Best ankle straps
 

Thought this might be an interesting discussion.

I'm in the market for new bindings, ankle strap is just one component, but it's an important one - and it's discouraging to read up or check out a binding that seems perfect, then read a review criticizing the ankle strap's comfort.

Does anyone get ankle straps right today?
I haven't been 100% impressed with any that I've owned over the past 20 years. Maybe this should be the starting point for my shopping.

Flux are the most comfortable bindings I've ever ridden.

Ride are the most uncomfortable, though I haven't ridden any of their bindings from the last two years or so, so they could've improved.

Flux is definitely in my short list for bindings. Last year's DS30 or this year's RK30 I can have for basically the same price. Visually at least, the straps look similar, their site shows differences but I'm not sure how much of that is actual vs. marketing. I imagine both are good.

+1 for Flux. I rode the DMCC Lights last year and I'm probably getting another pair this year because they were stolen. Rome is pretty good, comfortable but not as supportive.

Most bindings now have contoured ankle straps. I've found Burton and Union's asymmetric straps are my favorites.

The restricted (which have the asym straps) Burton Customs with the re:flex base are on my short list, as are the Union Contact Pros... I wasn't sure on the Union straps, I saw some negative comments - at least from guys who really crank their straps. I think I pull mine pretty tight... ankle strap, not toe... so that was steering me a little away from that.

I do keep hearing great things about Flux - I never even heard of them until this year, only one shop at a resort an hour from here carries them, I haven't gotten there yet...
...but I'm still tempted to pull the trigger on some sight-unseen last-year model DS30's, based on all the positive comments. Would like to check out this year's RK30's in person though. I'm getting the feeling that for my needs, either one would be great, in sort of a 6-one-way, half-dozen-the-other sort of sense.

You should try out the new bindings that ride is putting out if you have not for awhile. The wedgie footbed has quite a bit of cushioning now. I have herd some people think it has "too much" cushioning, but I really like it. They have also put out new ankle straps the last few years that are a lot more comfortable than the old ones. They distribute the pressure better than their older straps and although they still look thin they feel way better. I am not saying you should go out and buy some now or they are the most comfortable, but if you get the chance to try out some of the new stuff and are in the mood you might be surprised.

I know, I've seen a few Ride bindings in my research travels here... no doubt they all look better than the set I have now, even fundamentally different in the ways my current Ride bindings let me down - several of their models caught my eye actually.
But a bad experience doesn't leave me feeling like I should reward that with another purchase.
If nothing else, I'd like to try something new from someone new.

I also have a growing list of bindings as it just seems like there are nice things on one, that isn't on another, the perfect binding seems elusive.

In the last few years I've been thru these 4:

-really old t9's
-Ride Contraband (hated)
-k2 Uprises (comfy, but sorta fell apart, not great customer service)
-got some new 'Vitas, and probably Cartels later in the year too

Still want to try

-Raiden Machine and Blackhawk
-Flux xx30, xx45, and either of the DMCC models
-even tempted towards Forum bindings a little
-Switchback

Forum is intriguing to me also....
I've been a longtime Burton binding fan, but I've always been so-so on ankle strap comfort. I'm tempted to try the asym straps on the Custom Restricteds, but I've heard mixed things on those as well. And I'm feeling a little sketchy on the re:flex bases... I love the concept, but the base components (pads) felt flimsy and I'm unsure how they'd hold up over time.

That being said - I understand Forum is owned by Burton, I wonder how much of the components that I like are shared between them? At a glance at a local shop, the ratchets seem as nice as the Burton ratchets.