_REVIEWS2009-2010_BINDINGS

Binding Review: 09-10 Ride Sigma Movement

Location: Loveland, Colorado

Snow Conditions: Bluebird sunny skies and hardpacked groomed runs.

Setup: I rode the Ride Sigma Movements on the Ride Machete with my Bonfire Geo boots size 8.

Time to set up the binding: Average set up time

Fit: I had no problem adjusting the binding to my boot, the fit was fine for width and the straps required some adjustment but got them dialed before riding.

First Impression: I really love Ride’s convertible grip toe straps and sigma movements are bindings I’ve owned in the past so this combo is heaven.

Appearance: The sigma movement binding this year is a collaboration between Ride + Matix which I’m completely happy with the appearance.  It takes badass chick and puts it into a binding with black, purple and some flare to it.  The colors are simple and nothing too noticeable for the mountain.

Comfort: Always comfortable whenever I strap into these bindings, good padding underfoot that absorbs rougher terrain and you don’t feel vibrations when riding.  The ankle strap is precurved to your boot and once centered, feels good without any pressure points.  Highback has some padding and the shape fits well with women’s boots so you don’t get any calf to highback problems.

Functionality: There aren’t any bells and whistles to the sigma bindings, it continues with a traditional binding outlook but some added features to it.  The new wedgie 2.5 footbed angles you when riding which I wasn’t sure if I liked or disliked at the time.  The only dysfunctional thing I noticed is making sure your adjusted before you hit the snow, since you can only quick adjust on the toe straps.  I noticed no problems with the ratchets and found it easy to get in and out of the bindings.  Since the ankle strap is precurved I had to just move it behind the highback before strapping in.

Flex: The sigma movement is a softer freestyle women’s binding so overall a softer lateral flex with the support in the highback.  Overall it’s really forgiving and easy to ride, the softer flex makes it easy to play around with on the groomers and has some support for freeriding.

Response: This binding isn’t meant to be responsive like a freeride binding, the softer freestyle flex means it’s more easy going and a simple movement won’t start you into a turn on the slopes.  It can handle freeriding without being too soft so it does give you some support and response but not as responsive as others in the line.

Toe Strap: I’ve grown to love the Ride convertible grip toe strap, the webbing is amazing for really gripping to your boot however you want it to (cap or normal) and without feeling any pressure points from it.  It’s one of my favorite toe strap on the market and I think highly of it because it can work for multiple boots.

Overall Impression: The sigma tradition continues with a women’s freestyle binding that can handle the groomers but also make the ride very easy for the rider.  It’s lightweight binding that’s designed for the female rider in the park so it doesn’t give you a ton of response on the mountain.  The toe strap is the best feature on the binding since it is really easy to tighten and not worry about it moving on you during riding.

Shay’s Honesty Box: I’ve owned the sigma’s in the past so I definitely stand by them as a solid women’s freestyle binding and the upgrades they’ve gone through over the years have made them better.  The toe strap is one of my favorites out there and while I’m unsure about the angled basepad for my personal riding, it’s always fun to try it.

Ready to buy? Head over to evo for Ride snowboard bindings or shop their full line of snowboard bindings

On Snow Photos

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Ride Sigma Movement Description

sigma

Review Disclosure: I rode this binding at a demo day.

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  • abbi
    January 8, 2010 at 8:53 am

    The toe strap is definitely the best out there! My boots are really bulky on the toes and fit horribly with the burton convertable toe straps on the escapades last year, the sigmas fit and feel like a dream! At first I was unsure about the wedgie, but it beats burtons EST easily. The gel in the footbed also makes landings feel super smooth. Great pick and great review 🙂

  • Johnnyb
    January 9, 2010 at 4:50 am

    SIGMAs are the best!!!
    at least em boys DELTAs are…

    and how did you like the Machete I see under your feet on that pics???

  • Shay
    January 9, 2010 at 6:39 am

    Abbi, Awesome to hear you are a huge fan of the toe strap as well and love your sigma’s!

    Johnnyb, I haven’t tried the delta’s maybe this year I’ll get on them. Definitely liking the sigma’s. Machete I was so-so about in how it handled. That review is coming up soon.

  • masl
    January 10, 2010 at 10:04 am

    the delta 10 is like the beta 09 with better price, one of the best bindings out there.

  • Tara
    January 10, 2010 at 12:47 pm

    Glad to see that you liked the Sigmas. I bought the Sigmas this year and I definitely like them. I had the Burton Escapades last year but I found them too stiff and heavy. I really like how the Sigmas have a small profile and that they are light weight. My only complaint, as with all Ride bindings, is the buckles. It seems like I’m always fighting with the release. They’re just not as smooth as Burton’s.

  • Shay
    January 10, 2010 at 8:11 pm

    Tara, I’d had that in the past with ride’s where the ratchets stick…didn’t have them with these sigma’s but definitely know what you are talking about.

  • Dustin
    January 25, 2010 at 4:55 pm

    I love my ride delta’s landed my first 15′ cliff drop with them! I do have to ask for my own curiousity if you have noticed any difference in board flex with the aluminum base binding compared to a plastic one and please explain.