Wondering how to choose your first snowboard bindings? This guide will walk you through the key considerations so you can get set up properly from the get-go.
Bindings are your direct connection to your snowboard and transfer your energy, so getting a pair that works for your riding style and ability level is important. It ultimately comes down to preference, but it's important to consider the flex, type of binding, and compatibility with your board when choosing your snowboard bindings so you can have the best experience on the mountain.
Your ability and riding style will help determine what flex binding will work best for you. The flex is usually rated on a scale of 1-10 or 1-5, with lower numbers indicating softer flexes.
Binding flex mostly depends on personal preference, but there are a few helpful guidelines to get you started.
If you're a newer rider or spend a lot of time in the park, you'll likely prefer a softer, more forgiving binding. On the other hand, more advanced and freeride-oriented riders often prefer bindings that are stiffer and more responsive at speed. Most people will fall somewhere in the middle, though, with medium flex bindings that offer balanced all-mountain performance.
You should also consider the flex of your boot when choosing a snowboard binding. Soft boots and stiff bindings will work against each other, so try to find boots and bindings with similar flexes.
Types of Snowboard Bindings
Strap In Bindings - These most common type of snowboard binding. They're easy to use, secure, and responsive and have been the standard for ages. Just slide your foot in, tighten the straps and you're ready to go.
How Should Snowboard Bindings Fit My Boots? - Snowboard bindings come in general sizes that range from S to XL. It is essential to have the right size bindings for your boots, so always check out the manufacturer’s binding size chart on individual product pages to see what size binding you need.
After consulting the manufacturer’s size chart, it is critical to check that the binding fits your boots. Do this by placing your boot in your binding as if you were to strap in; the boots shouldn’t hang excessively off the bindings, nor should the straps be painfully tightened or have excess slack. If the strap ladder does not reach the ratchet, it may need to be adjusted - binding straps typically adjust from both sides to center the strap over your boot.The heel should fit snugly in the binding. A properly fit binding should allow the boot to flex, but not sway. If you have comfortable boots, and the bindings securely grip your boots with no extra play, then you have a good match.
Binding Compatibility with Snowboards - Just like snowboards, bindings come with different options for mounting. There are a variety of mounting options and hole patterns on snowboards, and the binding's mounting disc holes have to align. In general, most binding discs are compatible with most mount patterns, but it's good to make sure. Luckily, most brands nowadays have "universal discs" or offer multiple discs to cover different types of mounting holes.
Re:Flex™ vs EST Bindings - Burton's EST bindings bring out the best of Channel system's flex and are considered to be more comfortable since there is no hardware underfoot. The EST bindings will only mount to Burton's channel system.
Channel System Binding Compatibility - These days, most binding companies have made their products compatible with the Channel system. Looking for bindings that say they are either Channel compatible, Re:Flex™ compatible or offer a universal mount disc are going to get you what you need.
Be aware that some binding companies only make their higher priced bindings compatible with the Channel system. Generally, these companies sell a universal disc that you can purchase separately. Always ask if you are unsure if the bindings you're looking at are right for your set up.