So you’ve gotten your feet under you while riding rental snowboards, and now you’re finally ready for your own board. But when you go online to search for the perfect one, you’re overwhelmed. Buying a board is only the first step. Which stomp pad do you get? What about boots and snow pants? And perhaps most importantly, how do you find the best snowboard bindings for you?
Snowboard bindings can be just as important as the board itself. Size, fit, style, ease of use – bindings vary in so many different ways. And if you’re just starting out, the wide variety of choices when it comes to snowboard bindings can seem overwhelming. Fortunately, we’ve picked out the top 10 best snowboard bindings just for you! Make sure to read through each one carefully to figure out which one best suits your riding style, and you’ll be out on the mountain in no time, comfortable and sturdy in your new bindings.
For more of our top snowboarding gear recommendations, check out the Best Snowboard Boots.
Quick Answer - The Best Snowboard Bindings
-
Flow Alpha
-
Union Contact Pro
-
Rome Katana
-
K2 Lien
-
Burton Malavita
-
Salomon Snowboards District
-
Burton Genesis
-
Flow Fuse
-
Rome Snowboards D.O.D.
-
Union Falcor
Comparison Table - Best Snowboard Bindings
| Picture | Name | Flex | Style | Experience Level | Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Flow Alpha | Soft | Power Strap | Beginner-Intermediate | $ | 4.0 |
 |
Union Contact Pro | Medium | Strap | Intermediate-Advanced | $ | 4.4 |
 |
Rome Katana | Stiff | Strap | Advanced-Expert | $$$ | 4.2 |
 |
K2 Lien | Stiff | Strap | Advanced-Expert | $$ | 4.6 |
 |
Burton Malavita | Medium | Strap | Intermediate-Advanced | $$$ | 4.9 |
 |
Salomon Snowboards District | Medium | Strap | Intermediate-Advanced | $$ | 4.9 |
 |
Burton Genesis | Medium | Strap | Intermediate-Advanced | $$$ | 4.5 |
 |
Flow Fuse | Medium | Power Strap | Intermediate-Advanced | $$ | 4.6 |
 |
Rome Snowboards D.O.D. | Medium | Strap | Intermediate-Advanced | $$ | 4.9 |
 |
Union Falcor | Stiff | Strap | Advanced-Expert | $$$ | 4.8 |
| Picture | Name | Flex | Style | Experience Level | Price | Rating |
Reviews - The Best Bindings for Snowboarding
Flow Alpha
Specs
- Flex: Soft
- Style: Power Strap
- Experience Level: Beginner-Intermediate
Features
- Highback Support Behind Your Boot Offers More Security While Riding
- Rear-entry Allows You To Slip In To Your Binding From The Back Instead Of Clipping In
- One Power Strap Makes For Easier Strapping In And A More Secure Ride
BEST FOR: EAGER RIDERS
If you’re looking for your first board and want bindings that can handle it in the park and on trails, the Flow Alpha bindings are the perfect introduction for any rider. Built with a molded back plate and comfortable cross-straps, the Flow Alpha binding gives riders a soft flex to handle any terrain.
Noted for Flow’s unique quick-entry system, instead of struggling with binding straps next to the chair lift, you can do-down the back of these puppies and slip in standing up if you want. They’ll save you time on the mountain and cash in your wallet, as they are affordable and durable, and will stick with you through any terrain.
Union Contact Pro
Specs
- Flex: Medium
- Style: Strap
- Experience Level: Intermediate-Advanced
Features
- Aluminum Ratchets On Your Straps Should Last Longer Than Other Materials
- Multi-positional Straps Allow You To Adjust How Your Snowboard Holds You In
- Highback Gives You More Support Behind Your Boot While Riding
BEST FOR: ALL MOUNTAIN RIDERS
As one of the most affordable models on the market, the Union Contact Pro bindings are both strong and durable enough for any rider of any skill level. The highback support behind your boot gives riders a comfortable support in any environment while the multi-positional straps allow riders to adjust and sculpt their posture to the likes of their style.
These bindings are just stiff enough to handle a serious carve across the trail while the design of the binding is just loose enough to allow for epic creativity on the mountain. If you’ve been riding for a few years and are looking for an affordable, creative binding that you can take out in powder or into the park, the Union Contact Pro is a great choice for you.
Rome Katana
Specs
- Flex: Stiff
- Style: Strap
- Experience Level: Advanced-Expert
Features
- Ultralight Ankle Strap Holds Your Ankle In Place While Riding
- Toe Strap Holds You In Place By Your Toes While Riding
- Padded Baseplate Beneath Your Boot Provides Extra Comfort
BEST FOR: ALL MOUNTAIN RIDERS
Best for fast-flying technicians on the mountain, the Rome Katana bindings offer an ultra lightweight alternative for riders looking to fly down the trail with some added maneuverability. The padded baseplate and uniquely molded design cups to your boots to absorb 30% more impact compared to standard technology.
Perhaps the most friendly feature of these bindings is it’s highback, which requires no-tools to adjust its forward/back lean, an attribute that will aid your riding.. This feature allows you to vary your tilt to the mountain on the fly without carrying along any ratchets or wrenches in the cold. This board also has plenty of other high-octane features to compliment its stature as one of the lightest and most maneuverable bindings on the market, making it a top pick for beginners and veteran boarders alike.
K2 Lien
Specs
- Flex: Stiff
- Style: Strap
- Experience Level: Advanced-Expert
Features
- 100% Tool-less Adjustments - You’ll Never Need A Screwdriver To Adjust Your Board!
