Snowboard Bindings Buying Guide - How to buy Snowboarding Bindings
Bindings are essential in Snowboarding. They ensure that your Snowboard Boots (and of course your feet) are attached securely to your Snowboard. Keep in mind that different people using different riding styles prefer a particular kind of bindings. Consequently, there are several Types of Snowboard Bindings. However, you must first buy your Snowboard Boots before even thinking about buying your bindings. This is because you need to bring your Snowboard Boots with you when shopping for a Snowboard Binding to be able to get the right fit.
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Snowboard Bindings
This section provides you with complete information on the features and characteristics of the Five Different Types of Snowboard Bindings. Snowboard Bindings connect the boots and your body to the Snowboard. Read this section for more information.
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This Bindings Buying Guide will work you through the basics of selecting the Suitable and Correct Binding for you. In choosing the proper binding, ask yourself the following questions:
What kind of Snowboard Binding-Boot Combination should I choose?
This is by far the most important question you will need to ask yourself. Boots and Bindings are often a combination wherein not every boot is suitable for each type of binding and vice versa. What follows are the different kinds of boot-binding combination available:
- Soft Boots and Strap On/Flow-In Bindings. This system is the most flexible. Any soft Snowboarding Boots can be used with the strap-on system. Freestylers and freeriders often prefer this system as it gives more flexibility and maneuverability. This is also the most comfortable combination when you're off your Snowboard.
- Soft/Hard Step-In Boots with Step-In Bindings. If you're going to choose step-in bindings for your Snowboard then you definitely need to choose step-in boots to go along with your bindings. The Step-In systems need to be the same on the boots and bindings. A Step In system makes it easy for you to get on and off your board. However, step-ins offer fewer alternatives. Also, cheaper step-in systems often provide less board control.
- Hard Boots with Plate/Lever Bindings. Hard Boots in combination with Plate/Lever Bindings give the most solid and direct control over your Snowboard. All your body movements are directly transmitted to the board without a padding to absorb much of this energy. Freecarvers prefer this type of boot-binding combination as they need this kind of control in high speed turns.
Currently, Soft Boots and Strap Bindings are the norms since they provide a flexible way of adjusting the boots and bindings for a perfect fit, and are most comfortable when not on the board. Still, a lot of people prefer the Step In bindings and boots combination because of the ease it provides when getting on and off the board.
For more information on Buying Snowboard Boots, read our Buying Guide: Snowboard Boots.
What Binding size should I choose?
Bindings typically come in two or three sizes - Small, Medium, and Large. The size you choose will depend completely on the Snowboard Boot that you have chosen in combination with the binding. Make sure the binding has the correct size that allows you to comfortably get into the binding and easily adjust the straps (when using strap binding) without leaving too much strap on either side.
How high should my Highback be?
The highback, as explained in the Binding details section, is the plate at the end of the binding supporting your heel and calves. Different kinds of bindings have different highbacks. If your preferred riding style is FreeStyle then you will want a smaller, more flexible highback for the extra maneuverability. Aggresive FreeRiders and FreeCarvers will want higher, stiffer highbacks for extra control. For even greater control, take bindings without highbacks but with hard boots.
How do I Try on the Snowboard Binding?
- First, make sure to bring your boots with you when you Shop for Snowboard Bindings.
- With your boot on, point your toe and place it inside the binding.
- Next, push your heel down and back into the heel cup. When doing this, ensure that the heel of your boot slides easily into the binding, without allowing any excess movement from side to side.
- Finally, connect all the straps and see if you have a snug, comfortable fit.
Generally, Snowboard Bindings become lighter, more comfortable, and include more adjustability options as its price increases.
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