DNR Step-In Review:
by Mark North |
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If you're looking for hard-boot response in a soft model, DNR's Intense boot ($249) is your answer. Burly, heavy, stiff and supportive, but not all that comfortable. It's a challenge getting your foot in; the five-step process includes laces, toe ratchet, heel strap, shin ratchet, and shin strap. Unless you ride exclusively on groomers, you'll probably want to remove the hard plastic external tongue to increase flexibility. |
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| On the pair we tested, the ratchet buckles didn't always stay shut--they kept popping open. Another drawback is the Intense's limited forward-lean adjustment--contrary to the catalog's claims. |
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| Look to DNR's Exact (freestyle) and Extern (freeride) boots for a more flexible ride.
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| The Interface 1.03 binding ($189) is DNR's top-of-the-line, and basically functions like a ski binding turned sideways. (No surprise here; it's produced with Marker and Technica.) The 1.03 creates excellent boot-board interface with no play whatsoever. Featuring dampening pads, 4X4 360-degree micro-adjustable mounting disc, and "exclusive to the 1.03, the special Quick Pull release cord integrated into the Force Lock Coupler for even easier exits." One wonders why they couldn't include this three-inch strip of shoelace on the lower models. |
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| Overall, this system feels pretty heavy, but it's the sturdiest
step-in we checked out. |
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| For info: (801) 956-9430 |
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| Leave your own review of the DNR step-in binding.
Boot/Binding Index | Next Review (K2/Shimano) |