Bindings are essential for 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.
Snowboard Bindings - A Detailed
Look
Before going through our "How to Buy Snowboard Bindings"
section, you might want to read first our section on the Features
and Characteristics of Snowboard Bindings.
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.
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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