Drake Reload 2021 Snowboard Binding Review

Drake Reload 2021 Review by The Good Ride

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Drake Reload Snowboard Binding Video Review Fast Forward Markers

0:00 – Intro 0:21 – Summary 0:55 – Highback Flex 1:04 – Flex Underfoot 1:51- Turn Initiation/Response 2:41 – Shock Absorption 3:15 – Boot Support 3:43 – Ratchets 4:21 – Boot To Binding Adjustability 5:17 – Stance Width Adjustability 5:34 – Conclusion 6:12 – About The Review

Turn Ons/Swipe Right: Great Shock Absorption, Great Adjustability, Smooth Response, Great feel underfoot.
Turn Offs/Swipe Left: Sticky & Glitchy Ratchets

Summary

The Drake Reload does everything well except for the ratchets. If the production model is better than the demo I tried then you have a very smooth cushy ride.

Ethics Statement: We don’t get paid by the manufacturer to write these reviews.  We do make money from the “Where To Buy” links, but this is our best attempt at an honest and objective review from an average riders’ perspective.

Drake Reload Review- How it rides and who it is for

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How This Review Happened:  We borrowed this for an extended demo and then returned it.

Days:
Riders:  James (Size 9, 5’10” 185-190lbs)
Boots: Adidas Tactical ADV
Insoles: Sandsole Custom Insoles, Footprint Insole Technology Gamechangers
Boards: Yes Greats

Similar (but not the same) Bindings: Union Atlas, Union Strata, Union Contact Pro/Union Superpro,  Union Force, Burton Genesis X, Burton Cartel, Salomon Hologram, Salomon District, Nitro Team Pro, Nitro Team, Now Drive, Now Pilot

Approximate Weight

Feels pretty light.

Highback Flex

The Drake Reload has a very medium to medium soft high back flex that twists rather easy but also gives a little bit when you lean back into it. It does not bite into the calf at all.

Binding to Boot Adjustability

The Drake Reload really integrates well with any boot out there. The adjustable heel loop and gas pedal centers most boots on the binding and therefore the board. The high back rotation is tooless and all you have to do is unscrew the straps which are attached to the screws. Pretty cool idea. The rest of the adjustability is tooless as well.

Stance Width Adjustability

The full sized disc of the Drake Reload has enough channel room to turn sideways and get most stance widths.

Boot Support

The asymmetrical ankle strap of the Drake Reload has enough support where you need it to keep your ankle from feeling over exposed in bumpy uneven snow and still give you good freedom of movement.

Ratchet System

This is the one problem we had with the Drake Reload. The ratchets would often stick and feel like they weren’t going to come off. It felt more than what you often have with new bindings and they didn’t break in over two days of riding. This was the deal breaker for me as I’m not sure the ratchets would last a whole season.

Turn Initiation/Response

There is really smooth consistent medium response throughout a turn that gives the Drake Reload a great turning experience.

Flex Under Foot/Buttering

The Drake Reload had really good flex underfoot for a full sized disc. It was almost right there with the Union Contact Pro/Superpro that I compared it against.

Shock Absorption/Dampness

There is a lot of cushy EVA foam throughout this binding that makes the Drake Reload a good choice for anyone who needs a lot of shock absorption.

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