The Burton 3D was indeed the first disc binding system, in 1993. The rest of the industry (except for maybe a few very minor brands) followed with the 4 hole pattern the next year. The switch-over was impressive. In 1993 non-Burton boards and bindings had those random hole patterns. In 1994 everything was 3D or 4-hole. I'd love to learn the behind-the-scenes story of how that happened. The impact of the switchover to disc-based systems can't be underestimated. The ability to set arbitrary stance angles and widths was a prerequisite for duck stances and twin-tips, as well as for wide boards, all of which followed immediately in the mid-90s. IMO it was the most significant development since the the basic modern shape (no fins or ropes), metal edges, and strap bindings fin the 80s. Also, a lot boards didn't even have inserts by the early 90s. They'd have metal plates sandwiched in the laminates under the foot/binding positions, and you'd have to drill pilot holes and permanently screw on the bindings. My friend had one of those. But even with inserts you would pretty much mount your bindings permanently back then.
Thanks for all the info. It was definitely a free for all until the discs took over. It's so much easier to mix and match bindings these days. My first bindings were Kemper and I had to drill a couple holes in them to match my Burton Air. It was worth it though.
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What word do you feel is better for the letter I?
The Burton 3D was indeed the first disc binding system, in 1993. The rest of the industry (except for maybe a few very minor brands) followed with the 4 hole pattern the next year. The switch-over was impressive. In 1993 non-Burton boards and bindings had those random hole patterns. In 1994 everything was 3D or 4-hole. I'd love to learn the behind-the-scenes story of how that happened.
The impact of the switchover to disc-based systems can't be underestimated. The ability to set arbitrary stance angles and widths was a prerequisite for duck stances and twin-tips, as well as for wide boards, all of which followed immediately in the mid-90s. IMO it was the most significant development since the the basic modern shape (no fins or ropes), metal edges, and strap bindings fin the 80s.
Also, a lot boards didn't even have inserts by the early 90s. They'd have metal plates sandwiched in the laminates under the foot/binding positions, and you'd have to drill pilot holes and permanently screw on the bindings. My friend had one of those. But even with inserts you would pretty much mount your bindings permanently back then.
Thanks for all the info. It was definitely a free for all until the discs took over.
It's so much easier to mix and match bindings these days. My first bindings were Kemper and I had to drill a couple holes in them to match my Burton Air. It was worth it though.