Feb. 27 was an epic snow day in North Idaho. I chose Silver Mt. to play. That resort has some serious issues with lift mechanics. As I waited for lifts to be restored, I hiked a blue run called Silver Belt in my Ride Orion boots. It was no easy task, but even afterwards my feet were happy campers all due to my boots. I was able to continue to ride deep powder and groomed runs when that mountain got some of its *#$% together with no fatigue. I have permagrin just thinking about my boots and playing in them again soon.

Having experienced all kinds of snow conditions now, I would highly recommend this board to beginning and intermediate riders. It holds and excellent grip on icey/crusty conditions which the magna traction technology should. It is light and has a nice pop nature made jumps. On spring style snow and corduroy, it rides like a well oiled machine. On powder and cat tracks, a slight lean on your back foot gives you a smooth float. Be sure chat with a gear head for the correct size - longer was better for me.

Super comfy and even after a hard day of shredding my feet have little if any fatigue or stress points from the boots. As long as my bindings are adjusted correctly, my feet stay warm even in subzero temperatures with just 1 pair of smart wool socks on. They also give plenty of support for riding black runs and skier made moguls. They are cute but who cares about that because you can't see boots much under bindings and pants.

I am still learning the best adjustment for these bindings. If you get the adjustment right, they work like a step in binding should. But if it not correct, you will experience difficulty in getting the back up with ease or feet being cold. I tend to cinch things tight for support, but these give plenty of support without being cinched as tight as a regular binding. They are very light for a step in. When using a rack for transport many boards, they often have to be place bindings up because is not enough room between the car and the rack. They look great and seem to show little wear.I am liking them more and more as I use them.

Unfortunately we are artic cold and have only a few bunny runs open at the local resorts, but just stepping into them feels like slippers. I have done a little indoor training with them and they still give a lot of support. I will update as I get out for some serious rides.

Only bunny runs open, so no true test of their ability. A little irritated at the plastic buckles; they seem weak. Hard to fit boots just right for being able to not adjust just step in fit. Be patient. I will update as I am able to take some serious runs with them this year.

The gems and sticker are a little over the top but the rest of the board is gorgeous. Because North Idaho lacks serious snow at this point, the true test of the board's abilities hasn't happened. Some indoor training has shown that it is light with great flex without being a wet noodle. Will update soon.