Testing The Nidecker Supermatics in Deep Snow 

Supermatics are amazing so far. Ripped some powder the last couple of days and didn’t have issues with snow getting in them. Once you figure out how to stomp your foot in, these bindings are a game changer.

I got these bindings this year (because I'm getting older). As bindings they are quit good (good flex). The step in takes a lot of practice to master. I have had the mechanism get snowed in, but only in a big pow day. Huge benefit is that I feel much less tired at the end of the day using these binding. The bindings are also way heavier that normal bindings, but they feel great riding. I recommend for fellow old man snowboarders.

Love the content! I have never used any step-on or step-in bindings, so you can take my view with a grain of salt. But I like the concept of being able to use the Supermatics just like a traditional binding if you want to or the conditions dictate - like steeper terrain or deeper snow. And then when you just get off a chairlift, you can step straight in & off you go. It looks like the best of both worlds.

if u loosen the "middle" strap more, u get better in and out! i ride them since october, and had the problem with it. but when u loose the strap more u have more fun!

In powder its definitely more worth it to use this binding as a traditional binding, The step in function for me at least being on the east coast with hills instead of mountains and ice instead of snow was to make it so i was actually enjoying my day of riding instead of spending the majority of it doing up the bindings and riding the incredibly slow chair lifts. On groomers you will immediately notice how good they really are as binding and if there are any cons, you will find them pretty quickly

Ive been using supermatics all season and I’ve found that if you make sure your pants don’t get under your top strap they lock in much easier. They take a bit of figuring out but they make your day on the mountain so much easier.

Use them, and I love them. Yes it's challenging in deeper snow, but not more than traditional - when very deep just strap traditionally - it work for them perfectly.

I got the bindings being a newer boarder and wanted to have that step in ability. I love them.

I’ve ditched my Flow NX2s I’ve been using for years for Supermatics last winter. I just can’t trust the small holding brackets of Step-Ons on the front of the boots. The release mechanism of Supermatics seems foolproof and very secure and I also like the third diagonal strap on the boot. People stop me all the time on tops of mountains asking me what the hell are these bindings. Thanks!

I own these. One thing I noticed is if you like your high backs a bit forward, you'll have some resistance locking in. I rock my foot side to side and have no issues! We don't normally get powder days where I am but these are much faster for resort riding. I set them to the angles I was using for my union forces and they felt right at home. I like to set the straps each time I go out (my preference), and I'm good for the day.

In such deep snow conditions these bindings needs to be used just as regular bindings, which is a plus for Supermatics. Vendor's quote: " If the slope or snow conditions demand it, you can even strap in just like a regular binding."

I have them, the only criticism they may have is that the front of the snow boots tends to wear you out, specifically the one that you tend to wear the most, otherwise they are super safe, super comfortable, the weight is very little difference, and in the The part that you said did not work where there was a lot of snow, in that area you can use the hybrid binding option, and they work very well. and the proof is that in rare situations where practically no binding works well if you compare them with the competition, in those situations believe it works much worse than those of the competition since some of its competition security binding can really fail, where security, which is the most important thing, is at stake and without forgetting that they give you the advantage of using it hybrid, it works very well for you as if it were a regular one, and without losing security, detail to take into account

This is good to know looking ahead to my trip. Brian Head got nice and powdery the last time I was there, so now I know what to expect. It's always great watching your videos...thanks.

Clew Freedom 1.0's would be a better comparison when compared to the supermatic. They are closer in weight since they are both a little over 2 pounds and are universal to any boot type.

I think you might not have been fully clicked in on the step ons. I tried the step ons today and they were really nice! I would have gotten the supermatics but they are sold out EVERYWHERE!

I think your missing the point of the supermatics, which is that you have the option to step in or strap in. In deep powder, you should treat them like regular bindings and use the straps instead of stepping in

Yeah you will definitely understand the full potential if you use the step in on groomers and normal days and the traditional system on the powder days, best bindings ever. Just waiting for the XL version to be finally released to enjoy the full comfort!!!

appreciate the honest review, feel like i havent heard any cons but you showed some real cons based on your experience, always good to know !

