How does a snowboarder choose the perfect set of bindings?
As a snowboarder, choosing the right bindings for your board is crucial. Bindings are an essential piece of equipment that connects you to your board. They are what enable you to control your board, make turns, and ride down the slopes. But with so many different types of bindings available, how do you know which one is the perfect set for you? In this blog post, we’ll discuss all the factors you should keep in mind when selecting your bindings, ensuring you get the perfect set for your snowboarding needs.
The first step in selecting the perfect set of bindings is to determine your preferred riding style. This is because different bindings are designed for different riding styles. There are three main riding styles in snowboarding, freestyle, all-mountain, and freeride.
Freestyle:
Freestyle snowboarders enjoy performing tricks and jumps on the terrain park, and prefer bindings that provide flexibility and allow for a greater range of movement. The best bindings for freestyle riders are those with a soft-flexing baseplate and a highback.
All-Mountain:
If you like to ride on all sorts of terrains such as parks, groomers, and backcountry, you are an all-mountain rider. All-mountain riders need bindings that provide a balance of flex and response.
Freeride:
Freeride snowboarders prefer riding at high speeds and require bindings that provide maximum responsiveness and stability. The best bindings for freeride riders are those with a stiff flexing baseplate and a tall high back.
Now that you know your riding style, you can move on to the next factor for selecting the perfect set of bindings – baseplate materials.
Baseplate materials:
The baseplate is the part of the bindings that attaches to the board, and the materials used to create the baseplate affects bindings’ responsiveness, power transfer, and weight.
Plastic:
Plastic baseplates are common in entry-level bindings due to their low cost. Unfortunately, they don’t offer much support or adjustability.
Composite:
Composite baseplates are made of a combination of nylon and fibreglass, making them stiffer and more responsive than plastic. They offer a better fit and have much more adjustability. Composite baseplates are best for mid-range bindings.
Aluminum:
Aluminium baseplates are the strongest of the three materials. They provide amazing response and precision control. They are best for more experienced riders with a need for speed and precision.
Highbacks:
The highback is the part of the binding that provides support for your calves and heelside of your boots. Different highbacks offer various levels of support, flex, and adjustability.
Nylon:
Nylon highbacks are lightweight and flexible, making them a popular choice among freestyle riders. Nylon highbacks are a great choice for anyone looking for a forgiving ride that offers good maneuverability.
Aluminum:
Aluminum highbacks offer rigidity and support. They also provide excellent power transfer and control. These highbacks are perfect for aggressive freeride riders.
Padding:
Bindings with padding provide extra cushioning and reduce vibrations when riding. There are different types of padding with varying degrees of shock impact absorption.
Full EVA:
Full EVA padding provides maximum shock absorption and comfort. It also ensures an even weight distribution, preventing hotspots on the feet. This type of padding is perfect for anyone looking for a comfortable ride.
Partial EVA:
Partial EVA padding is thinner than full EVA padding, which provides a little less cushioning. It is still more comfortable than bindings without padding.
No padding:
Bindings that do not come with padding are mostly used by riders who want more control and feel of the board under their feet. If you prefer that type of ride, look for bindings that lack padding.
Straps:
Straps are what hold your boots to the bindings. There are different types of straps:
Toe Strap:
Toe straps are traditionally placed over the toe of the boot, tightening the boot against the base plate. Some bindings now offer toe strap configurations for fitting over the toe box or in front of it, allowing riders to customize their fit.
Ankle Strap:
Ankle straps are attached by a hinge to the high back of the binding. They wrap around the back of the boot, ensuring control and support.
Freeride Strap:
Freeride straps combine the Ankle and Toe straps in one, allowing for maximum control over the board. These are best suited for more aggressive freeride riders.
Now that you know the different types of straps, you can select the perfect set of straps for your bindings based on your personal preferences and riding style.
Flex:
Flex is the amount of give or stiffness in the bindings. Snowboarders should consider how flexible or stiff of bindings they want for their preferred riding style.
Soft:
Soft bindings give riders more flexibility and better freedom of movement, allowing for more trick opportunities in the park.
Medium:
Medium flex bindings are the perfect balance of support and mobility. All-mountain riders typically seek these types of bindings.
Stiff:
Stiff bindings provide maximum control, responsiveness, and precision. Freeride riders require these types of bindings to tackle extreme terrain at high speeds.
How much should you spend on snowboard bindings?
Snowboard bindings can range from anywhere between $100 to $600, depending on the materials, technologies, and features the bindings provide. Expensive bindings come with more high-end materials, more adjustability options, and innovative features that increase the bindings’ performance. However, entry-level riders can find perfectly functional bindings for between $100 and $200. As with nearly all snowboarding gear, pay what you can afford.
Conclusion:
Overall, selecting the perfect pair of snowboard bindings comes down to knowing your riding style, your preferences, and your budget. The bindings should be the perfect balance of support, flexibility, and comfort, giving you complete control over your board and providing a comfortable ride. Take your time and research the different materials, technologies, and features available to find the perfect bindings to suit your style and budget.
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