Winter sports enthusiasts will always have a certain soft spot for snowboarding. It is a sport that requires passion, grit, and the right gear and equipment. While experienced riders can manoeuvre different terrains and styles effortlessly, beginners often get confused with a wide range of snowboarding gear available in the market. One such essential piece of snowboarding equipment is the snowboard bindings.
Snowboard bindings act as a link between the rider and the board, providing support and control to the rider’s movements. They come in many varieties built to suit different riding styles and levels. In this article, we will review the top freestyle bindings, offering maximum support, flexibility and comfort, for an unparalleled snowboarding experience.
Before we delve into our top picks, let’s take a quick look at what freestyle snowboarding entails. Freestyle snowboarding is a genre of snowboarding that involves executing tricks in snow parks, half-pipes, and other specially designed areas. Freestyle riders use different techniques to slide, ride and jump the board in a variety of ways, such as riding switch, switch ollies, nose rolls, butter, to name a few.
Freestyle riders require flexibility and support from their snowboarding gear to execute stunts and tricks with optimum control. With so many brands and types of snowboarding bindings out there, it can be hard for a beginner to pick one. However, we’ve done our homework and compiled a list of the top freestyle snowboarding bindings for the ultimate snowboarding experience.
1. Burton Genesis Snowboard Binding
One of the most popular snowboarding bindings in the market, the Burton Genesis Snowboard Binding, offers optimum comfort to freestyle riders due to its Re:Flex FullBED cushioning system, which helps mitigate impacts while riding. The bindings also feature Hammockstrap technology, which provides a seamless and comfortable grip and responsiveness to the rider’s movements.
The genesis Snowboard bindings come in a lightweight design, built to support and flex with the rider’s boot, thereby allowing freestyle riders complete control of the board. These bindings’ flex provides enough support for riders to carry out creative but tricky moves, making them a perfect fit for freestyle enthusiasts.
2. K2 Cinch Tryst Snowboard Binding
Another favourite among freestyle snowboarding enthusiasts is the K2 Cinch Tryst Snowboard Binding. The bindings feature a unique Cinch Technology, which allows riders to get in and out of their boots quickly and conveniently, despite complex movements. This feature makes the Cinch Tryst a perfect fit for riders who require speed and comfort while performing stunts.
One of the aspects that attract freestyle riders to these bindings is their canted footbed design, which provides optimal support and comfort to riders by keeping their feet relaxed throughout the ride. This footbed, combined with the bindings’ flex, offers riders full control of their board, allowing them to execute their stunts seamlessly.
3. Union Contact Pro Snowboard Bindings
Union Contact Pro Snowboarding bindings are popular among riders who want flexibility and support in equal measure. These bindings have a medium flex rating that provides stimulating support to riders, allowing them to manoeuvre their boards effortlessly. The bindings’ Duraflex ST highback, built out of a mix of carbon and nylon, is lightweight, enabling riders to do tricks with ease.
The bindings provide comfort to riders in the form of EVA bushings, which dampen vibrations and help mitigate impacts. This feature helps remove stress from the rider’s joints as they ride, making Union Contact Pro a top choice for riders seeking durability and enhanced comfort during their stunts.
4. Ride EX Snowboard Bindings
If you seek a pair of bindings built to meet the demands of freestyle riders, then the Ride EX Snowboard Bindings may be the perfect fit. The bindings’ sleek design provides a lightweight feel that allows riders to execute tricks with a lot of control. The Graphite Edge Chassis built-in the EX bindings provides enhanced response, allowing freestyle riders to develop their tricks’ technical aspects to perfection.
The Wedgie Footbed feature in the EX bindings helps riders align their knees and ankle joints, reducing stress as they ride and do tricks, providing the comfort and support, freestyle riders need while executing their tricks. Finally, like many of the other bindings in this list, there is also a two-piece strap system that boosts the overall comfort and grip of the bindings.
5. Flux DS Snowboard Bindings
Last on our list but certainly not least is the Flux DS Snowboard Bindings, which comes in a baseplate built with fibreglass and nylon for maximum strength and durability, ideal for aggressive riders. The bindings’ highback features a super responsive Multi-Density F-Tech Asym design, which allows riders to execute tricks with full control and precision.
These bindings have a unique Alpha Dogs straps system that provides a customized fit for riders, thus boosting their confidence. Finally, the bindings come with adjustable toe ramps, which help in the rider’s alignment, minimizing the chances of knee and joint pain after a long day of snowboarding.
Conclusion
Freestyle snowboarding requires constant practice and precision and demands the right equipment to execute tricks and stunts to perfection. That said, it’s easy for beginners and enthusiasts to get confused about which bindings to acquire. We hope this article has shed light on the top freestyle snowboarding bindings that offer flexibility, support, and comfort ideal for freestyle riding.
For instance, the Buron Genesis Snowboard Bindings offer comfort and support, while the K2 Cinch Tryst provides convenience and speed, making it an excellent fit for riders who require a quick foot in and out of your boots, among many other top picks in the market. Remember, the right snowboarding binders will help you take your freestyle riding to the next level.
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