I used to have step ins, K2 with the highback. I loved them. I never encountered any problems with coming out, or response. It was actually cool because i was able to do a little trick where i popped my back foot out, waved it around a little, and put it back in. I only got strap ins now because K2 discontuned all of the highback stepins so when I outgrew my boots I needed new bindings too. The only advantage to straps I see is getting off the ground, other than that step ins win because of the convenience.