More Details On The Nidecker Supermatic
If you’re looking for a little more detail, keep reading for my full Nidecker Supermatic binding review.
Testing Conditions
About The Tester
Rider: Ben
Weight: 180lbs
Height: 5′ 9”
Experience: 15+ years of snowboarding, 10 as a snowboard instructor.
Setup
Bindings Angles: +15/-15
Shoe Size: US 9
Binding Size Tested: L
Snowboards: Salomon Assassin, Capita DOA, Jones Storm Chaser
Terrain
Terrain Tested: Everything – from park to powder.
Snow Conditions: Everything – from slush to ice.
First Impressions
These things really surprised me – the Supermatic look amazing out of the box. The build quality is top-notch and Nidecker’s attention to detail is obvious.
The strap adjustments are tool-less and easy to customize. I did initially have a little difficulty setting everything up with the automatic entry system, but this was partly due to my own stubbornness (I didn’t read the instructions).
Here’s a super helpful instructional video.
Comfort
I mostly wore my DC Judge boots. The Supermatic Active-Straps conformed really nicely and left no pressure points. There’s no real strap padding (sort of like the Burton Malavita) but the materials are super flexible and comfortable.
The footbeds are canted and do have plenty of padding. More on this later.
Entry System
As you’ve probably gathered, the Supermatic features an automatic step-in entry system.
This works via Nidecker’s Drop-in Tech, a heel pedal which activates the closure of the straps and highback. All you have to do is step in!
This works really well – much better than on the demo versions. The heel pedal is now well padded too; you can’t feel it underfoot at all.
To release the bindings, there’s a lever on the side of either binding. You have to wiggle the highback a little too, but overall the system works really well.
The straps are also hybrid and can be used like traditional snowboard bindings if needed. This would of course mean losing your preferred ratchet settings.
Can you strap in and out whilst moving?
Yep, with a little practice. It’s pretty easy to snap your foot into place when dismounting the lift – as long as there isn’t too much snow buildup.
Unstrapping on the move is a little trickier, but can be done (though is rarely necessary).
Board Feel
For a relatively heavy binding with a relatively large baseplate, the board feel was pretty amazing. It can’t quite match bindings with technologies like mini-disc, but it’s certainly not bad.
Response
Nidecker rate the Supermatic’s flex rating at around 8/10. I’d probably put them nearer a 7/10 personally, which is still relatively firm for an all-mountain binding.
As such – the response is very good. They really come into their own when carving and bombing at high speeds. They also excelled when setting up for spins in the park, though are not as forgiving on the landings (compared to a softer binding).
Shock Absorption
The Supermatic do an excellent job of shock absorption. The footbed design and padding are responsible for this.
Adjustability
Pretty good. Not as adjustable as others (lacks highback rotation and heel cup adjustments) but has everything else I normally look for.
You can essentially ‘Set it and forget it” with these bindings. Once you find your preferred settings, there’s no need to ever change them (when using the automatic rear entry). This was probably my favorite feature of these bindings.
Compatibility
Compatible with pretty much every snowboard binding hole pattern (4×4, 2×4, Channel).
Compatible with all brands of snowboard boot (no specific boots are needed). Check your sizing carefully before purchase.
Nidecker Supermatic Binding Size Chart
| SIZE | U.S. | UK |
|---|---|---|
| M | 4.5 - 8.5 | 3.5 - 7.5 |
| L | 8 - 11.5 | 7 - 10.5 |
| XL | 11 - 13 | 10 - 12 |
Alternatives To The Nidecker Supermatic
If you’re looking for similar bindings, I’d recommend checking out the Burton Step On Genesis Bindings.
These have an equally good entry system and are really well-rated. The drawback is that you need Burton’s propriety step-on boots.
For more options (that don’t require step-on boots) check out our rear entry snowboard boots guide.
Verdict
I really enjoyed the Nidecker Supermatic. The entry system is super fast and the binding performed really well.
If you’re looking for an innovative new binding with excellent build quality, the Supermatic is well worth checking out.
I’ll stop typing now – I tend to get carried away with new gear! But I hope you enjoyed my Nidecker Supermatic binding review.
If you have any unanswered questions, drop them in the comments below.
Happy riding!
