Snowboard bindings are a vital component for any snowboarder because it’s your direct connection to your board and what translates your movement. The right snowboard bindings will give you a higher level of control over your movements, giving them precision and finesse. This is why choosing the best snowboard bindings that suit your style is essential for the ultimate snowboarding experience.
So, how will you know which ones are the best? In this ultimate guide to snowboard bindings, you can find some of the best snowboard bindings available on the market these days, a comprehensive buyer’s guide, and additional information that will help you not only learn more about snowboard bindings but also how to choose the best ones for your needs.
Comparison: Top Rated Best Snowboard Bindings
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Top 10 Best Snowboard Bindings Product Review
Check out the more in-depth information about the top 10 best snowboard bindings available on the market nowadays
01- Flow NX2 Hybrid Snowboard Bindings
Flow’s NX2 Hybrid Snowboard Bindings is one of the best snowboard bindings on the market due to its more precise craftsmanship, stiffer flex, and lightweight design that gives snowboarders increased versatility, stability, and response without sacrificing comfort.
Suitable for more advanced riders, the NX2 Hybrid provides them with enhanced control over their movements through its aluminum-alloy rockered baseplate. The combination of its Power Strap and Aluminum LSR Buckles offers ultimate comfort with the option to easily get in and out of the bindings.
Features
- Aluminum Alloy Rockered Baseplate
- Glass-filled Nylon Mod Hi-Back
- Reclining Dual-Entry Hi-Back
- Active Strap Technology
- Aluminum LSR Buckles
- Hybrid Power Strap
02- Union Contact Pro Snowboard Bindings
The Union Contact Pro features a medium flex that’s perfect for both mountain and freestyle riders alike. Moreover, it has minimal binding-to-board contact, featuring only a mere 5%, that minimizes interference with the natural flex of your board. This gives riders increased and improved response, allowing them more control over their movements and giving them more finesse.
Adding to its improved performance is its comfortable and lightweight design, ensuring that the bindings don’t weigh your movements down or give you discomfort. In terms of durability, you can expect nothing short of excellent due to its Grade 8.8 Hardware – something that only Union products can deliver.
Features
- CP3 Duraflex Baseplate with Full Bottom Thermoformed EVA Bushings
- Extruded 3D Aluminum Heel cups
- Duraflex Hi-Back
- Forma Ankle Strap with an Ultragrip Toe Strap
- Aluminum Buckles
- Grade 8.8 Hardware
03- System MTN Rear-Entry Snowboard Bindings
What’s notable about the System MTN Snowboard Bindings is the multidisc baseplate that enables it to be mounted on any type of board – from the standard 4-hole to the Burton Channel EST boards, giving it increased versatility and compatibility.
It has excellent shock absorption due to its full EVA padded-highback and the high dampening that comes with its footbed. Thanks to these, you can remain comfortable even for longer rides.
Aside from this, it has 3D polyurethane molded straps that not only allows you to secure the fit and customize it with its slide-lock adjustment, it also gives it increased durability, improved performance, and added comfort. It’s also designed to allow you to easily step in and out of your bindings without the need to sit down.
Features
- Rear-entry style
- Fully compatible multidisc baseplate
- Full EVA padded hi-back
- High density dampened footbed
- 3D polyurethane molded straps
04- Burton Citizen Re: Flex Snowboard Bindings
The Burton Citizen features Burton’s unique Re: Flex technology which makes it compatible with all major mounting systems, giving it more versatility and compatibility than other snowboard bindings. Aside from increased compatibility, this bindings’ Re: Flex tech, minimized baseplate, and reduced weight allow for the improvement of your board’s flex and overall feel.
In addition, it’s extremely responsive Reactstrap that uses 3D curved triple axis spine conforms itself to any type of boot, affording you increased comfort and the perfect fit. The Flex Slider feature makes it easy to strap in while offering incredible strength.
The Burton Citizen also has Smooth Glide Buckles that makes buckling in easy and hassle-free. Available in 2 options, you can choose either the single component or the upgraded double-component design; both of which give you reliable and effortless ratcheting power.
