The Details:

Rear-entry bindings never took off in the way that some predicted when they first appeared, but they still have their patrons and remain a good option for beginners. The less time you have to spend faffing with straps, the more time you’ve got to shred. Obviously that’s not much use if the system doesn’t offer the required support, but you won’t have that problem with the K2 Cinch CTS.

First off, it’s got a combo system which means you can use the rear-entry system or regular two-strap access – you can even change it up from run to run if you wish.

Should you choose the former, it’s as easy as pulling down on the loop to release the pressure, then folding the highback down to place your foot in. once you’re in position, pull the loop up again to secure the highback, and you’re away.

The CTS sits in the middle of K2’s Cinch range, between the high-end CTX and the entry-level CTC. It’s an all-rounder that can turn its hand to anything, so isn’t just for newbies.

First-timers will get on well with it, though, and it’ll see them well past the basics.