Hello and welcome to my K2 Lien AT review.
In this review I will take a look at the Lien ATs as all-mountain snowboard bindings.
As per tradition here at SnowboardingProfiles.com I will give the Lien ATs a score out of 100 (based on several factors) and see how it compares with other all-mountain bindings.
Overall Rating
Bindings: K2 Lien AT
Price: $269 (USD)
Style: All-Mountain
Other Uses: All-mountain Freeride, Freestyle
Flex: Medium (6/10)
Rating Score: 88.7/100
Compared to other Men’s All-Mountain Bindings
Out of the 21 men’s all mountain bindings that I rated:
Overview of the Lien AT’s Specs
Check out the tables for the Lien AT's specs and available sizes.
Specs
Style: | All-Mountain |
Price: | $269 |
Ability Level: |  |
Flex: |  |
Edge-to-Edge: | Medium-Fast |
Weight: | Normal |
Mounts To: | 2 x 4 |
Sizing
SIZE | US BOOT SIZE | EURO BOOT SIZE | UK BOOT SIZE |
|---|---|---|---|
M | 5-9 | 36-41.5 | 4-8 |
L | 8-12 | 40.5-46 | 7-11 |
XL | 11-15 | 44.5-50 | 10-14 |
Who are the Lien AT Most Suited To?
The Lien ATs are for anyone who wants one set of bindings that can do everything. They are on the stiffer side of medium in terms of flex but they still butter really well.
You can use them in the backcountry, on the groomers or use them in the park or for freestyle-type riding outside the park. They’re responsive but at the same time have great board feel.
They are good for a range of different boards too, so if you want just one pair of bindings for multiple boards then they are a good choice.
The Lien AT in More Detail
O.k. let’s take a more detailed look at what the Lien ATs are capable of.
Demo Info
Bindings: K2 Lien AT 2018, Large
Date: April 15, 2017
Conditions: Cloudy with some sun in the morning. Started snowing around midday (have had so much snow in April – it’s awesome!) Some fresh overnight snow made the snow nice and soft in the morning – hardened up as it was compacted but was still soft-packed. Then Softened up again a bit in the afternoon with the snow.
Bindings angles: +15/-15
Flex
While some label this as a mid-stiff binding, I definitely felt that it was medium. It feels like a 6/10. So on the stiffer side of medium but still medium. Which I think is great for this type of binding.
I have ridden the Lien ATs on a few different flexing boards too and they worked just as well across a range of flexes.
You can also change out the tripod ‘grommets’ in the baseplate to fine tune that flex even further (see video below for more details). I only tried them with one set of grommets so I’m not sure how much they actually change the feel.
Board Feel/Butterability
The bindings flex really well with the board and this makes them great for buttering. The kind of buttering you might expect out of a softer flexing base plate.
Whatever they’re doing there is working. They achieve great response but also great board feel.
Adjustability
These things are super adjustable and super easy to adjust.
These were one of the easiest bindings I’ve had to adjust and everything is tool-less, so if you’re like me and you’re fussy with how you bindings are set up – you can make small adjustments on the fly until you have tweaked them just right.
You can even adjust their flex (see video below) which is pretty unique!
Shock Absorption
They’ve got some really good padding in the footbed and that really helps them to absorb shock well.
Entry/Exit
Easy to get in and out of. The ratchet system is smooth and it’s pretty fast to get in and out of. What you’d expect from this level of binding.
Let’s Break up this text with a Video
Comfort
The Lien ATs felt really comfortable. This is down to a few things.
- Firstly, the ankle strap is really nice and I didn’t notice it on at all.
- Secondly, it has a canted footbed which aligns your hips, knees and ankles better.
- Finally, that padding in the footbed also really adds to the comfort.
Responsiveness
The responsiveness of the AT is just that little bit better than you’d expect from a medium flexing binding. This is great because you get some great response but you still get some movement and forgiveness too.
Ankle/Boot Support
I felt that I could get the straps dialed in tight without it feeling uncomfortable. So if you like a really firm, locked down feeling, then these do a great job of that without digging into your feet. They have a good level of ankle support.
Changes for the 2021 Model
As far as I can tell the 2021 model is essentially the same as the 2020 model.
Changes for the 2020 Model
As far as I can tell the 2020 model is essentially the same as the 2019 model.
Changes for the 2019 Model
The “pod” on the heel in the tripod chasis is now much larger. Not so much a pod anymore.
