The innovation we’ve seen in the binding industry over the last few years is unprecedented, we’d actually argue that the binding industry has never been in better shape, and it’s thanks to concepts like Clickers. They might not be your cup of tea, but it’s clear to see the constant barrage of new products and technologies has forced brands to up their game across the board.

“Regardless of your stance on quick entry bindings, there’s no denying the fact that K2 are experts when it comes to all things snowboarding”

Regardless of your stance on quick entry bindings, there’s no denying the fact that K2 are experts when it comes to all things snowboarding. With decades of experience and know how, a class beating R&D team, ambassadors and riders at the very top of their game, and a world class production facility, K2 are confident in their ability to produce “the most progressive, highest performing, and most comfortable boot-to-binding interface on the market”.

Just like your traditional bindings, the K2 Clicker X HB’s work by securing the toe and heel of the boot, allowing you to engage the edges of the snowboard. Instead of using strap components and potentially creating pressure points over the top of the foot, 6061-T6 Aluminium mounts sit in the baseplate and connect to the sole of the boot. Slide your toes in first, the cleat under the ball of your foot will hook into the mount, and then push down in the heel for the second part to engage. Simples.

“The real leap in innovation and public curiosity surrounding the K2 Clicker X HB comes down to the quick entry/exit that they bring to the table”

The real leap in innovation and public curiosity surrounding the K2 Clicker X HB comes down to the quick entry/exit that they bring to the table. Where they differ from the direct competition is that they can be locked when engaged, the release lever sits on the medial side of the binding and features a twist-lock mechanism to ensure that it won’t disengage accidentally as you’re riding. The idea of a foot unclipping as you’re hooning it mach 10 down an icy piste is probably one of the reasons many people turn their nose up at these speedy bindings, but this locking system from K2 is not to be sniffed at and goes a long way towards assuaging worries.

The highbacks are a new addition for this Clicker evolution, and they’re shaped slightly differently for the men’s and women’s versions, although both feature a cut-out midsection to allow for some lateral flex, but more importantly to allow the heel of your boot to slide through when you’re getting in and out of the binding. They’re also forward lean adjustable, with the two twist cubes on each foot allowing you to dial in your preferences, without the need for a specific tool.

“They’re shaped slightly differently for the men’s and women’s versions, although both feature a cut-out midsection to allow for some lateral flex”

Having to end a day on the hill early, or spending the next week walking like John Wayne isn’t anybody’s idea of a good time, comfort is king, and it starts from the ground up. K2 use a canted chassis on their Clicker X HB range, angling the binding 3 degrees inwards to allow your boot to sit in the footbed in a more natural position. This creates a knock-on effect, not only allowing your ankles, knees and hips to align, but also boosts power to your ollies and presses. There’s no magic solution or a one size fits all remedy for alleviating pain on the hill but riding with a canted binding really does make the world of difference to a lot of people.

So, are K2 Clicker X HB’s the next step in snowboarding? Possibly, but variety is the spice of life and you’re never gonna get a full consensus with divisive issues like these. Quick entry bindings aren’t for everybody and our guess is they won’t ever really become the norm. That point aside, there are a bunch of people who could benefit from them and Clickers already have a legion of staunch advocates who swear by them.

Whether you sampled Clicker back in the day or this is your first speedy rodeo, K2 Clicker X HB’s are here to shake things up. You never know until you try, right?