Burton Step On Splitboard Bindings: Everything You Need to Know
Burton Step On® bindings connect you to your board quicker and easier than strap bindings, and Step On Splitboard bindings bring that same simplicity, reliability, and performance to uphill touring and backcountry riding.
Step On Split, which is based on the Tesla T1 baseplate used in our incredibly popular Burton Hitchhiker splitboard binding, offers tool-free forward lean adjustability (FLAD), compatibility with existing Hitchhiker touring accessories, and backwards compatibility with all existing Step On boots. When paired with soft flex Step On boots, Step On Split delivers an improved range of motion for greater comfort while in touring mode.
In this overview of Burton Step On splitboard bindings, we’ll cover everything you need to know to get started with Step On Split.
- Step On Split vs. Traditional Splitboard Bindings
- Step On Splitboard Binding Components
- How to Use Step On Splitboard Bindings
- Pros & Cons of Step On Splitboard Bindings
- Step On Split FAQs
Pro tip: Unfamiliar with Burton’s Step On system? Read Burton Step On® Bindings: Everything You Need to Know.
Step On Splitboard Bindings vs. Traditional Splitboard Bindings
Burton Step On splitboard bindings bring the ease and reliability of the Burton Step On system to uphill travel and the backcountry. However, combinging Step On binding technology with a splitboard binding yields some differences compared to a traditional snowboard touring binding.
First and foremost, Step On Split ditches the straps of traditional touring bindings. This key difference means that connecting your boots to your board is much quicker. Once you’ve reached the end of your uphill travel and have successfully transitioned into descent mode, simply step onto the Step On split Bindings heel first, roll forward onto your toes, and then drop in.
No straps also results in a simpler binding, with fewer parts to fail in the backcountry. That said, Burton includes two spare toe hooks (1 left, 1 right) with each pair of Step On splitboard bindings. Add these to your repair kit in the unlikely event that you need to perform a field repair.
Additionally, Step On Split offers the ability to fine-tune boot position relative to the binding’s pivot point, letting you dial in your gear so it functions exactly how you want.
More than the differences between Step On Split and traditional splitboard bindings, we think you’ll appreciate the similarities, like tool-free FLAD, with four levels of forward lean, plus a negative lean touring mode. And because Burton Step On Split utilizes the exact same pucks and touring brackets as the Burton Hitchhiker, switching to Step On Split is as simple as mounting them up on your board, no additional adjustments necessary.
Step On Splitboard Binding Components
Similar to the Step On binding system, Step On Split is made up of two main components: Step On splitboard bindings and Step On snowboard boots. Step On splitboard bindings feature toe hooks and heel clips that connect to corresponding toe and heel cleats on Step On boots, keeping riders securely connected to their snowboards.
Step On Split is primarily designed for uphill travel and touring, so the overall design will be familiar to experienced splitboarders while remaining approachable to new riders at the same time. If you are just getting started with uphill or backcountry travel, read Splitboarding 101: The Complete Beginner’s Guide, to bring yourself up to speed.
How to Use Step On Splitboard Bindings
All Step On bindings are extremely easy to use. However, when initially making the switch to Step On, there can be a small learning curve. But rest assured that everyone who uses Step On quickly learns how to get in and out of the system with ease, and over time, the motions become second nature.
How to Use Step On
- Engage the heel first. On the back of the boot, there is a small cleat with two shelves; this is the primary connection point and retains the boot in the heel clip on the heelcup/highback of the binding. Step into the binding heel first, pressing the heel of the boot back into the heelcup until you hear a slight click. Next, press down harder until you hear a second click.
- Lock in the toes. Once the heel of the boot is locked in, lean forward and apply pressure to your toes. The toe cleats should click or snap into the toe hooks on your bindings, and you're all dialed in. Roll side-to-side to ensure both toe cleats are locked.
- Drop in. Carve up the slope.
Pros and Cons of Step On Splitboard Bindings
If you’ve never ridden Step On, you might be wondering about the pros and cons of this system. At Burton, we think that Step On Split offers all of the benefits of a touring setup, with fewer downsides, but we recognize that we might be a bit biased. Here are a few things to consider if you’re thinking about making the switch.
Pros of Step On Split
Step On Split offers the convenience of the Step On system in a touring-specific binding. This means that attaching your boots to your snowboard is quicker and easier than ever, a quality that makes a huge difference when transitioning in challenging weather conditions. Using the same exact pucks and touring brackets as the Hitchhiker bindings, Step On Split speeds everything up.