I've never understood why rear entry bindings (high backs that fold back nearly flat) aren't more popular. They've been out for a long time and work well and fast. Being able to put your foot into the bindings without unstrapping and then just snapping the high backs into their upright position is the best idea and I'd so almost faster and more reliable that burton stop ons.

Time spent on the lift + sometimes getting stuck in powder. It is a lot of time that you are spending not riding. So that time that the binding is supposed to save you doesn't matter at all.

Great review, thanks you! Difficult for them to reinvent the wheel.

I bought a pair the other day. The main reason i bought them is because I’m getting older, 46 and I’m A bigger guy. I weight 272 and stand 6’3”. Being a bigger guy it is becoming difficult task to bend over and strap my board on, but i still have many good years of. Boarding left in me and don’t want to quit boarding so my option was to buy the step ins, & i consented a system where i could use any boot. I was at home fooling around with the binding system stepping in and out and what not and the only thing i didn’t really like was that after i was strapped in i like my bindings tight. The tighter you make the straps the harder it is to pull the boot out, and also i have a hard time reaching the lever to release the high back lol. That is where the step in strap system comes in handy. I really liked that i could just pull the middle strap and was able to pull my boot out leaving toe strap alone. Then push the button to release the high back, then just re buckle the strap. After i get off the lift just step in and re adjust the strap for tightness.

I rip on supermatics in the park and in pow. I think the folks who don't get along with step-ins have just simply been snowboarding longer then I have on traditional bindings and are a bit stuck in their way. The dope thing about supermatics is if you find yourself stuck in some real deep snow, you just simply sit on your ass and strap in like you would any traditional binding. So in that 5% situation there is a solution and the other 95% of the time you just step-in and roll out. So you're not losing anything at all and simply gaining time on the slopes 95% of the time, the other 5% you strap in just as fast as the next guy. I love these things.

I have mobility issues so I am SO stoked about these! Total game changer n I cant wait to try them outside n not just arounf the house! Lol

Nice video showcasing the supermatics in action. When you speak about Union bindings there's a slight tone difference, but maybe it is just me, Anyway thanks for sharing.

I have the flows which have a different locking mechanism (they require you to lift up the highback an lock it) but are almost identical. The big benefit is on short rides on the groomers where you can strap in easily. Also as I am not getting any younger they seem like a good choice for not bending so much every time I strap in. Powder is definitely the worst place for them but on the groomers they will be great.

Managed to bag a set of these after trying in vain last season. First go with them will be in French Alps over New Year, Can't wait. Your reviews helped me take the plunge, so thanks for them

I guess their advantage is when you want to use it traditionally, you CAN with this binding.

I hope you review the Clew too. It's a closer comparison to the Supermatic. Not really a fan of the Burton Step Ons. Like you said, it feels better having the strap feel over the foot.

I rode Flows for a bit, which these are essentially an update to that design. I really liked the way they felt, but I got rid of them for two reasons. First, I found them a bit of a pita in deep snow, but I could have worked with that. My bigger issue was they were great when you had a flat spot to strap in, but sucked when you did not. Sometimes, I had strap in awkwardly on my knees. I spent more time on the ground with "easy" in and out bindings than traditional bindings. Once you can strap standing with regular bindings, I really don't see the benefit of these. I am faster strapping with regular bindings than my buddy who rides Flows. Even with skiers, I can keep up because most loosen a buckle on their boots before the chair. If they wait for me, it only a few seconds. To each is their own, but I don't really see the benefit unless every unload at your mountain has a predictable flat spot to strap.

1:55 I have the same struggle getting in, especially back foot. For me it was the middle strap I had to tinker with. Try different positions with it on a table and see which degree of tightness allows the biggest ‘opening’ near the ankle binding as you step. Oddly this was not at the loosest setting for me, but somewhere in the middle. Hard to describe w/o picture. Proper alignment of foot relative to binding helped alot when stepping into rear binding. Take note if you ride very duck stance, have to turn your foot to match -15 deg, etc. For me it wasn’t the snow itself in deep powder (actually helps reduce friction), but simply not seeing your foot/binding alignment that made it harder. On grade I just dig shelf like regular bindings. Only other thing that helped for me was to not have them on a super tight setting. I actually set them loose to practice the steeping angle/motion. Just tighten after when you’re in. Please respond if you own these too and have other tips! I’m probably not going to return mine :)

Looks like Flow Nx2s. with lever on the side 🤔 .. The dreaded pushing into the bindings to close them with lil snow is the only problem.

