Could anyone tell me the pro's and con's of the two different snowboarding bindings? Thanks?

Question

they seem to have the ones that have metal oon the bottom of the boot that clicks in to metal on the board, and they have the ones that strap your feet to the board. Is it more of an ease of access thing, or is it a safety thing as well?

thanks in advance for your responses

Answer 1

Step-ins have been mostly abandoned by major snowboarding companies, so I wouldn't bother trying to buy those.  Some mountains still have step-ins for rentals, but those are being phased out as well.  If you want a hybrid solution, you can check out Flow bindings or K2 Cinch bindings.  My wife rides with a pair of '08 Cinch and can be ready way faster than I can ratchet in.

Answer 2

I agree with the person above, but I want to add that straps typically give you better control. Step-in boots are typically much harder to walk in and are getting increasingly rare so your options will be limited. Whatever you get, make sure your boots are comfortable!

If you want the ease of step-ins with the responsiveness of strap-ins, you should look into Flow bindings. I've been boarding for 6 years and riding Flows for 5 of those... I'll never go back to anything else.

Answer 3

The first kind you described are called step-in bindings. Users step in and with one easy click, their boots are attached to the board.  

Step-ins are very quick, easy, and convenient, but some people don't feel they give a lot of security (it feels as though you might pop out of them at any minute?) Also, boots tend to be stiffer - which some people like because it offers quick edge to edge response, but others don't like it because it is harder to bend your ankle and foot for tricks.

The strap bindings are more common. Bend down and buckle two straps across your boots to secure it to the snowboard. Some people (especially beginners) have to sit down in order to do this. Strap bindings are great for adjustability. You can ratchet them as tight as you want and it doesn't matter if your boots fit perfectly or not.

Personally, I like strap bindings, but if I were you, I'd try both before buying either of them.