Review of The Nidecker Supermatic Binding

Mark Takes us through the Highly Requested Supermatic Binding System!
Riders
Mark Fawcett
Mark Morrison
Presented by
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[@gbergma1]

I've been using them since the beginning of last season for Ski Patrol, and I have about 90 days on them so far. Last year I broke the toe ladder strap, and Nidecker promptly replaced them with extras. This season, I cracked the injection-molded part of the highback that loops around the heel and holds the bent-metal stirrup. The binding still worked, but occasionally would get bound up and I couldn't get it to release. Both failures were on the right side, the foot used to get in and out of countless times in a day. Once again, Nidecker replaced it without issue and I wasn't mad, since I really abuse these things throughout the day, more so than someone out there just cruising. I absolutely love them, I can't imagine working without them and I don't think there is any detriment. No more sitting down to get in, I can literally step in off the lift and be on the go faster than the skiers. They didn't work well with my K2 Aspect boots since those have a bump out on the heel for crampons, all my other boots were fine.

[@markfawcett9654]

Great to hear. Love having some knowledge of how they are lasting in the long run.

[@2319nak]

I've been riding these about 6 days so far and I feel like I'm constantly playing with the settings of each strap including the middle connector. And suggestions on how you got them to the set it and forget it stage?

[@gbergma1]

@@2319nak I run the middle one completely loose. The other two, toe and mid-foot, are just "normal". I set the tension and used the locks after I dialed in the settings. I found that my performance wasn't affected just because I didn't have them wrenched down where I could feel the snug'ness inside the boot. We have crap snow in Maine, it's always boilerplate, and I've got all the control I need. The straps do a great job of stretching when you step down and everything is snug.

[@MrUnderfloor]

​@@2319nak yeah the middle strap is meant to have a loose fit, it's not meant to be tight against the boot

[@markfawcett9654]

@@2319nak Start with them "looser" than you think you need, especially the toe strap. That conecting strap should be loose enough that you can slide your pinky finger under it while locked into the binding. Try riding with them without cranking the heck out of the ratchets. We were surprised that they perform great while not crancked down like standard binding straps. Also, hopefully you have the appropriate sized bindings for the boots you own. happy shredding !

[@mr.force1036]

Your review was exactly how I felt. No change in my style due to the bindings, no negatives really save the little xtra weight. All positive really. This is season #2 on them. No problems. Been boarding more than 30 years. 68 now. I guess I could click in an beat the other boarders and skiers to the lip, but I enjoy the views from the top too much. Aloha from Mt Hood🏂😎

[@markfawcett9654]

My old stompping grounds. Glad you like them !

[@kens7420]

Just wish I could ride into my 60s

[@MrRizzant]

I have last years model and the rear roller came out on me when I ate it in the trees. Lost it in the pow. Was able to go to the shop , bolt the heel in, and use it as a regular two strap binding rest of the trip. Nidecker sent me replacements rollers with red Loctite for both bindings within 2 days and they've been solid since.

[@raydrzymala3063]

I now have two pairs of these; one on my Nidecker, "The Smoke"(which is the closet feeling to surfing on) and mu Jones "Flagship" and will never use any other binding again! These beauties are amazing!

[@markfawcett9654]

stoked they bare working well for you !

[@TheTeucer6]

100% agree with you. Unbelievable I went 10 years on conventional bindings before these. Now I can't imagine using anything else.

[@lucasrocha633]

I Bought the most hated bindings CLEW .. Just bought CLEW over Nidecker because it's more easier to engage.. was game changer for me because I have mobility issues and my friends they don't need to wait for me anymore because now I'm faster like a skier.

[@shambles416]

My buddy bought the CLEWS and I bought the Supermatics, were both very happy

[@DonLeonM]

Since this video was published, they’ve also released them in cyan. Also, next year will also have a Carbon version 😊

[@xrprimate2789]

Used my Supermatics several days last week @ Heavenly. They're awesome.

[@TravisVarga]

The white color is fresh. Have the first versions and after they break in a bit, work really well. Hard to go back to 'normal'...

[@Daz555Daz]

I have the '24 model and absolutely love the binding. They work perfectly with my Salomon boots.

[@markfawcett9654]

we even put some larger Vans in there ( which are known to be higher volume than most ). No prob !

[@user-qu8qz2kt7u]

Dope show

[@JejjeP]

Not ridden these, yet, but I've been using SP (Fastec) bindings for some years now - and they have a similar idea, although not full step in. I would like to take the chance here to say they have not gotten the credit they deserve (in my opinion)!

