Fast Entry Snowboard Bindings - A Comprehensive Guide

We are in the midst of the most exciting time for snowboard binding innovation, potentially since the invention of the strap bindings we know and love today. It's a great time to be a snowboarder, but the amount of changes, the vast number of brands and models, and the plethora of choice can feel a bit overwhelming. If you're finding yourself overwhelmed, or just want a bit more information before you spend your hard-earned dollars on the latest and greatest tech, read on and (hopefully) all of your questions will be answered.

Systems Overview

The aim of snowboard bindings is to hold you on your board. This is, in essence, very simple, and all bindings should satisfy this requirement without any concerns. Once that's taken care of, bindings need to tick a few more boxes:

They need to be comfortable
They need to look good
They need to suit your riding style
They need to be easy to get in and out of

That last point is arguably the hardest to get right, and bindings have come a long way since day 1, but for a long time bindings required you to manually fasten the toe and ankle straps, costing you time and effort that could be better spent actually snowboarding.

There have been a few 'Fast Entry' binding systems in the past, but the major ones right now are:

Step On
Supermatic
FASE
Flow

Pioneered by Burton, the Step On system requires dedicated Step On boots to go with Step On bindings, which allows you to literally step onto the binding and lock in with a heel cleat and two toe hooks, no straps required. Step On is now being offered by Burton, Union, Nitro, DC, and Flux.

Getting in and Out

As easy as Heel, Toe, Go!

Step 1:

Make sure the boot sole and the binding are clean of snow, ice, dirt, and debris, the boots are tight, and the pant cuffs are tucked into the boot cuff clips so they are out of the way of the heel cleat.

Step 2:

Starting with your front foot, position your foot over the binding, and slide your boot heel down the hiback until the heel cleat engages with binding heel clip and locks into place.

Step 3:

Shift your weight forward, and push your toe downward until the toe cleats snap into the toe hooks. If either of the toe cleats does not fully engage, just roll your boot slightly from side to side. When both toe cleats snap in, the boot is secure.

Step 4:

Repeat Steps 1 and 2 using your back foot, and you're ready to ride.

Getting Out:

Getting out is easy, just lift the side lever, let go, lift your heel, roll your weight onto your toes, and twist your foot out.

Supermatic is a technology developed by Nidecker, which features a toe and ankle strap, along with a folding highback that opens up to allow easy entry, and snaps shut when you put your boot in. Once you adjust the straps to your boot the first time, getting in is a truly hands-free experience, and getting out is a simple as lifting a lever to release the highback mechanism. Supermatic can be found on bindings from Nidecker, Salomon, and Bent Metal and is compatible with any non-fast-entry boot.

FASE is the latest Fast Entry binding (literally standing for Fast Entry System), and is the closest to a traditional binding. FASE bindings feature a hinged highback that folds down for easy entry, a locked-in toe strap, and an easily adjusted wide-opening ankle strap. To strap in, all you need to do is slide your boot in and ratchet down the ankle strap, which is always connected. No fiddling with straps, feeding ladders into toe and ankle ratchets, just slide in and ratchet your ankle strap and you're away. This maintains a traditional two-strap binding feeling, while significantly cutting down your entry and exit time. FASE bindings are offered by Jones, Rome, ThirtyTwo, and Bataleon, and are compatible with any non-fast-entry boot.

Flow bindings feature a folding highback and either a one-piece or two piece strap design. To get in, you slide your boot into the binding, and pull up the highback which locks into place via a rear lift-up lever on the back of the highback. To get out, simply push this lever down and the mechanism releases the highback, allowing you to slide your boot out. Flow bindings are compatible with any non-fast-entry boot.

Comparison

System	Boot Compatibility	Ease of Entry/Exit	Ability Level	Price Range
Step On	Step On Boots Only	Easiest	Beginner–Advanced	$459.99–$779.99+
Supermatic	Any Boot	Easiest	Intermediate–Advanced	$699.99–$899.99+
FASE	Any Boot	Easier	Beginner–Advanced	$599.99+
Flow	Any Boot	Easier	Beginner–Advanced	$429.99+

Pros and Cons

Brand/System	Pros	Cons
Step On	Very fast entry and exit Secure connection Lots of brands to choose from Huge range of models and colours Wide size range (including kids) EST models for Burton boards Time-tested performance	Requires specific Step On boots Can be expensive if you need boots as well
Supermatic	Compatible with any boot Very fast entry and exit Feels like traditional bindings Very solid and durable Can be used like a traditional strap binding if necessary	Heavier than regular bindings Bulkier baseplate No true beginner option
FASE	Compatible with any boot Feels like traditional bindings Similar price to regular bindings	New to the market
Flow	Long-standing system Compatible with any boot	Limited colour options Limited styles Specific replacement parts

What's best for me?

Your ideal Fast-Entry binding will vary greatly depending on your skill level, priorities, and your budget. This is very general and won't apply to everyone, but this is a good place to start. For more personalised recommendations, get in touch with us via phone, email, or come in store.

Fastest option: Step On

For speed and ease of use, you can't go past Step On. Suitable for any skill level, a wide range of colours and styles to choose from, and backed by Burton, Step On is a great choice for any snowboarder.

Budget Friendly: FASE

FASE bindings come in at the lowest cost while still offering convenience, style, and options for any rider. You won't need to buy new boots, they still are strap bindings, and you can mount these to pretty much any board, so they're the perfect option for someone who want quicker entry without going to a full hands-free system.

Best balance of speed, cost, and accessibility: Supermatic

Supermatic bindings are quick to get in and out of, and you don't have to get new boots. Great for people who want their bindings to be hassle-free, while still having a traditional two-strap feeling and keeping your boot options as open as possible.