I have used them for a week now and they work fine but some of the problems Kevin encountered have to do with the setup of the bindings. The middle strap has to set up lose and If you don’t overcrank the ratcheds you will be fine in most conditions. The stepping in process is just a thing wich takes a little bit of time to get used to. But when you have found your balance and routine the fun begins. Sometimes you will step on the strap or don’t get in as fluently as wished for but most of the time it goes well. The best thing is to insert the front of your boot calm and when that goes right you push your heel firmly to the bottem of the binding and your off to go. Sometimes I noticed that during the day you you don’t get in as fluently as you did before and after redoing the straps the problem was gone. Just like the other systems it has its pro’s and cons but for most people it be a good binding. The quality of the product is good and solid. If you want to see a verry good review check the one that Malcom More made about these bindings.

I just got these and don't have a day on them yet but at home I have messed with them. At first I thought they were horrible cause it was so hard to get in and out. And then I watched their setup video and realized how important it was to have the straps right. If they aren't at direct center on your boot while binded in then you will heavily struggle to slide in plus you need to have the lostness of the middle hold strap it shouldn't be tight. After I corrected that I can step in a lot easier.

Heck out Malcolm Moore’s review of these bindings Kev. I don’t think they are designed to be cranked as tight as you would with normal strap bindings. If you need to go that tight they just aren’t the right model for you. I always clear the snow from the footbed, on piste or in pow, why wouldn’t you? I’d only stop again at a lift and need to clear it, I hate riding with snow between the boot and binding. I’d love a pair (as I’m 50 now with a few back issues) but here in the UK they are like £400 and sell out before they hit the shelves 😢

He didn't read the instructions. Your issue is the middle connector strap is tight. It's just to hold the two straps in position. These bindings worked best for me in powder because the snow held the board in place when I stepped in.

Hi guys.thank you for your vdo looks fun 🎉😊

1:10 Had my foot slip out for the same reason ONCE. Now I can just feel when I'm clicked in or not

I got em' and was able to get a few days in with them. Once I got used to the function of stepping in and clicking it felt better. I found that the highback gets in the way when skating around so I just flipped it up a little to clear space. I am not much of a powder rider but I try, with that said, undoing and getting out of the binding in powder can be difficult because the highback doesn't have space to move back in the snow. You gotta clear an area for it to open. Or, just use the traditional straps to get out of them in deeper snow; its what we are all used to anyway so no real draw back on needing todo that in my opinion. All in all I do still like them for the on piste groomed riding. So easy to use and get in and out of right on and off the chair. Plus, you can use any boot brand you like. It's not a proprietary comment product. Kirkwood and Heavenly coming up Feb 2-7 I can't wait to put them to more use!!

I bought some GNU Psych hoping they'd be better for strapping in and out every few minutes as an instructor. I've found that I became so quick with traditional bindings it doesn't make a time difference. Traditionals are actually easier as I'm unloading at the lift. I don't need the pushback of the surface to strap in. I can do it on the chair (but lifties frown on that) and I did it so much, I could slide-n-strap. (traditionals. Not GNU) I'm hopeful that someday we can just jump on and be in. Magnets maybe?

like the review, but with the cons that you faced on the powder, you could have easily not used the step in function and strapped up like a regular binding. Pretty sure supermatics have both option as a quick stepon bindings, or a strap up function.

Based on my flow binding experience, they get a bit harder to step in when your bindings are really tight and you have a lot of forward lean. I would get into the habit of loosening my bindings a click or two just before getting on a lift and tightening them a click or two once I'm locked in and riding. Then if I get stuck in deep powder I would just use the straps instead of trying to step-in/out. However this season I'm using step-ons. I really like the simplicity of not having any straps or complex mechanisms.

