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Gear Review | Clew Freedom 1.0 snowboard binding

Can the soft step-in binding of the next generation convince?

by Nikolas Burger • 11/30/2022
Finn Christmann
Kaunertal
Finn Christmann
Kaunertal
The CLEW founders describe their motivation to develop a new type of step-in binding as follows: "Buckle on and out 40 times a day? Two times should be enough [...] We wanted to save ourselves the trouble of buckling and unbuckling after every lift ride, while still not giving up the unsurpassed riding experience of a buckle bindings. Until then, there was no snowboard step-in binding on the market that satisfied us". We have tested for you how close they've reached to their goal.

Johannes and Jakob developed the first prototype at university in 2017. A lot has happened since then and the "Freedom 1.0" model is now in its second generation of production. The developers attach great importance to quality and fair production. Production takes place just 50 km away from the Munich office - partly with the help of Oberland Werkstätten GmbH - an organisation that provides work for people with disabilities.

CONSTRUCTION

At first glance, the Freedom 1.0 looks like a normal snowboard binding with two straps per foot. However, if you take a closer look at the highback, a red metal lever catches the eye. Pull it once and the binding splits into two parts (compared to other step-in bindings): The baseplate with the toe strap and the highback with the heel strap.

With normal snowboard boots on your feet, the binding can be put on like any other buckle binding when you first get on. The toe strap can also be fixed in place by pressing lightly. When getting out, simply pull the lever and the boot with highback detaches from the rest of the binding. To get back on, place your toes on the toe strap and push your heel down. The two parts connect without any problems. A two-stage locking mechanism and sufficient clearance ensure that ice and snow on the baseplate do not interfere with the connection process. The mechanism is explained in the following video, which can also be found on the official CLEW website:

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Finn Christmann
Kaunertal
Finn Christmann
Kaunertal

ASSEMBLY

Assembly works well and is simple. In principle, the Freedom 1.0 can be mounted like a normal buckle binding. The screws in the mounting disc, which offers a number of different mounting options for adjustments, are hidden and protected under the footbed. Mounting is even easier when the binding is split: the hand with the screwdriver is not obstructed by the straps.

Unfortunately, a well-known mounting problem occurred while riding: the screws came loose a little too easily and I had to re-fix the binding a few times. This problem can usually be solved with Loctite. There is also a detailed video on mounting from one of the CLEW founders.

ENTRY

As already described, getting into the binding works perfectly. In contrast to other step-in bindings (e.g. Burton "Step On"), no special boot is required. Compared to the "Flow" binding, with which I have already spent a few days in the snow, putting on the binding is much easier as there is no need to bend down to close the highback.

In normal conditions, the Freedom 1.0 shines with smooth entry and exit from the binding. You can set off directly from the lift and engage the rear foot during the ride. This is a huge advantage, not only when travelling with skiers who are not familiar with these "buckle times" and would normally have to wait.

However, if there is a lot of new snow, which inevitably gets into the binding, it can happen that the binding is difficult to engage or initially only locks on one side. I haven't had any major problems with this yet, as the CLEW developers have integrated constructive solutions into the binding. Sufficient space under the locking bar of the highback fulfils its purpose, but I see the two-stage locking mechanism more as an emergency solution. When not fully engaged, the binding is not particularly stable and power transmission is no longer smooth. Nevertheless, it is much better than carrying the snowboard down the mountain.

The bar, which is located under the boot in separate mode, is relatively high, so I would describe walking in the snow as unproblematic, on the road or in indoor areas is taking some getting used to.

DEPARTURE

There is nothing negative to say about the descent: the binding delivers what it promises. It reacts excellently and transfers the forces very well to the snowboard. The footbed reliably absorbs shocks and the highback is stiff. The binding therefore has everything that characterises a good snowboard binding. In combination with the right board, you can ride and jump in any conditions and on any terrain. It should not be forgotten that most of the riding characteristics depend on the snowboard itself. The binding merely ensures the best possible transfer of forces from boot to snowboard.

Finn Christmann
Kaunertal
Nikolas Burger
Finn Christmann
Kaunertal
Nikolas Burger

WEAR AND TEAR

All parts of the Freedom 1.0 make a very solid impression. So far there have been no technical problems and the binding still looks like new (report after 15 days of use). I could imagine that the strap under the foot wears out if you often walk on the road with the highback strapped on. I have avoided this in order to protect the binding.

CONCLUSION

The Freedom 1.0 is a step-in binding that couldn't be more comfortable - without sacrificing riding characteristics. Problems can be solved and are not overly significant. Here are my thoughts on one of the main concerns of those interested in CLEW: If the binding does ice up on certain days or permanently fills up with new snow, you can do without the step-in mode and ride like a traditional binding. The high price is justified by the fact that the bindings are manufactured in Germany and that the technology and company are still very young and do not produce large quantities.

ADVANTAGES / DISADVANTAGES

+ High ease of entry and exit / quick entry and exit

+ good power transmission

+ Reliable, high-quality materials, good workmanship

+ simple assembly

- High price

- High weight

- Access sometimes difficult in fresh snow

DETAILS

Riding style: Allmountain

Flex: Hard (7-8)

Weight: 1,177g per binding

Sizes: S, M, L

CO2 footprint: As the only "Made in Germany" snowboard binding, CLEW manages to combine sustainability and functionality. Assembly takes place in Miesbach, near the company office in Munich. To keep transport distances short, the individual parts are also sourced from Germany whenever possible.

The binding was provided to PowderGuide free of charge by the manufacturer. You can find out how we test them in our test statement.

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