What Are CLEW Bindings and Why Are They So Controversial?

If you’re a member of any snowboard-related Facebook group, you’ve heard the name. CLEW bindings. Some people love them. Some people hate them.

So what the heck are they?

Fear not. Snowboarder is here to explain what they are, why people hate on them, and what the future of the technology looks like. Giddy up, partner. We’re bout to get into the only pair of snowboard bindings that come with a free pair of spurs. Now you can really blend in at Jackson Hole’s Million Dollar Cowboy.

What’s the Point?

Back in 1995, K2 launched a boots and binding system that looked like it would change the game. Dubbed the Clicker, the revolutionary product offered the feel of traditional snowboard bindings with the ease of a step-in system that was more similar to ski bindings. The goal was to shorten the process of strapping into your snowboard.

It was a great start, but the technology was flawed.

K2 has totally redesigned the Clicker, and Burton has also joined the game with its StepOn bindings. These easy-entry binding systems can be especially valuable for children or older riders, riders who require adaptability or accessibility, and beginners. They’re also controversial among the core community, who typically insists that it isn’t hard to bend over and strap into their board the traditional way.

Though they’ve gained popularity, the competitive circuit is still resistant to the easy-entry binding model. (Nidecker’s FASE binding is changing that, as Ståle Sandbech just won Natural Selection Tour on a FASE binding, but that is a story for another time.)

Now, here’s where CLEW comes in. The brand’s founders - Johannes Weckerle, Matthias Albrecht, Jakob Schneider, and Jan Mewis – wanted to save themselves the “hassle” of buckling and unbuckling, and said that there was no step-in binding that met their expectations. They also wanted the option to pick and choose whatever boot they liked, which for a while, has become a draw-back of the StepOns and Clickers: until recently, there have been very few options for what type of boot a rider can use.

Tech Specs

The bindings are compatible with all of the typical mounting systems, like 4x4, 4x2, and the channel. The company also sells a 3-point screw mounting disc for riders using older boards. The binding is made from TPU, EVA, and PA6-I, along with fiberglass, aluminum, and stainless steel. Each pair of bindings comes with a 2-year warranty. Once again, the biggest marketing point for most riders is that they’re compatible with any snowboard boot.

Why People Love Them

When they work the way they’re intended to, step-in bindings make life easier. The CLEW is no exception to this rule. Supporters on Reddit and Facebook like the ease of entry. The biggest selling point, though, is the use of your own boots. Snowboard boots can make or break a good day on the mountain. If you buy into the K2 Clicker system, you can only use K2 boots. If you buy into Burton’s StepOns, you can only buy DC, Burton, or Nitro boots. The purchase of CLEWS means not having to break in another pair, either. The ratchets are also smooth.