New bindings, or a whole new setup?

Hi all,

I'm currently riding an older Byerly board (maybe an 01 or 02? it came with the '83 Ski Nautique that I bought 3-4 years ago) It's the one with the muscle-bound chick in a bikini on it. Anyway, it had "bad-ass" bindings (by name only - the ones with skulls on them where the eyes of the skulls are the finger pull holes in the bindings) I ripped through one of the holes the other day, so I'm looking for at least new bindings, if not an entirely new setup.

My skill level is intermediate. I can do tantrums, HS FS 360s (sometimes), grab 180s... Lots of stuff to work on still.

If I get just bindings, I'd like to spend $200 or less. I'm considering CWB Torq, '06 HL Parks (can get for $230 - close enough to budget!), '06 LF Alpha, '06 LF Element, '06 LF Sphinx. I'd also go '05 for a deal. Any suggestions / opinions?

I haven't looked much at an entirely new setup, but if I don't get bindings before the end of the season (aka: soon) I might look for an end of the season deal.

Thanks!
J

Bindings is one of the those things you need to try on. I personally wouldn't recomend Torqs for a rider at your level, unless you put them on and they just feel awesome. If you want the Hinge, go for one with more support like the Zeus.

Wait about a month and go with Ronix. You wont be disappointed at all, especially with the bindings.

Hey Jarrod,

Would you not recommend the Torqs because they aren't as supportive enough, or for some other reason? (are they too recreational?) I appreciate the comments, I just want to understand where you're coming from.

I'm not all that concerned about having the hinge, but my friends that ride with me all use my board, so ease of entry would be a good thing.

How do the newer binding styles compare to the old rubber-ankle-wrap waterski ones on average as far as support? I don't think I want any more support than my old bindings gave me.

Thanks again,
J

You could get a pair of 06 CWB Deuce for around 249 maybe cheaper now, great binding for the money with great support, I would check them out as well as the others you mentioned. Best of luck to you Jason.
What size are your feet?

Chris,

I don't want a closed toe setup. Plus, I've seen the pics of the white on white, and don't like the look.

J

Jason, the Torq's are meant to be a versatile binding that will fit a mutitude of riders. A binding like the Zeus is a higher end binding that is more size specific. The Torq's only come in 2 sizes compared with the 5 sizes of the Zeus'.

Try them on, see what you think. We've got some friends that are near pro level that dig the Torq's. It's all personal preference.

I didn't like closed toes at first either until I rode them. You dont even notice because they are such a good fit. By the way, there is a black pair, not just white. Before you make a decision, if you can wait a month or so, I would at least give the Ronix stuff a try, it would be worth it.

Jeff,

I wear a 10-10.5 in running shoes, but like I said, I'd like something that would fit most of my friends too (probably ranging from 9-11). I was planning on getting a Large in whatever binding I get.

$249 is borderline, but I'll check it out. I'm kind of afraid of too much support. I snowboard and went from low-top freestyle bindings to click-ins with high-back support and hated it.

J

From what you are saying you are looking for I would say go with the Torq l/xl (9thru12) perfect binding for what you are wanting in my opinion.