Would of got those but the shop didn't have them in my size at the time and I couldn't wait. Malamutes are pretty much the standard.

[BigKuba]

So, if you ask me, why I think burton bindings are perfect (for me)? I ride my missions on my splitboard b/c they're cheap, they are solid, they're light, have all the adjustments I need-which is minimal, I like the toe cap just fine->some people dont-thats fine, they have the right flex for my style of riding->some people prefer stiffer.

I've had no problems with the plastics durability or the ratchets durability other than normal wear and tear. And I've used it all thoroughly in pretty harsh conditions from touring in the frigid cold in Patagonia to just as shitty conditions here in CO.

I told you a little bit about why I think my boots are so sweet. Warm, stiff enough for me yet still a soft boot, comfortable, durable, and light as hell. I obviously cant define perfect stiffness b/c it's different for everybody. I love the stiffness b/c it suits me. It has just the amount of rigidity laterally, vertically and front-to-back that I want. You said your looking for a stiff soft boot....

Thanks, this level of detail is much closer to what I was looking for. Good news on the liner lacing -- that's something I really like about my Northwaves.

I'm sticking by my not-having-to-bend-over argument, though, because it's true -- coming out of the gondola on a pow day you're essentially tripping over snowboarders. I feel bad for them, it kinda undermines the point of lining up a half hour early to get on an earlier chair/gondola. That being said, I will not deny that I'm lazy.

[SplitbordKayak]

Dont get me started on laziness! Thats another reason I forgot to mention of why I didn't go into detail.

True again too,coming out of the gondola you probably do get out there a couple seconds quicker but when your in the backside you always get fresh tracks.