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Bindings

Ride Capo 2017-2018 Snowboard Bindings Review

  • Price: £255 / €290
  • Sizes: M, L, XL
  • Flex: 7
  • Entry System: Classic
  • ridesnowboards.com

The two-strap system continues to reign supreme – for now, at least – so where snowboard bindings differ the most is in the materials used. The Ride Capo snowboard binding is based around an aircraft-grade aluminium chassis that, as you might imagine, is absolutely bomb-proof.

“The Ride Capo is based around an aircraft-grade aluminium chassis”

It’s not just about strength, though. The heelcup extends out to the front of the feet, meaning edge-to-edge response is as fast as anyone could ever need it to be. The whole thing is nice and lightweight too, and can be fine-tuned to sit perfectly with your boot.

It’s not tool-free, but once you’ve screwed everything in place just how you like it the Ride Capo will feel like an extension of your body. The metal used is also 50% recycled, which is a nice touch, and the ratchets and buckles are also made from aluminium for a further weight saving.

The biggest change to the Ride Capo for 2017/18 is the highback, which has been cored out a lot more to reduce weight. It’s no less supportive or responsive, however, and according to Ride is now actually marginally stiffer.

“There’s plenty of shock-absorbing urethane in the baseplate to help minimise foot pain”

The ankle strap is relatively chunky, so there’s lots of support and cushioning on hand, and the neoprene outer layer gives you a solid grip. Meanwhile the toe strap is almost impossibly light, with a webbed structure that can’t fail to have the best possible fit with any boot – whether you like to wear it over the top, or right on your toes.

The Ride Capo is designed to be thrashed, but it’s not enough just to be strong. When dealing with the big, gnarly impacts of park riding, or the constant vibrations of big-mountain charging, it needs to have the ability to minimise foot pain. Fortunately there’s plenty of shock-absorbing urethane in the baseplate, which is the same stuff Ride put in their snowboard’s sidewalls to minimise damage.

The stiffness and response will suit relatively accomplished riders rather than beginners, so those not afraid to take risks on the mountain would do well to put their trust in the Ride Capo.

Tester’s Verdict

Andrew Duthie – whitelines.com

“I’ve always liked Ride bindings, but never loved them – until I tried the new Capo, that is. This really is an excellent piece of kit; well-balanced and clearly indestructible.

When you want to charge, this is always up to the task, and the canted footbeds really do make a difference. Dampening is all good too, so there’s really nowhere that the Capo comes up short when you’re pointing it.

“This really is an excellent piece of kit; well-balanced and clearly indestructible”

It’s less good when you want to butter, but it’s not out of the question in the way that it can be with many a stiff binder. While the highback is fairly stiff, it’s so narrow at the top that your legs don’t feel too trapped.

Speaking of the highback, the one on last year’s Capo looked like the bastard lovechild of Dennis the Menace’s catapult and Kanye West’s sunglasses, so this year’s is a massive improvement. I like its unique shape; you get all the response you need, with zero excess bulk or weight.

I was a big fan of this one, and unless you’re a true jib fiend then you’ll probably get on well with the Capo too.”

Trade Secrets

Tanner McCarty – Marketing Manager, Ride

The Capo has been the go-to binding for riders like Jake Welch and Beau Bishop, who are looking for true response.

It’s designed with performance in mind, with an aluminum chassis and cored-out nylon highback that will perform anywhere – from steeps to park jumps.

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