Ride Team Binding
By Grant Gold

I like stiff boots, but this in not a boot review so bare with me. I love that feeling of support a good stiff boot provides. There comes that point when the boot is perfect, not to stiff but not too gushy. Of course, as the season rolls on, the boot is going to break in and become softer. Yes, you could go out and buy another pair of boots but then you have to go through the breaking in process once again, and even though a good solid boot rules, new boots suck. So, why am I talking about boots in a binding review? Simple.

It's the end of the season and I'm testing Ride's new Team binding. My boots? Gushy. As I ratchet the straps down something remarkable happens . . . my boots feel like their old selves. Strong, stiff and solid. What could it be? Well kids, it's the bindings. Those big ass super padded straps give so much support; my boots feel fresh-outta-the-box new. So I loosen up those aluminum ankle and toe zip ratchets a bit and presto! The perfect feel.

But what if you what more flex in your set up. For example, when I hit the pipe I really don't like things to be as stiff. Easy enough. I loosen up the straps until I get the flex I want. We're talking flexibility with your flexibility.

With an anatomical 6061-T6 aluminum base and heel cup, this binding proves to be very light and responsive. Add to that the base pad which kills high-speed chatter and literally makes your feet part of the board's rails. The "Tri-landing pads" absorb shock and the carbon rebound rod high backs give you toe-edge response to those heel-side turns. Do you hear what I'm typing? Say it with me you are C-O-N-N-E-C-T-E-D!

Yes, love can be shared regardless of the board you ride. The multi-pattern discs will fit 4-hole and 3-hole patterns all day long. And let's face it; the only thing between your board and boots is going to be a pair of bindings. They better be good ones.

You know that boots break down and boards just break, but these Ride Team bindings, well I could draw upon a myriad of clichés but I won't. The bindings humbly do their job in the most bass-assed, tough-guy way possible and they'll keep doing it long after you're done.

Grant Gold is a new contributor to GearReview.com and specializes in snownboarding.

For more information, contact:
Ride Snowboards
18870 103rd Av. SW
Vashon, WA 98070
206.463.8841