Nidecker Supermatic Snowboard Binding Review 2024 | Snowboarding Days

[@snowboardingdays]

Thanks for watching! If you decide to try the Supermatic, buy through these links to support the channel (at no cost to you!) 1) Evo: bit.ly/supermatic 2) Nidecker: bit.ly/Nidecker-Supermatic Happy riding!

[@miathemalinoisgsdx1320]

People who complain that they are not as easy to get in and out of as they claim to be did not bother to read or watch the set up instructions first. The purpose of the 3rd (diagonal) strap is just to keep the toe and ankle strap in the optimum position for stepping into, therefore it needs to be set so that it is not touching the boot. Also it is not recommended to super crank down the toe and ankle straps either. I have had mine a couple of weeks now and spent six hours on them so far at Tamworth and Castleford indoor slopes (3 at each). One slope is hard and icy, the other soft and heavy. I preset mine at home with the toe and ankle straps as tight as I do with my traditional Now bindings (which is not super tight) and only had to make an adjustment to the tension on one ankle strap when I actually got to the fridge. After that, in and out was complete breeze, especially on the flat. That said, I walked part way down both slopes to try a step in entry and managed it at both slopes with less effort than trying to strap in traditionally on a slope from a stand up position. Oh and im not some super nimble park rat whippet either, Im a 60 year old fart. When I was at Cas I saw a lad in his 20s struggling to get in and out of a pair so I had a slide over to see what the issue was, as soon as I looked down I could see he had the 3rd strap tight into his boot and offered to make an adjustment while he was still stood in them. As I was explaining why that needs to be loose fitting he told me that the shop he had literally just bought them from had set them up for him which tells me that TSA havent read the instructions either. 2 or 3 notches of adjustment on the 3rd strap and he was in and out as easy as I.

[@snowboardingdays]

🫡

[@peterarmstrong6928]

Traditional for me,,I'm an amputee and these would be such a pain in the arse 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@Stevie_GMT]

very helpfull-thanks!🤩🥰

[@bejibx]

I'm really glad to see all the love for these bindings, they are really good, especially considering this is Nidecker's first attempt to make step-ins. Yeah, yeah, I know they bought Flow. What do you think I was using before Supermatics? 😊

[@snowboardingdays]

Agreed! Best step on system we've tried this season. Clew reviews coming next week though....

[@Slovenianwoodworker]

I was waiting for XL version and I bought them. I have 50 size /15us Went snowboarding this weekend in Alps and man. This is sooo good, so simple to use. I was watching others with step in bindings and seeing them hassle to get in, some one had to go down to it's knees because the back didn't clamp in properly and he was pulling the thing up etc. Than I was next to him I was standing and putting my right boot in and CLICK. I was ready to go. This was my first time using them and everything was soo smooth. I did fev jumps and some deep carving and I get great control and response back. They aren't cheap but they're worth the money! I recommend them 100%

[@snowboardingdays]

Glad to hear it! Did you have any issues with your foot catching in the ankle strap initially? I did, but I’m at the upper end of the boot size recommendation for our size. I have a feeling it won’t be long until other brands adopt similar binding tech.

[@Slovenianwoodworker]

@@snowboardingdays sorry for late reply. I had zero issues with the first go. Yesterday was my second day of riding and I love them even more. Works like charm. I aslo tighten the straps a bit more to have that lock in feel and it works just the same. Easy in and out. Only downside for this point is to unlock my right boot out. If im on the bevled slope or uneven ground when my board sits more on the edges as flat on the snow, well at this point sometimes is hard to get out from the bindings. Holding down the lever, taking my boot out while holding a balance was a bit tricky fev times. I tipped over fev times too. But i think this is just something I have to learn to do it quickly. Good luck ridding this season!

