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I have used both the Catek step in and standard bail version plates. For my style of riding, I prefer the standard bails. It’s not to say the bails are better than the step ins as each have their pros and cons. I would encourage the use of both setups, on varied terrain over a period of time.
The step ins do offer an ease of entry and will produce a feel that is much more rigid and stiffer than that of the bails. This has its advantage for a more efficient ride in the sense that any amount of energy from the rider is directly transmitted. However, I have seen a good portion of riders fail to reach their potential because of its stiffness. Combine that with a stiff boot and performance, from what I have seen, is somewhat plateaued. Many riders are under the notion that stiff is best or the way to go...in some cases it is. Stronger heavier riders will benefit from the extra stiffness as well as the discipline being done will dictate the need for a stiffer more efficient setup or not.
Plates with the standard bails are not as rigid as the step in versions. The flex characteristics of the bails will undergo change the more they get used. When new, the bail plates are at their highest efficiency. As wear ensues, slight play will develop and one would notice this. For my style of riding, I like that. More often than not, less efficiency or more play, will introduce a larger margin for error on the riders behalf.
Same sense between riding powder verses hard surfaces. The powder creates a larger margin for error, where mistakes can be done and not noticed as the surface is not efficient. Take that same rider and put 'em on a firm surface and mistakes will instantly surface. That there in itself is why you here that people don’t like ice. Not because it s bad but because their true skills come to the surface and after riding powder thinking they are great are quickly humbled.
This play/less efficiency can be very beneficial to improving or speeding up a particular learning curve whether novice, intermediate or advanced. The play of the bails will allow me to really tweak on heel side turns allowing a little more lateral flex at the ankles without having the board over compensating its angle to the snow. My only regret from not using the step ins is having to replace a pair of boots every season from busting off the heel shelves.
The only comment that I have on mixing step ins and bails is to try it. The whole process of gaining experience comes from trial and error to see what will work best for your skill level and style. Just remember one thing, when one tries something new for the first time that is different from what they normally use, the body and mind's first reaction will usually be to reject it. Ignore that and give the new change some time. Then make the decision. Once the body and mind acclimates to the new change, you may realize the benefits of it and the ways it may be beneficial or not.
