A new ASTM International standard, F 2546, Test Method for Snowboard Step-in Bindings, will contribute to the safety of snowboarders by describing the steps required to evaluate a step-in snowboard binding-boot system. F 2546 is under the jurisdiction of Subcommittee F27.85 on Snowboarding, which is part of ASTM International Committee F27 on Snow Skiing.
 
“Leading snowboard binding manufacturers produced and marketed step-in bindings that differed in design, material and how they attached to the boot,” says Bruce Jahnke, Subcommittee F27.85 member and director of product testing, K2 Sports. “It was felt that an industry standard would help to ensure product safety.”
 
Jahnke says that the standard will ensure that step-in bindings put on the market meet a minimum strength and durability requirement. The standard addresses the functionality and safety of a binding while in service under certain conditions.
 
Interested parties are invited to join the standards developing activities of F27.85. “Currently, research is under way to further study various aspects of the step-in standard,” says Jahnke. “If the research dictates a revision to the existing standard is necessary, then this would be brought to the subcommittee for the approval process.”
 
In addition, Jahnke says, “The subcommittee is looking at some new and exciting potential standards for a releasable step-in binding and a snowboard brake or similar device to prevent runaway boards. Both require significant effort and input from many different areas of expertise including manufacturers, rental shops, ski areas, and academia, including scientists and epidemiologists.”
 
ASTM International standards are available for purchase from Customer Service (phone: 610/832-9585; https://www.astm.org/contact/) or at www.astm.org.

For technical information, contact Bruce Jahnke, K2 Sports, Seattle, Wash. (phone: 206/206-8054, ext. 1852; Bruce_Jahnke@k2sports.com). Committee F27 meets July 23-24, 2007, in Burlington, Vt. For membership or meeting information, contact Christine Sierk, manager, Technical Committee Operations, ASTM International (phone: 610/832-9728; csierk@astm.org).

Release #7639