Snowboard bindings are an essential part of your snowboard setup. There are various types of snowboard bindings on the market, each with their own characteristics. Below, we will help you to pick snowboard bindings which fits your needs.
Let's start with the different type of binding systems that determine how you secure your boots in the bindings. There are four types of snowboard bindings, each with their own system:
Strap bindings are the most common snowboard bindings. You place your snowboard boot in the binding and secure it with two straps: one over your ankle and one over your toes. Strap bindings offer solid support and can easily be tightened or loosened depending on the conditions.
The biggest drawback is that securing the bindings can sometimes be slow or tricky, depending on your skill, you may often need to sit down to fasten the bindings.
Fast entry bindings are designed to help snowboarders quickly and easily step into their bindings. Although fast entry bindings offer a lot of convenience, they are certainly not suitable for every snowboarder. Especially snowboarders who demand the maximum from their bindings experience slightly less support and responsiveness compared to strap bindings.
Currently there are several fast entry systems are on the market, each with its own mechanism and features. Below, we provide more information on:
With rear-entry bindings, you flip the highback backward and step into the binding from the rear. Then, you raise the highback to secure the binding. You control the tightness using two straps over your foot, which you only need to set once.
A significant advantage of the rear-entry system is that you can secure the bindings without sitting in the snow, providing speed and convenience.
The step-on, also known as step-in, binding systems are a relatively new technology focused on convenience and speed. The idea is simple, you step into the binding, immediately click in and are ready to go. No hassle with straps or bending to secure a highback. To release, you simply use a lever or button. This makes step-on bindings ideal for riders who want to get going quickly.
The advantage are ease and speed, you'll be the first one off the lift. Below we give more information on:
Burton developed the first step-on binding, and nowadays Flux also uses this system. The way it works is simple: you step on the binding and the boot clicks into place.
Please note that step-on bindings require step-on snowboard boots with this system. You can recognize these shoes in our webshop by the words 'Step On' in the product name. Also these bindings offer less support and responsiveness compared to strap bindings.
With the Nidecker Supermatic bindings, you step into the binding, using your heel to automatically engage the bindings. Thus, the binding closes around your foot and ankle. The downside of these bindings is that they are quite heavy and sometimes require tightening in between for good responsiveness.
The Clew bindings consist of two parts: baseplate that screws onto the snowboard and a click system with straps that stay attached to your boot even when you are standing next to your snowboard. Looking at fast entry bindings, Clew is most similar in terms of responsiveness and support.
Shop all step-on/step-in bindings
Hardboot snowboard bindings are used with hardboot snowboard boots. These boots offer maximum control and precision, making them ideal for carvers and alpine snowboarders.
The main advantage of hardboots is that they allow you to carve turns with great precision, as every movement is transferred directly by the boot. The downside is that hardboots are usually heavier and less comfortable, which is why they are rarely used by snowboarders who cover long distances or ride in powder.
There are two types of bindings for hardboots:
The flex refers to the stiffness of the snowboard binding. A softer binding is forgiving and makes it easier to initiate turns. On the other hand, a stiffer binding offers more control and precision. The flex you need depends on your style, experience, and personal preference.
If you don't have a lot of experience yet, it's a good idea to choose a soft or medium flex snowboard binding. A stiffer binding is better suited for advanced riders making fast, sharp turns.
In general, choose:
When buying snowboard bindings, it's important to ensure they fit your snowboard. Snowboards are equipped with a mounting system: 4x4, 2x4, or a channel. The 4x4 mounting system is mostly found on traditional snowboards, while most modern boards feature the 2x4 or channel system, offering more adjustment options to precisely set up your stance.
You secure the disc of your snowboard binding to the mounting system. The compatibility of the disc varies by binding type. Many discs are compatible with more than one mounting system. Always check the product description to see which mounting system your binding fits.
To find a proper stance for you snowboard, check out our Snowhow on adjusting your snowboard bindings.
What size of snowboard bindings you need depends on the size of your snowboard boots. Check your snowboard boot size, which is expressed in Mondopoint (the length of your foot in millimeters). In the product description of the snowboard binding, you'll find a size chart indicating which binding size fits your boot size. Look for the Mondopoint size that matches your snowboard boot.
Note: Sizes vary by brand, so always check the size chart for the specific binding you're interested in.
If you're between two sizes and unsure, contact our customer service team. To help you, they will need the size of your snowboard boots.
Some brands differentiate between women’s and men’s snowboard bindings. The differences include:
However, women can still opt for men’s snowboard bindings and vice versa. Many brands don't differentiate at all. The most important thing when choosing bindings is to consider your riding style and what you expect from the binding.
After reading this Snowhow we hope you know which type of snowboard binding suits you. If you require any more help on choosing the right snowboard bindings? Feel free to contact our customer service.