Features
- Re: Flex Technology for the Baseplate
- Single-component Highback
- Reactstrap with Flex Slider
- Smooth Glide Buckles
05- Flow Alpha MTN Snowboard Bindings
For those only beginning to explore the world of snowboarding, the Flow Alpha MTN Snowboard Bindings are the perfect bindings. With its soft flex and durable molded H-Series baseplate, it gives beginner snowboarders enough flexibility and control over their movements while still giving them enough room to grow and improve.
It features a padded and molded uni back highback that helps you easily enter and exit your bindings due to its fully reclining design. Aside from this, it also has EVA pads that give riders maximum comfort and reduce the strain on their legs. The 3D-shaped Fusion ExoFitPowerstrap is padded to offer more comfort and allows it to fit more with your boot.
Adding to the ease of entry and exit is the Locking Slap Ratchet that not only locks to your preferred level of tightness but is also easy to adjust when needed.
Features
- Soft flex
- Padded and Molded Composite UnibackHighback
- EVA Heel Cushioning
- Molded and Durable H-Series Baseplate
- Locking Slap Ratchet (LSR) Buckles
- Compatible with multiple mounts
06- Flow Fuse Snowboard Bindings
The Flow Fuse Snowboard Bindings offer a great balance of support, response, and flexibility with its medium flex which is perfect for freestyle riders and use on various types of terrain. Its base plate is made with rockered glass-filled Nylon and adjustable aluminum alloy side wings that make it softer than a molded baseplate which gives increased response and control for its users.
It features expanded EVA 2.5° footbeds that give you increased stability, support, and comfort that allows your board to translate your movements well. The asymmetrical UnibackHighback is designed to be lightweight and comfortable, giving you an overall more balanced feel.
The Fusion Powerstrips are 3D-shaped padded straps that give you enhanced comfort and fit well with your boot, ensuring that it’s safely secured to your bindings. The LSR buckles that give you more options for adjustment, combined with the Active Strap Technology which gives riders more room inside the bindings, makes slipping inside or out of them quicker and easier.
Features
- Rockered glass-filled Nylon baseplate
- Full 2.5° canted EVA Footbeds
- Fusion Powerstraps with Active Strap Technology
- LSR Buckles
- Medium Flex
07- Burton Malavita EST Snowboard Bindings
With a 100% focus on freestyle riders, the Burton Malavita EST offers a medium flex that gives versatility and enough responsiveness, comfort, and stability for progressing snowboarders. It features a dual-component EST baseplate that uses cushioning instead of the usual materials, greatly reducing its weight and allowing users to explore more possibilities in terms of flex and stances.
Added to the EST baseplate is the canted living hinge that flexes with your leg to reduce strain and increase movement control. Its AsymHammockstrap features an asymmetrical pad and spine which allows it to wrap around the boot without sacrificing the comfortable design you all know and love with the Hammockstrap.
The Double-Take Buckles features instant click engagement, allowing you to use less energy and effort in tightening your buckles. This results in enhanced speed and strength.
Features
- Medium Flex
- Dual-Component EST Baseplate
- Canted Living Hinge
- AsymHammockstrap
- Double-Take Buckles
08- Burton Mission Snowboard Bindings
Considered as the “workhorse” among all of Burton’s lineup, the Burton Mission Snowboard Findings offers incredible performance all the time and at any weather condition. The versatility and features offered by the Burton Mission are comparable with nothing else.
The medium flex offered by these bindings allows it to perform with ease across all terrains, making it a great option for freestyle riders and those slowly increasing their level of experience. The base plate is made of lightweight single-component polycarbonate material that creates consistency and versatile response across all terrains.
It has a full cushioning system that gives you the ultimate comfort and lessening the fatigue. Meanwhile, the highback’s single-component construction gives riders instant response, allowing them greater control over their movements.
Those who loved their Hammockstrap tech can now rejoice with the improved Hammockstrap 2.0 which combines everything you loved about the previous model but combined with the Smooth Glide buckles to give users a more comfortable riding experience.
