Sail And Ski Ltd Guide to Snowboard Bindings

Snowboard Binding Buying Guide

The primary function of a snowboard binding is to transfer the movements of your body to the snowboard you're riding on, in the most efficient manner. Consequently, it keeps you attached and in control of your board. Choosing the right binding can be complicated as there are now many different manufacturers and types on the market covering a wide range of prices. As with buying a snowboard, the more money you can spend on bindings means you will get lighter weight binding with more adjustable features.

At Sail and Ski we have developed this easy to use buying guide to help you decide which of the many snowboard bindings we stock is the right one for your level and style of riding. All the sections to this guide are based on questions our technicians would ask you if you came in to one of our stores.

There are soft and comfortable or stiff and more responsive bindings on today's market - the next step is to decide which of these bests suits you and your riding.

Whether you go for a nice soft comfortable pair of bindings or a stiff, performance orientated binding depends on your style and level of riding. As a guide beginners should opt for a soft, forgiving pair while aggressive intermediates or advanced riders will often swap the comfort factor for a binding that is stiff and highly responsive with many more adjustable features to get the best possible performance. In addition, your style of riding should affect the type you go for. For example, a Freestyle boarder should opt for a more forgiving binding with a shorter highback which will provide more flexibility and turning power for riding in the parks while a Freerider should go for a binding that is stiff with a higher highback which will give stability when riding at high speeds and greater edge control.

As you progress with your riding and try different bindings and board set ups you will find that you develop a personal preference for a particular type. Especially if you are an All-mountain rider - both soft and stiff bindings will work for you but it often comes down to your own preference as to which you opt for. A Freestyle orientated binding tends to be a lot more comfortable than a Freeride binding which can be an advantage if you spend long days on the slopes.

Strap Bindings

These are the original bindings for snowboards. Your boot is secured into the binding through the use of a baseplate and ratchet-based buckles. There are two straps on each binding - a wide, comfy ankle strap that pulls your foot back into the heel cup of the binding, and a narrower toe strap used to hold your toe down. There are variations of the standard toe strap now appearing on the market such as Burton's Capstrap and Rides Convertible Toe Strap that fit around the toe of your boot helping to push your foot down and back into the binding and eliminating any aches or pains that you may experience across the top of your foot with a traditional toe strap.
Advantages of a strap-in binding include being able to use any make of boot with any make of binding which means you have a better chance of finding the perfect set up. Also you are able to adjust each individual strap for maximum comfort and support. Freestylers tend to prefer strap-in bindings because of their increased support and hold. Disadvantages are that initially you will probably have to sit down to strap in which uses valuable time although with time and practice it becomes easy to do while your standing up or even on the go.

Flow Bindings

Known as the most convenient and comfortable binding on the market, Flow quickly became the most popular brand sold in the UK. They offer both standard and women specific bindings for all styles of riding. The highback reclines so you can just slip your foot in and there are no straps, just a one-piece, 3d Powerstrap that distributes pressure evenly and has a smooth flex, and a patented Triangle Technology that creates immediate and powerful energy transfer from rider to board.

Advantages of using Flow bindings are that they are quick and easy to get your boot into, you do not have to keep doing up your ratchets - once they are set up they stay that way. Also because of the single 3d Powerstrap they are very comfortable to ride in. Disadvantages include that they do not have the adjustability that strap-in bindings have and some claim that they do not offer the same level of support. In addition although you can wear other boots with Flow bindings they do work best with Flow boots, limiting your choice of set up. A final disadvantage is that they are more expensive than strap-in bindings, although if you decide Flow are right for you this shouldn't put you off buying them - after all, happy feet = happy rider!

Cinch Bindings

The K2 Cinch binding appeared on the market a couple of years ago. It is basically a hybrid of the Flow and strap-in bindings. The Cinch binding is one of the fastest bindings to get in and out of, with all the feel and performance of a strap-in binding. The highback folds back and the ankle strap lifts up at the same time, allowing for an opening of the system, without compromising the snug fit or comfortable performance of the ankle strap. Ratchets and highback rotation fine tune the fit, forward lean locks into place.

Advantages include that the Cinch can be used with any boot, is as easy to use as Flow and has all the adjustable features of strap-ins. However, there are reviews out there that claim that the Cinch technology has still got a way to go before being perfect, for example, you can't always rely on being able to use the reclining highback without also having to loosen the ankle strap which detracts from the time saving elements of the binding and some riders have found them not suitable for riding backcountry or in the park. In addition they are heavier than both strap-in and Flow bindings and are costly to buy.

Finally, a question we get asked a lot is whether your bindings have to be the same brand as your board and boots.

The short answer to this question is no. However, manufacturers tend to design specific board, boot and binding set ups even going so far as to match their graphics to each other. Although this has its advantages as they are designed to work best together this is not always the case as a board set up is a highly individual piece of kit and often what the manufacturers recommend isn't always right for you.

One of the most obvious examples is the huge number of people who use Flow bindings but do not use Flow boots. This is only one example and can be generalised across the market, it is common for riders to have boots, bindings and board all made by different manufacturers.

So now you've a good idea of what to look for when buying your bindings. If however, you're still confused or just want a more personal opinion then call one of our experts on (01743) 353776 or (01244) 344580. Alternatively, email us on estore@sailandski.co.uk with your question.