"STEP ON®︎" is a new-generation undercarriage system that enhances the comfort and enjoyment of snowboarding.In the winter of the 6th season since its first appearance, the range of the lineup has expanded, and after updating the functions, it is even easier to use, and its appeal is increasing.In addition, the number of STEP ON® introduction models by other companies such as DC, NITRO, and FLUX is increasing, and the reliability of the STEP ON® function itself is greatly improving.
It looks like it's going to snow a lot this season, and I'm sure many of you are thinking of updating your gear. A snowboard pro shop who directly advises many snowboarders on the appeal and usage of STEP ON®︎, including questions such as "Will it match my needs?" I asked
FREE (Hokkaido)
Owner Mr. Sato
http://wwu.phoenix-c.or.jp/~free/
The action of putting your foot in and locking it
Easy to use because it is basically similar to strap binding
STEP ON®︎ is very comfortable and I am satisfied with its performance.
The biggest appeal of STEP ON®︎ is that it is easy and quick because you can put it on and take it off smoothly while standing.The action of inserting the binding leg from the heel and locking it in, then inserting the toe clip is similar to the action of firmly inserting the heel with a normal strap binding, so you'll get used to it quickly.I think that's where it's easy to use.It's the same for me, but to be honest, it's a bit tiring to wear bindings in a stooped posture as you get older.Because there is nothing like that, the fun is up.It's almost unnecessary to remove the bindings while skiing on the slopes, and I've been using STEP ON®︎ for about four seasons so far, and I've never had any problems.
When I first used STEP ON®︎, the heel locking function had some flexibility, so I felt a slight delay when I put the toe edge on and entered the front turn, but once I started using it, I didn't notice it anymore. seeds.Also.Isn't it difficult to put snow on the binding?Some people worry about that, but even with strap bindings, you put your feet in after removing the snow.In the end, once you know how to use STEP ON®︎, there is no problem.I have a normal strap binding setup as a spare, but after switching to STEP ON®︎, I haven't used it even once.
I tried using various boots, and I like SWATH
I think that each person has their own favorite feeling, such as ride comfort and foot hold, so choosing boots is important.I've used PHOTON, SWATH, and ION so far.At first, I used PHOTON, which is equipped with an ankle strap.After using all of them, I still think SWATH is good.Since there is no ankle strap, after slipping in in the morning, it may be necessary to retighten the BOA®︎, but I feel that the ease of movement of the ankle is close to the feeling of strap binding, which I like. increase.In that case, each person should choose the best for their own physique and riding style.For example, people who want a firm hold should choose PHOTON or ION.We have a wide variety of boots to suit all styles.
The number of customers who purchased the second pair of boots and STEP ON®︎ bindings has also increased.
Many customers who come to the store want to use it.We have been using STEP ON®︎ for the fourth season, and the number of people who want to use STEP ON®︎ has increased since last year and the year before last.Especially popular with adult men.Also, most of our customers who are instructors use STEP ON®︎.It may be a parent of a parent and child snowboarding, but STEP ON®︎ is the best for ease of movement on the slopes.
The most popular boots are PHOTON.Because there is an ankle strap, it is a sense of security that is closer to the feeling of strap binding. I will also explain the advantages of boots that do not have ankle straps like SWATH, but many customers give priority to a sense of security.Recently, there are people who buy a second pair of STEP ON®︎ boots, and those people buy SWATH.On the other hand, some people have two boards and buy another STEP ON® binding, and once they start using STEP ON®, they continue to use strap bindings without going back.There are no customers who use both. STEP ON®︎ is so comfortable, satisfying in terms of performance, and reliable.
ETREME (Miyagi)
Manager: Mr. Suzuki
The riding taste of my favorite soft boots
Even STEP ON®︎ can be pulled out without any discomfort.