Features
- Medium Flex
- Lightweight Single-Component Polycarbonate Baseplate
- FullBED Cushioning System
- Single-Component Highback
- Hammockstrap 2.0 with Smooth Glide Buckles
09- 5th Element Stealth 3 Snowboard Bindings
If you’re looking for a more affordable choice that doesn’t compromise the quality of your bindings, then 5th Element’s Stealth 3 Snowboard Bindings is the choice for you. Offering high-quality features and improved performance, these bindings gives you everything you need to snowboard without burning a hole in your pocket.
It features a locked-in control that allows the convertible toe strap to fit any boot shape with no problems which give you enhanced control over your board’s movements. The Stealth 3 offers a soft flex that’s perfect for beginners but also for more advanced riders with a preference for this type of flex.
The single-component highback has a forward-lean adjuster which allows you to modify your stance even while on-the-go. Aside from this, the padded base plate offers enough stability and consistency that you can go anywhere even when going at a high level of speed.
Not just affordable, it offers a professional-grade and comfortable riding experience for all skill levels.
Features
- Soft flex
- Convertible toe strap
- Smooth glide ratchets
- Underfoot padding
- Tool-free adjustments
10- Burton Custom Snowboard Bindings
The Burton Custom Snowboard Bindings is an ideal option for beginner snowboarders because of its ability to offer a versatile and comfortable riding experience across all-terrains. The soft flex of these bindings gives it enough responsiveness to allow beginners to get a grasp on how to control the board.
It features a lightweight and bomb-proof baseplate that offers incredible performance at an affordable price point. The ergonomically canted zero-lean highback adds to its performance and the single-component construction makes it easy to manipulate due to its immediate response.
With the Custom’s Reactstraps, riders can have a more comfortable and controlled ride because it easily molds to any boot. Adding to its comfort is the underfoot cushioning that enables riders to stay upright longer.
The Burton Custom gives you amazing value for money, offering plenty of room for growth and improvement for beginner riders.
Features
- Soft flex
- Lightweight and bomb-proof polycarbonate baseplate
- Re: Flex Binding System
- A full underfoot cushioning system
- Single-component construction highback with a zero-lean canted design
- Reactstraps with Smooth Glide buckles
Pros
Cons
Buyer’s Guide to Snowboard Bindings – What to Look Out For?
Of course, as with any product, you need to consider a few factors before purchasing in order to avoid buying bindings that are ultimately incompatible with your needs which will lead to buyer’s remorse.
Considering the following factors will not only ensure you buy the right kind of bindings for your board but also ensure you don’t waste money on the wrong one.
Riding Style and Skill Level
First and foremost, you need to consider your riding style and skill level first as these will affect all the other factors on this list such as the flex and type of bindings. For example, beginners often need bindings that offer them more versatility on various terrains and a soft flex that can provide them with enough responsiveness and flexibility to allow them to improve their skills.
Once you determine your riding style and skill level, you can move on to the other factors and choose the best snowboard bindings for your needs.
Type of Bindings
When choosing snowboard bindings, you need to consider the type that will serve your needs best. There are 2 common types of bindings; strap and rear-entry bindings.
Strap Bindings are the most common type and the easiest to use. As the name implies, strap bindings feature 2 straps; one around the ankle and one around the toe area. They offer various options for adjustment, excellent comfort and support for riders. They are considered the standard for the industry and allow room for more flexibility compared to rear-entry bindings.
Rear-Entry Bindings, on the other hand, are less common but offer quicker entry and exit for snowboarders. Unlike strap bindings, they use reclining highbacks to offer a faster stepping in and out the process for more casual riders. However, they are often heavier than their strapped counterparts and many feel like they offer less control over movements.
Compatibility with Your Board
To avoid buying incompatible bindings, make sure to check first whether they’re made to fit your board or not. This is because bolts or discs found on your baseplate are used to secure your bindings to the board’s binding interface. Most patterns are 4 x 4 or 2 x 4 while some, like those found on Burton boards, have 3D diamond-shaped pattern. Burton also has boards that feature their unique The Channel system which only allows compatibility with their bindings and some from other brands.
Flex the Bindings
Most manufacturers rate their bindings’ flex on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest flex and 10 being the stiffest flex. Again, you need to first consider your riding style and skill level to appropriately gauge what flex rating you need. Beginners generally go for a softer flex while more advanced riders prefer medium to stiff flex ratings. Medium flex ratings are best for a more balanced feel while stiff flex ratings are best for those who want to go big and fast.
