Switch Step-in Team-N Bindings, Extremely Rare

" MY BACKGROUND I am absolutely convinced that the best snowboard / boot interface ever invented is the SWITCH N-Type binding. My basis for this opinion is: * 25+ years snowboarding * 3 seasons teaching snowboarding at Timberline Ski Area (Mt. Hood, Oregon) * B.S. & M.S. degrees in science and engineering * 10+ years experience using SWITCH step-in bindings There is a substantial amount of hype, misinformation, and confusion regarding step-in bindings in general and the SWITCH models specifically; I'll try to help straighten out some of this here. X-TYPE vs. N-TYPE (boots and bindings) The X-Type bindings have the "highback", the N-Types do not. I don't use X-Type bindings; I'm convinced that the highback on a snowboard binding is not necessary on step-in bindings. The engagement mechanism for the X- or N-Type binding is exactly the same. Thus an X- or N-type boot is mechanically compatible with either type of binding. Since the X-Type bindings have the external highback, X-Type boots are softer and rely on the binding - at least hypothetically - to provide the toe/heel leverage. N-Type boots are stiffer and transmit forces from the rider's foot and lower leg directly to the 'board. Besides the unnecessary highback, the X-Type bindings come in different sizes, so they're a little more difficult to set up and use. N-Type bindings are not "sized"; any N-Type binding will be compatible with any SWITCH-compatible boot, regardless of the boot size. I personally use N-type bindings with X-Type boots. I've been using this set-up for nearly 10 years, and I think it's the best. AUTOLOCK vs. A-SERIES vs. STANDARD/SPECIAL/TEAM MODELS The first few years (ca. 1993-1994), SWITCH binding models were designated things like "AUTOLOLOCK-100" or "AUTOLOCK-250". These used a wider bail that isn't compatible with any boots made after about 1998. If you buy any AUTOLOCK model bindings today, it will be almost impossible to find any decent boots to use with these bindings. By about 1998, SWITCH dropped the "AUTOLOCK" prefix and simply used the letter "A". Bindings were designated A-25, A-66, A-95, etc. Essentially, the higher the number, the better the binding. Also, from about 1997 to 1999, the bail width changed on various models from the STANDARD to the NARROW PLATFORM. Around 2000, SWITCH started using a simpler nomenclature system. Also, all the bindings were designated TEAM (top of the line), SPECIAL, or STANDARD (the basic, no frills model). These is a substantial difference in weight and functionality between these three levels. Since I'm a teacher, I'll relate these binding levels to grades: TEAM = A+ SPECIAL = B STANDARD = C- SWITCH started making the X-Type bindings around 1999. I think that the first year's models featured designations like "AX-8" or "AX-9", but by 2000 the X-Type bindings were also identified by the TEAM, SPECIAL, or STANDARD labels. SPECIFICS ABOUT N-TYPE BINDINGS; MODEL COMPARISONS TEAM-N: TOTAL WEIGHT: 400 grams / pair RETAIL PRICE: $279 (2004) FRAME: 6061 aluminum LEVER/CAM: "Fang Lock" RATING: A+ A-99: TOTAL WEIGHT: ~400+ grams / pair RETAIL PRICE: $219 (1999) FRAME: 6061 aluminum LEVER/CAM: "Fang Lock" RATING: A- SPECIAL-N: TOTAL WEIGHT: 700 grams / pair RETAIL PRICE: $209 (2004) FRAME: stainless steel LEVER/CAM: "Fang Lock" RATING: B STANDARD-N: TOTAL WEIGHT: 900 grams / pair RETAIL PRICE: $125 (2004) FRAME: plated steel LEVER/CAM: solid cam RATING: C- MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT STEP-IN BINDINGS Some other, NON-Switch step-in bindings didn't work all that well. Some were nearly impossible to get into or out of under certain conditions, some would lock up and not release, and, worst of all, some would seem to be engaged only to open up at an inopportune time. These characteristics didn't win many fans. There are several myths and misconceptions about step-in bindings, that do not apply to the post-2000 Switch step-in mechanism. The major items are: A. Once it is engaged, the Switch mechanism CANNOT disconnect. It's mechanically impossible. B. The Switch step-in binding holds the boot VERY tightly against the snowboard; there is absolutely no "slop" in the connection. In fact, I would argue that straps provide a less stable connection between the boot and snowboard. C. The Switch step-in system virtually NEVER "freeze up"; 99% of the time you can get in and out of the bindings with one simple motion, regardless of the snow conditions. I've had buckles on straps give me more problems than my Switch step-ins. STEP-IN BINDING HISTORY & PERSPECTIVE In the late 1990s, step-in bindings were the fastest growing segment of the snowboarding industry; apparently, thousands of users thought that they were pretty good. This was also a time that "adults" were crossing over from the skiing population. In 1999, Industrial Design (ID) Magazine's annual design award was given to Switch Manufacturing for the N-type binding. In 2000 this award was also given to Switch; this year it was for the Team-X binding. WHAT HAPPENED TO STEP-INS? WHY DOES "EVERYONE" USE STRAP-IN BINDINGS? Because companies that sell bindings make MUCH larger profits on plastic, made-in-China strap-in bindings than they make on precision-machined, made-in-California, step-in bindings. Bindings typically sell for about $100-$300; pick up any of these - even the $300 models - and somewhere you'll find "Made in China". To make a strap-in binding in China costs about $10-$20. That's a pretty sweet profit margin. Switch bindings were made in California, by Americans. In the mid to late 1990s, the manufacturing cost to make one set of Switch bindings was about $60; today this cost is probably well over $100. So, if you can sell your top-of-the-line bindings for about $300, would you rather sell bindings that cost you $20 (strap-ins from China) or $100 (American made, precision manufactured)? It's a no-brainer for the big binding companies. There's another reason that step-ins faded out that isn't as corporate or sinister. The bottom line is that some step-in bindings didn't work very well. Some were nearly impossible to get in to under certain conditions, some would lock up and not release, and, worst of all, some would seem to be engaged only to open up at an inopportune time. These characteristics didn't win any fans. Some of the Switch designs / mechanisms, however, were radically different and thus didn't suffer from these maladies. FINALLY, ASK A LONG-TIME SWITCH USER More importantly, ask a Switch step-in binding user - especially an "adult". Universally, you'll hear that this is the most convenient, most comfortable, highest-performing, lightest boot/binding interface that the rider has ever used and that he/she will NEVER go back to strap-in nonsense again."