Open or closed toe...

[bowler]

Ok,

My LF alpha bindings are a bit worse for wear so i need to replace/upgrade. I'm thinking LF vantage as they have all velcro straps and I like the idea of no laces. Anyways, regardless of which I get I'm wondering if i should be getting open or closed toes. Most models come in both. I'll be pretty much the only person using the board with the odd exception. Anyone care to share some experience??? For some reason I'm cautious of closed but i guess thats because open toes is all i've ever known

Also, I'm biased to liquid force gear (not sure why but I've always used it and found the cust service to be good and the stuff looks great and rides well) but does anyone else use a particular binding that they looooove and would like to share with me?

Cheers in advance.

 

[wired1236]

Re: Open or closed toe...

If you are the only person to use it, definatly closed toe. It will give you a better fit and control. That's why you will pay more for them. You could always keep the old ones around if someone wants to use your board?

 

[ThreeMileBayWaker]

Re: Open or closed toe...

Closed toe for sure.... but 9 times out of 10 they will NOT release off your feet. Just beware on your spills, to expect them to not come off.

I have the CWB Answer bindings on a 2009 Liquid Force Trip Board. check out www.evo.com in their outlet section, they come some sizes on clearance still.

 

[kyle f]

Re: Open or closed toe...

Closed toe for sure.... but 9 times out of 10 they will NOT release off your feet. Just beware on your spills, to expect them to not come off.

I have the CWB Answer bindings on a 2009 Liquid Force Trip Board. check out www.evo.com in their outlet section, they come some sizes on clearance still.

Ha, had mine just come off again this past weekend... on thing for sure... you are getting back on the boat to get them back on when it happens.

I have the Byerly Pro Model boot (Closed) on my Byerly Monarch board. All Hyperlite stuff, I am boased to them I used to ride a Murray with HL Remix Boots (Open). Honestly, there are benefits to both.

The Byerly's are mor fit specifc and don't lace down as well as the Remix Bindings did, and I miss that nice tight feel. However, I do seem to be able to get the control and response out of them without the tightness. Byerly's have less flex for pokes and grabs, but support much better on hard landings.

As when anythign, there will be trade offs. If you want support, you have to give up some flex. You want a nice custom feel, you have to give up sharing your board, if you want light weight, you are going to give up some strength...etc. Just how it goes.

After considering all the above, I like the look, and perfromance of my closed toes better, but they dont seem to be as comfortable. Can be a real bummer on days when you ride in the morning and evenings and take about 5 or 6 sets.

 

[bowler]

Re: Open or closed toe...

Well,

I opted for the closed toes. LF Sovens (same as my board). Not too stiff and quite light. I had to bite the bullet as the broken alphas gave me a sore foot after 20mins at the weekend and the weather is fast bringing my season to an end.

I liked a nice snugg fit and always tighten the alphas right up and they never came off. On an earlier pair of LF bindings (can't remember the type) my left foot came half out on a bad landing and I was limping for about a month, I'd def rather the feet stay put if possible! Hopefully the sovens will do the trick with the strap and velcro combinaton. They are a better binding that the aplhas so hopefully I'll feel big benefits either way. Only problem is they are mail order so I may have to return them if they don't suit. Thanks for the link TMW but i'm in the UK!

Cheers guys - enjoy whats left of the season! If you can board all year round don't even think about letting me know!

D.

 

[ThreeMileBayWaker]

Re: Open or closed toe...

Ha, had mine just come off again this past weekend... on thing for sure... you are getting back on the boat to get them back on when it happens.

Hmm.... thats odd. I've always been able to get right back into mine out behind the boat. Sometimes even found it easier to get them on in the water right off the bat. Mine have a quick sinch laces and a rear locking mechanism to snug everything up. Thats the only tricky part in the water to get closed, but I just grab the bottom of my board and all is well.

 

[kyle f]

Re: Open or closed toe...

Hmm.... thats odd. I've always been able to get right back into mine out behind the boat. Sometimes even found it easier to get them on in the water right off the bat. Mine have a quick sinch laces and a rear locking mechanism to snug everything up. Thats the only tricky part in the water to get closed, but I just grab the bottom of my board and all is well.

Big Long feet here... size 13. Could have somethign to dowith it. Never had much luck getting any of them on in the water.

 

[bowler]

Re: Open or closed toe...

I could never get my bindings on in the water. Way too much hassle. Like i say, i like my bindings to stay on no matter what! Sovens are posted today - roll on saturday...

D.

 

[ThreeMileBayWaker]

Re: Open or closed toe...

Big Long feet here... size 13. Could have somethign to dowith it. Never had much luck getting any of them on in the water.

Same here, my bindings are XXL ... lol

 

[kyle f]

Re: Open or closed toe...

My Open Toes were XL, and my closed are size 12-13.

 

[ThreeMileBayWaker]

Re: Open or closed toe...

My Open Toes were XL, and my closed are size 12-13.

The bindings are funny... my shoe size is a 12-13 depending on the brand, but in the XL bindings my toes are just too cramped up front. The XXLs are the 13-14 and soo roomy. I love scoring deals online but I always have to try everything on before I buy, and its a total buzz kill.

I missed out on an amazing deal on clearance snowboards and bindings because of not knowing how a different pair of boots and bindings will fit :/