Changes for the 2018 Model
As far as I can tell the 2018 model is the same as the 2017 model except for the different colorways available.
Changes for the 2017 Model
K2 have added a different toe strap for the 2017 model. I didn’t notice this make too much difference but the toe strap felt nice nonetheless.
The 2017 model also includes the 3 different types of ‘Grommets’ for the tripod chassis (if that made no sense to you check out the video above – it explains it better than I can!), which is great because it allows you to customize the flex.
Score Breakdown and Final Verdict
Check out the breakdown of the score in the table below.
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
RESPONSE | 3.5 | 14/20 |
BOARD FEEL | 5.0 | 20/20 |
SHOCK ABSORPTION | 4.0 | 12/15 |
ADJUSTABILITY | 4.0 | 12/15 |
COMFORT | 4.0 | 12/15 |
ANKLE SUPPORT | 4.5 | 9/10 |
ENTRY/EXIT | 3.5 | 3.5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 88.7/100 |
The Lien ATs are one of the most versatile bindings out there. So if you’re looking for a do it all kind of binding, then these should definitely be on your radar.
Note: Not to be confused with the K2 Lien FS. The ‘FS’ in the Lien FS stands for freestyle. They are a more freestyle oriented binding and softer flexing. The ‘AT’ in Lien AT stands for all terrain. NOTE that the Lien FS is no longer available for 2019, 2020 or 2021 – it has been replaced by the K2 Lineup.
More Info, Current Prices and Where to Buy Online
If you are interested in the Lien ATs check out the links below to learn more and for current prices and availability.
- US
- CANADA
If you want to check out some other all-mountain bindings or see how the Lien AT compares to others, check out the next link.
Hi Nate
Currently riding the T.rice Orca – how do you think the Lien AT would pair up with that or do you have any better suggestions?
Also my attention came to the Lien AT because of the great reviews it got everywhere – I even think i was in your AM Freeride top 5 last year – what pushed it down the ladder this year – new and better bindings? or did they just not upgrade the binding enough for this year?
Thanks for the great work!
– Andreas
Hi Andreas
Thanks for your message.
I think the Lien AT would probably go well. I haven’t ridden the Orca, so I couldn’t say for sure. Based on what I know of the Orca, I would probably use it with the stiffer pods, to give it a bit of a stiffer flex for the board, which sounds like it’s mid-stiff.
The Lien AT still made my list, but it’s in my “all-mountain” list rather than “all-mountain-freeride” list. Anything from that all-mountain freeride list would also suit, IMO.
>>Top 5 All Mountain Bindings
>>Top 5 All-Mountain-Freeride Bindings
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi Nate
Thank you for your answer!
I’ll probably go for the Lien AT’s then – I like the idea to be able to have one binding for several boards with the pod system.
It doesn’t sound like much changed from last years model – Is it worth spending an extra $75 for the 2020 model, or should I save the money I just rock with the 2019 version?
Thanks in advance!
Hi Andreas
If you can get the 2019 version in your size and save some cash, that’s what I’d do.
Hey Nate!
Thanks for the awesome detailed review and your comments section 🙂
I am in a small dilemma, maybe you can help me!
I currently own a 2017 Yes Standard 156. I wear 8.5 boots and currently ride the 2016 K2 Lien AT. I ride them without the foam gasket, so full tripod mode :). After testing out some Now Drive bindings I saw a significant improvement in both edge hold and carving power. I’ve also noticed that the heel cup is somehow sticking out less than my Liens. Unfortunately, I didn’t like the Now’s buttering feel.
I mostly ride everything from fast pow runs (but inbound not freeride) to park (jumps, no jibbing for now). I also do a lot of deep carves and like to have fun with a lot of Knapton-like buttering and carving. I don’t like having a lot of boards so my Standard is my one and only board.
I am currently curious if there are any other bindings that: Have the same buttering and qualities of the K2’s but improve a bit on the carving side
So:
1. Is the Lien 2018-2019 improving on the 2016 on the response but keeping the buttering and playfulness?
2. Is the Burton Malavita or Cartel better suited for what I’m searching?
3. Any other bindings that you would suggest?
Hi Matt
Thanks for your message.
I wouldn’t say that the Lien AT 18-19 would give you that much more in terms of response vs the 2016 model.
