Burton Step On vs Nidecker Supermatic

Burton Step On vs Nidecker Supermatic

It has been a while since there has been a great leap forward in binding technology. The past few years the Step On system from Burton has changed the way people think about bindings. A binding that doesn’t require you to bend over and use an archaic ratchet system is appealing to both new snowboarders and seasoned riders alike.

But what if you are a seasoned rider with a well worn pair of boots, that treats your feet like like that lounge chair that you love relaxing in more than anything. Then Nidecker has you covered, the Supermatic lets you keep your boots and their familiar liners and flex, and gives you similar tech advantage of not needing to expend much energy to start descending.

I’ve had the privilege of riding both setups and can say that the step on system is truly a game changer for snowboarding. Not only will it make the sport more accessible and enjoyable for more people who are already set on snowboarding, but it might even attract some snowboard curious skiers.

The Nidecker Supermatic is less of a gamechanger in the sense that it will not attract the casual snowboarder or convert any skiers who like the convenience of skiing. It will however give the snowboarder who does not want to give up the flex on their boot.

The Supermatic also gives the Flow guy a way to evolve. I have ridden Flow bindings. People either love or hate them. I have never heard anyone say “sick Flows dude” however with the Supermatics I had all the Tahoe legends asking how I liked them. And I will say I did indeed like them, the power strap is an extremely comfortable toe setup, a definite step up from the ubiquitous toe strap (in my opinion).

In conclusion, both systems are worth considering as an evolution of the snowboard binding, hell, people still buy the K2 clicker off us, which weigh 20 pounds. So it all comes down to whether or not you want to keep your dialed in boots with the flex you love(Supermatic), or try a new responsive future (step on).