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Bataleon Blaster 2022-2023 Snowboard Bindings Review

Tested and selected for our top 100 snowboard products of the year: the Bataleon Blaster

  • Price: FULLWRAP: £290 / €330 / $330 ASYMWRAP: £290 / €330 / $330
  • Sizes: FULLWRAP – S, M/L, L/XL ASYM WRAP – M/L, L/XL
  • Flex: FULLWRAP: 7/10 ASYMWRAP: 6/10
  • Entry System: Classic

Why We Chose The Bataleon Blaster: It’s a fresh slimline design with a fun flex and some even funner colourways

The world of binding design can seem a bit serious at times. Smart and functional, sure, but stern – like a new Audi. Bataleon’s young binding range has brought some welcome sunshine in, combining similar levels of functionality with a little more personality that’s sure to appeal to riders who like to express themselves in the park. The Bataleon Blaster is a case in point: it’s got Star Wars looks (and a Star Wars name, come to think of it) matched by no-nonsense freestyle performance.

“The Blaster is sure to appeal to riders who like to express themselves in the park”

Who Is The Bataleon Blaster For?

The mellow flexing highback makes this a great candidate for riders of any level who prioritise a comfortable ride and the chance to style their tricks like Ethan Morgan.

MORE INFO:
BATALEONSNOWBOARDS.COM

 

Baseplate

The Blaster’s two-part chassis consists of a nylon base with an aluminium heelhoop. As with the Bataleon Astro and Bataleon Chaos, the plastic footprint has been minimised to promote natural board feel. Rubber cushioning protects your topsheet and smooths any bad vibes, while a squishy footpad takes care of heavier impacts. Though the Blaster is of course available in different sizes, you can also fine-tune the footbed’s fit to match the sole of your boot.

Riders who like to feel truly ‘inside’ their binding and enjoy pure edge-to-edge response should opt for the Fullwrap version of the Blaster. This one sees the aluminium frame connected to the base at four points, with full length sides which beef up both support and response. On the flipside, the Asymwrap chassis is shorter on the outside edge; it allows you to flex laterally a little more for a more skate-like feel that’s perfect for technical rail tricks or boned out airs.

“The Asymwrap chassis has a more skate-like feel that’s perfect for technical rail tricks or boned out airs”

Straps and Highbacks

The Blaster’s highback is a minimalist affair that borders on the spartan. Even without a load of holes through it, this thing weighs very little and offers bags of torsional flex. Even entry level riders should find it comfortable enough for a whole day in the saddle, and it won’t put them straight on their ass if their carving technique is a little sloppy; freestyle riders will find the same lateral forgiveness helps them press and poke their way over every feature in the park. Tools-free forward lean adjustment does exactly what it says on the tin.

We absolutely love the graphics Bataleon have added to this highback, especially the neon orange and green colourways available on the Asym version. They really make a statement – as the brand’s tagline says: smile, it’s snowboarding!

The Transfer ankle strap is a little more basic than the line-leading Infinity design found on the Astro and Atom. Nevertheless, we didn’t experience any foot pain. It’s a low profile, lightweight construction, pre-curved to fit your boot and durable enough to withstand sub-zero temps. Like the highback, it’s got a decent amount of flex built in, and you can mount it lower down using Bataleon’s innovative Kink Ladders to free up even more movement in your boot. Alternatively, the system can be set higher up across the foot to keep you fully locked in when railing turns. Whichever position you choose, the strap will fall open naturally when you undo it to make the process of getting in and out a little faster.

At the front, they’ve treated you to their high end Infinity toe strap, featuring AuxTech. When you tighten it down, a series of hinged cells allow it to spread evenly over your boot. And speaking of tightening, the Blaster’s aluminium buckles deliver a smooth, efficient action every time. Should you damage or break a ladder (and despite what anyone might tell you, this can happen to even the best bindings) Bataleon have had the foresight to include a set of extras. They call this ‘Never Miss a Day’, and it’s a great touch, especially for anyone hesitant to switch to a smaller binding brand in case spares are harder to come by.

“The graphics really make a statement – as the brand’s tagline says: smile, it’s snowboarding!”

Roundup

If the freestyle-friendly combo of a responsive base and softer highback does it for you, then take a look at this model from Bataleon. It’s a function-first design that largely gets out of the way and lets you focus on your riding, but at the same time it manages the difficult job of making bindings look exciting. And with echoes of both Rome and Switchback in the construction, you can rest assured it’ll last the distance. As a certain space smuggler once put it, hokey religions and ancient weapons are no match for a good Blaster…

Pros:

  • Freestyle friendly flex
  • Two chassis options

Cons:

  • Bright colourways only available in Asymwrap version
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Tester’s Verdict 2022/23

Coming soon…

Trade Secrets

Rubby Kiebert – Sales Director, Bataleon

“Bataleon bindings are designed to enhance the already outstanding characteristics of 3BT. The wrap chassis system creates a point of leverage under your toes making it easier to get on edge and more stable once you’re locked in. This paired with super comfortable and adjustable straps make these the perfect bindings for a full day on the mountain. The Blasters are built for advanced and expert freestyle riders. Creative director Danny Kiebert has designed all of our bindings to match certain boards in the line. The neon green Blasters are a perfect match with the Cruiser and Party Wave Twin while the orange goes great with the Goliath.”

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