Once you have chosen a pair of snowboarding boots you have to pick a set of bindings to match. Not all boots can be used with all bindings, so it's important to choose the boot first and then decide on bindings. There are five different types of snowboard bindings. The original strap bindings are still the most popular, but other designs offer greater control over the board or are more convenient to use. Let's take a look.
Strap Bindings for Snowboards
These are the original snowboarding bindings. They are still the number one choice because of their comfort and range of adjustment. Strap bindings consist of a base plate for the heel of your boot, a vertical support for the back of the foot and two or three straps to secure your ankle, toe and calf. The straps can be individually adjusted and this is the secret to their popularity – it's easy to find the perfect comfort/security combination.
Strap bindings are used with soft boots and are available in various configurations according to the type of snowboarding you are going to do. For example, bindings with high and stiff vertical supports are used for Alpine, while Freestyle needs a lower and more flexible back support.
Step-In Bindings for Snowboards
Strap bindings can be cumbersome to adjust. Beginners usually have to sit down to put them on and take them off and they can take a while to adjust. Step-in bindings are much simpler – just position your heel and press your foot down. They are ideal for beginners or anyone else who prefers this simplicity.
There are a couple of drawbacks, however. You need to buy step-in boots to match the bindings and the lack of straps over your toe area means the boots must be stiffer. This in turn means that you have less flexibility for doing freestyle tricks. Step-in bindings are suitable for freeride snowboarding. Some of the more advanced designs are also suitable for freestyle.
Flow-In Bindings for Snowboards
A relatively new development in snowboard bindings is the flow-in style. These combine the convenience of step-ins with the control of straps. Flow-in bindings have a large flap which holds the boot in position. The flap is folded backwards to insert or remove the boot and is held in place with buckles.
Flow-in bindings can be used with soft boots so they are suitable for freestyle and freeride snowboarding. The only downside to these bindings is that the top flap is harder to adjust than straps.
Plate Bindings for Snowboards
Snowboarders with hard boots need to use plate bindings. These bindings have metal straps that hold the heel and toe of the boot firmly on the baseplate. They look a bit like ski bindings and have similar mechanisms. The combination of plate bindings with hard boots is preferred by alpine snowboarders who need maximum control at high speeds.
Baseless Bindings for Snowboards
All the bindings we've looked at so far have a base for the boot to sit on. This raises the boot off the snowboard by up to 1/4'. Baseless bindings were developed to place the boot directly on the board. This allows the snowboarder to be more aware of the flex of the board for greater control. Baseless bindings are the most difficult type of snowboard bindings to adjust but are preferred by some freestylers for their enhanced performance. For most snowboarders, however, they don't offer any advantage.
