Why We Chose The Nidecker Carbon Supermatic: With this stunning carbon makeover, Nidecker has added serious high performance to its bestselling speed entry system.

OK, it was inevitable – Supermatic has been given the carbon treatment. Because if there’s one thing the snowboard industry loves more than speed entry, it’s carbon fibre. And to be fair, Nidecker’s latest binding will stoke out a lot of riders, taking the convenience of rapid entry and injecting it with a hefty dose of tech – not to mention some Batman looks. For those who’ve been holding out on the speed entry revolution due to concerns about stiffness or response, your wait is over.

“The Carbon Supermatic’s new highback is a work of art”

Who Are The Nidecker Carbon Supermatic For?

The Carbon Supermatic is aimed squarely at experienced, aggressive riders who demand maximum control and response from their setup. If you rip down every trail in the resort, hit big mountain lines and need a binding that can keep up – all while appreciating the convenience of speed entry – this is your holy grail. For sure, it’s overkill for park rats and beginners, but for chargers with deep enough pockets, it’s a tantalising glimpse into the future of binding tech.

Baseplate

Underfoot, the Carbon Supermatic retains the proven baseplate design of Nidecker’s original Supermatic. Constructed from fibreglass-infused nylon, it boasts a stiff flex that feels reassuringly powerful from edge to edge. The whole design has a wider (and slightly heavier) footprint than traditional bindings to accommodate the speed entry mechanism, a trade-off most riders will gladly accept for the added convenience.

The ‘Drop IN’ tech magic behind the Supermatic system remains unchanged. Step in through the reclining highback, press down on the heel pedal, and watch as the highback automatically snaps into place in the blink of an eye. It’s still as satisfying to use as ever, and the solid construction (including a clever locking mechanism worthy of a Swiss watch) inspires confidence that it’ll hold up to seasons of abuse. Exiting is a matter of pressing the release lever on the inside of your foot and lifting up – easy enough, although its location on the opposite side to your buckles takes a little getting used to.

“Carbon Supermatic blends the convenience of speed entry with the performance needs of more advanced riders”

Straps and Highbacks

The Carbon Supermatic’s new highback is a work of art, incorporating carbon fibre into every element – including an eye-catching forward lean adjuster that could have floated in from space. One small gripe here: setting your lean requires a tool – worth noting if you’re the type to tinker with your setup regularly. The end result of all that carbon is a seriously stiff flex that you’ll notice right away, with near instantaneous control on your heel edge.

“For chargers with deep enough pockets, it’s a tantalising glimpse into the future of binding tech”

The ankle strap has also received a significant upgrade. It’s more streamlined than the one on the standard Supermatic, with a Lycra coating to make it easier to slip your foot straight in. The toe strap retains the AuxTech design found on the original and hugs the end of your boot nicely. Both straps are connected via a hybrid layout, essentially maintaining that familiar two-strap feel while keeping the straps in place for rapid entry and exit.

A small but important upgrade comes in the form of the LSR 2.0 buckles. Previously you had to push a button on the lever to set your preferred tension, but the new ones make use of a clever ladder to automatically lock the buckle in place (in both directions) as soon as you stop cranking. In short, there’s less fiddling. The lever itself is also made from a lightweight carbon-composite, because… carbon.

Roundup

The Nidecker Carbon Supermatic seamlessly blends the convenience of speed entry with the performance needs of more advanced riders. If instant power transfer and supreme edge control are your bag – but you’re done with strapping in at the top of the lift – this is the binding for you.

For a lot of riders, that stiff flex (not to mention the hefty price tag) will be too much. But we’re willing to bet that the Carbon Supermatic’s stealth looks alone will convince just as many others to say “Shut up and take my money.”

Pros:

• Lightning-fast entry combined with premium reponse
• New highback looks cool as f**k
• Upgraded buckles for easier on-the-fly adjustments

Cons:

• Carbon = expensive
• Too stiff for most park and freestyle-oriented riders

“Not going to lie, first impression was why go through all this hassle. But once I figured out and got used to how the bindings worked, I really rated them and honestly think I’ll need to invest in a pair and so should you if you like comfort, precision and the idea of not having to bend down to strap in every time. However, the stiffness might be a bit too much for what I’m looking for, so for a everyday rider like myself, I think the OG Nidecker Supermatic’s might be a better choise.

10/10”