2010 Ride EX Bindings: The Unsung Hero of Snowboard Bindings

In a category where Burton and Union set the standard for quality and performance, the Ride EX is a welcome option for the intermediate rider looking for a high quality snowboard binding at an affordable price.  Nestled between the Union Force and the Burton Freestyle, the Ride EX snowboard binding sits comfortably, waiting for the perfect rider to come along and fall in love.

Tagged as one of the most versatile bindings in the industry, the Ride EX is perfect for the intermediate rider that is looking for a sweet all-mountain ride.  Ride is known for building some of the most durable snowboard bindings on the market and the EX is no exception.  The EX features Ride’s aluminum forged Foundation Chassis and adjustable heelcup.  Combined, this allows for an extremely lightweight, yet durable binding that can be adjusted to fit any size rider. 

The Ride EX snowboard binding comes ready to use right out of the box.  However, it also has a myriad of adjustments for those that want to tweak every strap and angle to get a custom fit. As with most bindings, the toe strap and ankle strap are completely adjustable, however, Ride has taken things one step further by making the toe and ankle strap adjustments a “tool-less” process.  Simply lift the adjustment tab, center the straps, and re-set the tab.  It’s that easy.  No tools required.  Although it comes with a half-million micro-adjustments, the Ride EX snowboard binding is surprisingly easy to set up and only takes a few minutes to get the perfect fit for any style of boot. 

New to the Ride EX for 2010 is the addition of the Wedgie 1.5 footbed.  Even though the name of this addition may bring back nightmares of run-ins with the high school bully, this Wedgie is anything but traumatic.  The Wedgie 1.5 footbed is made of lightweight, durable material that is soft, yet firm.  The slight angle of the footbed allows for the ankles and knees to align perfectly for a more comfortable ride.  The custom angle of the Wedgie 1.5 lets the rider gain more control over their board while giving him the leverage he needs to press and pop his board with minimal effort; all while keeping a more comfortable, natural stance.

Also new to this year’s EX model is the Ride ComfortFlex Highback.  This highback gives the Ride EX snowboard binding its all-mountain mid-flex performance.  The cupped shape of the highback gives the rider control and support while the soft flexing top section provides the perfect amount of give.  Combined with the convertible toestrap, the Ride EX has the perfect amount of support and flex for the intermediate rider that wants to take his riding up a notch. 

The Ride EX binding is the perfect binding for the rider that is looking for a high end binding at a mid-level price.  With a $160 price point, it’s easy to get the performance and comfort of the Union Force at a price that won’t break the bank.  With the Ride EX, shredding down the mountain like a pro has never been so affordable.

Sierrasnowboard.com carries a wide range of snowboard bindings, including the 2010 Ride EX.

2010 Ride EX Snowboard Bindings
- Foundation Chassis System w/ Adjustable heelcup
- ComfortFlex Highback
- Comfort Ankle Strap w/ Tool-Less Center Adjust
- Convertible Grip Toe Strap
- Quick-Draw Comfort Ratchets
- Wedgie 1.5 Footbed
- Forged Aluminum Response Disc

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