In terms of butterability, the Malavita definitely as good and the Cartel close, but I wouldn’t say you necessarily gain anything in terms of response. The Genesis X would give you that same butterability but add response (IMO). It’s a stiffer binding – so not as playful generally, but still playful in terms of buttering (sideways movement). The Union Falcor is another option which is even more responsive, IMO, but still buttery. Again it’s a stiffer binding but still got good flex with the board. The Strata is a little softer flexing – but still a little more responsive than the AT/Cartel/Malavita, IMO. And has that flex with the board too – so that would be a good option too, IMO.
I hadn’t tested NOW bindings until recently but did get on some this year. I found the same, that they didn’t have that butterability – but otherwise really liked them – especially the Drive. Vs the Malavitas (which are my test bindings), they had more response, and you could dig in a carve better and for longer, but didn’t have the same board feel/butterability.
You could also check out the following for more:
>>Top 5 All Mountain Bindings
>>Top 5 All-Mountain-Freeride Bindings
Hope this gives you more to go off for your decision
Hey Nate!
Thanks a lot for the answer. Haha yea, actually I managed to test some Malavita’s on a friend’s board and they seemed identical even though I didn’t test them on my board. So yea, I think I’m going to stick to my Lien’s as the unions you recommended are 2×4 and I want to keep using the 4×4 setback holes.
I’m also really curios if the larger pod in the back changes the way the Lien’s feel overall. I hope you get the chance to test them soon!
The weird thing is on the Drives, the edge hold seemed better on the board somehow haha. Also the heel cup was sticking out less so I could lean more in the heel side carve without booting out.
Hey
Yeah true the Falcor’s and Strata won’t go into the slam back stance on the Standard. Yeah, I find that often with stiffer bindings that somehow you can hold a carve better, and seems to give better edge hold. Not sure the science behind it but yeah I’ve definitely noticed it on some bindings, typically stiffer bindings.
Hi, I already own a set of these, and have a 2018 Jones Flagship on the way.
Do you think they will pair ok (using stiffer bushes and the baseplate pad), or do I need to look into splashing out on some Now Drive’s or something similar?
Hi Harry
Thanks for your message.
I think the Lien ATs, with the stiffest grommets in there would likely be fine for the Flagship. That said, I’ve only tried them with the mid-level grommets, so I’m not sure how much difference they make overall.
Ideally a little stiffer bindings for the Flagship, but I think they’ll work for it. And like I say, depending on how much difference those things make to the flex, they might work really well.
Hey there,
How would a K2 Lien AT pair up with a Capita Mercury and Arbor Bryan Iguchi Pro?
I was thinking of the Falcor also but was wondering if it might be too twitchy.
Cheers
Hi C
Yeah I think the Lien AT would be a decent match for the Mercury and the Bryan Iguchi Pro (I haven’t ridden the latter, but based on the flex rating of 7/10 and the fact that other Arbor boards I’ve ridden feel pretty true to the ratings they give). The Mercury, though rated a 7/10, I would say is just a little softer than that but not by much – I’d say a 6.5/10. The ATs probably more 6/10 so normally would say ideal for a 5/10 or 6/10 flex, but would certainly do the job for these boards. And you can change the grommets to adjust them also.
But in saying that, I think the Falcors would also be great for these boards. I would rate them a 7/10 flex – and I don’t think they would be too twitchy for these boards at all. I tested the Falcors on my Rossi One LF, which I rate at 6/10 in terms of flex and they just sing on it. Really responsive but not twitchy, in my experience.
I would personally pair either with the Falcors, but both would work, IMO.
Hope this helps
Much appreciated – great to read your material
You’re very welcome!
I got the K2 Lien AT during this season and rode them about 10/12 times (basically since I got them) I swapped them out from Burton mission bindings. Although they are great bindings I find the toe strap to not be quite as good as burtons. I find by not having a complete “cap” design that the urethane strap digs into the top of your boot. Not a huuuuuuuge deal but still an annoyance as eventually will cut up your boot. I solved this by just stencilling aircraft protective tape that I “liberated” from work. I swear it was the end of the roll! Anywho it holds up great and is clear and a good sacrificial base and just swap it out as need be. Other then that these bindings are def premium and I love like you said the ability to adjust on the fly while at the hill and what not.
