BURTON BINDINGS, FUSION

Snowboard Binding, Burton Snowboards

FUSION

The Fusion Binding was developed to address the major shortcomings of Step-In bindings, at the time, while still providing an Easy-in/Easy-Out interface.

One of the biggest weaknesses of the Step-in Bindings, was the lack of “Boot feel” through Medial-to-Lateral compliance that one gets with a traditional Strap Binding.

The other extremely important failing of Step-In Bindings was the “You’re either in or you’re out”, “Go/No-Go” retention system.

Also, the retention systems of Step-In Bindings, typically, required a large amount of force to securely engage the boot with the Binding.

It often required the user to “stomp” into the Binding, which may not have always been convenient on an icy slope or in deep snow.

Tools/Skills- Pro/E, Testing/Design of experiments, Data acquisition & analysis, Italy vendor management

The Fusion uses a ratcheting retention-system that requires an extremely low engagement force.

In addition the rider is fully-engaged, whether he or she is “one ratchet-click in”, or stomped all the way down to the Baseplate.

To exit the binding, the Release Lever is conveniently located on the medial side. Just lift the Lever, and pull your foot out. When the binding is exited in this manner, the Boot, along with the Sub-frame, is released from the Baseplate.

With the Sub-frame still strapped to the Boot the user can hike to the top of the pipe, or push through a flat section without releasing the Straps.

When the rider is ready to engage the Binding again, they just step right back in and they’re ready to go.

It was just crazy enough to work.