Become a binding pro in no time at all.
*Advertisement
Do you want to have both feet firmly on your snowboard? Then the right snowboard binding is key! As its name suggests, it is the connecting point between you and the board.
Along with the snowboard itself and the snowboard boots, the bindings are one of the three components of the setup. They determine how well your movements are transferred to the board and, ultimately, how much fun you’ll have while shredding. That's why it's especially important to adjust the bindings properly before your first time on a new snowboard.
What else do you need to know about snowboard bindings? The board specialists among our RENTertainers have summarised the most important information for you.
How are snowboard bindings constructed?
Here are the key elements of bindings:
- Baseplate or chassis: The frame is the central element of the binding and is largely responsible for power transfer.
- Highback: This is the part of the binding that supports the lower part of your calves. The highback varies in height, can often be tilted, and is important for power transfer.
- Heel cup: The heel cup is located at the heel and connects the baseplate and highback. The heel of your boot should fit into this cup nice and snug.
- Footbed: The padded sole in the baseplate ensures both comfort and enough cushioning during impacts and landings. It’s usually made of foam.
- Straps: Most bindings have two straps – one at the toe (toe strap) and one at the ankle (ankle strap). Their main purpose is to hold your feet in place while riding.
- Buckles: The buckles for securely fastening the binding are located on the straps or are part of them.
- Disc: The disc or mini disc connects the snowboard and binding.
Types of bindings
Depending on your preferred riding style and skill level, there are different types of bindings to choose from:
-
Strap-in bindings
This classic binding type can be opened and closed by means of straps (usually 2 – toe and ankle). -
Easy- or speed-entry bindings
With this newer binding version, strapping in and out is extra easy and fast. Simply lower the highback, slide your boot in via the back, pull it back up, and you're done! You can leave the strap settings as they are. -
Step-on bindings (or step-in bindings)
This is the newest invention on the bindings market. Step-on bindings don’t have straps. Instead, you "click" in via connection points. Important: You need special step-on boots for this type of binding.
Tip: When buying bindings, make sure they are compatible with your snowboard!
Bindings by riding style
Are you a beginner or an advanced snowboarder? Do you prefer to be on the slopes, at the terrain park or in the backcountry? Depending on your personal snowboarding preferences, you can choose between:
- Bindings for beginners: Beginners are safest in bindings with a soft flex. The reason: They are particularly forgiving of mistakes.
- All-mountain bindings: Today on the slopes, tomorrow in the park, the day after in the backcountry? If you’re a jack of all trades when it comes to snowboarding, you should opt for an all-mountain binding. With a medium flex (read more about this below) you are equipped to handle any terrain.
- Freeride bindings: Is freeriding your passion? Then a freeride binding with a hard flex will give you the stability you need in powder snow..
- Freestyle bindings: Flexible highback, soft flex – and what you have is the perfect bindings for freestyling and jibbing. Jumps, turns and other tricks will be a piece of cake.
- Bindings for splitboarding / ski touring: If ski touring with a splitboard is your sport of choice, you need special splitboard bindings. They come with an ascent and descent / hike and board mode.
- Alpine bindings: For carving at high speed, an alpine binding is ideal. It’s similar to a ski binding and characterised by the best edge grip and optimal power transfer. But: You need hard boots for this type of binding!
Does every type of binding fit every board?
Almost every snowboard is compatible with almost every binding, as the holes on the board and disc are standardised. One of the few exceptions are EST bindings by Burton, which can only be combined with the matching channel system.
How do I find the optimal flex?
Back to the term “flex”: The flex level describes the flexibility or hardness of a binding or the material that it is made of. Depending on the flex, bindings have different properties. These in turn determine for which type of snowboarder the bindings are suitable.
The classification “hard – medium – soft” is based on a scale from 1 to 10:
- soft (1–4): forgiving, perfect for beginners as well as for freestyling and jibbing
- medium (4–6): versatile, best suited for advanced and all-mountain boarders
- hard (6–10): gives you maximum control, perfect for riding at high speeds and freeriding
What do I have to keep in mind when mounting the snowboard binding?
You can find the most important tips for adjusting your snowboard bindings on the RENTertainer blog. Do you prefer to let the pros do the installing and adjusting? Then INTERSPORT Rent is the right place for you. Our snowboard experts will help you adjust your bindings to your needs.
