Binding Tech 2013?

Blindside_137 · Posted: Dec 18, 2012 2:50 pm Post subject: Binding Tech 2013?

So I ran some errands today and decided to stop by the only shop I know of in the area, Overtons, to see if they had any of the new 2013 gear. I'm specifically interested in the new Hyperlite Life Vests.

They didn't have what I was looking for but they did have the new high end 2013 Ronix Bindings (Code, Parks, One, Frank) and they seemed pretty freaking nice, along with the 3 new Ronix one boards.

I'm now really interested in the new Ronix One Boots, although they did seem really stiff (more stiff than I remember my 08 Ones were new out of the box). How far have these Ronix bindings progressed since 08? Are they worth the hefty 449 price tag?

IMO no, but comparing my bindings to my first setup from 03, the 08 Ronix boots seems light years ahead of the blindside bindings. Are the 2013's really that much better than my 08's? Anyone with 2012 or 2013 bindings want to chime in?

Here's what I'm thinking of getting

And possibly grabbing a Harley board. But I love my current setup to death (08 Ronix one bindings and 09 LF Watson board) but I think I'm ready to try something new sometime soon.

Thoughts?

GnarShredd · Posted: Dec 19, 2012 6:37 am Post subject:

The only thing I won't buy brand new are boots. For some reason they're just getting ridiculously expensive to buy new. Anything made in the last few years work just fine and are comfortable. I don't have '12 or '13 ronix boots but I got to check them out a bit. They do look amazing and are probably some of the best on the market but don't justify the price to me since you can get unused '10 or '11's for a good enough discount to outweigh the minimal advances of the bindings over the past year or two.

I will say that the difference to me between my '08 Ronix Reliks (purchased in early 2010) and my '10 Ronix Kai's (purchased just this year) are night and day in terms of fit but both were a great pair of bindings at the time they came out and neither had any major issues. As long as they're super comfy and offer the stiffness you like then I don't see the point in dropping that much for the latest year model.

Bottom-line is though that it really comes down to preference. Ronix boots are made very well from my experience and if they're comfy and still fit you, there's no need to spring for the latest and greatest every season. It seems there is much more variation in board tech/shapes over the years so I'd rather dump my money in to trying out a new shape or flex I think I'll like vs. brand new boots. Although if I had cash like that to throw around every season I'd pick up the new Ronix boots as soon as they came out!

Blindside_137 · Posted: Dec 19, 2012 3:17 pm Post subject:

Thanks a lot for your input!

I agree completely with you I just can't believe how much boots are these days. I have always bought gear the fall it goes on sale in order to save 100 bucks on a board or bindings, so I wouldn't be getting these until they go on sale next September or so (I do have a 20% off my next purchase at Evo.com though so I could use that whenever I want and get a new setup this summer for an on sale price)

But your comments on the 08 Ronix Reliks vs the 2010 Kai's makes me very interested in the upgrade. I certainly have time to think it over.

GnarShredd · Posted: Dec 20, 2012 6:10 am Post subject:

Blindside_137, I say go for it. You'll definitely see a difference between the '08 and '12/'13 and it's probably time for an upgrade anyway. I generally try to ride stuff until it breaks but there's a point where you just have to catch up with the new tech!

mgs917 · Addict Joined: 17 Sep 2008 Posts: 532 City: Spartanburg

Do the 08's have the the newer baseplate? I think it came out in 08 or 09. To me that is one of the best features of the Ronix bindings. I would personally go on evo or ebay and get last years model for 250 and save the extra 200 dollars.

Blindside_137 · Posted: Dec 20, 2012 2:31 pm Post subject:

GnarShredd I think I will

because mgs917 08 is the last year they had the fat baseplate and I've been noticing that when I lean onto my toes or heels that there is a lot (well not a lot but definitely a noticeable amount) of lift where the heel or toe of the binding lifts and comes off the board. The contact surface has weakened and warped over time I guess.

I think what I may do is wait until the '13 gear is on sale or see how my bank account is looking come spring. I may just get the new setup around my birthday in April.

Thanks for talking to into it everybody lol