Ready to hit the slopes?
Are you planning a trip to the mountains to snowboard for the first time? If so, you may be feeling overwhelmed with all the gear options and advice out there. One of the most important pieces of gear when it comes to snowboarding are the bindings on your board. But as a beginner, which type of binding is best for you? And do wider boots really make a difference in performance? In this blog post, we’ll dive into these questions and more to help make sure you’re ready to hit the slopes with confidence.
What are Snowboard Bindings?
Let’s start with the basics: what are snowboard bindings? Bindings attach your boots to the snowboard and are how you control the board. They come in different shapes and sizes, but the main types are strap bindings and rear-entry bindings.
Strap bindings have two straps (one on the bottom of the foot and one on the top) that securely hold your boots in place. They are the most common type of binding and allow for the most customization in terms of fit and performance.
Rear-entry bindings, as the name suggests, have a high-back that you can open like a door to slide your foot in. They are known for their ease of use and speed, but often don’t offer as much customization as strap bindings.
What Type of Binding is Best for a Beginner?
As a beginner, you’re likely still figuring out your stance (whether you ride “regular” or “goofy”) and working on basic turns. For this reason, strap bindings are generally the better choice for beginners because they offer more customization in terms of fit and flexibility. This allows you to adjust the binding to fit your specific foot size and shape, and also tweak the stiffness/give of the binding to match your riding style.
On the other hand, rear-entry bindings can be harder to customize and may not offer the same level of support and control as strap bindings – something that is especially important for beginners who are still developing their form and technique.
So if you’re a beginner looking to buy bindings, stick with strap bindings for the most control and customization.
Other Factors to Consider
Of course, there are other factors to consider when shopping for snowboard bindings – regardless of your riding level. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Flex: the flex of the binding refers to how much it bends and moves in response to your movements. A stiffer binding will offer more support and control, while a more flexible binding will be easier to manipulate and turn.
Compatibility: not all bindings work with all boards, so make sure you check compatibility before making a purchase.
Bindings-to-Boots Size Ratio: bindings should match up with your boot size, so make sure you check the manufacturer’s size chart before buying. A binding that’s too small or too big for your boots can affect performance and cause discomfort.
Do Wider Snowboard Boots Make a Difference?
Another question we often hear from beginner snowboarders is whether wider boots make a difference in performance. The short answer is yes – but it’s not a cut-and-dry answer.
Wider snowboard boots can help with stability and balance, especially for riders with wider feet. If your boots are too narrow, you run the risk of pressing too hard on the edge of the board (which can lead to slipping and wiping out), or not being able to engage the edge at all (which can make it difficult to turn).
However, wider boots can also be heavier and harder to control, so it’s important to find a balance that works for you. For beginners, we recommend finding boots that fit comfortably and securely – whether they’re wide or not.
Other Boot Factors to Consider
In addition to width, there are other factors to consider when choosing snowboard boots. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Flex: like bindings, boots also come in different flex types. A stiffer boot will offer more support and control, while a softer boot will be easier to manipulate and turn.
Lacing: boots can have traditional laces, speed laces, or BOA laces. Speed laces and BOA laces can be quicker and easier to use, but may not offer the same level of adjustability as traditional laces. Make sure you choose a lacing system that you feel comfortable using.
Liner: many boots come with a liner (the inner layer of the boot that hugs your foot) that can be heat-molded to fit your foot shape. This can help with comfort and support, but is not necessary for all riders.
Ready to Hit the Slopes?
Now that you know a bit more about snowboard bindings and boots, you’re one step closer to being ready to hit the slopes. Remember: as a beginner, it’s important to prioritize gear that offers customization and support while still being comfortable and secure. With the right gear and plenty of practice, you’ll be shredding the mountain in no time!
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