Method 16.2 Gear Guide

BOOTS AND BINDINGS LOOKBOOK 15/16

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There’s a lot of truth to the saying, “If your feet aren’t happy, you’re not happy.” When it comes to boarding, this might as well be the First Commandment. It doesn’t matter how epic the conditions might be, if your toes are getting mushed like a pre-teen standing front row at a sold out Slayer show, you’re going to be bummed. Or you’ve got boots that can’t keep those feet warm or have odd pressure points, you’ll be spending more time on your ass in the lodge than on the slope. And that’s just in reference to comfort. We get the “sacrifice to keep it easy and cheap” thing, trust us. But these days, there’s no need grind that hard. There are boots for every sort of performance, preference and lacing efficiency at all different price points. You just need to find the balance that suits you best.

The binding is the other half of the comfort equation. Like self-loathing and a pint of cheap whiskey, the boot and the binding are meant to work well together, and it’s imperative that they do. Though all proper bindings will keep you on that speed machine you’ve got, the way they perform and the terrain they are built to handle vary greatly. We know all you rippers can make it look good on whatever you got, but why make it harder than it needs to be? This is the year to get the support you need in the U-ditch or the flex you need to go full back-alley tweaker. Step into something just right, and remember, don’t be afraid to ask the dudes at your local shop! They can help you through the products contained in this lookbook and more. * RIDER: SCOTT STEVENS PHOTO : ANDY WRIGHT

Cover credits RIDER: HALLDÓR HELGASON PHOTO : DANIEL BERNSTÅL

BOOTS AND BINDINGS LOOKBOOK 15/16

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BRAND

MODEL

WEBSITE

adidas.com/snowboarding INFO This icon of innovation elevates the game with ground breaking BOOST Energy - Return Technology.

The BOOST™ foam midsole absorbs shock better than any foam-based cushioning in existence—transferring the energy back to your foot for a comfortable, dynamic ride. BOOST foam withstands repeated impact without packing out and resists the heat and cold to deliver the same performance no matter what. Dual Zone Speed Lacing lets you tighten the upper and lower boots independently, delivering a customized lockdown that’s fine tuned for your foot and riding style. The heat-moldable Ultralon foam wrap liner forms perfectly to the contours of your foot for comfort and responsiveness.

MODEL

WEBSITE

adidas.com/snowboarding INFO 45 years in the making - premium boot with iconic style of the Superstar.

Finally, the Adidas snowboard boot you’ve been waiting for.

The articulating cuff shell features separate upper and lower zones that flex easily together instead of bowing out, delivering a softer but more supportive flex and a better, more constant fit. The 3D molded rubber toecap is integrated with the outsole for a snow take on one of the most legendary shoes of all time. Channeling vintage court shoes, the Superstar’s removable powerstrap adds bonus style and ankle support.

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BRAND

MODEL

WEBSITE

burton.com INFO

Burton Ruler. From peak to park, no boot has elevated more riders with time-honored tech and performance.

For riders seeking Ion-level performance but lack the loot, its proven formula includes top tech like the new DynoGRIP outsole with B3 Gel that delivers cold-weather cushioning.

The new 3M™ Thinsulate™ Insulation in the liner and the added warmth of our Sleeping Bag heat-reflective foil defies arctic blasts and Total Comfort delivers a broken-in feel right out of the box.

MODEL

WEBSITE

burton.com INFO Ride with precision, roll with style.

The Reflective Funmetal style of the Ion LTD is not the only high end feature on this boot, because this special edition of the Burton Ion includes all the trademark features that have made this boot legendary. Proven Ion technologies such as Total Comfort and AutoCANT EST® cushioning deliver precise control and out-of-box bliss, while the Infinite Ride™ 4 liner equals seamless comfort and quicker response, plus flex and fit that stays consistent year after year.

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dcshoes.com/snow INFO Our flagship boot features a progressive, performance-focused, asymmetrical design engineered to maximize lateral power and drive while offering medial flex for full tweakability. Its asymmetrical outsole reduces toe and heel drag while DC’s exclusive Storm Flap eliminates snow build-up on the instep. A Black SE Liner and the micro-adjustability Focus Boa ensure pro-level comfort and response.

MODEL

WEBSITE

dcshoes.com/snow INFO Say hello to the new standard for freestyle performance in a traditional lace boot. The Mutiny goes far beyond basics, offering the proven comfort and performance of lace closure backed by the superior board feel of our lightweight Contact outsole.

