New or Revised

Bindings - Binding Reviews

0.0 (0)

K2 National Snowboard Binding Review

$219
Intermediate to Expert Freestyle to Street
With so many companies playing around with ways to increase performance and turn initiation we cant get excited about bindings that can auto tighten the toe strap but this is a good feature for those that want the easiest in strapping. The K2 National binding is new and much more freestyle focused than all the other Auto bindings in the K2 line. Many bindings do a lot to reduce the dead spot that most bindings create under foot by removing as much of the base plate as possible but the National has a base plate that isnt' that hollowed. It makes for more of an old school ride. The addition of Urethane really softens up the bindings high back and makes the ride much easier in the Jib park. The National makes for a good easy flex and to us is easier than the Cinch series or Flow Bindings. The only thing is we can't speak to the reliability compared to the Cinch and Flows. All in all if you are looking for a super soft park friendly quick strap binding the National might work for you.

How It Rides
Flex	Soft/ Noodle	Response	Good	Dampening	Good
Adjustability	Good	Weight	Light	Shock Absorption	Average
Comfort	Good	Lateral Movement	Average	Board/Boot Integration	Good

Compare Prices & Buyer Reviews

Powdertools.com K2 National Snowboard Binding\| Men's...	$219.95	Check Availability
Christy Sports K2 National Snowboard Binding\| Men's...	$219.95	Check Availability
The Gear Lounge K2 Mens National Binding 2012...	$199.95	Check Availability
ProBoardShop.com K2 National Snowboard Bindings White - Men's...	$164.95	Check Availability
evo K2 National Snowboard Bindings 2012...	$153.97	Check Availability
Dogfunk.com K2 Snowboards National Snowboard Binding...	$153.97	Check Availability
Backcountry.com K2 Snowboards National Snowboard Binding...	$153.97	Check Availability
REI.com K2 National Auto Snowboard Bindings - 2011/2012...	$153.93	Check Availability
US Outdoor Store K2 National Binding...	$152.95	Check Availability
Snowboards.net K2 National Snowboard Bindings 2012...	$149.95	Check Availability
Skis.com K2 National Snowboard Bindings...	$149.95	Check Availability
SummitOnline.com K2 National Snowboard Bindings...	$149.95	Check Availability
The Ski Bum K2 National Snowboard Binding- White...	$131.97	Check Availability

The Good Ride Take

A Good Ride Take on Binding Tech

Metal vs Plastic Bindings

This is a Goodride breakdown for all you that are having a tough time choosing your bindings and what to make of the material you are looking at. Most bindings are Metal, Plastic or some combo of the 2.

Metal Bindings have a lot of great aspects. Almost all-metal bindings are made from aluminum. Aluminum is great when it come to weight to stiffness ratio and also pretty durable. There is one key issue with metal/aluminum bindings; they transfer all the vibrations from the board right into your feet. This is the same principle that pelage “bass-less” bindings, your feet got totally tired or fatigued. The newer generations have much better/damp bases so this problem has been minimized and in some cases eliminated. There are some companies that make great bindings despite the vibration issue with Aluminum. Some that come to mind are Ride and Rome.

Plastic Bindings also have many great features but let’s address some technical stuff first. Most plastic bindings are really hardened glass plastic mix. The high-end stuff tends to have a more carbon, and carbon fiber added for extra stiffness and weight savings. Plastic bindings really dominate the market right now and most top bindings these days are mostly or all plastic. They can be really stiff and react well to your commands. The new bindings finally dialed in the carbon/ fiber integration to the point that the bindings will perform with the stiffness of metal and absorb more chatter. Most industry leaders have limited or completely eliminated metal from their bindings and we feel that with the materials used right now this is the future. Some mostly plastic companies that we feel rock are Burton, Flux and Union.

What kind of binding should you buy? It’s a tough call. Both Plastic and Metal bindings offer freestyle, freeride and all mountain styles. At this point we feel that plastic bindings are edging out metal bindings when it comes to the very high end $300+ category. However it is a tough call in the below $300 category as to which material has the advantage.

The Good Ride Take on K2
K2 is a big company that makes a lot of ski and snowboard gear. K2 chose Flat Camber and variations of flat/rocker for their snowboards in the post camber revolution. Their flat camber has a mixed take but their flat/rocker shapes seem to be well liked and some are Good Ride Favorites. When it comes to Bindings K2 spends a lot of time working on the quick strap/release side of things and they have 2 quick release designs. Some like this but others would rather see them work on improved turn initiation, comfort and better board flex under foot. We’d at least like to see them switch to only one quick release and develop their normal bindings more. Their boots are well made, long lasting and comfortable but some don’t have the adjustability that some boots have. Their customer support is very good but there is no phone # on their site so you must contact them via email. All in all K2 does a pretty good job when it comes to making snowboard gear for a wide variety of riders.

Company Info & Specs

K2 National 2012

~The~

National

$219.95

TWEAK OF THE NATION

K2’s Tweakback™ Urethane highback technology expands into a new level with the drop of the 2011-2012 K2 National snowboard binding. Auto single ratchet function paired with the freestyle tweakability of a Urethane highback. The most advanced mobility focused binding out there.

Auto

Auto Bindings Technology

Tweakback

Tweakback Bindings Technology

tweak of nature

Tweakback highbacks are made from a pliable urethane – designed for maximum freestyle flexibility. Stable and supportive when engaged, loose and bendy when riders get grabby. Following the momentum of the Hurrithane introduction the Tweakback offering expands out into more models this year.

Harshmellow - Bindings

Harshmellow - Bindings Bindings Technology

Gap Eraser Highbacks

Gap Eraser Highbacks Bindings Technology

Allows you to completely eliminate all gapping between boot and highback, highback and heelcup creating a snug union between you and your board.

Laid-Back Forward Lean

Laid-Back Forward Lean Bindings Technology

Want less forward lean? All K2 Highbacks have reduced starting forward lean. Maximum forward lean is maintained by increased range of adjustment.

Airlock Highback

Airlock Highback Bindings Technology

• Cored Lightweight Design• Seamless Power Transfer• Smooth, Asymmetrical Flex• Patented Tool-Less Forward Lean

Airlock Tweakback

Airlock Tweakback Bindings Technology

• Urethane Freestyle Flex & Tweakability• Cored Lightweight Design• Seamless Power Transfer• Patented Tool-Less Forward Lean

Auto Chassis

Auto Chassis Bindings Technology

lightweight with auto ease

• Fiberglass Reinforced Nylon design
• Performance Flex for advanced riders
• Tool-less Power Ramp

Harshmellow Basepad

Harshmellow Basepad Bindings Technology

• Harshmellow gasket under the chassis isolates vibration• Reduces rider fatigue• Absorbs harsh landing impact

Seamless EVA Footbed

Seamless EVA Footbed Bindings Technology

• EVA cover with polycarbonate support frame prevents snow build-up.• Tool-less ‘Pop Top’ Disc Cover for easy access to disc mount screws

Power Ramp

Power Ramp Bindings Technology

• Tool-Less Adjustment• Integrated with Full Seamless Footbed

Multi Compatible Disc

Multi Compatible Disc Bindings Technology

• Two slot design mounts on 4-hole and 3-hole patterns...• Align slots tip-tail for 4-hole• Align slots toe-heel for 3-hole• Powerhold washers provide bomber locking power