How to choose snowboard bindings

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1. The best snowboard binding manufacturers
2. Types of snowboard bindings
3. The main criteria for choosing snowboard bindings

The best snowboard binding manufacturers

Traditionally, bindings made by leading manufacturers of snowboards and equipment for it are considered the best:

1. Vans
2. Burton
3. Never Summer
4. libtech
5. GNU

Experienced riders advise choosing mounts from the same company that made the board itself. Before giving preference to a particular model, you should study the characteristics and main technical points, as well as reviews of specific users who know firsthand the strengths and weaknesses of the device. Only in this case, the real characteristics will fully meet the expectations.

Types of bindings for snowboarding. Which model to give preference?

The main purpose of snowboard bindings is to firmly fix the rider’s boot and transfer the force applied during movement to the board for subsequent control.

Soft mounts

The classic look, which is currently the most popular. Fixes the boot in two points, back and front. The heel in soft bindings is fixed with a hard back, while the ankle part is pulled together with special straps, which allow the rider to maneuver during the descent.

Advantages

• Inexpensive;
• Reliable design;
• Provide decent maneuverability;
• Comfortable;

Flaws

• Not suitable for performing various tricks;

Now bindings

One of the most modern subspecies of soft mounts. Its essence lies in a special method of installation: fasteners do not have a rigid fixation, but use a special hinge element for this purpose, which is characterized by mobility regardless of the installation angle. This design significantly increases the sharpness and clarity of control and significantly increases the mobility of the rider.

Advantages

• High mobility;
• Sharpness of management;
• Lack of rigid fixation;
• Ease of use;

Flaws

• The need for careful monitoring of the condition;
• Unpredictability due to clogging of the structure with snow;

Step-in mounts

A hugely popular alternative to the Now bindings system. Designed to increase mobility while riding. It is fixed with the help of special latches in automatic mode: all the rider needs to do is stand on the supporting part. Provides decent handling and mobility while descending the mountain.

Advantages

• High mobility;
• Sharpness of management;
• Lack of rigid fixation;
• Ease of use;

Flaws

• The need for careful monitoring of the condition;
• Unpredictability due to clogging of the structure with snow;

Rigid mounts

Designed for high-speed descent from the mountain, as well as for performing all kinds of tricks, freestyle and freeride. The platform is mounted using two special frames, one of which comes with a lock. Provide maximum rigidity and securely fix the boot.

Advantages

• Maximum rigidity;
• Ideal for performing various tricks, freestyle and freeride;
• Suitable for high-speed descents from the mountain;
• High stability;

Flaws

• bulky;
• Not the best option for a beginner;
• Expensive;

What are the main criteria for choosing snowboard bindings?

Fastener size

The models of fasteners presented on the market are made in three different sizes – small, medium and large. A specific model is selected for the shoes used. The choice is considered correct in the situation when the boot is rigidly fixed in the mount, does not hang out and does not play even with heavy movements.

The materials from which the fasteners are made

Models made of light and rigid metals or polymeric materials are considered optimal. Depending on the planned budget, you should pay attention to fasteners made of aluminum, titanium, fiberglass, natural carbon. The characteristics of the above materials in terms of fasteners are approximately the same.

Strep shape and parameters

Straps are fasteners that are designed to fix the boot to the fastening frame. They should have sufficient rigidity and at the same time not pinch the leg. Modern models of straps are made of a special material with “memory”: they remember the shape of the boot in the fastening part and facilitate quick installation. The best option is the so-called multi-strap – a multi-point boot fixation system that excludes the possibility of snow falling under it and preventing the boot from moving while riding;

Highback and its design

A highback is called the back wall of the mount, which has the ability to adjust the angle of the boot. The angle is adjusted using a special washer that allows you to set both positive and negative angles if necessary. The best option for a beginner rider is the angles of 18 and 9 degrees for the front and back legs, respectively;

Distance between fasteners during installation

It is impossible to give exact numbers, but the general rule here is the following – the taller the rider, the greater the distance should be. Otherwise, the operation of the snowboard will be fraught with loss of balance and constant falls. It is possible to reduce the distance between the bindings only with the growth of the skill of the snowboarder.

In the following articles, our experts will tell you how to choose snowboard boots and the secrets of choosing a snowboard jacket.