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BRAND

INFO Inspired by one of Deeluxe’s first boots, the 9six celebrates our twentieth anniversary. This classic design offers a skate-like feel thanks to a blend of C3 and traditional lacing. Celebrate the past with a glimpse of the future. With a nod to Deeluxe’s heritage, this boot features a classic design and the latest in lacing technology. The D Lug outsole cushions and cradles your feet while its lugs act like suspension and dampen vibrations.

MODEL

WEBSITE

deeluxe.com

MODEL

INFO Make the entire mountain your playground with the Deemon Elias. Elias Elhardt’s debut signature boot features C3 lacing and Custom Flex construction for laying down lines and killing kickers. Throw down in comfort. Elias Elhardt’s signature boot is as versatile as it is dependable.

WEBSITE

deeluxe.com

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MODEL

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ridehead.com INFO The SIX BOA FOCUS is an all-mountain boot with a medium flex that is easy to ride yet responsive with a relaxed, forgiving forward lean for cruising comfort. The boot also benefits from the customizability of the zonal BOA Focus, a lightweight EVA Flylite outsole and the heat moldable Perfect Fit Custom liner.

MODEL ( W)

WEBSITE

ridehead.com INFO The FIVE WMN BOA, with its women’s specific ergonomics, is a comfortable, customizable, performance-oriented boot. Mid-range forward lean and forgiving flex pattern give the boot a relaxed yet responsive ride, enhanced by the customizability of the coil and IPS Boa, while the Wrap Straps and the heat moldable Perfect Fit Control liner make for a comfortable, snug fit.

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nitrousa.com INFO Exceeding the limits in every area is still the main focus for our team and for our Team Boot. This is the only choice for team riders Eero Ettala, Sven Thorgren, and Bryan Fox, its team-driven design and time-tested technology the perfect blend of response, comfort, and warmth for all-day boarding. This year we have made the boot even easier to get in and out of with our upgraded TLS 5 Twin Lacing System, while becoming even more comfortable with our improved Cloud 9 Liners with D3O Ž padding. Designed and tested in the field by some of the world’s best snowboarders, who demand only the best!

MODEL

WEBSITE

nitrousa.com INFO An affordable boot for real snowboarders offering the perfect blend of precision, strength, fit and warmth in a comfortable lightweight package. The New TLS 5 Twin Lacing System provides an unparalleled reliable foothold and fit, while the Flex Link Design, Cloud 6 Liner, and Dual Density Footbed offer continuous all day comfort, season after season. Step into a pair of Ventures and embrace true comfort.

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northwavesnow.com INFO The Decade SL (with our fast Lacing System) offers a softer flex patternfor dedicated freestyle riders. Built on the solid foundation of our double crossbow sole with extra flexibility and cushioning that will provide maximum protection on heavy impacts in the park. For heel stability and increased performance the Decade SL features our 540 heel retention system, which stabilizes the heel position improving stability and performance.

MODEL

WEBSITE

northwavesnow.com INFO The Legend SL is the outstanding combination of versatility, durability, flex and comfort. Our new Lightstep Sole not only delivers incredible traction power, it also offers a high degree of impact resistance. The Legend SL features our Super Lace (SL) that allows you to lace up quicker and adjusts both the upper and lower sections of the boot separately, ensuring the perfect fit time after time.Â

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MODEL

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romesnowboards.com INFO We take our key boot innovations and wrap them with rich, traditional materials for advanced technical performance that powers one bitchin-looking boot. The main boot choice of the team, the Libertine features a medium flex pattern for versatility to take your snowboarding wherever you want to go.

Rip turns, slash pow, tweak crails or butter knuckles.

MODEL

WEBSITE

romesnowboards.com INFO Insert foot for good times. Influenced by our higher end models from the past, the Smith combines a flexible profile, lacing power and solid traction to create a boot that will keep your feet super happy while running laps on your favorite trails or running laps through your favorite line in the park.

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MODEL

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thirtytwo.com INFO Year in and year out a team favorite for its fit, flex and durability. Designed to be the most versatile boot for any mountain with features to match. With a stiff flex, and a performance fit, lasting: Evolution Foam Outsole; Performance Backstay; 3D Molded Tongue; Internal Lacing System; Tongue Tension System; System G2 Gel and Articulated Cuff you can’t go wrong.

MODEL

WEBSITE

thirtytwo.com INFO 20 years ago it was the boot that started it all.

