[BobbyGrand]

Angry talked about the FASE system at the beginning of the live stream yesterday and dropped a link to a full interview with Erwin Knoester at FASE.

starts talking about it within the 1st min:

Full interview: FASE A Brand New Binding Technology For The Snowboard Industry - Boardsport SOURCE

 

[Nivek]

I really hope they don't send Flow to the graveyard. Those bindings have always had a stigma, but setup properly they are awesome. They also have the shortest footprint of any binding for laying over carves. I haven't ridden Supermatics so I can't say how they feel (many others have), but I imagine they are fine... that heelcup is gigantic though (which is also a negative of StepOn).

For real. They have been perfecting the product for almost 30 years. It would suck to see them drop just cause Supermatic is faster and FASE hasn’t ever had negative stigma.

 

[NullR6]

Personally, I love that StepOn is driving all this innovation in the industry.

Burton has been a consistent advocate for quick entry, but I think it's inaccurate to imply they are the ones driving all the innovation. I rode Switch bindings back before Burton got in the game. I did ride Burton's Step-In bindings (pre StepOn) and those were not great. I haven't ridden StepOn, but they have the same two problems the Switch and SI bindings had: (1) you can't quickly switch over to a board with a regular binding due to the extra hardware on the boot and (2) you need a boot with way more internal structure/weight if you want any kind of boot/binding stiffness. Flow really changed everything by solving these two issues. And as has been said, they also solved it in a way that didn't compromise performance.

 

[jsil]

Burton has been a consistent advocate for quick entry, but I think it's inaccurate to imply they are the ones driving all the innovation. I rode Switch bindings back before Burton got in the game. I did ride Burton's Step-In bindings (pre StepOn) and those were not great. I haven't ridden StepOn, but they have the same two problems the Switch and SI bindings had: (1) you can't quickly switch over to a board with a regular binding due to the extra hardware on the boot and (2) you need a boot with way more internal structure/weight if you want any kind of boot/binding stiffness. Flow really changed everything by solving these two issues. And as has been said, they also solved it in a way that didn't compromise performance.

Other than Flux (which IMO is good), quick-entry was really stagnant until Burton came out with their new, and much improved, system. It has really started to gain market share over the last 2 to 3 seasons. This more mirrors Tesla pushing other automakers to catch up. I mean, hell, who would have thought Union would collaborate on a binding system with Burton?! That says a lot. I rode Unions before this system and their product, factory and organization seems to be top notch.

I've ridden StepOn for six seasons, but I never saw anyone on them for the first few years, and other than a couple of riding buddies that also switched after seeing my setup and how it functions, people ALWAYS asked me about it. Now, you see them all over the place (and no one asks me anymore, thankfully!). I don't have data on market size, but it's rare to be in a lift line now that I don't see AT LEAST one other person with them out here in Utah.

Also, what you're saying about the boot needing way more internal structure/weight just isn't true with Step On. This isn't a K2 Clicker. IMO, it's a pretty marginal difference, and the Step On Ions fit (and feel) about the same as my standard Ions. Obviously that is subjective and boot fit is incredibly personal.

I do feel that the performance is better than any setup I ran before, but I don't ride much park except for spring laps -- I'm usually out freeriding pow when it's good and carving groomers when it's bad. I like stiff and responsive setups so that's definitely part of it.

I do think FASE will be an option (although not as hands free) that will appeal to a lot of other riders and that's good! I'd like to try Supermatic one day when I get a chance, but haven't yet. I personally think that the landscape will be: StepOn, FASE, Supermatic, and Flow (probably in that order) for a while barring some new advancement that I don't know about. FASE could pass StepOn in adoption if it's cheap, works well and is availabile on a lot of bindings (that people already know and love), but StepOn does have a six year headstart.

I do have to point out that there are always people talking about things they haven't even tried or if so, for only a day. That's nothing new (in snowboarding or anything else), but take everything you read with a grain of salt. There's a lot of opinions (including mine), but at least I am experienced. You just have to trust that I'm an expert rider with hundreds of days on the system...

 

[16gkid]

The people still doubting step on systems almost 10 years later probably still dont trust boa's either

 

[NullR6]

The Switch, Step-Ins, and Flow experiences have all been my boards. Aside from a random rental here and there, I haven't used traditional bindings since the mid-90s

 

[Scalpelman]

Wtf. That promotional video has about two seconds of how it works. The rest is just a bunch of flash and pomp with pro riders shredding. Guess I’ll have to wait until next year.