I like the balance between PHOTON and STEP ON®︎ setup
It feels like this is the 4th season that I'm using it in earnest.Originally, I had a combination of strap bindings and my favorite boots, and I didn't use them to the fullest in the season when STEP ON®︎ first appeared.But when I tried them on at a test drive event, I liked the PHOTON boots and thought, 'This is what I want.The feeling is similar to riding with strap bindings, and the boots basically have the feel of normal boots with free soles, so I didn't feel uncomfortable.That's what made me start using it.Boots have been using PHOTON ever since.After all, there is a sense of security with an ankle strap.
I used to use ION for strap bindings, so I thought about using ION for STEP ON®︎, but ION feels a little stiffer than PHOTON, so it's my current riding style. Then PHOTON is easier to control, so I settled on PHOTON.I think ION is also good for people who want sharp carving and quick response.For me, the combination of PHOTON + STEP ON®︎ is a very good balance, so I use it.I like that it's not too hard and you can feel the ride quality of soft boots.
The degree of freedom of the ankle is adjusted by the tightness of the ankle strap.
I use this setup for freeride, powder, and sometimes backcountry, but even when I wear snowshoes, the heel cleat doesn't get in the way, and it attaches well to the belt and feels great. .You can normally wear STEP ON®︎ even on powder.
The ankle strap changes how to tighten it depending on the scene.Loosen the ankle part when you want freedom of movement such as powder.Even if you loosen it, you won't feel uneasy.On the other hand, when you want to carve on a hard slope of compacted snow, tighten the ankle firmly to bring out the holdability.Also, when carving with a slightly longer board, it puts a strain on the legs, so tighten it firmly.
Conversely, when freeriding on a wider board, the ankle straps are looser.Adjusting like this will change the ease of riding.Considering the adjustment range, I feel that the presence of the ankle strap will work.In my case, even if I loosen the ankle strap, I always tighten the front BOA®︎ that tightens the entire boot.It feels like you are adjusting the degree of freedom of the ankle by tightening the ankle strap.
Improved toe clip for even better feel
The new toe clip last season makes the STEP ON® even better.In the past, the binding had an arched claw that was fixed with the toe clip, but the new type has an improved toe hook that allows it to flex.Until now, it felt like there were walls on both sides of the tip of the foot, but with the new model, even when the foot is twisted, it feels flexible and natural.It feels like it's easier to put on and take off with this shape.The squeaking sound from the toe clip when turning has been eliminated, and the overall falling is even better.
The price is affordable and the number of people who want to use it has increased
STEP ON®︎ is becoming even more popular in stores.I think that the fact that the price of the standard STEP ON®︎ binding has been lowered since last season has made it easier to buy.Some say the bindings will be upgraded to GENESIS. Some people buy bindings with their second board.As for boots, RULER is popular because of its reasonable price.
STEP ON®︎ is popular with adults who want to skate comfortably at home.And this season is also popular with women.I think the response is better than expected.
2022/2023 model "STEP ON®︎"
updated points
Evolved and easier to use!
Increased cushioning of liner near toe hook
It's affected by the shape of the foot and riding style, but there were cases where the toe hook part felt stress when riding for a long time.The liner has been improved to eliminate it and make the ride itself more comfortable.
Cuff clip for smooth setting
In STEP ON®︎, it is essential to attach a cuff clip so that the hem of the pants does not get caught in the locking part of the heel cup.
Improved toe hook for smooth and comfortable movement
Fixing hooks on both bindings and boots Until now, there was a creaky sound at the toe hook when turning, but the improvement of the hook eliminated the sound.The movement became smoother when the binding was removed.
nice for womenFelix STEP ON® SoftAppears!
Isn't STEP ON®︎ a bit stiff?For women who are worried about this, the new Felix STEP ON® Soft is released, which is balanced to bring out a firm response while still feeling a soft flex.
Many users commented that they could not go back to strap bindings from STEP ON®︎, saying that they were "comfortable and comfortable", "easy to use" and "reliable". has changed to STEP ON®︎ and enjoys snowboarding by making the most of its performance.
I love skiing, so I want to enjoy it smartly and comfortably.For those people, I definitely recommend trying STEP ON®︎.
Burton official page STEP ON®️ corner is here
