How to choose snowboard bindings

How to Choose Snowboard Bindings

Posted by Matt Gahman on Friday, August 2, 2024

Whether you're a seasoned pro or first-time rider, the perfect bindings should make your feet feel comfortable and supported while considering stiffness. Some pros prefer stiff bindings, while others prefer soft ones.

Our snowboard binding buying guide helps you make more informed decisions that align with your riding style, skill level and personal preferences. Buckman's Ski Shops understands the right equipment makes all the difference in your performance and safety on the slopes. That's why our winter sports-loving staff stays current on all industry-leading selections.

Parts of Snowboard Bindings

The entry has different styles you'll want to test to see what feels right — such as two-strap systems with a toe and heel strap and flow bindings with high backs. High backs provide support and control, especially when making turns. Straps secure your boots into the bindings to provide stability and control.

Types of Snowboard Bindings

We have Union and Burton snowboard bindings, which are both leading brands.

Union has a strong commitment to innovation and quality in snowboarding. Established with the vision of creating the best snowboard bindings on the market, Union has consistently pushed the boundaries of design and technology. Unlike many other brands, Union controls every aspect of its supply chain, ensuring each component meets the highest quality and performance standards.

Burton EST bindings provide good flex, performance and ruggedness, making them a respected brand in the industry and an excellent investment.

Backcountry bindings are for accessing backcountry terrain. They hold you in when you ski and safely release you when needed. There are two types to choose from: light for uphill and heavy for downhill. Your choice depends on the type of skiing you do, so ensure the bindings are compatible with your boots.

If you ski backcountry, tech bindings are an ideal choice. If you usually ski in resorts, we recommend frame bindings.

Burton's Step On Bindings are a system consisting of snowboard bindings and boots specifically engineered to work together. Three secure locking points anchor the snowboard boot into the binding.

Riding Style

All snowboarding bindings are built for specific riding styles, each product with its own flexibility rating to help you choose the right one. For park and freestyle riders, we recommend a soft and medium flex, which are ideal for riders who want to do epic tricks and turns. For freeriding and racing, we recommend a medium and stiff flex, as it's the perfect match for high-speed stability.

Our Salomon snowboards come in every type imaginable — Salomon makes snowboard models for just about everyone. Features to look out for include:

• Rocket Science
• Bite Free edges
• Power steering
• ABC wrapper

Choose the board model that suits your needs, skill level and riding style.

Binding Sizes

It's crucial to know the size of your snowboard before purchasing bindings. The width of your skis' waist determines the ski brake width — if your skis are 80mm wide at the waist, your bindings need a break width of at least 80mm. Our men's and women's snowboard bindings come in small, medium, and large — our experts are happy to assist you with sizing recommendations. We recommend checking out a sizing chart before purchasing to ensure your boots fasten properly.

Canting

We carry various levels of canting for different riding styles. Angled footbed options reduce knee stress, while others — such as those with a gel layer beneath the boots — absorb small impacts from jumps and moguls. You can adjust your platforms to suit the level you're comfortable with. Canted footbeds are helpful for children whose feet spread wide on the snowboard.

Flex

The flex of your bindings refers to how soft or stiff they are for your feet. Beginners generally choose a softer flex.

Our women's and men's snowboard bindings have three different flexibility categories — soft, medium and stiff. Each flexibility rating provides a certain benefit for your riding experience.

Softer bindings are ideal for freestyle and park snowboarders to distribute the pressure while doing tricks and rotations. Mountain riders and racers enjoy medium and stiff bindings for faster reaction times.

Children's bindings come in soft, soft/medium and medium ratings.

Shop Snowboard Bindings at Buckman's

Buckman's Ski and Snowboard Shops is a mom-and-pop ski shop that has won multiple awards for customer service. We have the best bindings for beginning, intermediate and advanced riders.

Contact us today for expert advice on how to pick snowboard bindings, or start shopping now. Our online store is always a click away, no matter where you live.

Categories: Snowboard Equipment

Tagged: snowboard