 

[wsoutlaw87]

I'm still over here hoping they don't forget about the original quick entry, Flow. Now that the incorrect stigmas of "quick entry = less performance" or "quick entry = not cool" are hopefully over with they can gain some market share back as they are STILL the only brand that makes life just a bit easier, AND increases performance. These other solutions don't change performance for the better.

There is a recent interview with someone from nidecker on youtube i was listening to where they talked about how they learned that flow users care more about the performance they give than the convenience and didn’t really switch to supermatics.

 

[SEWiShred]

There is a recent interview with someone from nidecker on youtube i was listening to where they talked about how they learned that flow users care more about the performance they give than the convenience and didn’t really switch to supermatics.

I agree with this. NX2s are stiffer than the regular Supermatics yet cost $50 less and you get an aluminum base with the NX2s. I haven't used Supermatics but I know people who have them, and they are definitely much easier in and out than regular Flows. But you're paying for the extra convenience by losing performance in ways that aren't debatable, like the base material.

Flows also have a benefit of not having to have a downward motion when strapping in, just forward, so I think it's easier to strap in while moving. I think anyone who has used Flows a lot is used to strapping in when not moving when they are really hitting it hard and don't want to lose that with Supermatics, at least that's my personal experience.

 

[WigMar]

Also, what you're saying about the boot needing way more internal structure/weight just isn't true with Step On. This isn't a K2 Clicker. IMO, it's a pretty marginal difference, and the Step On Ions fit (and feel) about the same as my standard Ions. Obviously that is subjective and boot fit is incredibly personal.

My friend has the photons I believe. There’s definitely some supports in that boot that feel like steel. Seems like they’re twice as heavy as my ride fuse.

 

[jsil]

My friend has the photons I believe. There’s definitely some supports in that boot that feel like steel. Seems like they’re twice as heavy as my ride fuse.

I suppose that could be possible as I've never ridden Fuses, but they are not much different than standard photons or ions other than the heel and toe cleats. The setup of bindings+boots are not heavy compared to other setups and there's def no steel supports in the boots... I get maybe 50 to 80 days of hard riding before they are way soft.

 

[Demi9OD]

Yeah I don't find the Photon stepons to be overly stiff anywhere.

 

[Turms]

I agree with this. NX2s are stiffer than the regular Supermatics yet cost $50 less and you get an aluminum base with the NX2s. I haven't used Supermatics but I know people who have them, and they are definitely much easier in and out than regular Flows. But you're paying for the extra convenience by losing performance in ways that aren't debatable, like the base material.

Flows also have a benefit of not having to have a downward motion when strapping in, just forward, so I think it's easier to strap in while moving. I think anyone who has used Flows a lot is used to strapping in when not moving when they are really hitting it hard and don't want to lose that with Supermatics, at least that's my personal experience.

I wanted a really stiff binding for my old board (WW 27.8) and tested the Ride A-10, Union Atlas Pro, Bent Metal Solution, and the NX2 Carbon.

The highbacks on the NX2 Carbon were the stiffest I’ve ever seen. Furthermore, the lack of heelcups can be aslo a plus, especially if your feet are too big and the board isn’t as wide as you’d like.

the biggest disadvantage for me with Flow bindings is that if the boots don’t match perfectly with both feet and bindings, there are always some issues. I constantly had to adjust the bindings—sometimes a bit looser, sometimes tighter etc etc

 

[Cambered234]

I got to mess around with these recently.
The system works and it’s able to provide a true two strap binding in this category. It’s clean, simple, and works.
The only thing is that it requires tightening the ankle strap, but from my standpoint that’s not a disadvantage. I realize people will say that means you can’t just click and go, id happily say go with something else if you want to click and go (I don’t see many people actually doing that very effectively and still sit down…). For everyone else, if you are standing in your binding and just have to push the ankle ratchet down then I do think more people will find this super simple.
If I ever find myself getting a binding in this category, this is the system I’d use. I could also imagine it might be the only option for some bindings in distant future as I can imagine the company going all in with the concept that there’s zero drawback compared to the same binding that has regular straps. So in a situation like that, if I liked the rest of the binding and this is the only option then I’m fine with that.
While I am very stoked that the market gets this option, I still maintain that this entire category is trying to solve a problem that I don’t really think exists for most riders that know how to strap in. I don’t always crank my ankle strap the same and I prefer that adjustability. This at least gives that. I like that this system allows the high back to be folded in the normal way as there are situations I would not want the high back folded back.