[@johnniebalfour1666]

Saw you heading out with these, really wish I’d given them a run as well. Nice to see a little bit of Sun Peaks in the video. 🤙

[@vincentkr3w]

Got to ride these for a few days last week and absolutely loved them. Even got to compare them to Step-Ons. For me the Supermatics felt a notch more intuitive and gave me more feedback with regards to locking in. However, they did cause some superficial wear to my toe box (current BOA Burton Photons). Whilst I was able to slide in, I probably had either of the lower straps tightened up too much. Just confirms what Mark says about taking the time to set them up, which definitely didn't do!

[@markfawcett9654]

Glad you enjoyed them ! lots of great power transfer.

[@bash6519]

I just got them in the new Cyan blue color right before we got dumped on here in Tahoe and threw them on a mega merc. Performed excellent. There is a little adjust learning curve to get them dialed in for easy in and out. But they were great. And yes CHECK YOUR SIZE. I almost walked out with a size large as all my other bindings are Large. I double checked and my size 12 Vans infuse needed a XL.

[@tributeboardshop]

Good call on the Sizing! It's kep to be away they shift to a XL !

[@mkrajewski1]

Got them 2 season love the !

[@bjrnchrstn]

Have them and love them. Had to get used to getting out of them. Bending forward, pressing down and moving the feet up and forward is a bit counterintuitive. That said, you get used to it. Would help if the lever was pull up instead of pull down. Might be something they can change. Do NOT push the lever down with your feet once you have one foot released. Pressure will be too high for the system to regularly cope with that. Setup once and good to go all day. Recommend them.

[@markfawcett9654]

I am genuinely happy to hear they are working out really well for most folks out there. Enjoy !

[@deanvaladez]

I would agree with this review. I’ve had the Supermatics since they first came out and love them. I will most likely never buy a different binding after riding these. (Unless, of course, a different company has a better step in/on system. I refuse to get Burtons step ons since you have to buy their specific boot). That said, my only complaints would be that you have to push down on the release lever instead of pulling up; you can’t rotate the high backs to be parallel to your board edge; and you can’t apply too much forward lean on the high backs since that will make it harder to step into the binding. The weight isn’t too much of an issue to me although they are a tad heavier than most bindings. Despite all that, I’d still buy these again. I hope Nidecker does come up with a way to resolve those issues though

[@markfawcett9654]

Agree on all fronts...especially Highback rotation.

[@deanvaladez]

@@markfawcett9654 fortunately, I don’t run high stance angles (+18 in the front, +3 in the back) so high back rotation doesn’t affect me as much but is still like rotation to happen. For me, forward lean is a factor. Both of these though, do affect my heel side carves

[@raydrzymala3063]

The only issue I found was in deep powder, you have to make sure that the bottom where the heel strap is is clear of snow of it wont snap in correctly. Juxt discovered that yesterday in 6 to 15 in of pow.

[@downhilldummies]

Imagine if Jones/NOW did a collaboration with these and added skate tech? I like the mounting hardware too. It reminds me of when the skateboard industry introduced bearings with built in spacers and speed rings.

[@barraberson]

Nidecker is owner of Jones and Now 😅

[@downhilldummies]

@@barraberson I know…. it was kind of a sarcastic comment

[@fruduroc]

I own a pair since this season and I really love them, super simple, super effective and super tight. I got a 45 chf pre-order discount directly from Nidecker, but I don't know if it's possible to do that in other countries.

[@finboyYYC]

Awesome, curious to hear the performance vs. Step ons give the extensive knowledge you guys have on them. Weight difference is also likely pretty big.

[@Daz555Daz]

They are fairly heavy in comparison the lighter end of the binding spectrum but I don't think many people would actually notice if they did a blind test.

[@markfawcett9654]

They are a touch heavier than the burton step-on full system. ( boot and binding ) With that tiny bit of weight under and attached to your feet, not a deal breaker. If you like traditional bindings and love your boots, they are great. I do love my Burton step-ons for many reasons, but biggest difference is their contection points vs being pushed down onto the board with straps.

[@robking4367]

The supermatics are 200g (each) heavier than my Genesis X EST bindings for reference. I don't notice the 400g difference at all.

[@NatGreenOnline]

I've ridden Flows for many, many years and love them but am definitely very interested to try these out. The only thing I think might improve these for ease of use (but can't say until I've experienced them for myself) is to have the release lever on the outside of the foot rather than the inside. I feel like that would make more sense.

[@markfawcett9654]

I was thinking the same. I didnt have too much issue however. Also, Ithink they might be desigened with a "cross your front arm back" motion to push the lever.

