12/5    Snowboard gears: step-in vs. strap bindings
        Which is better?
        \_ Consider Flow bindings (<DEAD>www.flow.com<DEAD>  They don't have the problem
           of clogging with snow, or wearing out (like clickers), nor do
           they take an age to put on (strap-ins) and they give a LOT
           of hold.  <DEAD>www.flow.com<DEAD>   -John
        \_ I've had switch binding for 5 years and am about to replace them
           with a good set of strap bindings. I have yet to be able to
           get the strap settings to give me a good tight ride without
           causing circulation problems in my calves.
        \_ My general rule of thumb is use step-ins for free-riding and
           straps for free-style.  Straps allow for more flexibility while
           step-ins are more rigid.
                \_ I'd say the opposite. Strap-ins hold you in much
                   more securely than do step-ins.
        \_ I've got a strap-on set that can give you a good tight ride.
        \_ Only posers use step-ins, sorry to say.
        \_ I can't stand step-ins. I've had strap bindings for the last
           10 years and have never found step-ins that work as well. I
           spent one winter in Tahoe giving snowboarding lessons and the
           rental shop that year rented step-ins... all the students would
           come in using them and constantly have problems with them
           getting clogged up with snow and ice and not clicking in exactly
           right and just being a general pain in the ass.      -rory
           \_ Bet they were K2 Clickers and not Switch.
        \_ I have K2 Clickers.  I have no problems clicking in on dry days.
           But it can get clogged up on powder snow.  Overall, it's very
           convenient to click in and out of the binding.
        \_ To all the step-in haters... the new generation of step-ins is
           significantly revised. They no longer have a nasty bar in your
           boot to restrict your riding, but have a high-back similar to
           strap ins. That said, if you're serious at all, you go with strapin.
           And if you're buying a board, you're either rich (in which case
           you can buy strap ins later) or you want to be serious, so you
           should buy strapins.