slushy

I was arguing with a friend over the merits of bindings.. I personally prefer PLASTIC-base straps because I like the give. he likes clickers (step-ins). I can't say I've ever tried clickers, but they just seem a little weird to me.

what do you like, and why?

SkaredShtles

I like Markers:

gnurider1080

i used step-ins for 2 seasons a while back, there's a reason why you only see them on rental boards these days. strap bindings are head and shoulders above step-ins if you ask me.

there are the pseudo-step-in bindings like flows and whatever those bindings are from k2. i personally am not a fan. because you enter from the back and you generally need to be standing it is just not fun to try and get in unless the area is dead flat. that and i can get into my bindings quick enough that any time saved by step ins is negligible.
you like prereleasing?

SkaredShtles

Marker pre-releases are a myth.

CRoss

Spoken like a true Marker fan.

Marker bindings are the only binding I have to turn up higher than what is suggested. I have several years of mounting and working on bindings to back this up.

It is the mechanical release of Marker bindings that create the pre-releasing problem. The toe piece does not have enough float to keep you into the ski. Some view this as a good thing. I do not like it since my ski will come off in situations that it should not. If I set my Markers(only have them because they were free) according to the chart I will have my binding release on 360 landings were I slightly under rotate. These are landings that I can pull out of but not if my binding releases. I have had a couple times now where my binding released but I am still standing on the ski. I have looked down several times to see the toe piece opened and shortly after the ski falls off. Something is wrong if you have landed and are in control enough to look down and see your binding is not going to keep holding you to the ski, this does not sound like a time when the binding should release.

There is also a reason you do not see many Markers on freestyle skiers or the newer park skiers. Last mogul comp I watched a majority of the competitors were still on the old Look Pivot binding that have not been made for several years now.

As to the original questions, straps have always felt better to me. Slight control movements seem to be lost when you use a step in binding system. Straps just make you fell more attached to the board.

SkaredShtles

My Markers have only come off when they should.

As far as being a "fan" - I don't really care what bindings I have... as long as they're cheap and their DIN goes high enough.

RenegadeRick

I run k2 cinches. They are strap bindings with step in capabilities.
The straps are pretty weak though. Good thing I don't have to use them very often.

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CRoss

You are not skiing hard enough.

SkaredShtles

I'm really easy on my gear.

Oh... and I don't huck. Which probably helps.

CRoss

Judging by the age of some of your gear I would say you are correct. I think the longest I have gone with out delaminating or breaking a ski is about 60 ski days.