 

[Demi9OD]

If you can release your boot on a flat or uphill cat track, kick a couple times and get semi-strapped back in without stomping on your straps by accident then it's a win in my book.

 

[Rip154]

If they have a Bataleon Chaos Heelwrap Fase, I might try it.

 

[jsil]

I got to mess around with these recently.
The system works and it’s able to provide a true two strap binding in this category. It’s clean, simple, and works.
The only thing is that it requires tightening the ankle strap, but from my standpoint that’s not a disadvantage. I realize people will say that means you can’t just click and go, id happily say go with something else if you want to click and go (I don’t see many people actually doing that very effectively and still sit down…). For everyone else, if you are standing in your binding and just have to push the ankle ratchet down then I do think more people will find this super simple.
If I ever find myself getting a binding in this category, this is the system I’d use. I could also imagine it might be the only option for some bindings in distant future as I can imagine the company going all in with the concept that there’s zero drawback compared to the same binding that has regular straps. So in a situation like that, if I liked the rest of the binding and this is the only option then I’m fine with that.
While I am very stoked that the market gets this option, I still maintain that this entire category is trying to solve a problem that I don’t really think exists for most riders that know how to strap in. I don’t always crank my ankle strap the same and I prefer that adjustability. This at least gives that. I like that this system allows the high back to be folded in the normal way as there are situations I would not want the high back folded back.

Nice that you got to try it. I'm looking forward to seeing/trying in person at some point. I agree that this will probably supersede regular straps for some companies if it works as well as straps but is quicker/easier.

What I don't agree with, at all, is that the entire category is trying to solve a problem that doesn't exist for most riders that know how to strap in. I can strap in while moving (and quickly), but Step On is still much quicker/easier than standard straps for me all while being more performant for my style of riding (freeriding/carving). I can come off of a steep chairlift exit and step on and ride without any pause. I also don't have to bend over and do anything and I'm constantly waiting on other advanced/expert friends that can strap in while moving.

 

[Cambered234]

If you can release your boot on a flat or uphill cat track, kick a couple times and get semi-strapped back in without stomping on your straps by accident then it's a win in my book.

Then you’ll find this to be a winner. I do think there’s enough here that is attractive that people will give it a try. Once trying, I think most people will find that’s a true two strap binding that doesn’t come with the stigma and doesn’t look all funny. In most ways, it wouldn’t be converting as it’s more or less the same binding. For example, when it comes out it’ll be Katana at first. It’s a slightly altered chassis just to fit the system, but in all honesty it’s the same freaking binding. The Katana with a slightly higher price point might do very well. I’d imagine the cleaver and others follow suit not long after if the system does well.
But yes, the cat track thing is attractive if that’s something you are looking for.

 

[Cambered234]

Nice that you got to try it. I'm looking forward to seeing/trying in person at some point. I agree that this will probably supersede regular straps for some companies if it works as well as straps but is quicker/easier.

What I don't agree with, at all, is that the entire category is trying to solve a problem that doesn't exist for most riders that know how to strap in. I can strap in while moving (and quickly), but Step On is still much quicker/easier than standard straps for me all while being more performant for my style of riding (freeriding/carving). I can come off of a steep chairlift exit and step on and ride without any pause. I also don't have to bend over and do anything and I'm constantly waiting on other advanced/expert friends that can strap in while moving.

Good point. Specifically to me, I’ve spent so much time strapping in that it doesn’t take much effort so it’s not a “problem” area.
That being said, I see value in what you are saying. I do think these can create that value as well for a lot of riders that would be looking for a spot to make little ledge for strapping in… if they are already in the binding and just have to push the ankle ratchet down then they can do it on the go, etc. So I’ll revise my stance a little and say that I think not all riders will need it. Those that are totally resistant to change, they may only balk at an increased price tag here.

 

[sworths670]

I tried Flows for a short time and found them to be almost impossible to get into in deep snow, or a sidehill entry. Probably a learning curve I didn't take the time to get over but I think the rear entry design works best on flat ground. Does this new design have the same shortcoming?