What you need to know about buying Snowboard Bindings
Bindings are an essential part of you snowboard setup not to be overlooked. This year we have put together a range of snowboard bindings that will suit every type of rider, from those looking for affordable entry level pair that will help you link your first turns to those who need response and durability from park to peak. There are plenty of things to take into consideration when choosing the right pair for you, so we have put together this snowboard binding guide to help you, leaving you with more time to spend on the snow!
Here are some answers to questions you may have...
1. Are Bindings sized and what size do I need?
2. What's the main difference between the styles and what am I getting for spending more?
3. What Bindings are compatible with which Boards and Boots?
4. Being a woman would you recommend that I brought women's specific Bindings?
The first thing to consider when buying snowboard bindings is what type you are after. Bindings can fall a few categories:
Entry level bindings – Aimed at beginners and riders progressing these bindings usually have a softer flex making them more forgiving. This means you are able to relax while you are making your first turns and practicing your ollies. Entry level bindings feature less technical materials and features but are priced to be very affordable such as the Burton Freestyle and Ride EX.
Freestyle bindings – Freestyle bindings are built for the parks and streets. They can be a little softer than bindings designed for all mountain use as this will allow the rider to flex and tweak the board easier in tricks on boxes/rails and in the air. Flex levels can vary from model to model depending if they are aimed at jibbing or kickers and pipe riding. Take a look at the Union Contact binding for a perfect freestyle binding.
All mountain - It’s all in the name, these are designed for going anywhere and doing anything that you feel like doing at anytime. These use a mid to stiff flex to provide response to the rider. They often feature more technical features such tool free adjustment in the straps and highback. They feel at home in the pow, on groomers and in the park. Check out the Union Force and Burton Mission bindings for good examples.
Quick entry – Many manufacturers produce bindings that have a quick entry system. This allows the rider to ‘get in and go’ quicker. Take a look at the K2 Cinch Ctc binding which allows the rider to step into the binding from behind with a folding down highback and adjustable straps.
1. Are Bindings sized and what size do I need?
Use your boot size as a guideline and follow the size chart below. If you fall between 2 sizes e.g. UK 9, it depends on the make of the boot (how chunky), go for the bigger size.
Men's Burton Bindings:
S: 2-7 UK
M: 7-9 UK
L: 9+ UK
Men's Union Bindings
S/M: 2-5 UK
M/L: 5-9 UK
L/XL: 8.5-13 UK
Men's K2 Bindings
M: 4-7 UK
L: 7-10 UK (Cinch Ctc)
XL: 10-14 UK (Cinch Ctc)
Men's Ride Bindings
M: 4-7 UK
L: 7-10 UK (Delta, EX model)
XL: 10-14 UK (Delta, EX model)
Women's Burton Bindings
S: 2-4 UK
M: 4-6 UK
L: 6+ UK
Women's Ride Bindings
S: 1.5-4.5 UK
M: 4.5-8.5 UK
Women's Salomon Bindings
S: 2.5-8 UK (Grace Binding only)
S: 2-5 UK (Models other than Grace)
M: 5-8 UK
2. What's the main difference between the styles and what am I getting for spending more?
Bindings are made from different component parts. These parts differ with each model of binding, most base-plates are made from either glass fiber: short (softer): long (stiffer) or Aluminum. The softer the binding the more forgiving: ideal for Beginners/intermediates. Stiffer bindings add to the stiffness of the board which is again more suited to more advanced riders.
Recommended bindings:
Beginner/intermediate
Burton Freestyle
Burton Custom
Burton Mission
Ride EX
Union Contact
Burton Citizen
Intermediate/Advanced
Burton Cartel
Burton Excile EST
Ride Delta
Union Force
Union Contact
Burton Stilleto
Burton Scribe
Ride Dva
Advanced/expert
Burton Cartel
Union Force
3. What Bindings are compatible with which Boards and Boots?
Although we recommend that you use the same brands bindings to boards (this covers you on insert warranty) all our bindings stocked are compatible with all our boards stocked.
E.g. Ride bindings can be fitted on to Burton boards, visa versa.
Bindings to boot fit: We recommend that the best fit would be brand to brand, e.g. Burton Moto - Burton Custom
Other brands like 32 and Vans don't make bindings, so we would recommend Burton, Ride or K2 bindings for the best possible fit.
4. Being a woman would you recommend that I brought women's specific Bindings?
Yes, women's bindings are designed to fit around a women's boot which are narrower than a man’s boot and have specific base-plates, hi-backs and straps.
The design and flex gives you the support without digging into your calves. E.G Burton Stilleto or Ride Dva. The backs of women’s boots are often lower than the men’s as women’s calf muscles are lower. You do not want your bindings going above your boots and digging into your calves.