Last year, Ride took their already bulletproof binding line and completely overhauled it, literally starting from the bottom up. Praised for their ultra-responsive character thanks to aluminum chassis, Ride’s bindings have always benefited the most hardcore, aggressive shredders. For 2022, utilizing the same sound ergonomics, supple straps, and wide array of high backs, Ride has developed a parallel line of bindings, all of which substitute their aluminum baseplates for more flexible composite. The composite versions are everything we’ve come to expect from Ride’s bindings, but they’re a bit more tuned-down as far as their response and rigidity goes.
The C9 is about as good as you can get for an all-around binding. The dual-density, three- piece heel strap is supportive and responsive, and the same can be said for the C9’s nylon high back. Setting a toe edge, the binding is quick and powerful, and while holding a heel edge, the composite chassis’ more forgiving character helps absorb chatter, making for a silky-smooth ride. To add to that, the C9’s canted EVA footbeds take the edge off of the shock of firm landings and everything else that comes with charging down the mountain. – Mike Basher
Ride C9 Binding – $349.95https://ridesnowboards.com/en-us/p/c-9-snowboard-bindings
As a complement to Snowboard Magazine Platinum Picks: The Best of ‘22, we’re excited to announce a brand-new set of Platinum Pick Awards that pay particular attention to engineering and design innovation. This selection of gear is filled with creative concepts that eschew the expected in favor of redrafting the status quo. While the nuances are specific, the goal of each product in Platinum Picks: Design Innovation is the same as those
in The Best of ‘22— to amplify your good times whenever you’re on hill.