Compatibility with Your Boot
When choosing snowboard bindings, you need to consider its compatibility with your boots as having a soft boot with a stiff flex defeats the purpose of both. Moreover, to ensure that its size is compatible with your boots, you need to check out the manufacturer’s binding size to see which one fits your boots best. Too-small bindings will prevent it from securing your boots properly while too-big bindings will decrease your control over and the response of your board.
Freeride vs. All Mountain vs. FreeStyle
You need to use snowboard bindings, which can be supposed for where you are likely to ride. Otherwise, the snowboard bindings may perhaps not be responsive and rigid as you’d rather.
Usually, there are three sorts of riding styles: all-mountain, free ride, and freestyle.
All Mountain Snowboard Bindings
It is debatably the most multipurpose snowboard bindings. That is because they genuinely are explicitly built to deal with all forms of unique terrains. This consists of powders, parks, and nearly everything else. Because of the flexibility and responsiveness of both, all-mountain snowboard bindings, in many cases, are more targeted towards adaptability, even though you could probably get more sensitive rides as long since you’re ready to invest more cash.
Free Ride Snowboard Bindings
It is built explicitly for speedier runs. They are for those that prefer to ride steep terrains. Because of this, freeride snowboard bindings are somewhat stricter. It tends to make it a lot easier for the riders to move energy and browse their way through massive terrains, even if riding harshly.
Freestyle Snowboard Bindings
Freestyle snowboard bindings are perfect for novices. They genuinely are purposely built to have a softer flex, which makes them more pliable for users, and also snugger. It follows that, even once you land from somewhere more significant than you want, the effects of one’s landing won’t be painful.
Strap-in vs. Back Entry
You will also want to consider whether you would like to get a back entry snowboard a strap-in snowboard binding.
Strap-in Snowboard Bindings
It would be a more convenient option. They indeed are just about interchangeable with snowboarding nowadays. When you’ve never been snowboarding before, you probably know how they work as, as its name implies, you’ve got to strap yourself into safeguarding the snowboard. Such a snowboard binding includes shoulder straps, toe straps, and also a buckle technique.
Rear Entry Snowboard Bindings
It is a comparatively new origination. Its fortified reclining high-backs and only strap feet make sure they are simpler to wear yet secure at precisely the same moment. The opening, as an instance, opens while you slip your foot in the boot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most commonly asked questions when it comes to snowboard bindings.
Are bindings necessary?
Yes, they are because they are the ones that connect you to your board and what directly translates your movements.
How to know if the bindings are compatible with my snowboard?
This is one of the factors you need to consider when buying snowboard bindings. It’s best to check out the bindings’ manufacturer’s site to check whether their products are compatible with your board or not.
Which type of bindings is best for beginners?
Bindings with a softer flex are more recommended for beginners because they provide enough stability and control while still giving enough room for improvement or growth. Medium to stiffer flex ratings are more appropriate for advanced riders but this would highly depend on your riding style as well.
How do I maintain my snowboard bindings?
Always inspect for damages, loose or worn parts before and after each use. Also, don’t forget to remove ice or snow thoroughly after use to prevent it from affecting the integrity of your bindings’ components. Properly store your board and bindings after use to avoid accidental damages.
How long do bindings usually last?
The answer to this highly depends on the frequency and how you use it. For casual riders, with proper storage and maintenance, they tend to last longer than hardcore riders as their bindings experience more wear and tear than casual riders.
Conclusion
Snowboard bindings are vital for any snowboarder because it’s the component that directly connects them with their board. Finding and having the right snowboard bindings for your snowboard is important because they directly affect your control over your movements and will, therefore, affect your overall performance.
To ensure you make the right decision when purchasing your snowboard bindings, you need to consider the different factors that will affect its overall performance and effectiveness on your movement.
With the right set of bindings, you can have increased control, finesse, and precision that will allow you to deliver a superb snowboarding performance and rendering everyone around you speechless. Read about Snowboard here.