Additionally, performance of Step On Split is one of the system’s strengths. With an injection-molded binding body, heelcup, and hiback, the riding characteristics are less stiff (compared to the aluminum construction of the Hitchhiker) and more similar to conventional Burton snowboard bindings. The addition of a tool-free FLAD with multiple settings, including a negative-forward lean setting, gives riders performance in the skin track and on the descent.
Pros: Convenience, speed, performance.
Cons of Step On Split
Snowboarding gear ain’t cheap and the initial investment in Step On Split can feel like a financial stretch. This is especially true if you are not a Step On user yet and will need to invest in boots and bindings at the same time (Step On Split is only compatible with Step On boots). With that said, Burton backs up your gear with an industry-leading warranty on our snowboard boots and bindings so you can feel good about your investment and feel confident that it’s going to provide many seasons of faceshots.
Cons: Price, compatibility.
Burton Step On Splitboard Binding FAQs
Got some questions about Step On Split Bindings? We compiled some frequently asked questions and answers that we have received. Still have questions? Hit up the friendly Burton Guides for additional support.
Q: What’s the difference between the Burton Hitchhiker and Step On Split bindings?
A: The biggest difference between the Hitchhiker and Step On Split is that the Hitchhiker is compatible with traditional snowboard boots while Step On Split must be paired with compatible Step On boots. Also, in terms of character, the mostly-aluminum construction of the Hitchikers delivers a very stiff, responsive ride, while Step On Split, which is constructed with an aluminum baseplate and injection-molded heelcup/hiback, is more flexible, like other injection-molded Burton snowboard bindings.
Q: What is the weight difference between Hitchhiker splitboard bindings, and Step On Split bindings?
A: Step On Split bindings are slightly heavier than Hitchhiker splitboard bindings. The actual difference varies with size.
Q: Are spare parts available for Step On Split bindings?
A: Yes, spare parts are available for Step On Split bindings and can be obtained by contacting the Burton Warranty department.
Q: Do I need special boots to use Burton Step On Split bindings?
A: You will need Step On boots to use Step On Split bindings. So, if you already own Step On boots, they are compatible. To take full advantage of the negative forward lean setting on Step On Split, we recommend pairing them with a more flexible snowboarding boot.
Q: Do I need new pucks to mount Step On Split bindings?
A: Because the aluminum base plate of Step On Split bindings is the same as the Hitchhiker, Step On Split is compatible with existing Hitchiker pucks. In short, if you already have a splitboard with Hitchikers mounted, you can literally remove your Hitchikers and attach Step On Split bindings without making any changes or adjustments. Could it get any easier? We don’t think so. Note: Burton pucks are required to mount any snowboard bindings to a Burton splitboard with The Channel. Pucks and puck kits from other manufacturers are not compatible with Burton splitboards featuring The Channel. If you receive a Burton splitboard without pucks, please reach out to the Burton Guides.
Q: Are Step On Split bindings compatible with Hitchhiker accessories?
A: Step On Split bindings are compatible with the following Hitchhiker splitboard binding accessories: pucks, touring brackets, heel rests, and Ibex Crampons. For riders wanting to utilize Spark R&D’s T1 Step Lockers, Spark T1 Heel Rests will need to be swapped in to replace the Hitchhiker heel rests.
Q: Are there men’s and women’s-specific Step On Split bindings?
A: Step On Split bindings come in men’s and women’s-specific models and should be paired accordingly with the correctly-sized men’s or women’s Step On boots for safe and proper function.
Q: When touring with Step On splitboard bindings, what repair gear should I have on-hand?
A: Step On splitboard bindings are durable and designed to hold up to rigorous use in the backcountry, but no matter how solid your gear is, you should always be prepared in case something breaks in the field. We recommend carrying a variety of different-sized Voile straps as well as a spare Step On boot heel cleat and hardware, in addition to any safety and repair gear that you would normally bring with you when touring. Visit Spare Parts & Accessories to see what is available.
Q: Are Step On splitboard bindings for beginner snowboarders?
A: Step On splitboard bindings are simpler and easier to use than traditional touring splitboard bindings. For this reason, they may be appealing to newer riders, however, it’s important to know that Step On splitboard bindings are a performance snowboard binding designed by leading engineers with input from pro riders. They have been developed to meet the needs of everyone, including seasoned experts as well as new riders.
As a reminder, participating in backcountry snowboarding outside of ski area boundaries comes with inherent risks, like avalanches and extreme weather. When participating in backcountry snow sports it is crucial that you seek the proper training, invest in the correct equipment, and practice using it frequently.
Pro tip: Learn the basics of backcountry snowboarding and touring by reading How to Get Started with Backcountry Snowboarding.