The PAS Lo-Cut is back retooled and revamped for today’s snowboarding. With a medium flex, fit for the team, which features: Aggressive Rubber Tread; 3D Molded Tongue; Fast Track Lacing System.

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MODEL

WEBSITE

vans.com/snow INFO

The Vans Hybrid BOA closure system allows the Implant to go anywhere on the hill.

Hybrid configuration gives tighter lacing potential with easy on the fly adjustment. To further customize this boot the Slide guide provides adjustable fit along the instep area for added comfort and heel hold. V-Cork footbed in the Implant offers duel density UltraCush construction twined with co-molded Cork/recycled EVA arch support.

MODEL

WEBSITE

vans.com/snow INFO For the true backcountry the Vans Sequal comes in at the top end of the flex rating with the ability to go from 6 to 8 by utilizing the removable tongue stiffeners. It couples this with the V-Hex sole unit which incorporates impact dampening in the heel and TPU arch support twined with V-cork footbed for the ultimate customization.

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burton.com INFO

The team’s favorite blends Burton’s top technologies with a freestyle focus.

Quickly becoming the go-to binding for the Burton team and beyond, the Malavita balances full wrap response around your boots with a mid-range flex that’s 100% focused on freestyle.

Features like the Heel Hammock, new Super Grip Capstrap™ and new Asym Hammockstrap™ dial in response to the on-snow la vida of riders like McMorris, Davis, and Hale.

MODEL

WEBSITE

burton.com INFO For feet that seek to send it. Kicked up response from the binding ripped by more pros. Period.

With the ultimate flex and feel of EST® you will experience a new era in pro-caliber control. The Hinge activates medial and lateral flex for fatigue smoother feel and easier ollies, while AutoCANT cushioning equals anatomic comfort. And now you’ll be the first to drop in with the rapid ratcheting of Double Take Buckles.

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MODEL

INFO The Fifty, with our Delta Light baseplate and its blend of the highest-grade aluminum and fiber-reinforced nylon available, will provide a dramatic increase in board feel and dampening. Our Mach 5 aluminum ratchets blow away the competition by sliding 5 clicks for every single crank. We also updated our Premium MFC ankle straps with new internal padding to provide extra flex for when you want to tweak those grabs.

WEBSITE

northwavesnow.com

MODEL

INFO The Reload is our freestyle focused powerhouse. Streamlined components drastically reduce weight, but it is still more than robust enough for the hardest impact. With a tool-less setup, it’s the top pick from our pro team. The new spade highback offers a great torsional flex, making it extra responsive for when you need it. Our newly injected toe strap will last longer and offer increased comfort.

WEBSITE

northwavesnow.com

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BRAND

MODEL (W)

WEBSITE

gnu.com

INFO

Kaitlyn Farrington´s model of choice! The B-Free binding is for all mountain and park riders who want the latest in speed entry technology and an ultra lightweight binding with ample dampening and custom fit features. It has and Asymmetric Highback with extra support and response.

Quick Reference Scale: - Stiff Flex - Aggressive - Steeps

MODEL

WEBSITE

gnu.com

INFO

Freedom of Choice!

The Freedom is an all around to aggressive speed entry binding you can take all over the mountain. The new toe strap micro buckle allows you to adjust tension on your toe strap quickly and exit or enter the binding in traditional mode if preferred due to challenging terrain or bottomless pow pow.

The combination of Asymmetric straps and highbacks with the responsive aluminum baseplate create an aggressive binding with options.

Quick Reference Scale: - Medium Flex - All around response - All mountain

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BRAND

WEBSITE ridehead.com

MODEL

INFO

The NX THREE is an all-mountain binding for all riders and features Head’s brand new PU Softback for a surfy, freestyle ride. The NX THREE baseplate is a little more forgiving than that of the NX FIVE DF and with the added freedom that the PU Softback delivers this is the perfect binding on which to shred the pow or tweak out those new school tricks.

MODEL

WEBSITE

ridehead.com

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INFO

The NX FAY I is a hassle-free, easy-riding women´s binding for the progression of snowboarding. Everything about the binding screams accessibility, from its tool-free adjustable straps and forward lean to the subtle yet reactive flex of the all-terrain glass-reinforced baseplate and Auto Open Toe Straps.

