Quick Entry Snowboard Bindings Guide

FASE, Step-On, Supermatic and More

Quick Entry Bindings have revolutionized snowboarding by eliminating the hassle of strapping in and out after every chairlift ride without compromising on-slope performance. Today’s quick entry systems have earned the trust of riders competing at the highest levels. From Freeride World Tour champions to weekend warriors, more riders are discovering that spending less time strapping in means more time doing what they love most: riding.

This guide will help you understand the different quick-entry binding systems available, how they work, and which one is right for you.

FASE

The FASE Fast Entry System combines an easy entry design with the familiar feel and performance of traditional two-strap bindings. Developed over seven years with extensive rider feedback, FASE delivers proven performance in a lightweight package while dramatically reducing entry and exit time.

FASE bindings have three distinct components that work together to function as one system. The Autoback highback opens wide when the boot is out of the binding and automatically closes when it enters. The Faststrap ankle strap features an extra-long ladder that remains connected when open for easy, one-handed operation, and the Locked-In Toe Strap is set-and-forget, designed to remain in ready position at all times.

When your boot enters the binding, the Autoback snaps closed. All you have to do is reach down and tighten the Faststrap with one hand. When it’s time to get out, simply open the Faststrap, pop your heel up, and pull your boot out.

Key Features

  • Universal Boot Compatibility FASE works with normal snowboard boots, giving you maximum flexibility and choice for your boots. It also means you can upgrade your bindings or go in a different direction without having to replace your entire boot collection.
  • Two-Strap Performance FASE bindings perform just like traditional bindings, delivering the familiar locked-in feel and board control that you’re used to. Riders transitioning to FASE report virtually no adjustment period in terms of riding feel.
  • Easy Adjustment Make quick strap adjustments on the fly. Need more ankle support? Tighten it up in seconds. Want a different feel for groomers and powder? Fine-tune it. This adaptability means you can optimize your setup for peak performance however you ride.
  • Lightweight The FASE system doesn't have any bulky mechanisms or heavy-duty hardware, so these bindings feel light, nimble, and responsive. FASE bindings are ideal for riders who want the convenience of fast entry without compromising on the traditional binding feel they know and love.

Shop FASE

Step-On

Burton's Step On system reinvigorated the quick-entry binding market with a fresh approach starting in 2017. The Step On system features a cleat-based design with specialized boots that click into the binding. This boot-to-binding interface eliminates the need for straps, creating a fast, lightweight, and minimalist system. The caveat is that you'll need Step On boots to use Step On bindings, and vice versa. Step On boots are excellent for resort riders, those seeking maximum simplicity in their setup, and anyone with mobility issues that make traditional strapping difficult. The system has proven itself across all types of terrain and all ability levels, and there’s more choice than ever as an ever-increasing number of brands offer Step On compatible boots and bindings. 

How Do Step On Bindings Work?

Step On boots feature special metal cleats on both sides of the toe, and one on the heel. To engage the binding, step in heel-first to lock the heel cleat into the binding's heel clip. Once the heel clicks, press down with your toes to engage the toe cleats into spring-loaded toe hooks. You'll hear distinct clicks confirming you're locked in. To exit, simply pull the lever on the binding heel cup to release and twist your boot out. As you step out, the system automatically resets for your next entry.

Key Features

  • Lightning-Fast Entry With practice, riders can engage both heel and toe cleats in around two seconds. This means no more stopping at the top to strap in while your friends wait, and no scrambling to get ready.
  • Secure Connection The three-point locking system (heel cleat plus two toe cleats) provides excellent board control and responsiveness that rivals or exceeds traditional bindings. The direct connection eliminates the slight flex found in traditional straps, resulting in immediate power transfer and precise edge control.
  • Lightweight Step On bindings themselves are notably lighter than traditional bindings because there’s less hardware. With no ratchets, ladders, or straps to add bulk, they feel light and nimble.
  • Step On Boots Required The Step On system works with Step On compatible boots ONLY, which means you need to purchase both boots and bindings together as a complete system. Step On is ideal for riders who prioritize speed and convenience above all else and don't mind committing to the Step On boot ecosystem.