You know if the powder is too deep you can just use it like a regular binding as well. Quick release works well in all conditions but I do have a little trouble pushing my foot in but I feel like it might be an angle thing, getting the right feel how to push in.

I’m in the Catskills in NY since there’s never any powder , I’m sure these will work fine

1st video thats actually put me off the Nideckers ... you just can't get in them comfortably every time... might as well sit down and strap in my Burton freestyles... saved my £400 cheers😂

Waiting for the Clew bindings review

Need to try the clews mang! The step in method is much easier and the benefits of your own boots and straps! Although I believe they sell out every yr so far and are sold out

love your vids

Review the clewsss my boyyyy

Benefits over the burtons should be on powder days. You can just strap in with the Supermatic using tradition method. Burtons can’t do that.

I bought the Supermatics and rode them for a few days, mostly on groomers and found them to be a hassle to get in and out of in those conditions as well. I really didn’t like the straps and buckles. I found them to be hard to work with compared to other ‘strap’ bindings. I contacted Nidecker to see what I was doing wrong and they told me that the straps didn’t have to be as tight on the Supermatics when compared to traditional strap bindings, but then what’s the point? I switched to the latest Burton Genesis step ons and couldn’t be happier. I feel that I have complete control. I’ll be putting the Nideckers on eBay very soon.

Used here in Japanese powder. Worst feeling in the world to make your first toe side turn and realise you’re not clicked in. Hardly inspires confidence. I also couldn’t release them at the end of a run on multiple occasions, maybe due to compacted snow in the ratchet. Sticking to my regular Flux DS bindings.

These are mega popular, Can't get my hands on a pair in UK at all, everyone sold out in 2023 already. Doh!!

You definitely need a spot cleared of snow to make it easy to step in (i.e. Building a little shelf), but if that's not feasible or easy the point of the straps is that you can use it like a traditional binding. I think you missed not pointing that out as a pro. Otherwise good review, hope to see more.

Aye love your videos could you tell us what camera you use to film ?!

Not to beat a dead horse, but I really think you should read the comments on your burton step on video, and test them again. Because I don't wanna say you're wrong but you're the first person to say they feel loose while everyone else say's they feel tighter and more locked in than any other type of binding (also speaking from personal experience with step ons, and left you a detail comment explaining why the step ons might feel loose to you, and how to adjust it)

In deep pow I strap in. It's no more inconvenient than it is for anyone else on a traditional strap. It only feels annoying because I've spent all season taking for granted the fact that I never have to sit my ass down after getting off the lift

I've been using a friend's SP rear entry bindings (similar but different) they are similar in the general way you put them on but the overall design is simpler and the locking mechanism is manual. You will always know if you are locked in or not. A pian in pow but luckily you can use them like a traditional binding if you want. I assume the supermatics can do the same?

I’m sure once they are dialled in and you are used to them after many days riding the review would be different.

With all gear you tested would you recommend just regular strap in bindings if you wanted just the best all around in all conditions? I’ve been enjoying the videos. I was in Lake Tahoe last weekend, enjoyed that beautiful place cool to see you enjoying it too!

Id love to see a video on the Jones or NOW Skate Tech and your thoughts. can you feel it? are they worth it?

Plz review the Clew bindings :)

For people that own these (I intend to buy as soon as the XL release): from watching a bunch of these vids it looks like part of the struggle to lock in is the technique. Trying to push the foot forward into the binding rather than stepping down with the heel and letting the mechanism do the work. Would you say that was correct, or have a drunk a little too much kool-aid?

It’s looks like you had the middle strap too tight. It was preventing your foot from sliding forward up to the toe strap.

would these be good for freestyle terrain as well and park riding?

Watching you struggle to get the binding to lock in, seems like I can be in my bindings just as fast. How stiff are they? I am a hard charger and like a good stiff binding. I am looking at Now and Jones but struggling with the 500+ dollar price tag.

so Supermatics or Burton step on ? 🙂

So many blower pow days... i gotta get myself to Tahoe!

