Snowboarding Bindings

So you have your board  and you are dying to get out there and carve up that mountain with some sick tricks. Hold on a minute! You need bindings  to keep that board strapped on your feet, which of course will require boots  (read about them in our boot guide! Like most winter sports, snowboarding also requires that you get the right bindings for your boots; another important consideration is what type of rider you are. This guide will discuss it all!

Binding Types

Here are the three major types of bindings, all of which are explained in further detail below.

Highback  or Strap-On  and Step-in  Use with soft boots. Pros: Comfort and control. Cons: Hard to get on and off. Rider Type: Freestylers and freeriders.	Plate Bindings  Use with soft or hard boots. Pros: Easy to get on and off. Cons: Not as responsive. Rider Type: Freecarvers.	Flow-in  Use with soft boots. Pros: Convenience, comfort, control. Cons: Harder to adjust. Rider Type: Freestylers and freeriders.

Strap-On and Step-In Styles

• The most popular and the most versatile when it comes to comfort--they use soft boots, which are comfortable on and off the slopes, plus the two (and sometimes three) strap system makes them completely adjustable.
• Those straps combined with the highback provide comfort, stability, and utmost control of the board. Riders will enjoy the great maneuverability of these bindings, especially with lower highbacks. For greater edge control while turning or riding at high speeds, a higher highback is preferred.
• There are lots of options when it comes to boot and binding compatibility from one brand to the next.
• They are pretty inexpensive.

Plate Bindings

• Good for the skier turned snowboarder because they mimic the way a skier steps into the binding.
• Easy to get on and off, but they aren't as stable or as secure as the strap-on bindings.
• There is a limited selection compared to strap-on bindings; this is because you must purchase the boots and the bindings together.
• They can get costly.

Flow-In Bindings

• Also known as hybrid bindings because they combine the control and comfort of a strap-on binding with the convenience of a step-in binding.
• Adjustable front straps and a comfy tongue wraps over the foot for stability and gives a great fit on and off the slopes.
• The quick release back plate makes entry and exit easy.

Baseless Bindings

• These offer freestylers, who stick to pipes and terrain parks, a very flexible and responsive feel.

Bindings and Boots

Of course you want to choose bindings that fit your style, but finding the right combination of bindings and boots isn't always easy. Not all styles will work together. Here are the best combinations:

• Soft Boots with Strap-On/Flow-In Bindings: This is the most flexible pairing: just about any pair of soft boots can fit into strap-on bindings. It also happens to be the most comfortable combo when you're not on your board. Freestylers and Freeriders, take note.
• Soft/Hard Step-In Boots with Step-In Bindings: Step-in boots are required for step-in bindings as the systems need to work together so it's easy to get on and off the board. However, your selection will be limited. Cheaper step-ins will also hinder your board control.
• Hard Boots with Plate/Lever Bindings: This will give you the most control over your board. Freecarvers will appreciate this the most since they need precision for high speed turns.

Popular Bindings

Here are some of the most popular bindings for the 2010 boarding season.

Burton Freestyle Snowboard Bindings  Special polycarbonate construction gives the strength, adjustability, and comfort Burton bindings are famous for, in a new softer flexing baseplate that makes it even easier to just get up and go.	Flow Flite 4 Snowboard Bindings  These bindings are assembled to handle turbulent snow without sacrificing comfort.	Burton Custom Snowboard Bindings  A single component base plate made out of polycarbonate is lightweight and rock solid.	Technine T Nine Snowboard Bindings  A combo base plate with heel and toe ramps as well as tool free adjustments; this a superior binding for the serious boarder.

Beginner/Intermediate

These bindings are great for young shredders and snowboarding noobs.  

Gnu Beam Binding  Don't spend a fortune just to get on the board.  These bindings feature a tool-less forward lean and a padded highback.	Rossignol HC 2Fifty Snowboard Binding  Aircraft aluminum buckles for durability and adjustable heelcups for custom fit.	Salomon Classic Snowboard Bindings  Everything you need and nothing you don't, so this is one of the lightest snowboarding bindings available.	F2 Junior Snowboard Binding  This is a soft binding that kids will find comfortable and easy to use. Adjustable straps loosen so they can grow with their board.

Advanced

For those want to climb the shredding pecking order at the local resort, these bindings will have you looking and boarding like a pro.

Burton Mission Binding  Built to grow with aggressive new riders and intermediate all-mountain freestyle riders. The nylon composite baseplate is ideal for all mountain riding, and won't warp like metal or feel too sloppy beneath your feet.	Union Force Snowboard Bindings  Guaranteed against breakage with Multizone Dupont Zytel ST Highback Injected EVA Bushings.	Salomon Relay Pro Gift Bindings  Baseplate is made of 100% recycled materials, and pressure points are eliminated so you can ride all day.	Women's Burton Stiletto Bindings  The baseplate shape and super cushioned Primostraps put you in total control to crush the park and kill the hill.

Metal vs. Plastic

This is mostly a matter of personal preference. Choose metal baseplates for a sturdier feel. Choose plastic baseplates if you want some give.

Choosing Size

You've got three choices: small, medium, and large. Since the bindings have to match your boot, for the best fit, you should bring your boots with you when you shop for bindings. While wearing the boots, slip them into the bindings and push down with your heel, then close the straps. Straps shouldn't be too long, and the boot should not slip around in the binding.

Major Manufacturers

One note: Burton boards require three-hole bindings.

• Burton 
• Drake 
• Flow Pro 
• K2 
• Ride Flight 
• Ride Team 
• Salomon 

Related Guides

Snowboards	Jackets	Boots	Helmets	Goggles