Shop Step-On

Supermatic

The Nidecker Supermatic bindings take a hybrid approach by combining automatic entry with traditional two-strap functionality. It was the first fully automatic binding to work with any snowboard boot, offering the best of both worlds for riders who want a system that's compatible with boots they already have. Unlike other quick entry bindings, Supermatic bindings can function just like a traditional binding too, giving you a little more flexibility in awkward terrain.

Supermatic Bindings are a great choice for riders who want the convenience of quick entry without being locked into a specific boot brand. They're great for all-mountain riders who spend most of their time at resorts on groomed terrain, riders who already own boots they love, and anyone who wants the flexibility to manually strap in when conditions demand it.

How Do Supermatic Bindings Work?

The Supermatic uses a reclining highback system for entry. Press the release lever on the binding's inside edge, and the highback automatically drops back while pushing the straps up and open. This creates a large opening where you slide your boot in from above. Step down on the heel pedal, and the highback snaps up while the straps automatically close around your boot at the tension you previously set. To get out, press the lever to drop the highback and lift your boot out.

Key Features

  • Universal Boot Compatibility Supermatic Bindings work with any snowboard boot from any manufacturer, allowing you to keep your favorite boots and never worry about proprietary systems.
  • Dual-Entry System Use automatic entry or manually strap in like traditional bindings. Simply flip the highback forward and strap in the old-fashioned way. Then you can return to using quick entry once you're back on mellower terrain. It's the best of both worlds in a single binding.
  • Two-Strap Performance Maintains the familiar feel and performance of traditional bindings with ankle and toe strap pressure distributed across your boot.
  • Setup Required Supermatics require some experimenting with strap position, tension, and highback angle to dial in the sweet spot. Once dialed, the system works flawlessly, but expect to spend a few runs fine-tuning things to start.

Shop Supermatic

Flow by Nidecker

Flow pioneered the rear-entry binding concept decades ago and continues to offer bindings using its NX2 and Fuse platforms through Nidecker. Flow by Nidecker bindings feature a hinged highback that drops down for entry and exit, allowing you to insert your boot without touching the straps. While they don't have the automatic highback closure of Supermatic or FASE, they work with any boot and provide a quick entry option for riders.

Bent Metal Speed - In 

Bent Metal offers a rear-entry binding technology called Speed In, which is Bent Metal’s in-house tech that uses a stripped-down carriage that keeps only the front hooks and rear clip for a lighter, more responsive ride. Bent Metal gives you the option of classic two-strap adjustment on the same binding, while Flow by Nidecker commits fully to its slide-in, lock-the-highback design.  

Shop Flow by Nidecker and Bent Metal

Other Quick Entry Binding Systems

While FASE, Step On, Supermatic, Flow by Nidecker, and Bent Metal represent the current leading quick entry systems, there are a handful of other options worth considering.

K2 Clicker X HB Bindings K2 Clicker X HB is an evolution of a design first introduced in 1995. Like Step On, Clicker uses a proprietary cleat interface that requires a compatible boot. There are a handful of compatible boot and binding options available from K2. 

Clew Bindings Clew bindings feature a unique design that detaches the straps and highback from the baseplate, allowing you to walk freely. You strap in at the beginning of the day like a regular binding, and when you need to get on a lift the straps and highback remain attached to your boot, while the baseplate remains attached to your board.

The Bottom Line

Quick entry bindings are here to stay, having evolved from niche products to legitimate high-performance options embraced by all kinds of riders. The choice between systems comes down to your priorities:  Choose FASE if you want lightweight bindings with a traditional two-strap feel, on-the-fly adjustability, and the freedom to use any boot.  Choose Step On if you want the fastest entry/exit and don't mind committing to the Step On boot ecosystem.  Choose Supermatic if you want automatic entry with any boot and value the ability to strap in manually when needed. 

Choose Flow or Bent Metal if you want an easy entry design that requires minimal strap adjustments and on-the-go adaptability.

Whichever system you go for, you can look forward to spending more time riding and less time sitting in the snow. With technology continuing to improve, quick entry bindings represent the future of snowboard binding design. Happy shredding! 

About the Author

Name Sammi

PositionProduct Content Writer

Home Mountain Crystal Mountain, WA

Sammi Bushman is a writer, artist, and amateur ballet dancer based in Seattle, Washington. She put 75,000 miles on her car seeking bike and ski adventures all around the Rockies in her 20’s, and now enjoys the MTB and ski runs in the Snoqualmie Valley and beyond.