There is always one component of every equation that people tend to over look or neglect because they think, or just plain don’t know, how important that one element really is. Case in point, the snowboard binding. Bindings are one of the most essential elements when putting together your setup. We have covered some basics in picking a board, but now you want to be sure you are paying the same attention to your bindings for your new set up. Before I get ahead of myself, make sure you have a decent pair of boots, as you need those to decide on a pair of decent bindings.

What are the different types of bindings?

There are basically 3 different types of bindings that you can choose from: Strap, Step-In and Plate Bindings. All of them are different, and it’s really up to you and what is the most comfortable overall for your body and style.

Strap/Soft Bindings

Soft bindings are the most comfortable type of bindings and are generally used by freestyles or freeride snowboarders. They provide a good feel for the board and good flex for tricks and turns. Soft bindings do not offer a lot of foot and ankle support, and are more difficult to put on and take off than other types of bindings. They are available with low, medium, and high backs to provide varying levels of support for your heel and Achilles tendon. Most new versions of these types of bindings have variety on their look and support and more and more I see toe cap bindings to secure you in front, whereas over the top of your foot has really always been the standard.

Step In Bindings

Now I have never ridden step- ins before, but they are out there and generally used for beginners. Step-In bindings are the simplest bindings to get in and out of the assortment. They are good if you are just learning to snowboard because they offer good edge control and are also relatively comfortable. Because of their convenience and ease of use, step-in bindings are more desirable for beginners and frequent novice riders. I have never seen anyone in a park using these types of bindings, but if you are just doing some slope cruising these might be an easy alternative for you.

Plate/Hard Bindings

Plate bindings give the most solid and direct control over your snowboard and are used in conjunction with hard boots, much like ski boots. All your body movements are directly transmitted to the board without a padding to absorb much of this energy. This type of binding is used mostly by snowboard racers and those interested in doing some serious carving on the hill. They allow you to do some tight turning and give you support when you are speeding. You lose a lot of feel for your board as you don’t have any flexibility.

Does the type of binding really matter?

Duh! The characteristics of your snowboard binding will have a significant effect on your riding experience. Although the particular snowboard binding you choose will depend greatly on your riding style, there are also other aspects to be taken into consideration. Price and comfort should also be top on your list of priorities but remember, bindings are super important in how you connect to your board, so it’s not a good idea to skimp on equipment like this.

Does it matter how high the back is?

All bindings have different highbacks. The highback is the plate at the end of the binding supporting your heel and calves. If you’re a freestyle rider then you will want a smaller, more flexible highback for the extra manoeuvrability. Aggressive freestyle riders or anyone that feels like doing a little racing will want higher, stiffer highbacks for extra control. If you ride park you probably want something in between. For the most control you would just go with a hard boot and bindings, you are locked in and that is about the most stability you can get.

What size biding should I pick and should I try them on?

Size really does matter and the only way you can be sure is to try them on. Make sure that you have your boots with you and actually try them out in the binding before you make any decisions. Although bindings are adjustable and are made to work to your comfort, you want to be sure that all the elements work together. Some bindings with a toe strap might not contour well with your boots or the back of the binding could go over your boots making them an undesirable choice.

Remember, your bindings connect you to your snowboard, they should almost be thought of as an extension of your body. You want to make sure you are in harmony with your set up so really take the time to fuse all the components of your set up equation together.

Tags: Snowboarding