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 guide you through choosing the right snowboard bindings.

Types of binding systems

Let's start with the different binding systems that determine how you secure your snowboard boots in the bindings. There are four types of snowboard bindings, each with their own system:

  • Straps
  • Rear-entry
  • Step-on / Step-in
  • Hardboot

Strap bindings

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, especially in deep snow or on a steep slope. Depending on your skill, you may often need to sit down to fasten the bindings.

Rear-entry bindings

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. However, rear-entry bindings tend to offer slightly less support and responsiveness compared to strap bindings.

Step-on bindings

The step-on, also known as step-in, binding system is a relatively new technology focused on convenience and speed. The system is super simple, you step into the binding and immediately click in without dealing with straps. To release, you simply use a lever or button. This makes step-on bindings ideal for riders who want to get going quickly without bending over every time.

The advantage is the speed, you'll be the first one off the lift. However, the downside is that you're limited to specific snowboard boots that fit the system. If you switch to step-on bindings, you'll likely need new snowboard boots. Additionally, some users find the support and responsiveness slightly less than traditional strap bindings.

Hardboot 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:

  • Plate bindings, where you step onto the binding and manually secure it.
  • Step-in bindings, where you simply click the boot into the binding as you step in.

Flex of your snowboard bindings

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:

  • Stiff for big mountain freeride, carving, and halfpipe.
  • Medium/stiff for pro-line park, aggressive all-mountain, freeride, and fun-carve.
  • Medium for all-mountain, fun-carve, park, jib, and powder.
  • Soft/medium for playful all-mountain, park, jib, and powder.

Does the binding fit your snowboard

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.

Snowboard binding size

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.

Women’s vs. men’s snowboard bindings

Some brands differentiate between women’s and men’s snowboard bindings. The differences include:

  • Smaller sizes
  • Different colors
  • Softer flex
  • Lower highback to better fit the calf length of women
  • Lighter weight due to less material

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.

All Snowboard Bindings