“Not my first Rodeo (sorry). I’ve owned a pair of these modern classics in the past. They are a popular binding, you seem them a lot on the hill, and rightly so. They look great and do their job well. With a flex rating of 4 they’ve got a freestyle edge, with all mountain capabilities thrown in.

In your hand they are clearly sturdy, not overly light but not heavy either. They’ve got a neat nylon highback and a reassuring metal (maybe aluminum) heel cup. Upon strapping in, the large asymmetrical ankle strap is big, padded and comfortable, the toe strap locks you in without pinching. I dig the tool free strap adjusters, always a great feature when it works, and the Rodeo’s version works well. Decent highback adjustment too. Once in, your boot noticeably feels secure, maybe too secure as my boots got a bit stuck once you undid the straps, but no big deal – maybe I should have tried the XL.

“I’d normally be into a stiffer binding but I have to say I found the Rodeo to support where it was needed”

On the snow, they are – no doubt – a comfortable ride. I’d normally be into a stiffer binding but I have to say I found the Rodeo to support where it was needed; there is a solid spine in the highbacks that didn’t let me down on aggressive high speed turns, where you need the vertical support on your calves to focus energy into your edges. The Flex becomes apparent laterally, allowing greater body movement, butters, tweaks – it all become easier. Although if it is a responsive binding you are after there are better out there.

What they may lack in uber precision and responsiveness, the Rodeo makes good on its shock absorption. The base is excellent, it gives a natural stance on the board, and is made to take some serious abuse. Definitely facilitates a chiller ride, saving your knees, feet and energy reserves.

I only rode the 2020 model for a day, but i did own a pair of Rodeos in the past and they never failed on me, nothing broke or came loose, the ankle strap got a bit worn, but I was able to pass them on to a buddy who’s still riding in them.

It is hard to find fault in the 2020 Ride Rodeos, they do what they say and do it well. A great option for beginners through to experts, the Rodeo will stand up to all the mountain can offer.”