[@MrRizzant]

I agree with this having lever on the outside. It would make the movement more similar to unstrapping normally. Also wouldn't accidently step on the lever getting off the lift or one footing it. Though my step on buddies have modded their burtons to move the lever to the inside since they like using their opposite hand.

[@markfawcett9654]

@@MrRizzant I was thinking the cross arm technique was what they might have had in mind when designing them.

[@jason20341]

Great review. 499, though? I got mine from backcountry for $319 shipped! Absolutely love them. I have 35 days this year on my pair and no issues. Steeps, powder, ice, groomers, and park. It does take a minute to get the muscle memory of pushing the lever down and pulling the foot backwards and out, instead of up. Other than that I set them up in the morning and don’t touch them for the rest of the day. I wear K2 Maysis boots and it’s super easy to get in and out. They are a tad bit heavier than traditional bindings but after a day or two you won’t notice any longer. If I get into some super steep or sketchy terrain I’d can always tighten them up a click or two and adjust back afterwards. Also, the amount of foot bed padding is great along with the top piece that the snow doesn’t stick to. Thanks for the honest review.

[@tributeboardshop]

We are in Canada - 499 here is 319 USD !

[@jason20341]

@@tributeboardshop Didn’t even think about that. Lol

[@waldemarkrzyszkowski4325]

I just ordered dem, I hope that they’re really good, don’t disappoint me guys haha

[@tributeboardshop]

Take the Time to set em up! that's the key....

[@waldemarkrzyszkowski4325]

@@tributeboardshop like everything in life, then its easy:) thanks for sharing it

[@Daz555Daz]

Make sure to read the instructions for setup. The extra 3rd strap being too tight is a common mistake people make and this makes it hard to get into the binding.

[@waldemarkrzyszkowski4325]

@@Daz555DazThanks:)

[@markfawcett9654]

@@waldemarkrzyszkowski4325 What Daz said. You will think they are set-up too loose, but you are held in there really well. zero heel lift, and great power transfer.

[@tonesmith909]

Cant wait for the carbon ones…

[@maness2112]

Can you elaborate more on this?

[@stimmythekid]

​@@maness2112the Supermatics are on the heavy side, if they make these out of a carbon material they will likely be much lighter

[@Bitzue]

How was the Mosquito? I got one for this season, and I'm taking it to Taos in a couple days. Super pumped.

[@markfawcett9654]

good catch !!! Morison is one of our top team riders ( and filmer editor of the show ). He was loving it !! As you can see on the video, he was buzzing all over the slope. I could hardly keep up with how quickly he was changing direction. enjoy !!!

[@oliverchang2002]

Can you share pros and cons between this and the burton step ons you run? Also what is your preference and why? Great vids and love the channel. 😊

[@markfawcett9654]

This comparison you speak of is almost a whole episode all by itself. my comment from above: They are a touch heavier than the burton step-on full system. ( boot and binding ) With that tiny bit of weight under and attached to your feet, not a deal breaker. If you like traditional bindings and love your boots, they are great. I do love my Burton step-ons for many reasons, but biggest difference is their contection points vs being pushed down onto the board with straps.

[@oliverchang2002]

Looking forward to that future comparison video, as I'm contemplating either set up for next season. You know that's what the people would love to see, even if it comes next year. We just enjoy your vids. Keep up the great work ❤

[@neilgendzwill3260]

One downside of these is the downward push release. For those of us with mobility issues, it is easy to extend the Burton step on release with a cable because they pull up. You can find lots of KZbin videos showing how including one I did. I’m not sure how you would do something similar with these.

[@grandbuba]

I'm a fat old man, and I don't really have any issues getting out of them (on normal terrain, otherwise I just use the straps as normal ones). I figure that IF the time comes that I'm unable to reach the levers anymore, I'll just print up a replacement handle with a higher-up handle and a bit of a forward curve as well.

[@neilgendzwill3260]

@@grandbuba when I modified my step ons I had a severely arthritic hip. It wasn’t an issue with weight or flexibility, it was a straight mechanical limitation. I have since had the hip replaced but the extended handle is still super handy.

[@markfawcett9654]

@@neilgendzwill3260 back in the day, there were a few hardboot step-in set-ups where the mechanism was in the boot. cable actuated. the furthest you had to bend down was outside top of your boot. Some folks extened the cable, and ran it all the way into there snowboard pants pocket !!! Burton physics, Blax bindings , F2 / UPZ combo.

[@joelthe3dprinterguy]

Hey man loved the vid! Do you think you could show what these would feel like on a nidecker thruster? Love that board!

