[FireStarter451]

So I've tried two different types of bindings while using rentals and one of them was really annoying. The first time I was snowboarding I *think* the bindings were Burton; I didn't check to see what they were, but it seemed like all the rental equipment was Burton there. I liked these since at the end of a run (i.e. series of falls) I could just reach all the way down, pull up, and the bindings would come undone.

The second time I was out, at a different place, the bindings were Rossignol. These were slightly different in that I had to pull a little lever that was somewhere in the middle of the buckle... which you had to feel for very carefully. I couldn't just reach all the way down and pull up (a very easy motion in comparison).

Is there some benefit to the way the Rossignols get unbuckled? Is this "a thing" with some binding manufacturers? I found it really annoying and would like to steer clear of bindings like this unless there is some very good reason for it.

If someone could shed some light on this I would definitely appreciate it.

Thanks!

RJ

 

[FireStarter451]

Hmm... looks like I got spoiled by my first...

Thanks.

 

[Rookie09]

Hmm... looks like I got spoiled by my first...

Thanks.

Don't let rentals decide what you prefer though. Most rentals are crap. My first pair of bindings were Unions which come undone just like the Burton ones you used. Since then I've used a couple pairs with release levels and they are just as good, I even prefer them now. I used a Burton one again years later and it felt really weird not to have the release lever.

 

[TheNorminator]

Just wondering... Why do you guys prefer release levers as opposed to the "entire buckle" system? Like firestarter, my first bindings (at a mountain) were from Burton and had the buckle system and unstrapping was smooth and effortless. Then I got a season rental from my local shop with the release levers (Salomon Speedfit) and they've been a bit tougher to release. Particularly the toe straps - they require quite a bit of force to release when I tighten them down. Sometimes I have to pimp slap them :laugh:

Also I feel like there's less surface area on the levers to exert force :dunno: What do I know, though? I just started this season and I haven't tried/demoed any good gear yet.

 

[Rookie09]

I just started this season and I haven't tried/demoed any good gear yet.

That's your problem. Use some good stuff, not cheapo salomon crap bindings. Release levers release just as smoothly as bindings without them and are usually even easier because you don't have to dig your finger under the buckle, you just slide your finger across the top of it. Take Rome for example. Their release levers are extremely smooth.

 

[TheNorminator]

Release levers release just as smoothly as bindings without them and are usually even easier because you don't have to dig your finger under the buckle, you just slide your finger across the top of it. Take Rome for example. Their release levers are extremely smooth.

That sounds great haha. I was looking at some bindings and now seems to be a great time to get some but I know that the first piece of snowboard equipment I get should probably be boots. Next year, I guess

 

[DrEwTiMe]

That's your problem. Use some good stuff, not cheapo salomon crap bindings.

Just to clarify, Salomon makes some nice stuff!! Just don't use anything you rent as any sort of way to gage what you like I don't like. The only thing rental stuff does is let you know if you like snowboarding or now lol. Apart from that, you need to just try stuff out to see what you like.

 

[Rookie09]

Just to clarify, Salomon makes some nice stuff!! Just don't use anything you rent as any sort of way to gage what you like I don't like. The only thing rental stuff does is let you know if you like snowboarding or now lol. Apart from that, you need to just try stuff out to see what you like.

Thanks for clarifying. I wasn't trying to bash Salomon at all. I was trying to emphasis the "cheapo" and "crap" part of it. Almost all rentals are entry level gear and pretty terrible. Some companies make better entry level equipment than others though

 

[FireStarter451]

Just to clarify, Salomon makes some nice stuff!! Just don't use anything you rent as any sort of way to gage what you like I don't like. The only thing rental stuff does is let you know if you like snowboarding or now lol. Apart from that, you need to just try stuff out to see what you like.

That's good to know. I was starting to pay more attention at the rental gear since I don't know anyone who owns equipment that I could just try. I'm also not trying to own multiple pieces of equipment... whatever I buy I'm sticking with until it breaks down. At least I won't rule anything based on rentals as suggested.

 

[TheNorminator]

Actually, for resort riding, I don`t care either way and own both styles. But, when doing back country or challenging off piste in bounds, either on the splitboard or hiking with a resort board I use the ones with the release lever. If it is deep and tree wells are a danger, I use a pull cable that is attached to the relase lever so I can unbuckle the board and get out of it in a hurry. I just drill a small hole in the resease lever and attach a split ring that I can clip my release cable to. In a tree well, avalanche or just deep snow immersion, being able to get out of your bindings when you can`t bend down to reach them, can save your life.

Woah, that's genius!! But are you getting stuck in tree wells alone??? Bring a friend! Or are/were they too far away to climb back up the hill?

 

[seriouscat]

I prefer the no lever release as well. As far as I know only burton and flux have the no lever releases for both straps.