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BRAND

MODEL

WEBSITE

nitrousa.com

INFO

The Team is designed to be our most versatile all-terrain performance binding. The new Asym Jet Highback combined with the new Stealth AIR Baseplate delivers a perfect blend of support, response and flex for straight-line descents to hot laps in the park in comfort.

The 2x4 Mini Disc system provides you with the most natural board flex and ride you have ever experienced!

MODEL

WEBSITE

nitrousa.com

INFO

Designed to provide the comforts of air without sacrificing the support and flex of this skate-like binding.

The new Stealth Open AIR Baseplate provides a medium flex and incorporates our 2x4 Mini Disc, providing the ultimate in true board feel and flex. The new Asym Zero Highback provides the perfect blend of freestyle flex and landing support for stomping any trick in and out of the park. Snowboarding has never felt so comfortable.

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MODEL

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romesnowboards.com INFO For years, the 390 Boss has been the go-to binding for team riders, Rome employees, regional flow kids and friends of the SDS. That’s probably because it lays down an all-around flex pattern, a heavy load of customization features and the best straps money can buy. Enough power for laying into a deep pow slash or popping the lip of a jump. Enough tweak for styling out a crail or locking into a front board.

MODEL

WEBSITE

romesnowboards.com INFO The result of years of product design creativity, the Katana proves that Customization Matters. In its sleek, lightweight package, we’ve loaded up on innovative ideas for customizing your interface to match your unique way of snowboarding. No other binding comes close. Features like the PivotMount Technology and the Stage 2 evolutions of our UnderWrap and V-Rod concepts create a flexible and powerful feel that delivers a very low number on the weight scale in our design lab. With so much ability to customize flex and pop, this binding rips everything from big summits in the French Alps to park laps in Minnesota.

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BRAND

WEBSITE

switchbackbindings.com MODEL

INFO Halldor puts his equipment to the ultimate test, so he needed a binding that could handle it all. He tuned his bindings with Wrapbacks for optimum flex and control, put the plumply padded Jib Pads underfoot to suck up icy, flat landings and the Eames straps for their molding properties and powerful feel. To top it all off, the paint splatter camo and orange matches his pro model Lobster board!

WEBSITE

switchbackbindings.com MODEL

INFO Our All Mountain Combo is the most responsive binding in the line. We put the C Pads over the baseplate for maximum response and improved ergonomics. The Eames Strap provides a locked and loaded feel for high speeds and aggressive riding with a boot-cupping comfortable fit. We also include Noback inserts for those pow days when the surf ’s up.

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BRAND

WEBSITE

unionbindingcompany.com MODEL

INFO The Ultra showcases the full arsenal of Union technology. The MD baseplate is designed to minimize dead spots between the binding-to-board contact, allowing your board to flex naturally.

The Forged Carbon highback provides strength and response while the all-new Vaporlite 2.0 bushing gives the binding superior dampening characteristics.

Sonicfused ankle straps and multi positional UltraGrip toe straps keep your boot firmly and comfortably in place all day. Available in white/black and green/black.

WEBSITE

unionbindingcompany.com MODEL

INFO The Atlas has returned to the Union line up with a whole new aesthetic and performance-driven, all-mountain design. The Duraflex ST baseplate with canted gas pedals supplies extra leverage for ollies and allows ankle and knee joints to be aligned, alleviating pain. Super lightweight and streamlined highback design with multilayer EVA padding. Sonicfused ankle straps and UltraGrip toe straps to maximize performance. Available in red, black and asadachi.

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BRAND

MODEL

WEBSITE

volkl-snowboards.com

INFO

The classic 2-strap version!

Premium aluminum buckles provide great hold, with fast, simple handling. The aluminum baseplate and the ultra-light Freestyle Straps not only reduce the weight of the bindings but also provide direct power transmission.

The asymmetrical highback, with medium flex, supports the board feeling in all terrains. An EVA footbed with specific Anti-Shock Pads also absorbs icy landings.

MODEL

WEBSITE

volkl-snowboards.com

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INFO

This binding is our riders’ first choice as it is one of the lightest bindings on the market. The asymmetric Pro-Highback with its soft flex enables stylish tweaks, while the stiff aluminum baseplate delivers control and direct power transmission. The fully cushioned EVA footbed with canting and soft gel inlays under the heels delivers a perfect rider position and sucks up hard landings.

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AVAILABLE NOW

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GLOW IN THE DARK Turn off the lights and discover our new glow in the dark binding parts.

Design your own at switchbackbindings.com

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