Which Snowboard Bindings are Best for Park Riding?
So, you’re a fan of snowboarding and can’t wait to hit the park, but first, you need the right bindings. Choosing the right snowboard bindings can make all the difference in your park riding experience. It can affect your overall performance, comfort, and safety.
But with so many options out there, how do you choose the right bindings for park riding? Should you consider the flex and weight? Or maybe the straps and highbacks? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll help you understand the features and specifications of bindings that will suit your park riding style.
First things first, let’s take a look at the two types of bindings: Strap and Rear entry.
Strap Bindings
Strap bindings are the most common type of bindings and offer maximum adjustability and customization. The straps secure your boots onto the board, which makes it a bit more stable and easy to control. Most snowboarders prefer strap bindings because they provide more support and stability to your feet while riding, which is crucial when you’re attempting big jumps or tricks.
There are two types of strap bindings:
1. Toe Strap – The toe strap pulls your boot down onto the binding. It locks your toes in place and helps with toe-side turns.
2. Ankle Strap – The ankle strap locks your heel in place and helps with heel-side turns.
Rear-Entry Bindings
Rear-entry bindings, also known as speed-entry or step-in bindings, are a newer type of bindings that have been gaining popularity lately. These bindings have a highback that flips down, allowing for quick and easy entry into the bindings. With rear-entry bindings, you can step into the binding, lift the highback and go, rather than struggling to bend down and adjust the straps.
Although rear-entry bindings are not as adjustable as strap bindings, they are more comfortable and easy to use. Rear-entry bindings are ideal for those who value convenience and ease of use when riding the park.
Now that we’ve gone through the two types of bindings let’s dive deeper and explore the different features and specifications that make a binding ideal for park riding.
Flex
The flex of a binding is perhaps the most crucial feature for park riding. The flex determines the ease of initiating a turn, edge control, and the response you get from the board. In general, park riders prefer bindings with a soft to medium flex. This provides the flexibility and support needed for tricks and jumps.
A binding’s flex can range from soft to stiff and is usually rated on a 10-point scale. Soft bindings are rated between 1 to 3, medium bindings between 4 to 6, and stiff bindings between 7 to 10.
Highback
The highback is the vertical component of a binding that adds support and control to the heel of your boot. When you apply pressure to your toe or heel edge, the highback transfers the pressure to the binding, which then moves to the board and helps initiate a turn.
When choosing bindings for park riding, you want a highback that is shorter in length and softer in flex. A short highback allows for greater flexibility and mobility while executing tricks. A softer highback will provide a relaxed feel and make tweaking your grabs easier.
Toe Strap
The toe strap of your binding is essential in keeping your boot securely in place in the binding. For park riding, you may want to consider a toe strap that can be worn on top of your boot. This will help keep your boot’s toe end centered so you can get more control when executing tricks.
Ankle Strap
The ankle strap is another critical component of the binding. Its main purpose is to hold your boot’s heel in place, providing stability and support while riding. You want an ankle strap that is soft and conforming, allowing you to play around with different tricks.
Padding and Cushioning
Binding padding and cushioning is critical, especially when you’re a park rider. With all the landings and jumps, your feet need maximum comfort. You want bindings that have sufficient padding on the baseplate and straps with good shock absorption. This will help dampen chatters and vibrations, resulting in a smoother ride.
Compatibility with boots
When choosing bindings, it’s important to consider the type of boots you’ll be using. Ensure that the binding and boots have the same type of sole and mounting system. Some bindings are compatible with multiple types of boots, while others only work with specific boot brands or models.
Final Thoughts
Now you know the different features that make bindings ideal for park riding. The best binding is one that matches your riding style, needs and most importantly, gives you a comfortable and enjoyable snowboarding experience. Remember to check the compatibility with your boots and board before making a purchase.
Check out our top picks for the best bindings for park riding in 2021:
1. Burton Custom Snowboard Bindings – these bindings have a soft-medium flex, which is ideal for park riding, with an innovative design for better stability and a reliable fit.
2. K2 Lien FS Snowboard Bindings – these bindings offer excellent flexibility and comfort with a soft flex, making them perfect for park riders.
3. Salomon Rhythm Snowboard Bindings – these bindings are lightweight and provide excellent board control while being very comfortable.
4. Flow Fuse Snowboard Bindings – these bindings come with a medium-stiff flex, making them ideal for all mountain and park riding, with great performance features like the PowerStrap and NASTY Active Strap Technology.
5. Union Force Snowboard Bindings – these bindings offer a medium flex, ideal for all mountain and park riding with excellent response and power transfer.
With this guide and our top picks, you can now make an informed decision and choose the best bindings for park riding. Happy shredding!
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