STEP-IN BINDINGS FULL REVIEW 26/27

I Tested and Rode All 4 Fast Entry Systems. 5 Key Criteria. One Clear Winner!

The short version

Fast entry bindings all promise the same thing: less time strapping in and more time riding. But Burton Step On, Nidecker Supermatic, CLEW and FASE achieve it in completely different ways. After riding all four systems, I compared them across the five areas that actually matter on the mountain: entry and exit, ride feel, boot compatibility, weight and everyday handling. Every system has its strengths. But only one combined the speed of top modern fast entry with regular snowboard boots and the familiar control of a traditional two strap binding.

Four systems. Five key criteria. One clear winner: CLEW Independence.

Where I am coming from

I will be straight with you about my starting point, because it matters for how you read the rest of this. I am not a step-in convert who needs the technology to work. I spent most of my riding life in normal two-strap bindings, I know how to strap in fast, and for a long time I thought the whole category was a solution looking for a problem. So over the past few seasons I have ridden all four of the systems. Burton Step On for several seasons, the Nidecker Supermatic for a full winter, the FASE bindings and CLEW, which is what ended up on my Burton Board for Chile.

I compared them using five criteria: entry, ride feel, boot compatibility, weight and everyday handling.

1. Entry and exit

Burton Step On is fast and minimal. The boot connects directly to the binding without traditional straps. Stepping in works well, although snow under the boot can sometimes make it more difficult. You also need to make sure the highback is upright before stepping in. To exit, the release lever sits fairly low, and I sometimes had to twist my foot to disconnect the boot.

Nidecker Supermatic and FASE both use rear entry, but the experience is different.

With the Supermatic, I found it surprisingly difficult to slide my boot into the binding unless I loosened the ankle strap. That makes entry easier, but it also goes against the idea of a truly simple step in system.

FASE feels closer to a traditional binding, but I would not consider it a step-in or fast-in system. After every lift, I still had to bend down and tighten the ratchet before riding. In practice, that did not feel noticeably faster than using a regular binding, and having to reach down every single time became extremely frustrating.

CLEW works differently. I adjust the ankle strap and toe cap once in the morning, and they remain securely in position. The highback stays upright, so it never falls down or gets in the way. I simply step in, the three stage locking mechanism engages, and I am ready to ride. There is no bending down, no folding the highback up and no tightening the straps after every lift. Exiting is just as easy. The release is positioned at the top of the highback, exactly where my hand naturally reaches. I pull it and lift my foot straight out. There is no awkward twisting movement.

Winner: CLEW

For both entry and exit, CLEW was the fastest, easiest and most consistent system I tested.

2. Ride feel

Burton Step On feels direct because the boot connects to the binding at fixed points. At the same time, I could feel that there were no traditional straps holding the boot. For me, the connection felt slightly less secure and more vague than a good two strap binding.

The Bataleon Blaster FASE offers a softer, more playful all mountain ride. The Jones Mercury FASE feels firmer and more responsive, making it a strong choice for aggressive riding and freeride terrain.

Nidecker Supermatic feels similar to a traditional binding, but its weight is noticeable. That is a significant disadvantage, especially when moving the board around or spending a full day on the mountain.

CLEW feels like a premium traditional two strap binding. The ankle strap and toe cap distribute pressure evenly across the boot, while the integrated 2.5 degree canting supports a natural riding position. The medium stiff flex delivers enough response for carving, powder and more demanding terrain without making the binding feel unforgiving. At only 989 grams per binding in size M, it also feels surprisingly light for the amount of technology inside it. Winner: Jones Mercury FASE and CLEW

3. Boot compatibility

Burton Step On requires compatible Step On boots. Burton is no longer the only brand offering them, as there are also compatible options from Nitro and Union. If one of those boots fits your feet perfectly, the system can work very well. But if you already own regular snowboard boots that you love, you will need to replace them. For me, that is a major limitation. CLEW, Nidecker Supermatic, Bataleon FASE and Jones FASE all work with regular snowboard softboots. You can continue riding the boots that already fit your feet

Winner: CLEW, Nidecker Supermatic and Jones FASE

4. Weight and handling

Burton Step On has the most minimal binding construction. However, part of that weight is saved because the system removes the ankle strap and toe cap and transfers the connection points into the boot. Nidecker Supermatic is the largest and heaviest binding in this comparison. The additional weight is noticeable when carrying the board and sitting on the chairlift. The heel cup and overall construction also feel extremely bulky. The FASE models sit closer to the weight of conventional bindings.

What surprised me most was the CLEW Independence. Although it contains a more complex mechanical locking system, it weighs only 989 grams per binding in size M.

That is an impressive engineering achievement. It shows how much work has gone into the materials, construction and overall geometry of the binding. The fact that CLEW develops and manufactures the system in Germany becomes especially relevant here.

Winner: CLEW and Jones FASE

5. The complete system

Burton offers a refined strapless system, but it requires compatible boots. Snow can affect entry, the highback needs to be upright and the release lever is positioned relatively low.

Nidecker offers automatic rear entry and broad boot compatibility, but the additional heavy weight and complexity are difficult to ignore. I also needed to leave the ankle strap looser to enter comfortably, and snow inside the mechanism could make entry more difficult.

FASE works with regular boots and rides like a traditional binding. However, I still had to tighten the ratchet regularly. The highback could also fall down, forcing me to reach down and reposition it. Over a full day, that became frustrating.

CLEW combines regular snowboard boots, traditional straps, lightweight and genuinely fast entry. The straps stay properly adjusted throughout the day, the highback never gets in the way and I never need to bend down after getting off the lift.

There is another part of the CLEW story that matters to me personally. I have visited the company’s own production facility in Germany. Seeing how much engineering, testing and attention goes into these bindings completely changed my perspective. CLEW has its own development team and manufactures the binding in Germany using highly engineered materials from German suppliers. You can feel how much ambition and technical knowledge the team has invested in the product. For me, building the binding in Germany deserves additional recognition. It is something brands producing entirely in Asia simply cannot claim.

Winner: CLEW

Why CLEW wins

Every system creates space for the boot differently. Burton removes the straps and moves the connection into a compatible boot. Nidecker and FASE open the highback for rear entry. CLEW opens the mechanical heel connection while everything that determines fit and response stays in place. The straps stay adjusted. The highback stays in riding position. You keep the boots you already trust. That is the difference.

Final verdict

CLEW gives me the speed of a top modern step in binding without sacrificing the control, comfort and adjustability of a traditional two strap setup. Entry and exit are extremely fast, the highback never gets in the way, the straps remain properly adjusted and the riding performance is excellent. The CLEW Independence is the most complete fast entry binding I have tested. It is also the binding I am keeping on my board for next season.