Binding Review: 08-09 K2 Cinch Vette

Location: Loveland, Colorado

Snow Conditions: Snowing with hardpacked groomers to icy groomers to fresh snow on the runs.

Setup: I rode the k2 Cinch Vette on the K2 Believer with my Vans Omni Focus size 8.

Time to set up the binding: Average time

Fit: In the width of the binding, it fit my boots just fine. I probably would have pulled out the toe ramp to be more aligned with my boots but it was a demo day when I rode them.

First Impression: Cinches are fun to ride because you get two ways to strap in. Do I need two ways, probably not but I won’t be disappointed with two ways either.

Appearance: It’s a bit too girly for me, pink and white with flowers. Reminds me of a wedding cake and I’m not a fan of wedding cakes.

Comfort: Plush binding, a comfortable ankle strap that I hardly notice when riding. Padding in the heel and toe of the baseplate to absorb bumps when riding. Toe strap was decent.

Functionality: The point of the cinch is to be functional, easier to get in and out. I see the demand for cinch bindings, I think they finally have them dialed and are getting better with them being a lighter weight. The good thing for me is still having the straps just in case, when I was demoing them I had the highback tighter than I would have liked and no matter how hard I pulled on the cable to unlatch…it didn’t, so I had to use the straps to get out which was fine by me.

Flex: Stiffer highback with a softer lateral flex, I wasn’t sure about the combo with the believer and how the bindings would do. But it held up and wasn’t too underpowered for the board.

Response: Offered up a good response when riding, not overly responsive and not like a cadillac. A good binding for a mixture of riding, whether groomers or powder turns.

Toe Strap: The universal toe strap can be rocked as regular or toe cap. I rocked it as regular and it felt a little bulky so I switched it up to cap and it felt a lot better as cap during those runs. I like the toe strap on the virtue and agogo with the hole, I definitely felt this binding could have benefited from that toe strap.

Overall Impression: I wasn’t blown away, but I wasn’t disappointed. The binding did it’s job, of being easy in and comfortable. I see room for improvements but at the same time, the price totally makes it a good binding to progress with. I didn’t find it too much of a binding that would make it for a higher skill level but a very progressing binding.

Shay’s Honesty Box: I had an issue with the cinch when I was getting out of the bindings, once cranked in I was fine but definitely had to put more force into getting out. That’s something that you can dial in better and it was a demo, so less time to do that. It was the only time I’ve had to use the regular straps to get out of the binding, but I was glad they were there.

On Snow Photos

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K2 Cinch Vette Description

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