What you need to know about buying Snowboard Bindings

Snowboard Bindings are often an after thought for many riders. But it’s just as important to get the fit and style right as it is with your boots. The right fitting binding will provide you with a comfortable ride and eliminate any foot pain. The flex and shape of the binding will also effect your ride.

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?

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.

Burton Men's:
S: 2-7 UK
M: 7-9 UK
L: 9+ UK

Ride/K2 Men's
L: 7-10 UK (LX, Cinch, formula)
XL: 10-14 UK (LX, Cinch, formula)
L: 8-10 UK (Beta model)
XL: 10-12 UK (Beta model)

Burton Women's
S: 2-4 UK
M: 4-6 UK
L: 6+ UK

Ride Women's
M: 4.5-8.5 UK (LXh)

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 Mission

Intermediate/Advanced
Burton Cartel
Burton Stilleto

Advanced/expert
Burton Custom
Burton P1

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 Lexa or Ride LXh. 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.

There are a couple of men's styles, which we sell as unisex Bindings, check-out the Burton Contor (White, Black) and Custom Bindings in Small and Medium Sizes, they come with a softer flex and a lower high-back for comfort and a more forgiving ride.