Location: Mission Ridge, WA
Snow Conditions: Softpacked groomers to fresh snow on the mountain.
Setup: I rode the K2 Formula Bindings on the Lib Tech Attack Banana with my Vans Ferra Boots size 8.
Time to set up the binding: These were pretty quick to set up and get going. I was able to step into them and only make adjustments to the straps to fine tune them.
Fit: I rocked the Formula’s in the medium sizing which worked for my size 8 women’s boots. The boot felt good with the sizing and once the straps were adjusted, they were a good fit.
First Impression: I can see why the Formula’s are such a popular binding from K2. Consistent, comfortable and all-around handling.
Appearance: I tried the K2 Formula bindings in the red colorway which have a red baseplate with some designs on them and black straps. Pretty simple in the design and color choices.
Comfort: The Formula’s definitely have comfort under lock. The straps are really padded and mold well to the boot. The canted footbed helps align the body to make for a more comfortable ride.
Functionality: The K2 Formula bindings are designed to be a clean traditional two-strap binding stacked with a time and team proven technical feature set. The features include a pro-fusion GF chassis, rocklock highback, custom caddi ankle strap, hinge mount and new cam lock centering, EZ set toe strap. The ratchets are new mega racdchet, EZ feed. The disc is multi-compatible and offet dics. The footbed is a canted seamless EVA. For functionality, I like the quick adjust features that come on the K2 Formula bindings.
Flex: The Formula’s were a good mix of flex for mountain handling. The highback offered a stiffer outer flex that helped you feel supported on the mountain and a softer inner flex for easy handling. I liked that the range on the binding matched the board I was riding. Decent padding underneath the boot and really comfortable straps. The ankle strap was very supportive.
Response: Good support all around on the binding, most of the response came from the highback and baseplate. I liked that the binding response and support handled consistently with the Lib Tech Attack Banana I was riding. They were a good match and the Formula’s could handle the responsiveness of the board.
Toe Strap: The ez-set toe strap is similar to the auto toe strap I’ve used on the Agogo’s. I really like how well they grip the boot and keep you well guarded from slippage while riding. There’s not much to the toe strap other than gripping your boot and holding on for the ride.
Overall Impression: The K2 Formula bindings are a popular binding in the K2 line for dependability, solid all mountain riding and stacked traditional features that work and ride well. For 2013, the Formula gets some upgrades but continues to be the same consistently good binding it has been.
Shay’s Honesty Box: I had high expectations for the K2 Formula bindings because they had such a positive reputation for a all-around/freestyle binding. They met the expectations and delivered all mountain riding to really suit the board I was on (Lib Tech Attack Banana). I never felt like the bindings couldn’t handle anything I threw at it.
Review Disclosure: I demoed this binding at the WWSRA On-Snow at Mission Ridge, WA.