Even if you think you know a lot about snowboarding, chances are that you don’t know as much about the importance of snowboard bindings. They’re an essential part of your snowboarding experience, as well as what literally connects you to your board! Through your snowboard bindings, you’re controlling the board, so it’s really important to make sure that if you care about having quality snowboard gear, you invest in some of the best snowboard bindings.
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This article is going to tell you all about the best snowboard bindings out there. First of all, we’ll show you exactly what to look for when you go shopping. Even if you don’t think there’s much to these items, you’re going to be proven wrong with this article. Afterwards, we’ll show you some specific products and talk about what makes them so great. We’ll list all the features of the devices, and then check out pros and cons from real users! You know that you’re going to be reading the truth, and we won’t sugarcoat anything if it doesn’t seem like a good product. By the end of the article, you’ll be an expert on the best snowboard accessories. We can’t blame you if you want to go right out and hit the slopes! Even though we’ve had a mild winter so far, don’t worry; January and February are sure to bring lots of snow.
What to Look For When You’re Shopping
Again, don’t be fooled by the apparent simplicity of these enormously important devices. These accessories can make or break your snowboarding experience, so always be sure that yours are functional and safe. Before you go shopping, it’s important to consider a list of factors that will influence which kind of item you buy.
- Riding Style.
- It’s really key that you know to look for snowboard bindings that will complement and enhance your riding style. There are three different categories of snowboard bindings. Park or freestyle, all-mountain, and freeride. Just in case you’re not up to date on your snowboard binding lingo, we’ll go over these styles for you.
- Park or Freestyle. These items are for riders who primarily spend their time performing or learning tricks. You’ll find that these snowboard bindings offer a softer flex. This makes it easier to land when you’re just learning a trick, and this kind of binding will help keep you as safe as possible since the flex is more forgiving. With these bindings, you’ll be learning lots of new tricks in no time at all.
- All-Mountain. These units are for riders who consider themselves the Renaissance men of snowboarding, that is to say, they don’t have an area of specialty. You can do everything with these, and they’re great for both powder snow and manufactured snow at ski resorts. They generally have a medium flex for everyday use. If you’re just starting out as a snowboarder, consider purchasing all-mountain.
- These devices are for the most dedicated athletes out there, who are committed to the steepest and largest rides. Safe to say, unless you plan on going pro, you probably won’t be buying a pair of these. They have an extremely stiff flex for better response—you’re really going to feel glued to your board if you try these out.
- It’s really key that you know to look for snowboard bindings that will complement and enhance your riding style. There are three different categories of snowboard bindings. Park or freestyle, all-mountain, and freeride. Just in case you’re not up to date on your snowboard binding lingo, we’ll go over these styles for you.
- Types of snowboard bindings.
- These can be divided into two general categories.
- Strap-in bindings. These are the most frequently seen bindings, and they usually have two straps to secure your boot to the snowboard. They’re available in all styles for all types of riders, and between brands you can find a lot of great different ones. Chances are, you’ll be coming home with this type of binding.
- Rear-entry, or speed entry bindings. These have a hinged back that allows you to snap your boot in and out of the snowboard with ease. These are great if you plan on walking around with your board still strapped on; there’s no tedious waiting or unfastening once you glide off the lift. These type are preferred, but they’re generally more expensive.
- These can be divided into two general categories.
- Snowboard binding materials.
- There are multiple parts in each set of snowboard bindings. Each binding has the following components:
- Toe cap strap – this strap wraps around the box of your toes in your boot, for stability and comfort. This strap keeps your foot in its ideal placement, and it’s generally where you’ll be pressing down on the board as you steer. This strap can be available in different varieties, and some lower-end boards just have a traditional toe strap to hold your foot in place. It’s less comfortable than a toe cap strap. There are also hybrid toe straps and ankle straps.
- Highbacks – these are the plates from the heel cup of the board to your lower calf. They control the heel part of the board, and you’ll find that stiffer ones are better for more advanced riders. More forgiving highbacks are intended for beginners and casual riders.
- Baseplate – This is the connection between the binding and your snowboard. It can be made from a plethora of materials, and the better ones will be much stronger than the less expensive ones.
- There are multiple parts in each set of snowboard bindings. Each binding has the following components:
- Make sure the bindings fit the boot!
- This can be an issue for some brands and shoppers, so watch out! You should know that snowboard bindings generally come in size generalizations, such as S/M and L/XL. Check the manufacturer’s size chart to make sure that your snowboard boots will be compatible, and you may want to read user reviews for that extra measure of security. Of course, you’ll also need to check and make sure that the bindings you buy are compatible with the snowboard itself!
Let’s Take A Look At Some Of The Best Snowboard Bindings
Now that we’ve talked about what to look for when you’re shopping, we’re going to look at some product reviews and specifications. All of these products are available for purchase, and you’ll find out what makes each one a fan favorite.
Flow Flite Snowboard Bindings Stormtrooper
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These are a fairly popular pair, so let’s take a look at what makes them so great. Unfortunately ladies, these are just for men, but we’ll get to you later on. These are designed for 20% terrain and 90% altitude, with a molded plastic rockered baseplate and a molded plastic uniback. The strap is an ExoFit power strap, and the buckets are MINIratchets. There’s a ton of cushioning with the EVA toe and heel pads, and the disk is a CombiDisk (4HP and 3HP). The shipping weight is 7lbs, and there are a few satisfied customers when it comes to these bindings! These Flow Flite items are designed for anyone looking for a great experience on the hill, and safe to say, that’s probably you!
Users love these because they’re very easy to get in and out of (more so than regular items) and the flex is great for doing tricks and making your board move the way you want it to at any given time. Even though some say that the release lever feels cheap, these are definitely affordable release devices for anyone who wants to give them a try. And most users seem to be really satisfied—even the ones who call the product a little “cheap” feeling still give it 4 out of 5 stars. That’s really telling, and you should be impressed. For the price, these are some of the best snowboard gear around!
Avalanche Summit Snowboard Bindings
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These bindings are also really popular, so let’s take a look at why! Would you believe me if I told that these are the number one bestselling snowboard bindings? They also weight 7lbs to ship, and they’re constructed with sturdy plastic and an easy release lever so you can hop in and out of the bindings right away. Users absolutely love these boots because of how easy the straps make getting in and out of boots. It’s definitely a trend among positive reviews when you see a product called “easy to use,” and with this, that’s exactly what people are saying. Plus, these are relatively inexpensive. There isn’t any information available about a possible warranty, but you should think about contacting the company itself if you’re unsure. Shopping for the best snowboard bindings can be tough, and you always want to make sure that you’ll come out on top.
So, What Do You Think?
We looked at some of the greatest bindings around, and you should be all set to make a decision. If you still have questions, it would be worth it to do some research on your own time. Always consider customer service guarantees and warranties; even though you plan on using your snowboard bindings for years, accidents happen. Just like you want to take care of your board, you also want to take care of your bindings. Remember to pick the style that suits your type of snowboarding best, and always remember to have fun!
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