Ride Contraband Snowboard Binding - 2009 BCS

Spend the time to set this up right and you will love them. They are extremly comfortable, light and responsive (metal baseplate and chasis). The only downfall is that the metal baseplate can freeze up with ice but that is out weighed by the response and board control it provides.

I found these bindings to be very flexible in EVERY direction, which to me was a great disappointment. It felt like i was going to tweak my ankle at any time.

I thought the Binding plate was a terrible design as it didn't grip properly and allowed the binding to slide left and right over riding time.

The strap is super comfy, as are the highback, toe strap and foot bed. The only pressure point I have is at my "6th toe" where the boot touches the wing on the outside and the pressure is very slight. It probably wouldn't even be there if my boots weren't soft and narrow. In fact, thanks to the canted footbeds, the outsides of my feet have never felt this good. They ride great.

I don't know of any other binding that is that soft and forgiving, yet responsive and stable. Great for the park and great if you like taking a freestyle feel to every inch of the mountain.

Once you use the 2.5 degree canted footbeds, you can't go back! You can ride a wide stance with all of the benefits and none of the drawbacks and they help you ollie with less effort.

The one other thing to mention is the adjustability. You can adjust the width, length and tightness of the Y-toe strap, the heel cup and the highback rotation. The only catch is that you MUST properly adjust the Y strap and heel cup to make them work. Either you need to be really good at adjusting or read the instructions (As they say, "when all else fails, read the instructions"). If you do that then they will be perfect every time you crank them down.

I purchased this pair because the other contrabands are known for having the webbing come off. They are extremely annoying for setting up. I finally have them fitting perfect by my 3rd try using them. I think I might try Flow bindings next time, but for now they definitely lock in my toes and heels great. I would say they are a small step up form traditional bindings.