[@snowboardingdays]

@@Slovenianwoodworker no problem, thanks for dropping by again. Yeah I know what you mean - to some degree this is the case with traditional binding straps too. The benefit of the Supermatic is the ability to undo the straps when the lever won’t work or terrain doesn’t allow. Glad you’re liking them overall! Happy riding 🫡

[@dlasti]

More videos on new style of bindings. Great. So far I've bought the Burton Step Ons, Nidecker Supermatics, Clew Bindings, K2 Clicker X HB and the K2 Clicker Step-ins Bindings, and GNU Psyc rear entry bindings. I already have the Flow rear entry bindings as well as my original strap on bindings and still love them. I tested all of them for 2 seasons (including this season) and like them all, but I'm probably gonna use the Nideckers and Clew's the most the rest of this season. I am not a park rider nor freestyle rider. I just ride. I mainly bought all of these to see which one or ones I have the easiest time using them. Because of my bad back and all, I found that Nideckers, Clews and Burton's were the easiest. While I do have somewhat easy time on the K2 Clickers, I didn't like the surfy feel of the Clickers as there was no highbacks. I had to use the K2 Clicker X HBs. I didn't like the rear entry bindings, so I sold them to my friend, both the GNU and Flows. I have one more trip planned in April and probably only use the Nidecker and Clew.

[@snowboardingdays]

How do you find the build quality of Clew? Heard some mixed reports. And did you try the regular Burton Step on, the x or then genesis? Review of the genesis coming very soon (spoiler - wasn't a fan!)

[@eduardoyano]

Excellent video, answered several questions about the differences between Nidecker Supermatic and Burton Step-On. Thank you very much.

[@snowboardingdays]

Thanks bro, much appreciated. Have a great season!

[@Umagum4]

When skating I just push the highback into the first click level, that way it doesn't move at all and will never touch the snow. Then to release it I just use my free foot to press the lever and ta-da. I got mine this season and I totally love them, plus being able to use my boots without the need to change them is an almost perfect deal.

[@snowboardingdays]

Hey there - glad you're enjoying them! Good tip regarding clicking them in for skating... presumably this means you can't just slot your foot in at the end of skating though? Feel like thats a shame when they're supposed to be quick entry bindings

[@MaJa-xj4eh]

Great review. I agree with almost everything after riding the Supermatics for a whole season last winter. Only one comment: if you ride only in one binding just put the highback up a bit or put them on the straps. One move to pull them back and step in when needed. I love them. Quick in and out. Comfortable and great control. As you said: once they are on, they feel like highend standard bindings. Recommend.

[@snowboardingdays]

Thanks! Great to hear people having good results with them too. Did you try the Step on before going for them?

[@MaJa-xj4eh]

@@snowboardingdays No. they seem to be a hassle when there’s snow on them and I love the feeling of a „proper“ binding. So it was actually a no-brainer. Fell in love with the Supermatics at first sight and love them. So far no issues. My Nitro boots fit well and didn’t get damaged by the stepping in/out. As a guy wrote here before: follow the set-up instructions by Nidecker then stepping in and out is like clicking in and out of a ski binding.

[@snowboardingdays]

@@MaJa-xj4eh yeah fair enough. The Burton Step Ons defo ride differently from traditional straps. They downside is also how hard they can be to get into on steeps. Have a great season on your Nideckers!

[@karolmaciejewski340]

Using them for second season and absolutely love them. Will never get back to traditional bindings.❤

[@snowboardingdays]

Nice!!! Had any issues with them at all? Lots of people worried about them not working so well in powder. Not an issue for us but we haven’t had them in the deeeeep deep stuff yet.

[@karolmaciejewski340]

@@snowboardingdays can't lock them on a steep slope , but then I use it as a traditional strap binding. But it's not a big issue. Overall it's a game changer for me.

[@snowboardingdays]

Great to hear a longer-term review. Glad you're stoked on them. Have a great season!@@karolmaciejewski340

[@bejibx]

​​@@snowboardingdays using them for second season too. Absolutely no problems in deep snow, most of the time I even can use them as usual - by stepping into. Some really minor (imo) drawbacks that I can point out: - they are pretty heavy compared to normal bindings. Makes absolutely no difference for me when riding, but my luggage now slightly exceed maximum norm with all my stuff 😅 - you don't always hear "click" sound when stepping in, which (at least for the first time) makes you nervous - heelcup is pretty bulky, which (depending on your snowboard width) might be a problem during really deep carving

[@BestWoof]

Great effort for a first review mate! Keep 'em coming.

