Since its founding in 2017, CLEW has aimed to redefine snowboard bindings. Created by two engineering students, Johannes and Jakob, the brand was built around a clear mission: develop a true step-in snowboard binding compatible with regular soft boots—without compromising performance.
For the 25/26 season, CLEW introduces its most advanced model yet: the Independence. Replacing the previous Freedom model, it represents what the brand describes as “a major technological leap forward.”
The Origin of CLEW: A Student Idea That Changed the Market
The CLEW story began on the mountain. In 2017, while snowboarding, Johannes and Jakob identified a gap in the market.
“At the time, only two systems existed besides ratchet bindings, both requiring special boots,” explains Jakob. Other rear-entry systems didn’t ride as well and you still needed your hands to use the step function, which was neither intuitive nor fast.”
As part of a university project, the founders surveyed over 100 active snowboarders. The feedback confirmed strong demand for a new solution.
After developing several concepts, one design stood out. It combined performance and simplicity in a way no other system had achieved. As Jakob puts it, the concept that became CLEW proved to be the most promising, “combining top riding performance with the easiest entry and exit on the market.”
After filing a patent and realizing traditional manufacturers weren’t aligned with their “Made in Germany” approach, the founders launched their own company.
How CLEW Bindings Work: A True Hybrid System
One of CLEW’s biggest innovations is its hybrid design. Unlike most step-in systems, CLEW bindings consist of a baseplate mounted to the snowboard and a detachable highback unit attached to your boot via straps.
You adjust the ankle and toe straps once—just like a traditional ratchet binding. After that, you don’t need to touch the ratchets again during the day.
Jakob summarizes the experience clearly:
“Once you’ve set your straps, you’re done for the day. There’s no need to ever touch the ratchets again.”
To step in, the rider slides the highback unit into the baseplate until it locks. To exit, a rear handle releases the mechanism quickly and smoothly.
The result? In Jakob’s words:
“The CLEW binding is a true hybrid. You get the full comfort, board feel, and performance of a high-quality ratchet binding, combined with an exceptionally fast and intuitive entry and exit mechanism.”
And importantly: it works with any regular soft boot.
The New CLEW Independence: A Major Technological Leap
The Independence builds on the success of the Freedom model and will officially replace it starting in the 25/26 season. CLEW’s philosophy is driven by constant innovation. As Jakob explains:
“We’ve always had a strong inner drive to push new developments and get the very most out of our sport.”
The new model was born directly from community collaboration:
“It’s the result of ongoing collaboration with our customers and partners, and marks a major technological leap forward.”
What’s New in the Independence?
Every component has been refined. According to Jakob, “Every single component has been fine-tuned for maximum performance and functionality.”
Here are the key upgrades:
1. Lighter Weight & Optimized Flex
The Independence is significantly lighter than previous CLEW models. The flex rating has been adjusted from 8–9/10 to 7–8/10, offering slightly more forgiving flex and improved board feel Greater all-mountain versatility. Importantly, it delivers more flex without feeling soft or unstable.
2. Increased Strength (+15%)
The revised geometry optimizes the load path from the heelcup to the mounting area, increasing structural strength by 15%. The baseplate now features: Integrated canting and a new three-stage hook system for smoother step-in engagement.
The highback locking mechanism has also been refined with sintered metal hooks and stainless steel handle. All of these changes contribute to smoother operation and enhanced durability.
3. Rider-Focused Details
CLEW has reworked the ratchet strap geometry and buckles for easier release. Both ankle and toe straps now feature tool-free adjustment. This rider-first approach is central to the brand’s development philosophy.
Clew Independence Snowboard Binding – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The Clew Independence stands out thanks to its hybrid design. Riders can use it like a classic two-strap binding or benefit from a quick-entry mechanism, offering flexibility depending on riding style and terrain. This dual-use concept makes it a versatile option for a wide range of snowboarders.
This binding is optimized for all-mountain riding. It offers a balanced mix of responsiveness, comfort, and support, making it suitable for carving, freeride lines, and playful freestyle riding across the resort.
This binding is optimized for all-mountain riding. It offers a balanced mix of responsiveness, comfort, and support, making it suitable for carving, freeride lines, and playful freestyle riding across the resort.
The Clew Independence is compatible with most standard snowboard mounting systems, including 4×4 and channel systems. Riders should always check board and binding compatibility before installation.
The Clew Independence is compatible with most standard snowboard mounting systems, including 4×4 and channel systems. Riders should always check board and binding compatibility before installation.
Compared to traditional snowboard bindings, the Clew Independence offers faster entry and exit while maintaining similar levels of control and adjustability. This makes it especially appealing to riders who want to save time on the slopes without changing their riding habits.
Compared to traditional snowboard bindings, the Clew Independence offers faster entry and exit while maintaining similar levels of control and adjustability. This makes it especially appealing to riders who want to save time on the slopes without changing their riding habits.
While primarily designed for all-mountain riding, the Clew Independence can also suit freestyle riders who value quick entry and solid board response. Its balanced flex allows for enough freedom while still providing stability on landings.
While primarily designed for all-mountain riding, the Clew Independence can also suit freestyle riders who value quick entry and solid board response. Its balanced flex allows for enough freedom while still providing stability on landings.
Beginners can use the Clew Independence, but it is especially beneficial for riders who already have basic snowboarding skills and want a binding that grows with their progression.
Beginners can use the Clew Independence, but it is especially beneficial for riders who already have basic snowboarding skills and want a binding that grows with their progression.
