Q: What is Bodhiz?
A: Bodhiz is a revolutionary new snowboard binding system. This is a complete system unlike any other binding system on the market today.(Bodhiz is still in development.)
Q: How does it work?
A: Receivers are attached to the board, at your stance. Each receiver is designed to accept the bottom half of a connecting puck. A boot, modified and installed with a cup and a release cable, accepts the top half of the puck.
Q: Do I have to buy your boots?
A: No. However your boots will need to be modified to use the system. Currently we modify boots to accept the cup and cable release. We have been successful in modifying boots by Burton, Flow, K2, and DC, just to name a few. Our goal is to have boot companies manufacture boots to accept the system. Bodhiz will not prohibit you from riding your original bindings after modification. As well, we are looking to train the staff at resorts to modify boots for the customer directly. A person could modify their own boots with the proper training. Training we would be willing to provide.
At this time, boots for step-in bindings, like K2 and Burton, have not been tested for Bodhiz modification.
Q: How is this better?
A: Bodhiz is universal in boot size. From a women’s size 7 to a men’s size 12, the system is the same. The stance is all that needs to change. When in the lift line, rotate the front boot around the puck and walk normally, with just the rear boot disconnected. No need to stop to rotate your boot and no side-stepping. (You may need to learn to skate again.) The foot remains rotated while on the lift causing less knee strain. Rotate your foot back to riding position before reaching the exit at the top. As the board fully contacts the snow, pull the release cable at the top of the rear boot and connect to the puck. It only takes a second. Now stand up and ride away fully connected. No more stopping to strap in.
Q: Is Bodhiz recyclable?
A: Bodhiz is made of food grade HDPE which means it can be washed in the dishwasher. HDPE is very recyclable, in many forms. Our goal is to offer discounts to customers returning product towards the purchase of a new product. The materials will be recycled and repurposed towards new products or recycled into Bodhiz products.
Q: Rotating your foot – Is this dangerous?
A: Bodhiz has been ridden by professionals and beginners alike to provide input without injury. The same two improvements were suggested each time. Both of which are currently in development. 1.) A tighter connection between the boot and the surface of the receiver, and 2.) A way to lock the boot into position. We, here at Bodhiz, have consistently ridden the system on multiple boards, again with no issues or injuries. No-Boards, skateboards, wakeboards, and surfboards are all ridden without bindings. Even snowboarders will place their feet on the outside of bindings in a desperate search for “self expression”. The rotation of the boot allows for the innovation of new and never before seen tricks.
Additionally: Once disconnected, the boot can contact the puck on the side and still allow riding. Your board can be carried directly on you back by applying a guitar-style strap to the pucks on both ends leaving a rider hands-free at the ticket window or long hikes through the backcountry. Again, after modifying your boots, you can still use them to ride standard bindings.
Q: Can you lock your foot in one place?
A: Yes. We are engineering different ways to lock your foot into one position. We are manufacturing the parts to be tested this summer in preparation for winter Beta testing. This will allow the best design to move forward.
Q: Is there a Highback?
A: Yes. We call this the STS Sleeve Torque System and it is inside the boot. We are working to reduce the profile, as well as the weight of the system, to keep with a lighter design. The STS, like the rest of the Bodhiz system, allows the rider to adjust ride quality while on the mountain.
This summer will see everything from more designs & engineering to manufacture tools & fixtures necessary to bring the product for market.