Battle of the Step-In’s: Which Snowboard Bindings Are Right for You?

Step-in bindings are no longer the clunky experiments of the past. In 2025/26, they’ve gone fully mainstream, and honestly — they rip. No more sitting down in the snow fiddling with straps while your mates snake the line. The step-in revolution is real, and three big players are leading the charge:

1. Burton Step On (Union Atlas Step On)

2. FASE (Bataleon, Rome, Jones & ThirtyTwo)

3. Nidecker Supermatic

All three have their place, all three are sick, but they’re not one-size-fits-all. Let’s break it down so you can figure out which system fits your riding style.

Burton Step On / Union Atlas Step On

The Step On system has been around the longest, so it’s got the most testing, the most refinement, and a die-hard following. The Union Atlas Step On takes Burton’s proven system and gives it Union’s freeride DNA.

• Pros:

  • Fastest entry/exit system out there — click in, ride out.

  • Super secure heel-to-toe connection.

  • Loads of boot/binding compatibility now compared to early years.

  • Union’s Atlas heritage = stiff, responsive, freeride-ready.

• Cons:

  • You’re locked into specific boots. If you love your current boots, you’ll have to swap.

  • More rigid feel — freestyle riders sometimes prefer a looser, surfier vibe.

Best for: Riders who want zero-faff speed and all-mountain response, especially freeriders and those chasing performance at every turn.

FASE – The New Kid with Big Backing

FASE isn’t just one brand’s experiment — it’s a new step-in concept that’s being adopted by heavy hitters like Bataleon, Rome, Jones, and ThirtyTwo. That’s a lot of street cred straight out the gate.

• Pros:

  • More brands = more boot/binding choice.

  • Built with freestyle in mind — designed to feel closer to traditional strap bindings.

  • Huge momentum going into this season, so expect limited stock worldwide.

• Cons:

  • Availability can be patchy as brands ramp up production ORDER asap.

   

Best for: Riders who want step-in convenience but don’t want to give up the playful, tweakable vibe of strap bindings. Park rats and all-mountain cruisers, keep an eye on this one.

Nidecker Supermatic – The Full Auto

The Supermatic system from Nidecker feels like the holy grail for a lot of riders — step in when you want, but still use traditional straps if needed. Think of it as the halfway house between old-school and future-tech.

• Pros:

  • Universal boot compatibility — ride whatever boots you want.

  • Step-in or strap-in, your choice.

  • Solid build, designed for everyday riders.

• Cons:

  • Heavier than other systems.

  • Entry isn’t always as lightning fast as Step On — takes a bit of practice.

Best for: Riders who don’t want to commit to a boot system, but still want step-in speed. A killer option if you’ve got boots you love and don’t want to swap them out.

So… Which Step-In Binding Should You Choose?

Honestly? None of them are “better” — it’s about what kind of rider you are:

• If you want instant entry, stiff response, and you don’t mind changing boots → go Union Atlas Step On.

• If you want freestyle/All Mountain freedom with step-in speed → FASE is the winner.

• If you want step-in flexibility without changing your boots → the Nidecker Supermatic has your back.

At the end of the day, the step-in binding game is stronger than ever. No matter which route you take, the days of cold hands and sitting in the snow are behind you.

Final Word from S2AS

We’ve been Rider Run-Rider Owned since 2002, and we test this gear ourselves. Step-in bindings aren’t just hype anymore — they’re the future, and each system offers something unique. If you’re unsure which setup suits your riding, hit us up at S2AS (Surface 2 Air Sports) - 01202 738448. We’ll talk you through it rider-to-rider and make sure you’re locked into the right choice.

Step-In Binding Comparison Table

Need more info or thinking of getting a pair of new Step in Bindings, give us a call on 01202 738448 and we will work out the right choice for your riding style and Snowboard.