Nidecker Supermatic Snowboard Bindings Review

Binding straps are SO 2022…JK, but every time I go out on the hill I notice more and more step in/on strapless bindings out there. I don’t doubt the functionality of these new systems, but something about the feel (I’ve tried a few “Step On” set ups) leave me craving my good ol’ boot/ binding/ strap interface again.

Strap Binding vs Step In

Enter the Nidecker Supermatic Bindings in to equation: A traditional strap binding that you can step in to….what voodoo is this!? Nidecker wasn’t the first brand to try this approach, but I think they have done a great job at merging these two worlds together. Nidecker has been making snowboards and bindings since 1984, so in their forty years of making decks and binders, I have to think they learned a trick or two on how to produce quality gear that performs.

Hybrid Snowboard Binding for 21st Century

The Supermatic is a hybrid of a traditional strap and step-in binding, similar to the Flow system, but has a more mechanical design that raises your ankle strap up while the high back drops down, allowing for you to step on in. Nidecker calls this highback the Ultraback. A hinged heel bar attached to the heel cup lets you push the strap down and the highback up as you enter the binding, and with a little heel stomp, you are ready to shred.

To release you simply bend down and pull on a small lever located on the inside of the binding frame. The heel and toe straps are traditional binding straps, so you still have the option to use these like normal binding as well. These feel slightly heavier than a regular binding, to be expected with the extra step in mechanism.

How to Do the Supermatic’s Ride?

As far as riding goes, these felt and performed like great bindings. They are a comfortable mid flexing binding that rode well and were responsive. The ratchets did have a cheap feel to them, compared to a Union or Burton ratchet that feel rock solid. I noticed this most when I would reach down mid run for an extra click or two in my heel strap, it would often take several attempts to gain one click on the ladder.

But if you are thinking about these binders, you likely want to save time and effort by quickly stepping in and leaving your regular strap friends in the dust!! Well, they work!! Sort of….

Performance Riding on Hard Pack

On hard pack snow and level ground, these are quite easy to operate. I could get off the lift and step my back foot in without difficulty, and with time could probably do it while moving.  But if you’re on even a slight pitch and with some snow around, I found these very challenging to get locked down without several heel stomp attempts. I also run my straps tight, and at my optimal strap pressure I could not get these to click down.

Once I loosened up the ankle strap, I could get in a lot easier, but then I’d still have to ratchet my heel down to actually ride. In powder with no hard ground, and deep snow in the mix, I’d not even try to step into these. I guess the beauty in this design is that they can be regular bindings whenever you need them to be.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

•  Do work well with the right conditions, and with the right rider.
•  Ride great.
•  Are still fully functioning strap bindings, so you can alway revert to the “old school” strap-in if you’re in powder or on varied terrain.

Cons:

• Tough to step in on steeper, snowy terrain
• Couldn’t step in with aggressively cranked down straps
• Cheap feeling ratchets
• Added weight

Overall Impression

Are the Nidecker Supermatics worth it? I’d say the Nidecker Supermatic Snowboard Bindings ($399.95) are suited best for the casual rider who doesn’t crank too hard down on their straps, and prefers to stay in bounds and ride lifts. If you’re in and out of your bindings a lot, say as an instructor, or if you’re riding with small kids, these might save you some time.

If you’re more of an aggressive rider who needs to crank it in down and tends to ride in a lot of powder conditions, these may not be the hybrid binding for you.

Related Snowboard Bindings We Tested

1. Jones Mercury Snowboard Bindings
2. Union Force Snowboard Bindings
3. Ride A-10 Snowboard Bindings