[@snowboardingdays]

Thanks, will do! 🙏

[@BestWoof]

@@snowboardingdays 👊

[@BestWoof]

@@snowboardingdays

[@-Jasen-]

Got last year's model (which is effectively the same) and I strongly recommend them. No complaints. They're rad.

[@snowboardingdays]

Nice. Tried Clew yet to compare? That’s our next job.

[@UniQue1992]

The thing that worries me about the CLEW bindings is that if something breaks you only have them to find replace parts, for a company that's quite new you never know what will happen in the future, if they do go down oneday you can never replace the parts. I do think the Clew's are great but it worries me that you can't walk into any shop and get replacement parts.@@snowboardingdays

[@snowboardingdays]

@@UniQue1992 this is a very good point. Particularly if you’re heading to more remote regions like Japan or Alaska. Highly doubt you’ll find parts up there, but you can bet your bottom dollar Burton will have a supplier nearby.

[@bjrnchrstn]

Been riding them for a year now. Like them a lot but did have to get used to getting the first foot out. That’s because you click down the lever (with your hand!) and then gotta move your foot UP and somewhat FORWARD (heel up). To me that was kinda hard because you bent over pretty forward when having to press the lever. Rest I liked a lot. Didn’t really have any issues.

[@snowboardingdays]

Agreed. Definitely only try it on flat for the first few days. I still unstrap if it's pretty steep or above exposure. Think I still like them more than the step ons though (did you try those?). We've got the Clew bindings arriving this week too, so will have a video asap.

[@d4n13lr0x]

Fantastic review, always love these reviews giving great pros and cons that affect the average rider. Can't wait for the clew review coming soon!!

[@snowboardingdays]

Thanks for the feedback! New to making video content so it's been a steep learning curve! Think we're getting hold of some Clew bindings next week so shouldn't be too long. We've just finished filming a Burton Step On review too (the "X" model, which were better than expected). Happy riding!

[@진길-c2y]

@@snowboardingdays 저도 클루 리뷰가 곧 오기를 기대합니다!!

[@SalarymanJ]

I had the nicker last season, my biggest complaint is having to push down on the latch while lifting leg out, just an awkward move which makes them getting out of not as smooth as it could be when releasing one leg. Other like you mentioned… heavy. To me feel like I got cement blocks on my feet when I go off jumps. I still use it on my powder boards where not hitting air that much as the so feel pretty good. I own step ons too which are more convenient and faster in and out but much different feel on the board that takes me a run or two to get use to everyone I switch back.

[@snowboardingdays]

Interesting. Which do you prefer overall? Presumably you ride different boots in the Supermatic? Thanks 🫡

[@jackkelly7939]

Great review, really keen to see a comparison to clew. Stepping out just as important and that looks the easiest. Have seen reviews saying they have a pretty thin base though.

[@snowboardingdays]

Thanks Jack, really appreciate it. We're getting our hands on some Clew bindings next week, so watch this space. It's one of the few bindings that no-one on the team has tried yet (despite them being all over social media). I'm a little sceptical about having the binding underfoot when walking - we do a fair amount of hiking and boot packing and I wonder whether it will impact our grip. Not considering the Burton Step ons?

[@jackkelly7939]

I don’t mind the idea of the binding underfoot because that’s only really for when you’re getting on and off lifts. If you go for lunch or apres, you’d unstrap like a standard binding. I did try the supermatics in a rental shop in Austria but they hadn’t released XL size by this point so couldn’t try them. Haven’t managed to find anywhere to try on Burton step on or clews in person. Do love the look on step on but the release out looks really low and I’m 6’4

[@snowboardingdays]

@@jackkelly7939 what’s your local mountain? Some great gear shows coming up in Whistler and Colorado. It’s crazy how hard it can be to try out $500 bindings before having to pull the trigger! As in the video, I preferred the Supermatic to the Step Ons (wasn’t so keen on how they feel whilst riding) but I’m going to give the Step on X a try for a little more response. You mean you’ll struggle to hit the lever to step out of the Step Ons? Ben (one of our gear testers) is pretty tall and was a big fan of them. He’s an ex-gymnast though so is like a bendy noodle 🍝

[@jackkelly7939]

Back in the UK now, so European trips for me. Yes I’m the opposite of a gymnast! So reaching down for step in and out a big factor for my next purchase with my stiff back

[@snowboardingdays]

@@jackkelly7939 ah ok. Clew might be worth trying… much less common over in Europe though. Spare parts would be a concern for me (though hopefully not needed!).

