In the past bindings have often been overlooked in the style department, and thought of more as just the means to attach feet to a board. However, the last couple of years have seen some tremendous progression in both the materials and the design of bindings. 2005 pushes this even farther, with many companies deciding to really focus on binding design, and the results are incredible. Visible this year is the “capstrap” that has everyone talking, a focus on quick-entry bindings, and new technology crammed into every bolt-hole. Here are some bindings that we think will be all the rage in 2005.

	Product:	Agency - Tro’it
	PR Blurb:	Looking for a little more drive up the wall of the pipe? Danny’s Tro’it features a new asymmetrical highback with a slight hook on the lateral side. Also featured are new jumbo ankle straps and oversized toe straps that can be used either in a traditional manner or as a ToeCap style strap. The new Double Agent ratchet buckles found on the Tro’it take up to six teeth per pull, making them one of the most efficient binding buckles available - all you’ll need to Tro’it in style.
	SBG Comments:	These bindings are super dope, and I really hope we manage to get some in for review. Danny has a pretty sick style, all of his own, and these bindings match it perfectly. The “Mustard” color is dull enough to fit with the earth-tone look, but still bright enough to stand out a bit. Something cool to notice is that Danny matched the metal stud accents on his Vans boots to the studs on these bindings.
	Product:	Burton - C60
	PR Blurb:	With a purebread, super minimalist style and all-terrain versatility, the C60 is the final word in lightweight, responsive performance for riders like Jussi, Keir and Jeremy Jones. The new lightweight carbon-fiber reinforced nylon baseplate and carbon-fiber hi-back deliver a stiff platform for instant reaction, explosive turns and uncompromising snow feel. We also equip the C60 with the minimalist style of the ergonomically designed Ultrastrap, which combines synthetic leather wrapped EVA padding with a soft, translucent spine for all-season comfort and support without crippling pressure points. Our new Smooth Glide buckles combine strong, minimalist polished stainless steel levers, durable polycarbonate ratchet teeth and a quick release gate for a buttery smooth release and a prolonged ratchet tongue life.
	SBG Comments:	The C60 is Burton’s top-of-the-line binding for 05. It is super tech looking, it’s easy to adjust, and its one of the lightest bindings on the market this year. If it performs anything like how it looks, I don’t think anyone will be disappointed with it. Like many of this year’s Burton gear, it uses the Capstrap, a toestrap that fits like a hockey helmet chinstrap, pulling down and back at the same time.
	Product:	Burton - Fusion
	PR Blurb:	With its lightweight, impact-resistant polycarbonate baseplate, nylon hi-back with independent forward lean, ergonomically engineered Superstraps, the Fusion has all the makings of a pretty sick binding. But then we took the performance, comfort and adjustability featured on all our strap bindings and made the task of entry and exit so easy, you’ll have to ride it to believe it. The Fusion is equipped with a removable aluminum subframe that quickly disengages from the baseplate with a release of a lever. When you exit the Fusion, the subframe and straps stay on your boots. The subframe is also outfitted with some aggressive traction, making a quick park hike super easy and hassle-free. To re-engage, simply snap the subframe back into the baseplate and you’re ready to go. Or, if you’re feeling old school, you can get in and out of the Fusion the usual way - by loosening the straps. Next time you get stuck in a flat, you’ll be thanking us for sure.
	SBG Comments:	It seems like everyone is working on quick entry ideas again, and it will be interesting to see how Burton’s latest foray actually performs. From our look at it this spring, it certainly looks like it has potential. Stylish looks and all the features that make Burton bindings cool round out the package, so you won’t feel left out. The quick disconnect could be nice for riding up the lift and hiking short distances, but only an on snow test will tell if it actually works.
	Product:	Burton - Lexa (W)
	PR Blurb:	It’s hard to improve on perfection, but we sat the women’s team down and set them to the task. The first request the women made was to add a Capstrap, which is designed to hold the toe of your boot down and back for insane heelhold .It also eliminates pressure points and the need to crank your straps super tight. The Lexa benefits from trickle-down technology and incorporates a women-specific version of the P1’s highly lauded Superstrap for a ride that’s more comfy than ever. The girls also wanted to make the FLAD easier to use, so we improved the lever’s design so that you can fold down you hi-back without losing your Forward Lean setting. Of course, the Lexa still features its revolutionary hi-back and baseplate specifically molded for women’s anatomy.
	SBG Comments:	Burton has put more research into their women’s binding line than any other company in the market. The Lexa reeks of excellent design and high-quality craftsmanship. It has all the features the men’s bindings do, but they’ve all be re-designed for the female body.
	Product:	Forum - ATX
	PR Blurb:	Thoroughly revised for 2005, this hybrid binding combines the high response of alloy and the superior dampening of composites. Outfitted with SBX straps, a nylon composite highback, and plenty of adjustability options, this is the best choice for experienced riders demanding high-end performance.
	SBG Comments:	Forum has done a great job with the 2005 ATX. It looks good, and is made out of strong, lightweight materials. Everything has a very solid feel to it, and the ratchets have satisfying click to them.
	Product:	K2 - Cinch
	PR Blurb:	The new Cinch Binding is one of the fastest bindings to get in and out of, with all the feel and performance of a strap binding. The highback folds back and the ankle strap lifts up at the same time, allowing for an opening of the system, without compromising the snug fit or comfortable performance of the ankle strap. Ratchets and highback rotation fine tune the fit, forward lean locks into place. Ride it with any boot you choose.
	SBG Comments:	The concept behind the Cinch is by no means new, it is the same idea that the Flow binding is built around, and Nidecker has had a binding very much like the Cinch for several years. However, the Nidecker and Flow bindings both have had flaws, and it will be interesting to see how the K2 version performs; they have certainly put a lot of work and detail into the binding.
	Product:	SP - Raiden
	PR Blurb:	This is the evolution of the legendary SP Radon; fine tuned for professional all-terrain shredders. The 3D pre-shaped ankle strap perfectly distributes the pressure over the whole surface of your instep and provides a comfortable fusion between your boot and binding. The highback padding is molded for the lateral hold - overall the Raiden is a nice smooth, but direct link between your movement and your snowboard. Got it?
	SBG Comments:	If Darth Vader road a snowboard I’m pretty sure he would use these bindings. There is something about their style that really draws me to them. These bindings are made with quality components, and include all the features that you expect from a performance binding.