Here is the tape that I use:
stencilling aircraft protective tape
Hi Andrew
Thanks for your input – and the tip about the tape. Good to know
Would you recommend the K2 Lien AT for the Never Summer West? Any other bindings you recommend for the Never Summer West? I got on in a 162 (size 10 Salomon Synapse boots). I find that the K2 bindings are longer from my experience with the K2 Formulas.
Hey
Yeah, I think the Lien AT would be a good match for the NS West. It’s a good flex match. And in terms of fitting across the board, I’d say that the Lien AT Large (which would be the size that would best fit your boots) would be fine, even if they are longer than average bindings.
If you want other options though, you can check out the following:
>>Top 5 All Mountain Bindings
Hope this helps
Nate,
I emailed you last week about the XV Magtek. What are your thoughts on the K2 Lien working with the XV in comparison to the Burton bindings?
Thanks,
Ryan
Hi Ryan
Like the Cartels, I think you could get away with the Lien ATs on the XV. My only worry would be that they would be not quite-stiff enough to power the XV, which is a pretty powerful kind of board. You can talk about a stiff binding over-powering a softer flexing board. My worry would be that the Lien ATs would under-power the XV, if that makes sense?
But you did mention that you prefer your bindings a bit more forgiving. Out of curiosity, what bindings do you ride on your Nidecker?
Nate,
I’m on the older Union Force S/L’s. Not a fan of the support even though the response is pretty good. I feel the support on Burton bindings is about as good as it gets which is why I was leaning that way. I’d prefer a footbed that is either canted or has AutoCant (Burton) but the Genesis X I don’t think has that.
Which bindings have you ridden with the XV? Did you notice a big difference based on the binding?
Thank you!
Hey.
Yeah, the Genesis X does lack that canting, so if you want canting, then Cartels a better option. And Lien ATs also have canting. Just remembered something about the Lien Ats. They do have these little pods that go in the baseplate. And they have 3 different stiffnesses of those. I’m actually not sure which ones I had in when I tested these bindings but I suspect they were probably the mid-level ones. If you were to put in the stiffest ones, that might give them a bit more for using with the XV. I can’t guarantee this though as I haven’t tried it with different pods to see how much difference they make.
But, anyway, I am thinking something medium-stiff-ish if you’re on the Force at the moment. The Cartels are rated a 7/10 which I would usually consider a medium-stiff but they felt more like a 6/10 to me – but bordering on that stiffer side of medium. So definitely still an option.
I’ve only ridden the XV on Flux DSs – which I felt like I could use a bit more stiffness for the XV than those.
Actually Flux XF or Flux TM could be an option too. I found the Flux XF (TMs quite similar) added a good bit of ooomph/response compared to the DSs (compared on a medium flex board) but didn’t have that lack of board feel that stiff bindings can sometimes get. I even took them in the park and they were fine in there (again all be it on a softer flexing board than the XV). You can check out my review of those at the link below.
~ Flux XF Bindings Review
And hey, if you got those, you’d have XFs on the XV!
Great support on the XFs too but unfortunately don’t think they have a canted footbed.
But yeah Cartels and Lien AT still options. Could look at Salomon Defenders or Union T Rice, which I believe have canted footbeds – also the Ride Capos (but I felt those were definitely lacking in board feel/forgiveness). And then the T Rice, even though I think the support is better than the Force, maybe still not up there with Burton/Flux. The new Falcor’s may be different?
Anyway hope this hasn’t made everything even more confusing!
I think the Lien ATs (and try experimenting with the different pods) or Burton Cartels if you definitely want that canting. Otherwise Genesis X or Flux XF, if you think you can do without the canting.
Thanks again!
Hey Nate,
I’ve just bought a Nirto Magnum 162W which has a medium stiffness. i’m really looking for a set up that can do all so I dont have to take multiple boards to the hill. Do you think these are optimal bindings and a good match with that board? I like to charge groomers, hit the powder and play in the trees. Your comments are appreciated!
Hi Rob
I think the Lien ATs would be a good choice for what you want to do. I’m not familiar with the Nitro Magnum but if it has a medium flex (which it sounds like it does – though it sounds like it’s on the stiffer side of medium), then it will certainly match the flex of the Lien ATs. They are a versatile pair of bindings – they’re responsive enough but also have a bit of forgiveness to them and they provide good board feel.
If you wanted something a little stiffer (mid-stiff) but not excessively stiff, then check out the link below for what I think are some of the better all-mountain-freeride type bindings (which it sounds like is the way you like to ride). The downside of these is that they’re not necessarily as good in the park or for buttering or that kind of thing (unless you do quite extreme freestyle riding) but since you haven’t mentioned freestyle I thought these would be worth looking at too.
