How to Buy Snowboard Bindings

While relatively simple gadgets, snowboard bindings need to be thoroughly inspected before you commit to a purchase.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Helmets
• Snowboard Bindings
• Snowboard Boots
• Snowboard Leash
• Snowboards
• Helmets

1. Do your research. Different brands are known for different things. You need to know what you're looking for before entering a shop.

2. Find a shop with a variety of bindings. Look over the different options. Don't be afraid to touch.

3. Inspect the bindings carefully. Test to see that they're securely attached to the straps.

4. Check that the ankle support is a comfortable height on the back of your leg.

5. Make sure all the moving parts move properly.

6. Find out how easy it is to adjust the binding. Can you change the angle of the foot plate without too much difficulty?

7. Find out if you'll be able to find replacement parts if need be.

8. Pick a binding that is solid yet agile.

9. Be picky. There's no need to be pressured into a sale. Buy when you're satisfied with the product.

Tips & Warnings

• Bring your boots to the shop to make sure they fit the bindings.
• Bindings tend to go on sale early and late in the season.
• While it doesn't matter if the toe strap doesn't have much padding, make sure the ankle strap has ample cushioning.

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[codyjdoan]

on 12/24/2007 if your an intermediate rider looking to get some nice bindings you probably want to go with K2(which i personally use) or burton. The K2 Fusions are a very very good binding, which i have, and i have not had one issue with them yet. Burton also makes very good bindings but i havent had the chance to try them

on 2/20/2006 Bear in mind that Burton makes excellent bindings- the highest quality on the market in fact, and they carry a big respect tag- but that they use a customized disc system to mount the binding to the deck. Your best bet with Burton bindings is to go with a Burton board as well, because without an adapter kit, attaching the bindings to the board is nearly impossible. Happy riding!

on 1/5/2006 A lot of people will tell you that step in bindings are easy to use and save you time in not having to strap in for every run. This is theoretically true, but in reality, ice and snow will build up in the small parts of the step in binding system. Once this happens you have to waste a lot time breaking ice in very hard to access places.
Your best option is to use Flow bindings. They take a second to get into and are immune to a build up of snow or ice.