Snowboarding is one of the most thrilling sports that one can engage in during the winter season. Snowboarding enthusiasts all over the world look for the best snowboard binding that will ensure a smooth ride, especially for those who focus on all-mountain freestyle. Snowboard bindings are the essential link between your feet and the snowboard, ensuring that you have control over the board and stay securely attached to it. In this blog post, we will discuss the best snowboard binding for all-mountain freestyle and what qualities make them stand out.
Before we delve into the topic, let’s define what all-mountain freestyle is. All-mountain freestyle is a snowboarding style that involves riding across the mountain and performing tricks on natural or human-made obstacles, such as jumps, rails, and half-pipes. This riding style requires versatile equipment that can handle various terrains and perform tricks without compromising speed or stability. Therefore, the binding you choose for all-mountain freestyle must be durable, flexible, and responsive.
Now that we know what all-mountain freestyle is, let’s look at some of the best snowboard binding options for this riding style.
1. Burton Cartel Binding
The Burton Cartel Binding is a high-quality all-mountain binding designed for intermediate and advanced riders. The binding’s highback is made of a responsive and lightweight aluminum alloy that provides excellent support and control, enabling quick edge-to-edge transitions. The baseplate is also made of a high-density, lightweight material that cushions and absorbs shocks, allowing for comfortable landings and smoother rides. The Burton Cartel Binding has an EVA foam footbed that reduces vibrations, ensuring that your feet stay comfortable for extended periods on the mountain.
One of the Cartel’s exceptional features is its double-take buckles. These buckles, made of durable aluminum, have teeth on both sides, reducing the time and effort required to strap in and out, even with gloves on. Furthermore, the buckles provide a secure and snug fit that eliminates heel lift, making it easier to perform technical tricks.
2. Union Force Binding
The Union Force Binding is a world-renowned binding designed with both comfort and performance in mind. The binding features a multi-zone highback that is asymmetrical, designed to match the anatomy of your legs, improving comfort and support.
The baseplate of the binding is made of lightweight, robust Duraflex material that enhances the board’s responsiveness. The binding also has an elastomeric footbed that dampens shock, giving you a smooth and stable ride while reducing the impact on your joints.
The binding features magnesium buckles that are lightweight yet durable. The buckles move seamlessly, quickening the strap-in process, and providing a secure and snug fit, keeping feet in place during tricky maneuvers.
3. K2 Lien FS Snowboard Binding
The K2 Lien FS Snowboard Binding is designed for all-mountain individuals looking to flap about and have a great time. The new Lien FS from K2 is a lightweight and low profile binding, which enhances flexibility, meaning more freedom of movement and quicker responses.
The highback of this binding is designed in such a way that the rider can pivot and flex his legs freely, providing a smooth and comfortable ride. The binding’s footbed is canted, aiding with a better stance and posture, which reduces fatigue and improves control.
The binding buckles have an innovative design, making them easy to use without taking off gloves. It also has a soft-flexing toe strap that allows for snug and comfortable fitting, which means comfort extra points.
4. Ride Rodeo Snowboard Binding
The Ride Rodeo Snowboard Binding is a versatile, high-performance all-mountain freestyle binding. The binding features a lightweight and durable aluminum chassis, which maximizes board feel and responsiveness.
The highback is made of a supportive and responsive urethane material that flexes comfortably, allowing for easy movement of the rider’s legs. The binding has an EVA basepad that provides cushioning and shock absorption, promoting smoother riding, and allowing for comfortable landings.
The Ride Rodeo Snowboard Binding has ThinGrip Plus technology, which hugs your boot with perfect fit and response. The binding straps have a tool-free adjustment feature, enabling the rider to adjust the fit and feel without using any tool, thus saving time.
5. Flow NX2 Binding
The Flow NX2 Binding is an excellent binding for all-mountain freestyle riders who want quick entry and exit without compromising performance. The binding features an aluminum alloy baseplate and ‘Rockered’ Nylon Modback highback that enhances riding precision, power, and control.
The binding has an active strap technology that allows for quick entry and exit, saving the rider time that can be used on the slopes, hitting rails, ramps, and jumps. The Fusion PowerStrap evenly distributes pressure throughout your foot, ensuring comfort and performance.
The Flow NX2’s reclining highback technology allowing for an easy foot in with an option to step back or lean forward to perform the desired manoeuvre. The binding has an N-Gel cushioning system technology that reduces vibrations, providing a comfortable ride while reducing fatigue.
Conclusion
Choosing the right snowboard binding is essential to ensure a smooth and fun ride on the mountain. The bindings discussed in this post are some of the best options for all-mountain freestyle riders. The Burton Cartel, Union Force, K2 Lien FS, Ride Rodeo, and Flow NX2 Bindings are all versatile, durable, and responsive. They all feature various technologies and designs that cater to riders’ needs and enhance their riding experience. When choosing a binding, consider your riding level, preference and ensure it matches your boot size.
So start hitting those jumps or rails or venturing down the mountain with confidence with any of these five all-mountain freestyle bindings. Remember, safety is essential and always to wear appropriate gear, including a helmet. Enjoy the ride!
Image Credit: Pexels