Baseplate

The big difference you’ll find underfoot is the Heel Pedal.As you step into the binding, this is what activates the highback to come out of its reclining state and lock into place. On the medial side of the binding, just by the ladder, you’ll find your easy-access release lever.

Otherwise, the Supermatic takes much of its DNA from the Nidecker Kaon-Plus. You’ll find the same mid-stiff, glass-filled nylon baseplate, and canted footbeds, albeit with Nidecker’s Slip-N-Grip Plate to reduce friction allowing your boot to slide in easier.

It’s 8 out of 10 flex isn’t wildly stiff, but it’s enough to channel rider input and deliver precision when you want it. This is backed up by the rockered baseplate, which puts pressure closer to the edges of your board, exactly where you need it.

“The important thing to remember here, is that while the Supermatic does have automated closure, it also functions as a regular two strap binding”

Straps and Highbacks

The important thing to remember here, is that while the Supermatic does have automated closure, it also functions as a regular two strap binding. So, if the terrain doesn’t allow for rear-entry or if DropIn Technology isn’t your cup of tea, then feel free to drink your coffee. The straps themselves will look familiar to fans of Flow Bindings, the Hybrid strap has a distinct toe and heel section, with a thinner section connecting the two.

The straps use a ‘Set it and Forget it’ mantra when in auto mode, just set your desired tightness the first time you use them, and there from then on out they’ll be exactly where you need them. Ah, but “how can I slide my boot in when the straps are tight?” we hear you ask, as the highback reclines, it uses Active-Strap technology to lift it up and out of the way, clearing some space for you to slot your boot into place.

“Look, let’s be real, this isn’t going to change the world, but for a lot of people this could be the difference between being able to go snowboarding or not”

Roundup

Look, let’s be real, this isn’t going to change the world, but for a lot of people this could be the difference between being able to go snowboarding or not. Nidecker don’t do anything by half measures, and they’ve taken the time to iron out all the flaws with the Supermatics. Sure, they’re not going to be for everyone but for riders who are looking for a powerful, responsive binding that they don’t have to faff about with getting in and out of, this might just be what you’re looking for.

So why get these instead of a competitor? Well, the fact that you have the security and secondary option of regular straps, they’re fully automated for quick and easy access, and they fit any boot on the market.

Pros:

• They bring an automated entry system that is hands and faff free
• Universal compatibility works with any soft boot on the market

Cons:

• Slightly pricier than other quick entry bindings and a marginally larger footprint

“So after years of development I finally got my hands on these new step in bindings from Nidecker. They share some similar tech with flows like the Hybrid strap system and the way the high back opens out the back for you to step in.

Unlike the flows, they’ve added a roller in the heel cup and slick patch on the footbed that makes it even easier to actually “step in” smoothly and means you can also run the bindings a little tighter for more response.

And perhaps most importantly, the floating heel locks the highback up into place when you step in so you don’t need to bend down at all to get in.

The whole system felt really intuitive straight off the bat and there was no real “knack” to get used to. I was able to genuinely set & forget the whole thing and pretty much able to roll straight off the lift and into the run without stopping to wait for the homies. I did wait, cause I’m not a knobhead, but if you wanted to show off your formula one speed changes and abandon the crew then you can with ease.”

“In the history of the company, we’ve never invested as much time or money on getting a production binding fully dialed in as we have for Supermatic. Every minute and cent we spent was worth it…the result is this concentration of technology that will allow you to automatically step-in, as fast as any other snowboard step-in – or as fast as your friends who ski – while keeping your favorite boot model and that two-strap feeling we all know and love. Supermatic is a true gamechanger for snowboarding, and we don’t use that word lightly. The revolution is on!”

Buy the Nidecker Supermatic: £405 at Blue Tomato UK 

Buy the Nidecker Supermatic: €450 at Blue Tomato EU