[@Tyllrrrr]

Im going between these and the CLEWs but haven't found a good video to compare those 2

[@snowboardingdays]

We've struggled to get hold of some CLEWs for testing. I was hoping to do a side-by-side review. It sounds like they are possible a little over-hyped on social media, especially by influencers - but I'd like to get them a fair chance. I'm hoping to have some by the end of the month.

[@StephenThompson-go3mo]

Nice review. Curious what size binding and boot you used, I’m also at the top end of size recommendations and wondering if L or XL for a UK 10. Best to try them on, I know, but wanted to ask.

[@snowboardingdays]

Thanks 🫡 My size is a 10US (9UK) so I had the L. They fit perfectly without needing to over loosen or over tighten the ratchets. With a UK 10 I believe you just creep into the XL category. I'm sure with some low profile boots you'd still fit the L though. May be worth trying... but you don't want them too tight as the step in mechanism will get harder to manage without catching your foot.

[@OpFatty]

Question regarding the straps. I hear that you can't really buckle them down as much as you want. Is this true? Also curious how the highback adjustment works in terms of stepping in. Does a more aggressive angle cause it to be harder to step in?

[@snowboardingdays]

Hey. I didn’t have any problem bucking them down pretty tight. I guess the people that have this issue might either be: 1) right on the smaller end of the boot size range for their binding, 2) do they possibly mean that doing them too tight made it harder to step in? I can see this - but you can always tighten after stepping in. Regarding the high backs - aggressive lean shouldn’t be an issue as the highback is super floppy until you’ve stepped in. The opening is just as wide even with the forward lean cranked down. I guess you might have to lean forward a little more to snap into place, but I don’t think it’s an issue. Hope that helps? Fraser

[@OpFatty]

@@snowboardingdays Very helpful thank you!

[@OpFatty]

@@snowboardingdays I actually had one more question regarding the step out process. Was it hard to push down on the lever and pull your leg up at the same time? I tried one in store quickly with my regular shoes and found it was a stretch

[@snowboardingdays]

@@OpFatty ✌️

[@OpFatty]

@@snowboardingdays does that mean you didnt feel like it was hard to do?

[@goodridevibes]

Good stuff my dude!

[@snowboardingdays]

Appreciate it! 🫡

[@MargaretThompson-c3e]

Great info thanks!

[@snowboardingdays]

no problem! Appreciate it 🫡

[@JP-fg9cq]

Great review

[@snowboardingdays]

Thanks, appreciate it 🙏

[@FrodeHernes-j5t]

Seems to be an upgrade to the old SP patent (manufactured by GNU and others)

[@cosmiclion6765]

I disagree that the Burtons are hard to use in powder, I’ve used the Burton Step on Genesis at Snowbird a couple weeks ago, plenty of fresh powder and had no issues. You just have to know what you’re doing, and these reviews are subjective; everyone is different and some are more athletic / flexible than others. In short, what some complain about and have a hard time with Burton Steps ons, are probably the ones who are not athletic, flexible or work out.

[@snowboardingdays]

Hey, thanks for watching. We're actually dropping a video on the Step On Genesis in the next week or so (spoiler - I'm not a big fan - which is very subjective as you say). Glad you're stoked on them.

[@cosmiclion6765]

@@snowboardingdays all good, 👍🏽 I started out just last season, snowboarding and used strap ins but since I’ve switched to steps ons, I just love them. No more sitting down, hunching over to strap in. So easy and again, everyone is different and some more flexible than others. I feel they’re very responsive and just as good as strapping in. But again, that’s my opinion and experience with them thus far.

[@snowboardingdays]

How about stepping out? I found the front latches didn't release smoothly and it would sometimes catch me out. The stepping in mechanism got smoother once I realised I needed to hear a second click before riding away (I fell a few times having not fully clipped my foot down before starting). I need to try some more of the Burton Step On options asap. @@cosmiclion6765

[@bejibx]

Sometimes reason is even simpler. When I was searching for my first step-in bindings I actually wanted to try Burton's, but their boots are just don't fit on me. If at that time had existed some step-on boots to fit on my legs, maybe I would be using Burton's today.

