Reviewer: Andrew Czuchnicki

10/25/2005 12:00am

As per other comments, getting in and out of these was a real pain, but once you were in you were in them. They look and feel great. I would have given a higher score except for the getting in and out, this was also with using lube and shaving cream.

Reviewer: adam knowles

08/31/2005 12:00am

Okay, plenty of lube to get in and can be a S.O.B. to get out, but once you’re in, you’re in for keeps. Really locked in feel, great feedback and a stiff mid cut fit. Given enough time and use the overlays will mould nicely to your feet. Foootbed is a bit tough, but the sacrifice for board interface makes up for it. Simple and solid two stage lace system, no gadgets to go wrong or replace.

Reviewer: Josh Jungmann

08/11/2005 12:00am

These bindings look sweet and thats why i bought them but when i tried to put them on it took about 20 minutes because they are so hard to get into them and to get out of them. they cut the circulation off of my feet and that is not what you want in a binding i would not recomend these bindings to anybody.

Reviewer: Steve Fisher

03/24/2005 12:00am

I rode this board for an entire season and was reasonably happy with it’s performance. It ended up being a bit more cumbersome to get in and out of than previous bindings I’ve ridden, but it’s nice to be able to adjust the top and bottom separately. I had a couple of hard crashes on my inverts where my foot slipped too far forward and damn near broke my forefoot. This happened more than once and ended my day of riding. Other than that, though, they’re a nice fitting comfortable binding, although I agree with one review in that they tend to cut off the circulation a bit by the end of a run.

Reviewer: Chris Cudmore

08/23/2004 12:00am

I wear a 9.5 shoe adn bought Large IONs. I have riden these now about a dozen times so I am ready to make a comment. These bindings are good, however, I am not a big fan of the long laces flying around and often ending up inside my boot. I realize there are hooks to hook up the laces but they take way too much time to undo when I am trying to get my board off in a hurry at the end of my run because these bindings have basically cut the circulation to my feet and I am in some serious pain due to cramps. Anyway, to try and make them less painfull I have not been tightening up the bottom part of the binding as much. Although this helps a bit with the cramps, it also sacrafices the heel lock. I have slipt forward a few times on bigger jumps and I actually have to stop the run in order to reset my heel in the correct position. They are also a PITA to get off but they are now becoming a bit easier.
Now for some positives. They are tight and if you want super heel lock you just have to tighten them as much as you can. The footbed is nice and comfortable. The lace up system works well and is much easier to loosen than some other lace up systems. I believe they offer good support despite not being a true high cut system.
I must admit I am not a big fan of the color and they really don’t look right on my 2005 Gator Gonzales 138.
Sorry about the long winded comment.

Reviewer: armani leetz

08/19/2004 12:00am

when it,s one than its oke voor boarding to ghet off thake 5 min it,s nice binding for boarding i put one the player 138 i have nice time for this seasoon 2004 in holland europe lake brielsemeer

Reviewer: td proliphic

07/29/2004 12:00am

I have a 9.5 - 10 foot size and just started riding the 2004 Ion’s. They are tight to get in and out of, as many of the other comments have mentions; however, once on they are awsome. Like your one with the board. After working these bindings in I’m sure they will my favourite to date.

Reviewer: robert popp

07/28/2004 12:00am

This is one of the best bindings, I’ve ridden so far! a little tight to get in and out- but awesome support and comfort at the same time becaus of strap overlays + laces! holds heel down like it should be. imagine a liquid force suction plus the ability to control your hold as you like!
I have size 9-9.5 and ride the "L"- it’s perfect fit! great stuff by o`brien

Reviewer: Andrew Wormsbecker

06/29/2004 12:00am

these bindings aren’t bad, but the wraps don’t come up very high, so they are good for pokes, but bad for support in the ankle. my leg blew sideways out of them on my second run and partially tore my MCL, so I am not a huge fan yet, but i’ve only used them a couple times. they fit really tight, go a size bigger than u thought.

Reviewer: spence m

06/29/2004 12:00am

awesome boot. when i first got them they were way too tight but over time they got better and fit like a glove. the best binding ive ever wore bar none

Reviewer: l0ki liew

06/24/2004 12:00am

Still a good pair of bindings. I would have given them a perfect score but O’Brien changed the material on the inside of the bindings, making it easier to get it and out but at the expense of its hold on the footing. A case of opportunity cost... comfort vs. hold. Unfortunately, I opt for hold more than comfort.

Reviewer: Don Martinez

01/17/2004 12:00am

This is the best pair of bindings I’ve ever used, they are very light in weight and are soooooo snuggish and yet comfort. The footbed is thick and spongy that can absorb all the impact for landings. And the front lace are easy to entry and having a tight feeling round the ankle area.