Salomon Relay Series Snowboard Bindings - Men's - '08 Closeout

Comments about Salomon Relay Series Snowboard Bindings - Men's - '08 Closeout:

I recently purchased the Salomon Relay Binding in a size large. I normally wear a size 10.5 boot, but the size 10 Salomon Synapse fits me just right (love the boots too). The Relay sizing guide shows that I could go with a medium or large binding. The large binding fits my boot perfectly, I am at the tightest adjustment on the toe strap though, but it's tight enough (and there's room to drill another hole if needed). The toe strap can go over the top, or as a cap strap. I ride it over the top so I can't comment on it as a cap strap.

I have been snowboarding since 1988, most of my riding is done following a snowfall (Donner Summit ski areas), but if it hasn't snowed in a while I'll go ride groomers or maybe the half-pipe. I started out snowboarding in very flexible boots and bindings. Over the years, my boot/binding combination has gotten progressively stiffer. With my boots and my old bindings (a pair of Sims Links circa 1998) my legs from the knee down felt locked bolt upright, and flexing my knees laterally towards each other was not very comfortable. Loosening my boots helped a bit, but at the expense of stability at high speed. To be fair there are probably other bindings on the market that I would have loved after my 10 year old bindings.

I was a little nervous that the flexible heel cup would be too flexible. I was pretty sure I would either love the bindings or hate the bindings (I like them so much that I'm writing my first review ever). The flex is just enough that I can flex my boots in a little, but not so much that I feel that I've sacrificed anything in regards to stability. I like to ride with a fair amount of forward lean on the high backs. The high back, attached to the cables, works great. You have just as much support pushing straight back as a conventional binding.

The only thing I can think that would improve the binding is more adjust-ability on the heel cup. (that's the reason for the 4 stars, I would say these are a 4.8) I'm a stickler for having my toe and heel overhang even. Most bindings don't have an adjustable heel cup, so if your foot lines up forwards or backwards your only option is to switch the disks so you can adjust the toe/heel overhang. But now you have a lot less options for your stance (which I'm also a stickler about). The answer is an adjustable heel cup (or the burton channel system). When I ordered the Relays I was just hoping I could get my stance on my board, if not I was going to return them. Turns out the Relays have a little bit of adjust-ability in the heel cup (they don't mention that in any online literature, Duh Salomon). The heel cup has three settings, but it's also the means of rotating the high-back, so if you want to rotate the high back you end up with a little less forward/backward adjust-ability. Upping the number of holes on the adjust piece from 3 to 5 would do a lot. But maybe there isn't room, or the binding wouldn't work right. Salomon probably has their reasons. The only other negative thing I've noticed is there's a little piece of fabric that's intended to hide the male end of the heel strap after it exits the ratchet. It fills up with snow. It didn't affect the use of the binding, but bugged me. I'll be cutting that fabric off.

One note on adjusting for the toe/heel, set the forward lean you want first and then monkey with everything else. Because of the way the bindings are, as you add forward lean it really moves your foot in the base-plate.

I read every review I could find before buying these, one "con" was that they are heavy, they don't seem heavy compared to my old bindings (but they're OLD). So that might be a concern for some buyers. The weight is not a concern for me. I can't speak to their durability as I've only ridden them a few times.

I hope Salomon keeps making these bindings because I'll need another pair in ten years. I like the ride so much, I can't see going back to a rigid heel cup. These bindings are no gimmick.

Comments about Salomon Relay Series Snowboard Bindings - Men's - '08 Closeout:

I've been using Flow bindings for the passed few years. While I like their easy in/out, the Flows feels flexy and very dependent of the brand, model of boots I wear.

After 3 years on Burton Clash/Flow/Salomon set-up, I've decided on a complete new set-up and decided to get new, stiffer set-up.

The Relay is good balance between responsiveness and comfort. The straps are very snug and I can crank it down real tight if I need to without any major discomfort. The FastFit toe strap is a nice touch and saves some time strapping in.

The Relay is also very adjustable for toe/heel overhang (3 settings), highback rotation, forward lean and toe ramp. The previous poster gave a v. good description of set-up. Read the manual.

Can't comment on durability at this point but I did notice that the teeth on the both toe straps are starting to get worn a little(after 5 days of riding). Granted I like to crank it tight. We'll see.

In all, I am liking this bindings and would recommend it.