[@tributeboardshop]

Hopefully We get a chance to test that Model! Looks amazing!

[@markfawcett9654]

The little bit of footage of me making turns on the system WAS on a Thruster. Only had it for 2 runs, but was loving it. Super clean lines, damp, stable and predictable. I've spent many days on their megaligh...its amazing.

[@nolanthorburn9642]

Can you rotate the high backs on these as my front angle is +27 and rear +18

[@White1404]

They work as a step in, but the problem with them is that they are too soft. I could bend the base plate by hand. This affects edge to edge response and detracts from the fun of carving. They are similar in response to something like a Union Ultra bindings, which is really a jib binding. I hope Nidecker make another version for those who like to rip. I'll definitely buy that

[@Jrich509]

I saw something the other day that they are coming out with a carbon version next year for increased response

[@White1404]

@@Jrich509 I do hope so. I'll be buying that.

[@carlosl5766]

I’m not sure how I feel about stepping into the binding and it being tight enough! I’m always cranking my straps down.

[@markfawcett9654]

It really cranks you in there. I was surprised, as with many others finding the same thing. The straps are stiff, not uncompfortable, but stiff. I think we crank down on tradional straps due to there flex/ stretch.

[@carlosl5766]

@@markfawcett9654 without the flex did you get any hotspots? I had my strap one notch off last time I rode hotspot are the worst.

[@carlosl5766]

@@markfawcett9654 Did you get any hot spots from the stiffer straps? Do you ride with any forward lean?

[@nemojzaboravit]

Can anyone tell me where I can find a full video (if it exists) of Fawcett carving on that Korua in the intro. One of the best toe carvs I've seen. Would live to see more of that❤❤❤

[@tributeboardshop]

We can dig that up at some point - was a quick day up at RED Mt but we do have a bit of footy!

[@koppins851]

got 100 plus days on mine, freeride, freestyle, park. snowboarding 4 30 plus years, the first binding that never had one failure. If they could change 3 things, this would be the best binding ever. first and biggest no no for me is they are heavy. 2nd. the straps are not the most comfy. 3rd. why the hell is the exit lever that you have to push it down. they should make it higher (so you dont have to get low and push up your foot in the same motion) they should make a option to have a pull and a push lever so you can havbve the pull lever on the back foot and step on the front with the foot. I actually can get more time riding in because of the binding, weekend warrior over 40 with lower back pain, this is amazing.

[@tributeboardshop]

Do check out the Carbon Version coming soon - very happy with how light that is!

[@karapandja7599]

I love them but they have a small issue when snow accumulates on the mechanism for locking it, it is a bit challenging to release the boot from binding. So either I need to jump or I need to hit with my hand to remove the snow a bit from the locking mechanism to easily release the binding. But everythin else I love them :-)

[@robking4367]

I found the key to easily getting out every time, regardless of the snow build up, is to unweight your heel by pressing your weight on your toe as you activate the lever. The only way you won't pop out is if your weight is on your heel.

[@karapandja7599]

@@robking4367 Will try this method :-)

[@Phos9]

Wait is Nidekcer still maintaining compatibility with the old Burton 3 screw system?

[@Daz555Daz]

Yep. Will be handy for me as I still like to ride my '98 Burton Supermodel from time to time.

[@spikelpoep]

I have these but i found they are eating up the toe part of my boot. Not sure if it is due to the stepping in scrubbing the binding (which is quite sharp) or due to not being in tight enough and scraping while riding. Anyone else had this issue?

[@leodunn-fox153]

I had them eat up a bit of my heel on the back foot and stoped using them to not damage the boot

[@little006little006]

Try pull the heel hanger away so it’s not sitting on top of the board, then fold the high back and push it down really hard until the metal heads at bottom of the high back click out of back of the heel cup - something not impossible to happen when you ride a chairlift - you’ll be surprised how hard it is to get the high back back in place. Happened to me twice already, had to remove binding from board and use multiple tools to fix it.

[@markfawcett9654]

Interesting. I'll try and replicate this scenario.

[@Daz555Daz]

If riding on a chair you know is super low at the top I guess the safest option is to engage the binding into the closed position and flip the high back down before you get on the chair.

[@little006little006]

@@Daz555Daz Yes, and a key here is to keep the heel hanger down towards the board. With it touching the board and locking mechanism engaged, board will actually prevent heel hanger from swinging out, which then prevents high back lock heads from overshooting out of heel cup. If heel hanger is free to swing around, high back can easily be pushed down enough by the force of a chair or a foot to pop out at the heel end.