[@turokrem79]

before i ever used them first time, one side wouldnt open. upon ispection i found out that one of the pins on the heel has disengaged from the springloaded fork. pay attention to the manual. when you hit it with the heel open you will dislocate it... you need a flat screwdriver or something to push the spring loaded fork to the pin on the heel..once you got it in the fork it will work away...by the way the straps are much more flexible than on my older binding...do not tighten it too much and you will get out easily ... as for responsibility of the binding i cannot comment its my third season but in and out is a game changer....because im fat as chineese pig , my belly wont let me to reach the straps for longer than a minute... i have to breathe some air ...with these bindings im shouting on my mates to hury up the f...

[@snowboardingdays]

Oh right... never had this problem. Sounds like a pain? Have you continued using them? Sounds like a mixed bag but overall you like them?

[@turokrem79]

@@snowboardingdays they are brilliant, i dont even know how it got dislocated as it traveled from my apartment to the car, onto the piste without any incident. once i was on the top of the hill i couldnt open one of the bindings. since then its flawless so far. very fast getting in, on getting out im still working

[@snowboardingdays]

Glad to hear it! Yeah I fell forward a few times getting out when I first started. Takes a bit of wiggling/getting used to. Still worth it overall though@@turokrem79

[@Diesel0807]

Lots of these for sale on the used market already....

[@alw9329]

As of today(23/01/2024), eBay has 7 used Supermatics listed for sale internationally. 6 of the 7 are asking $50 USD more than MSRP of $399. Looks like people are riding them, then selling them for a profit. Where are you seeing these for sale?

[@snowboardingdays]

Yep. Conversely, FB marketplace near me has been littered with Clew bindings. Also, I think Nidecker sold thousands of units in the early season, so there are bound to be a few pairs in circulation. @@alw9329

[@gwoodsy6872]

Probably people that didn’t read the instructions and think getting in and out is hard.

[@gwoodsy6872]

You aren’t meant to step on the lever to release, that is a guaranteed way to break it if you read the instructions.

[@snowboardingdays]

Woops. Ours are still going strong though and all three testers have released their front foot that way. Do so at your own risk I guess 🤷‍♂️ 😊

[@gwoodsy6872]

I’m not saying it doesn’t work and it is more convenient , but I bet it will be the first thing that will break over time if you do it that way. If they make that part of the binding different over time it would be the best improvement.

[@NeverStop808]

Clew just seem the best all around

[@snowboardingdays]

Certainly got the best social media campaign (and influencer squad). Look forward to seeing if the hype is justified…

[@T25de]

They’re the biggest pieces of shit what do you mean 😂

[@alw9329]

Nidecker is a legitimate binding company with a R & D department. Clew is a start-up company with little to no R & D. Nidecker spent over 4 years developing the Supermatic. Clew took 6 months from start up to production, with very little testing. From the Clews I've seen, they have zero quality control in their production.

[@snowboardingdays]

@@alw9329 well put. I’m less interested in testing them now. Not just because of AngrySnowboarder’s scathing review. Walking around with the highback and footbed being scratched up never seemed like a great idea. Their aggressive influencer acquisition was always a little off-putting too. Have you ridden them?

[@hamedizzy5137]

Nice design too flexible for me

[@Durski1976]

If you get snow in the footbed of any binding they will need clearing out first, burton step ons are no different

[@snowboardingdays]

Yep agreed. The only time this was a major issue was in Japan (and probably places like Utah) when strapping in after hiking the backcountry. The powder was so soft/fluffy there was no way of pressing the heel lever to activate the step in (it just sank). When there's that much soft powder it's also really hard to keep it out of the footbed. Obviously in this situation you can just strap in like a trad binding though.

[@somonosotrooooo]

thanks!!! pls buy a great mic and your videos will get waaaay more views and time

[@snowboardingdays]

Working on it! New camera on the way too.

[@MadokaTakeshita]

やはり只者ではなかった🤯

[@snowboardingdays]

not sure what you mean? 😊

[@T25de]

It’s not CleW ? 😂

[@snowboardingdays]

Hey. I’m confused… what do you mean? 🤔