"Great binding, but questionable durability" - Review of Salomon Relay Thruster Snowboard Binding

This review is for the 07-08 Relay Thruster. I went through 2 pairs of these bindings last season, and am now on my 3rd. 100+ days of riding total for all 3 pairs combined. Customer service in replacing these whenever needed has been good. The first pair lasted about 3 days of riding (not even full days. more like half-days) and appeared to be a factory defect. The seam on the toe strap split wide open, exposing the plastic strap. The second pair lasted about 60 days or so. Again, the problem was with the toe strap. The connection between the plastic strap inside and the "leather" strap that houses the plastic strap came apart, so I was unable to fully tighten the binding down on my foot. Instead, the leather strap and the plastic strap would continue to separate even more. The third pair is still operational with no problems. Other than the durability issue, these bad boys are awesome. I have been using them with a pair of '07 Salomon F-22 boots. The binding/boot fit is perfect (28.0 boot, M binding). It may take some getting used to for those who are used to the traditional, stiffer binding. I've found that the flexible heelcup provides just enough movement all around, whether in the park, trees, groomers, or moguls (yes, I ride moguls, too). Allows relaxed feel for flying on the groomers, hard cuts for the trees, and plenty of lateral flex for leaning back in the pow, all while still having a stiff, fast edge-to-edge response. The flexibility gives you the ability to tweak it out just before a jump or during a not-so-perfect landing. The straps feel good once tightened down (doesn't dig into any part of the boot), but the toe strap did occasionally fall down when used over the top of the foot. The ratchets are beefy (bigger than any other bindings I've seen, regardless of manufacturer). The patented device for holding the screws on the baseplate are great when adjustments are made on the mountain and keep you from losing the screws in the snow. Shock absorption is good, too. I plan on sticking to the Relays and refuse to go back to the traditional bindings. Minus 1 star for the durability and high cost.
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