K2 Cinch CTX 2017 - 2010 Review by The Good Ride

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The  K2 Cinch CTX is one of their quick release options in K2’s line. We’d like to see them work on making a binding that has a better response, flex under foot and turn initiation but to some quick release is more important. For those that love quick release then you have the Cinch CTX. Of the now 3 quick release models in K2’s line, we aren’t amped on any type but this is their best version. Often times if you go into a snowboard shop in the summer you will see most of the shops’ bindings gone except for these. That says more than this review can but here I go anyway.

Ethics Statement: We don’t get paid by the manufacturer to write these reviews.  No one is perfect and we do make money from the “Where To Buy” links below, but this is our best attempt at an honest and objective review from an average riders’ perspective.

The 2015 Cinch CTX got a new high back that was passed down from the K2 Company.  We like this high back and it does improve the ride a bit.  Also, there is a better and more comfortable ankle strap. It improved the ride a bit and it’s a good quick release binding but it still lacks in all-around performance compared to more modern bindings like their Lien models.

Days: 2
Riders: James
Boots: Burton Ion
Boards: Rossignol One Magtek,

Flex: This old model high back is pretty stiff.

Adjustability: Actually there is pretty good adjustability here in the straps because they are just like the high-end K2 bindings. Also, you don’t have to use the cinch system to ride these bindings. You can get in and out as normal people do. If you use the cinch system it’s best to loosen the ankle strap and toe strap a little so you can get in and out easier. So after putting up the high back, you will have to crank down the toe and ankle strap to make sure the fit is good.  You can keep it loose but then you are stuck with loose fitting bindings. When standing up how I normally put in bindings I felt uncomfortable bending over and reaching around to my heel to lift.  I’d much rather strap on by just bending over. I didn’t notice much difference time wise between standing up and putting on my bindings and this quick strap system because I felt the need to adjust the ankle straps. Actually, it seemed like it took me a little longer to get these on than my Burton, Union, and Flux bindings I own. I have had people email me about putting on the bindings as they are moving off the chair and act just like skiers so take this with a grain of salt. I have seen many riders using quick release sitting down or on their knees so I tried it this way to see how the average rider is liking this. When I got down on my knees and butt things happened a little faster but I didn’t like getting on my knees or butt.  I’d much rather stand up and put on traditional strap bindings and this felt awkward. It’s no more awkward than any other quick strap binding I tried but it’s still awkward.  If you take some time you can get comfortable with the quick strap and get them on pretty quick but it will take a learning curve.

Comfort: Pretty comfortable but I liked K2’s traditional strap bindings better.

Heel-Toe Response: Felt pretty old school edge to edge and nothing special was going on here for binding this stiff. The technology felt like it was from the mid-2000s and you lose a lot of response to have this quick release system.

Tip-Tail Response: Not much going on here and it felt dead underfoot. The binding has a lot of contact with the board and It felt like we time traveled back to the early to mid-2000s.

Boot Support: If you take the time to crank down the straps it locks you in rather well but it’s not like many bindings in this price range that I have tried.

Ratchet System: It seems like the great ratchet system that is just like the traditional strap bindings I tried with K2.

Shock Absorption: There is some harsh/mellow shock absorption going on across the top of the footbed that isn’t bad.

My conclusion is the K2 Cinch CTX isn’t bad for a quick release binding but I’d much rather be on any of K2’s mid to high-end traditional strap bindings in a heartbeat or other higher end traditional strap bindings. I couldn’t wait to get back on my traditional strap bindings I had in my car and about midday I’d had enough and I took these off. Until they can find a way to make quick release’s performance better than traditional straps I don’t find this recommendable even for beginner/intermediate riders.

The main thing for me as I’m not willing to sacrifice this much performance for the ability to get in and out of my bindings a little faster.