How to Choose Snowboard Bindings

Snowboard bindings transfer your energy from your body to your board. Good bindings give you better response from your board, which means improved control for better riding. And who doesn't want that?

Finding a good pair of bindings starts with determining the type of boarding (freeriding or freestyling) you do and the style of boot (soft or hard) you prefer.
Understanding Snowboard Bindings

Snowboard bindings do not release in a fall like ski bindings. On the plus side, injuries are less likely than they are in downhill skiing. With both feet attached firmly to the board, your legs and joints are less likely to bend and twist at odd angles in a fall.

Most bindings fasten to the board in a pre-drilled binding configuration called a 4x4 mounting pattern, except Burton snowboards, which use a 3-D system. These mounting systems allow easy changes in the binding placement and stance angles.

The type of highback, the plate end of the binding that supports your heel and calf, as well as the correct height of the highback in relation to the length of your leg is crucial for optimizing power transfer and control from your body to the board.
Types of Snowboard Bindings

Strap Bindings
The most common binding style, strap bindings are preferred by freestylers and can be used by all types of snowboarders who like softer boots. Strap bindings are available in a two-strap style from manufacturers such as Burton, or in a proprietary full-strap style made by Flow. Keep in mind that two-strap bindings can usually accommodate all boots, whereas Flow bindings generally work best with Flow boots. When choosing strap bindings, make sure the back of the binding isn't higher than the top of your boot.

  • Features—These bindings have two adjustable ratchet straps. You can choose from strap bindings with a small, medium or large highback, depending on your need for mobility versus support and the size of your boot. Look for multiple adjustment options in the strap positioning, forward lean and heel cup.

  • Best For—Highback (HB) bindings are good for all types of riders. Lower (shorter) HBs are preferred by freestylers seeking more flexibility and mobility. Freeriders opt for higher, stiffer HBs for extra control.

Step-In Bindings
These bindings easily fasten the boot to the board without straps. Step-in bindings are boot-specific, so you'll need to buy boots and bindings together as a system. Choose your boots first, then get compatible step-ins. And keep in mind that step-in bindings may not be a good choice in some terrains, such as deep powder.

  • Features—Some step-in bindings do not have a highback. Instead, compatible boots either have a built-in highback or an external highback for support. Others do have a highback, creating a similar feeling to the strap bindings and allowing you to use a softer boot without the hassle of the straps.

  • Best For—Freestylers and freeriders who want the convenience of a step-in system.

Setting Up Your Bindings

An incorrect stance can keep your board from flexing properly which limits your range of motion and diminishes your control, so take the time to determine the stance that's right for you. As you gain experience, you'll most likely change your stance to match your riding style.

When mounting your bindings for the first time, consider three factors:

  • Stance Width—Stance width, the distance between your feet, depends on your height, your board length and the type of riding you do. Initially, try a stance about shoulder-width apart. In terms of handling, freestylers usually prefer a wider stance for greater board stability, maneuverability and less rotation weight. Freeriders prefer a narrower stance to make carving turns easier.

  • Stance Angle—This is the direction your feet point on your board. Factors such as comfort, your boot length, the forward lean of your boot, your board's width and centering (see below) all determine the angle at which you mount your bindings. Regardless, your bindings should be mounted so your toes are somewhat angled at the board edges for better turning control.

  • Centering—Bindings can be center-mounted, but they're usually set one or two inches back from the center. This position gives better nose control and flotation in deep snow, and makes turning easier on steep slopes. Freeriders tend to ride behind the center. If you're spending a lot of time in powder, set your bindings back even farther.

The Extras

Leashes are required at all ski areas. A leash is attached to the binding on one end and the rider's leg on the other, preventing a board from running loose on the slope or falling from a chairlift.

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