>>Top 5 All-Mountain-Freeride Bindings
But the Lien ATs I think would definitely be suitable – particularly if you’re looking for that medium flex – and if you do ride the park or ride a little freestyle on the groomers, then they’re great for that too.
Hope this helps
Hey amazing reviews so helpful. Thanks.
Question
Think 2017 k2 lien fs will work with skate banana? Im intermediate and want to learn it all.
Hi James
I think that the K2 Lien FS would be a great fit for the Skate Banana. Both the Skate Banana and the Lien FS have that flex of around a 4/10 so are a good match flex-wise. And the the Lien FS also has great board feel, which is a good thing to have if you’re wanting to learn it all – especially for the more freestyle aspects – and this board feel is also good to have on a board like the Skate Banana. Definitely a good match, IMO.
The Lien AT would work too – but is a bit stiffer – more like 6/10 I would say. Still good board feel, but I think the the Lien FS matches better in terms of flex.
Hope this helps
Hey Nate,
Having had a look at your all mountain snowboards page I opted on purchasing a Burton Process Positive Camber board in a 157. (I like to carve and butter all mountain but am never in the park hence opted against the flying V version which scored slightly less in your ratings)
I’m now trying to match bindings to this which isn’t super easy given the Process has the Channel system which is intriguing!
I’m trying to decide between the Mission ESTs 2016 and the K2 Lien ATs 2016 and wanted to ask you:
– The Mission ESTs seem a good fit to the process board flex wise. Have you ridden a Burton Channel system board with and without EST bindings? Was there a noticeable difference in feeling and if so did you prefer EST or non EST?
– I know you have reviewed the K2 Liens in 2016 before the high back change to the 2017 model – how well will the 2016 Lien fit the Burton Process, are they a good fit for what I want to do? Are the high backs easily adjustable for forward lean?
– Which would you opt for if you had a Process like me!
Thanks for your help,
Prem
Hi Prem
Thanks for your message.
I usually ride Burton boards with EST bindings – I haven’t ridden any Burton board without EST this season but in general I would say that the ESTs are going to give you the best board feel on the channel system. That doesn’t mean that the Lien ATs wouldn’t give you good board feel, because they have great board feel generally speaking – but the ESTs are designed specifically for that system and that system was designed largely with board feel in mind.
I think the ATs would be a good fit for the Process overall and for what you describe. A good flex match and good board feel for those butters. The forward lean can be adjusted but I don’t think it’s quite as easy as on some other brands. But unless you were changing forward lean a lot, then I wouldn’t see this as a deal breaker.
Overall, both would be a good fit but I would go for the Mission ESTs – just because they’re designed for that channel system and match as well as the Lien ATs to the board in terms of both flex and in terms of board feel.
Hope this helps with your decision
Nate – thanks for your advice, very helpful!
You’re very welcome Prem. Thanks for visiting the site!
I have got the k2 lien AT.
But i dont know how the tripod system works.
How can i swap the difrent discs.
Hi Diem
Good question. I’ve never changed out the tripods before. I would have thought they would come with instructions in the box? One thing, it’s only the 2017 models that have the ability to swap them out, so if you have older models then I don’t think you can swap them out. If you can’t figure it out, best bet is to contact K2 (I tried to search for a video online but can’t find one showing how to do it).
Hey Nate,
your website really helped me to decide which new board to buy (Jones Mountain Twin 164w). Now I am searching for a new binding to pair it. Do you think the K2 will be a good choice?
Thanks and keep up your good work.
Hi Julius
I think the Lien ATs would work well with the Mountain Twins. They are a good flex match and are a great binding all round. You can check out the list at the link below if you want more ideas, but I think the Lien ATs would be a great choice if you didn’t want to complicate things with more options.
~ My Top 5 All Mountain Bindings
How will these work paired with a 14′ skate banana I do a lot of all mountain riding with it and in need of new bindings. Slight park but mainly all over mountain
Hi James
I’d say these would work well with the Skate Banana. If you were riding mostly park, then I’d probably recommend the Lien FS (or another good freestyle binding) but since you’re mostly riding all-mountain, then the Lien AT will be a better option – and you can definitely still ride the park with the ATs.
Awesome thanks