I have a question. you can still use the supermatics in a traditional strap in way right? like you dont have to step in and instead just strap in like normal for situations of deep pow?

It looks like your middle ratchet is way too tight, thats why you have to push with your feet a lot, to get clicked in. The middle one is just to keep the upper strap in place, not to keep your boot tight.

Nice review, but I think I’ll stick with my Raven FT270 Step-Ons bindings. The rear latch and release system is more reassuring

It's easier to use the ladders instead of the step in system in extreme conditions. Extra tightening of the bindings also makes it harder to step into the bindings. Supermatic is a great system and I love it but it won't strap you in while floating on snow or during jumps in mid air like ironman. I think Burton has a better chance to realise that dream for the exotic audience since the lock in system is more direct. The vid is great purely for the powder he is riding. Lucky man.

Seems to be mainly the back foot (i.e. the second foot) that is a problem. You can't generate as much downforce because you are already strapped in with the front foot?

As you pointed out I think that those bindings are for groomers and maybe for park, but for powder and deep snow that are not so effective as the traditional bindings. But hey, what do I know :) I never had the chanse to ride any of this step-on or step-in's.

I looked them up. They don't come in big enough sizes :(

I had a chance to try on a pair of these. I didn't get to ride them, but they seemed difficult to both step into and out of. I was on flat ground with no extra snow/powder around. The retail on these is outrageous as well....between $600 and $1100. I ride GNU cheeter bindings which can be used as either a step in or traditional binding. Alot more reasonably priced and I think just as good if not better.

Great concept but too new. Need a few iterations of this product to get a better one. Have heard they are heavier than traditional bindings. I would wait for a model with lighter materials 2-3 years down the line

Any issues when pushing in flats with the high backs being further out from your board? I could see that getting in the way and tripping people up.

Clew!

Can you step in while sitting? Same question for those Burton stepins.

Test step ons again but get into them correctly first there is no way step ons feeling loose compared to standard binding.

when they will be available in canada :W

Where can i buy these?? Cant find any stock online

Yeawwwwww

3 clicks on each binding to make sure you are locked

It’s a bit pointless reviewing bindings in pow! We all love pow but it’s only a small percentage of our riding. Be good to hear your thoughts on pisted runs, where they will be used the most, and any weaknesses will be apparent very quickly. Cheers

These bindings look like an engineering masterpiece but fully fail. I see a lot of struggle getting out and in, i.e in snowy conditions and the straps do not seam to be really tight. In fact, from the video they behave exactly how I expected them to behave. This binding seams to be overengineered but still not great!

Steep or deep - don't step in. Treat them like a 2-strap. Everywhere else - step in all day long. And that's the whole point. You can use them step in when that's right and as a 2 strap when it's right. No point in reviewing them opposite to how they are intended.

Woah....fake tree?

Clew

I’m sorry but traditional bindings are just better. The fact you still have to bend down to get out of step in bindings negates the point of them trying to be like ski bindings. I tried the Burton bindings last year and just was not impressed with them. I’ll stick with my Nitro Team bindings and TechNine bindings.

These look horrible

Those one straps are terrible.

You don’t like anything invented in the last 15 years, maybe not the most objective reviewer😂

Union bindings for the win🤷🏻‍♂️ all this step on/in crap is just marketing garbage, if I had to adjust my bindings that much mid run I would hate life and not feel very confident.

Why reinvent the wheel? I don’t understand these step on systems… but then I’ve never tried one so I can’t criticize them too much. Burton step ons… I get it… it’s marketed towards novice and casual riders w/ $$, so the company coming up w/ a gimmick makes sense. But these nidecker ones seems like they’re trying hard to replace the tried and true bindings…. I can’t see any serious riders replacing their current set up for these…

...maybe wishing you had two clicks here 🥲 still looks like a fun time out there. seems like it may be tough to get rid of all the snow underfoot when you have to unstrap in deep pow. do you have to use your weight to click in or can you use your hands?

Holy Snow! Did SPC just give an Angry review! Thats is what us real riders need. 🛷