[@little006little006]

@@markfawcett9654 One other way to replicate it is to pull the heel hanger down & away from board really hard, same effect as pushing down on highback. Good luck returning the highback in palce though.

[@Daz555Daz]

@@little006little006 Thankfully I don't think I've ever been on a chair that low in my life but I'll keep and eye on the situation anyway.

[@skypiratez]

Coupled these with a Mosquito. A match made in heaven.

[@markfawcett9654]

Morison, our filmer / editor, agrees with this statement. He really loved that whole set-up.

[@floriantschacher9602]

I quite like them too however I sometimes have problems to release the rear foot if ice got stuck in the ratchet system. Anyone else experiencing these Kind of issues?

[@markfawcett9654]

As we have only had them a few days, we havent experienced that yet. I'll keep my eyes open for it.

[@claylandcoaching]

Yes, I experience this too. That's my only issue with them.

[@Brett.Loomis]

I have a set as well...people say they don't there isn't much of a weight difference...I disagree. They are definitely on the heavy side...and the baseplate seems really bulky and takes away from board feel

[@petehelme7714]

yep, in the Sierras around Tahoe I've had that happen when conditions suck. talked to Nidecker about it and there really isn't a lot they can do. just have to keep that area clean. leaning back/pushing down on your heel when forcing the lever down will definitely help to give the most leverage (that was their tip).

[@maness2112]

Can these things do freestyle and butters?

[@markfawcett9654]

They can do absolutely everything you do on a tradional set of bindings.

[@matlev7820]

Mark I want a review on the Blax step ins

[@markfawcett9654]

Are they still around ? Seriously though, they were onto something. I reference that set-up oftem. It's still hard to sell new binding tech to "traditionalists" that's what sank them I believe.

[@matlev7820]

The" step on "reminds me of the old device a bit. I think the Morrow step in had promise then K2 killed that@@markfawcett9654

[@user-fu2qc6cv7b]

So. . . which do you like better, these or Burton Step Ons?

[@markfawcett9654]

If you love and or have a personal favorite set of standard boots, go with the supermatics. If your feet fit burtons well, and you can afford to buy a boot/ binding combo, I'm still a huge fan of the step-ons.

[@user-fu2qc6cv7b]

thanks!@@markfawcett9654

[@vinylritchie1974]

Mark! What’s that white stick you’re jammin on!?

[@markfawcett9654]

What up @vinylritchie1974 !!! Thats the Nidecker thruster !!!

[@Fominthehuman]

So, it is just improved Flow bindings?

[@tonesmith909]

No

[@sheldonjackson3122]

Had flows for 10 years prior to switching to these, had them for all of two weeks before getting rid of them and went back to traditional bindings. Found them heavy, and the function of getting in and out of them on the mountain in deep snow or steep terrain terrible

[@markfawcett9654]

There is an element of these that feels like flows...in a very good way. Mostly how the straps craddle the whole front of your boot. I loved mine back in the day.

[@markfawcett9654]

@@sheldonjackson3122 some very advanced riders that are conscious about weight might share your opinion. For most resort riders however, I think they are a great option.

[@Daz555Daz]

It has it's origins in the Flow system (no doubt this is why Nidecker bought Flow) but this feels completely different. Your foot enters at a different angle and of course the step in motion is hands free unlike Flow.

[@timothyplatt6053]

I really wish I could buy just an XL Right side... I think Nidecker could make a killing if they sold them individually.

[@waldemarkrzyszkowski4325]

I agree with you, half price, I would buy 3 and have it on all my 3 boards:)

[@timothyplatt6053]

@@waldemarkrzyszkowski4325 We should start a petition to convince Nidecker that this would be the path to riches.

[@timothyplatt6053]

@@waldemarkrzyszkowski4325 I also would buy two rights.

[@raindancegraphics6077]

And, yes, it's in perfect shape... XL

[@rutgerros]

Just find someone goofy / regular with same wish :)

[@SNLandCruisers]

Like an old FLOW binding.

[@neoc03]

Isn't the price $399?

[@tributeboardshop]

Yes in USA - Canada we pay 499.99

[@MysticOzzy]

bought it for 400$ and sold it for 200$. it is very very heavy

[@markfawcett9654]

Some advanced folks that are very conscious of weight might agree. I have actually been on a few set-up this season that were too light, perfoming horribly on mixed hard conditions. Sorry to hear they didnt work out for you.

[@MysticOzzy]

@@markfawcett9654 I liked everything but 1.3kg per binding was too much for me :(

[@berryc1983]

腳根處的那個結構...雪板破壞者 😡😡😡