You don't need Drakes/Technines, just some smart features.
Written: Feb 25 '03
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Aluminum backing and good quality ratchets. Also, I like the "gas pedal" toe platform.
Cons: The adjustable ladder link.
The Bottom Line: All the features you need, just grab a few replacement parts w/ your purchase.
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| wobbly's Full Review: SIMS Link Snowboard Binding |
Sims was just recently bought by ski company Volante, and as I used to ski I knew Volante to be pretty respectable despite Sims seemingly racing for the bottom in terms of (price point):(quality) in recent years.
I scored these bindings for $120CAD(!!) from Sport Mart, and they seemed to have all the features I needed. The ladder on the ankle strap was adjustable for my big feet, the strap cushioning was decent, and the heel support was aluminum.
The "gas pedal" is an adjustable platform for your toes that is starting to show up on more expensive bindings, so I was pleased to get it. Basically, it helps support you when you when carving, or when on your toe edge, so that your weight being distributed back and forth has more leverage on what your board is doing. Also, those with big feet, but not big enough for a "wide" board, will find it helps keep your toes from digging into the snow when on that edge.
My only complaint is the adjustable ankle strap's screw-in piece on the inside of the ankle strap cushioning. I bailed mid-run and the piece snapped like a twig (like plastic does in the cold), leaving me SOL and buying a replacement strap from the repair shop on the hill.
This piece may become annoying to the rider who's really hard on their bindings, but those kind of riders probably aren't looking at this price-point in the first place.
For the rest of us, I talked to a Volante Customer Service rep and she said that all of the retail shops should have many spare replacements of that piece, as Volante shipped out their entire backstock of spare parts to the dealers so that customers who needed them could get them quick.
Down to the store I go.
In closing, the last thing you want to spend a lot of money on are your bindings, as no matter what brand, it's just a matter of time until the straps break. If not, then you're not having enough fun on the hill. Spend your money on a decent board for your needs, with a good future resale value, THEN on boots that fit right and feel snug, AND THEN on bindings. And don't ever get step-ins, IMHO.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
wobbly
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Reviews written: 2
Trusted by: 0 members
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