The Temet® is a combination of the popular Parks®, Byerly® and Belmont® bindings with the best features taken from each. These features include:

• Solid one-piece overlay w/ 6 independent eye loops
• Patented BOA speed dial
• Okham dual-density footbed
• Elastic Option 2 strap
• 15 degree molded brace shapes around the heel for a custom fit

Upon receiving these bindings I was anxious to try them out and see how the patented BOA system worked. The Temets are very easy to get into with dual straps at the top of the overlays. Once into the binding the rider is required to tighten the bindings using 3 different pieces: the foot laces, Option 2 strap and BOA system. I liked the added laces on the foot which allowed me to get the binding tighter on my toes and the Option 2 strap allowed me to lock my heel into the binding.

The BOA presented more problems - the steel cable is either tight or completely loose which means the rider has to turn the dial multiple times to get the ankle straps tight. There is also a tendency to not tighten the BOA as much as you would a lace so the binding does not end up as tight. The last issue I have with the BOA system is that the mounting plate is a piece of flat plastic which is sewn into the front underlay. As the BOA is tightened the underlay conforms to your ankle but the mounting plate stays flat which stretches the stitching to the point of failure each time.

The fit of the binding is pure Hyperlite®, snug and comfortable. The footbed is amply padded to provide soft landings for the big jumps out in the flats. The Temet® is very comfortable, outside of the looseness due to BOA system.

My overall opinion of the 2004 Temets is that they are a great signature binding, but there are lots too many gadgets and gimmicks. The more moving parts on a high-stress piece, the more apt they are to break meaning less time on the water.

The bindings rate 6 out of 10.