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I’m often one of the last to drop in, especially when I’m riding with skier friends, who can clip into their gear in seconds. I’m used to sitting down every time I get off of a chairlift to get my boots into my bindings and all clipped in and secure. With the Step-On system technology, you have a pair of boots and bindings that seamlessly connect with three secure locking points: two toe cleats and a heel cleat. You literally just step onto your board, listen for the “clicks” of the connection and ride away. I was shocked at how simple it was and how secure I felt — just like being locked in with regular strapped bindings.
- Liner: Imprint 3 Liner, Plush Cuff 1.0, DRYRIDE Heat Cycle Lining, Focus Cuff
- Shell: Articulating Cuff, 1:1 Soft Flex PowerUP Tongue
- Lacing: Dual Zone Boa — two distinct lace zones that can be independently adjusted with the twist of a dial for a custom fit in both the upper and lower portions of the boot
- Backstay: Step On Backstay
- Outsole/Cushioning: EST, Step On Outsole, Burton Recycled Content Rubber
- Personality/Flex: 4-7 (Medium – Stiff)
- Sizing: We suggest sizing up one full size
- Price: $327.99 (currently on sale from $409.99 at PRFO Sports) or $489.99 from Burton
- Where to buy: Women’s | Men’s
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- Response: medium
- Terrain: All-mountain, park, backcountry
- Re:Flex Mounting System: improves board flex and feel, reduces weight
- Re:Flex FullBED Cushioning System: full underfoot cushion and trap-door design for easy access to mounting hardware
- Step On boot-to-binding system uses two points of connection by the toe. The Toe Hook 2.0 offers easier entry and exit from the system
- Kickback Hammock Hi-Back: cradles heel in complete suspension for increased response and reduced vibration
- FLAD system: allows you to make micro-adjustments to your forward lean angle to customize your stance
- Warranty: One year
- Sizing: Follow the size guide
- Price: $367.99 (currently on sale from $459.99 at PRFO Sports) or $459.99 from Burton
- Where to buy: Women’s | Men’s
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My thoughts on the Burton Step On System
Pros: Convenience and performance
Gone are the days of sitting down or hunching over to get my gear connected while friends wait. I’m truly impressed with how easy it is to connect boot to board (via the Step-On binding). I’m very unlikely to switch back to the old strap-in system, now that I’ve experienced the convenience and ease of this new technology. It’s kind of like switching from a queen to a king bed — you’ll never go back unless you have to.
I was worried about feeling securely connected to my board through this new system, but I felt exactly the same as I did riding with my previous traditional setup. I’d argue that this new system is more responsive thanks to the three separate connection points which allow for flex and a playfulness I was missing.
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Cons: Price and compatibility
The Step-On system is the latest in snowboarding boot and binding technology and you get what you pay for. This system is more expensive than the traditional system due to the extensive research and development and unique manufacturing processes that went into the making of these products. Now is a great time to buy, because we’re nearing the end of the season and things are on sale.
Because this system is proprietary to Burton, you must use their Step-On boots and bindings together. So if you have old boots you love, you’ll need to ditch them and invest in new ones in order to take advantage of this new tech.
- Terrain: all mountain, great in powder
- Mixed Glassing: great for best for versatility: pow, backcountry, groomers, jumps, and more
- Flex: medium (5 out of 10)
- Rider: intermediate to advanced
- Hand Dyed Ash Powerply
- FSC Certified Highland II Core: using lightest and highest quality paulownia
- Sintered Base for added durability and speed
- 360 Degree Fully Wrapped Sidewalls: eliminates need for tip fill, improves board life and durability
- Recycled Steel Edges
- Bio Resin & topsheet: extremely durable and water repellent
- Factory-tuned using natural wax
- Warranty: three years
- Price: $489.99 (currently on sale from $699.99 at PRFO Sports)
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My thoughts on the Arbor Veda
This thing can move. I was so used to riding my zero-camber board, that I forgot what it feels like to ride a board that is poppy and responsive. This board is extremely light, has great flex, and is responsive in most terrain settings. I feel like I’m in complete control of this board, making carving and turning effortless. With my old board, I was in the habit of really moving my weight around in order to get the carves I wanted, whereas this board moves and responds much quicker.
The board was created in collaboration with professional Canadian snowboarder Marie-France Roy. Known for her big-mountain skills, the Veda was designed to handle powder (the stance is set back slightly rather than centred, which I find improved both resort and backcountry riding) and provide more powerful turn initiation.
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Pros: Great all mountain board, lightweight, eco-friendly
This board rips on resort, in powder and keeps up in the park. It’s super responsive, especially paired with the Burton Step-On system and provides just the right amount of pop. It feels like a sturdy board and gives me confidence in a variety of terrain settings.
The composite of the board is lightweight and eco-friendly — something that Arbor takes very seriously. Considered the “first action sports brand founded to focus on sustainability” back in 1995, the company puts earth first and that stays true in the Arbor Veda. From solar manufacturing processes down to the bio-plastic topsheets, sustainable wood and bio-resin used to create the board.
Cons: Camber profile is not ideal for beginners, sizing is limited
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The Arbour Veda is only made in 145, 150 and 154 cm, so I ended up sizing down slightly (I typically ride a 147). I haven’t found this to impact my ride thus far, and have managed just fine in powder but consider going up in size if you plan to ride mainly power or backcountry. Sizing down is fine for resort riding.
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