K2 Cinch

Review Date
March 14, 2008

Overall Rating
 1 of 5

Value Rating
 2 of 5

Reviewed by: bernatchez ,  Snowboarder

Price Paid:  $250.00

Summary:
This year I changed all my equipment. A seller showed me this binding... wow they were nice! the vendor told me that this is an hybrid binding using the combination of Strap-Ratchet and Flow technologies. He said that Flow Binding got a lot of problems, K2 is really better than Flow.

I used Flow for the 7 last years, they were very quick to use I did a lot of park with them. I never had any problems with these binding.

I tought it was the end for me after the first slide I did with my new k2 binding! The back system opened when I hit the rail. I got refund after I remarked that it was the 06-07 model known for his back entry issue.

I tried the 07-08 model. The straps are cheap; the plastic-leather they used is not resistant. The ratchet are difficult to use. The back entry feature is hard to close specialy if you like to be tight for the maximum of response. This binding is a real gadget.

I got refund for the 07-08 model and I switch to a conventionnal binding. My opinion is go with Flow or a classic binding dont touch to K2 bindings.

Review Date
January 9, 2008

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5, 1 votes

Reviewed by: Dougie Fresh(Unregistered User) ,  Snowboarder

Price Paid:  $215.00 at REI

Summary:
The bindings rock! They aren't soo good in the powder to put on from the rear entry, but once they are on the are back to ROCKIN!

Review Date
December 21, 2007

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 3 of 5

Visitors rate this review
3.00 of 5, 2 votes

Reviewed by: coreboarder ,  Snowboarder

Price Paid:  $129.00 at REI

Summary:
Let me start out with the fact that I've been riding for 10 years and consistantly get 50+ days in per year. I've ridden traditional straps, switch step-ins and now the 2007-2008 K2 Cinch CTS. Also note I currently live in the midwest with short runs, so a little speed at the top means more runs for me. I really do like them, but there are a few cons as well and I'll start with those.

First, they are heavy, not super heavy, but you definetly notice it on the chair lift, but not at all when riding. Second, they're bulky. They do fit upsidedown on my roof rack (something Flow can't claim), but barely. Also, I'm a small guy, 8.5 boot, but I still need a Large binding since mediums don't fit over an 8, so this means extra weight for me when I'm used to medium sized bindings. Third, they're expensive. Lastly, they take a bit of muscle to pull the high back up. My girlfriend got the female bindings and has some trouble with this, but for me it hasn't been an issue.

Now to the good stuff. They're fast. not as fast as my switches, but darn close. They're super responsive. If you adjust the strap with the back up, then drop the back and give it another click on each ratchet you can get them super tight and get great control. I also think they're easier to get into than the Flows two of my buddies ride with. This is thanks to the pivoting straps when you drop the high back. Another benefit over the flows is that they have a heel cup for extra stability. But all of this comes at the price of a little added weight. I also really like the fact that I can use them like traditional straps in deep powder if need be. I would recommend spending the money on the mid range CTS over the CTL though, the straps are definitely nicer.

I also wanted to note that I've been hitting the biggest jumps in the park (which aren't too big yet since it's early season still, maybe 30ft gaps) and haven't had any problems with the bindings when landing as others have mentioned. But those sound like they were from previous versions and K2 seems to have worked some kinks out this year. People have also complained about a metal tab that breaks, this has also been removed from the current model and I haven't had any problems with the bindings so far (I've been out on them about 10 times this year). Overall I'd recommend them if you're looking for a faster alternative to traditional straps. If I lived in the rockies though, I'd probably have saved a little money and stuck with traditional straps.

Review Date
October 18, 2007

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: swelch23 ,  Snowboarder

Price Paid:  $189.00 at TruSnow.com

Summary:
The K2 Cinch CTL binding helps speed up the process for convenience and comfort. The K2 Cinch CTL binding has a new Control Chassis for smooth flex without sacrificing response and stability. With Speed Ratchets, Caddy Ankle Straps and Universal Toe Straps, I got the performance of a conventional strap binding and the convenience of the K2 Cinch system all in one.

Customer Service:
TruSnow.com helped me find everything I needed. Nice shop in Clackamas Oregon

Similar Products Used:
I have used the Flow bindings but they suck and do not have the same feel as the K2 bindings do.

Review Date
September 13, 2007

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Reviewed by: Dave(Unregistered User) ,  Snowboarder

Price Paid:  $0.00 at Powder Tools / Steam

Summary:
I only have two trips of experience riding, but I bought the Cinch CTL bindings with my set-up last year. Thus far, I can't be happier. I'm halfway down the mountain while the other jokers are still strapping in. When I first started boarding, one of the only annoying things was strapping in before each run. Well, this bindings cured that annoyance. They are very easy to use, and I have not had any equipment malfunction issues. I would highly recommend these bindings.