- Nylon Highback - A More Durable Support Behind Your Boot
- Padded Ankle Strap - A Comfortable Strap That Holds You To Your Board While Riding
BEST FOR: AGGRESSIVE RIDERS
At a modest price, the K2 Lien AT bindings are a good introduction for any rider looking to take their game to the next level. The tool-less adjustment is a great feature for anyone looking to explore different styles of riding on the fly and the baseplate beneath your boot matches the natural position of your legs to allow for maximum comfortability.
Though often used by advanced and expert riders, the K2 Lien AT bindings are suitable for all riders looking for a stiffer, more controlling fit over their board. These bindings are best for someone looking to explore all sides of the mountain, though they may not be best for park-riding.
Burton Malavita
Specs
- Flex: Medium
- Style: Strap
- Experience Level: Intermediate-Advanced
Features
- Double Take Buckles For Quick Ratcheting
- Nylon Baseplate - A Durable Plate Beneath Your Boot That Will Withstand All Weather
- Compatible With All Major Mounting Systems
BEST FOR: ALL RIDERS
Coined by many professionals as the best binding out there, Burton’s Malavita may have a quirky name, but they are by far one of the most reliable, durable, and adjustable snowboarding bindings out there. Crafted for the All Mountain rider, the binding’s medium flex and canted, or rotated, footbed gives riders a comfortable feel in any conditions.
If you’re looking for park bindings, backcountry bindings, or trail and carving bindings, these will suit all your needs, especially if you want to diversify. Though they run a bit pricier than most models, Burton’s Malavita bindings are highly recommended for any rider looking for their own set of reliable bindings.
Salomon Snowboards District
Specs
- Flex: Medium
- Style: Strap
- Experience Level: Intermediate-Advanced
Features
- Canted Footbed Means It’s Rotated To Match Your Natural Body Positioning
- A Unique Highback Is Specialized By Salomon To Provide You Added Support While Riding
- Micro Strap Adjustments Allow For Mini Adjustments To Your Snowboard Straps
BEST FOR: SMOOTH RIDERS
If you’d describe yourself or hope to describe yourself as smooth, relaxed, and comfortable on the mountain, the Salomon District bindings are perhaps the best option for you. Composite bindings and a medium flex will keep you rooted in place with enough flexibility to torque and twist to your heart’s delight. The canted, or rotated, base and uniquely designed highback give you the flexibility and comfortability to test your limits in ways that other bindings simply don’t allow for.
These bindings are best for a creative, relaxed rider -someone willing to test their limits in new, exciting ways while remaining smooth and collected at the same time. Other features such as the micro-strap adjustments give riders a precision like no other binding, granting you the freedom to explore the mountain in entirely new ways.
Burton Genesis
Specs
- Flex: Medium
- Style: Strap
- Experience Level: Intermediate-Advanced
Features
- Two-piece Highback Provides More Flex Behind Your Boot While Riding
- Double-take Buckles For Quicker Ratcheting And Adjustment
- Nylon Baseplate - A More Durable Plate Beneath Your Boot
BEST FOR: AGGRESSIVE RIDERS
Geared towards an aggressive All Mountain rider, the Burton Genesis bindings absorb more impact than most other bindings, allowing you to really get after the mountain. In particular, the two-piece highback reduces tension and vibration against your shin, which gives you more flexibility when you’re carving and bumping around in the backcountry.
Their flexible, durable nature means that you can take these bad boys into the park for a full day’s riding or out in the trees for some grounding and pounding. The fully adjustable design allows you to tweak them to your perfection, but you probably won’t have to with these bindings. They’re a great fit for any rider.
Flow Fuse
Specs
- Flex: Medium
- Style: Power Strap
- Experience Level: Intermediate-Advanced
Features
- Single Powerstrap - A Singular Strap Over Your Boot
- Two-piece Highback - A Unique Design For More Flex While Riding
- Rear-entry Allows Riders To Enter Their Bindings From The Back And On-the-go
BEST FOR: SPEEDY RIDERS
Much like Flow’s Alpha bindings, the Flow Fuse bindings utilize a reclining highback for lacing in your bindings. That means unlike most bindings where you have to sit down and lace the straps over your feet, with Flow’s Fuse bindings, you can keep your straps ratcheted all-day and simply slip in through the back. So if speed is your priority, or you just don’t like sitting on the ground after getting off the chairlift, these are a great intro into rear-entry bindings.
The Flow Fuse bindings also have a two-piece highback to absorb more impact as you go. The one-piece powerstrap, as opposed to the two separate straps of most other bindings, means that you’ll feel more secure in your binding as you’re heading down the slopes. All in all, this is the perfect binding for a rider who would rather spend time shredding than strapping in.
Rome Snowboards D.O.D.
Specs
- Flex: Medium
- Style: Strap
- Experience Level: Intermediate-Advanced
Features
- Tool-free Lean Adjustment For On-the-go Adjustments To Your Board
- Toe Strap For Tighter Security To Your Board
- Padded Straps For A More Comfortable Ride
BEST FOR: EXPERIENCED RIDERS
Rome’s D.O.D. bindings are specifically designed to withstand years of punishment. Built with strong, durable, ContourLight straps, these bindings will not only feel comfortable as you ride, but will keep you securely locked in with any freestyle move. With all of the necessary features that bindings come with, the D.O.D. bindings are a great, reliable option for an experienced rider looking for a simple binding. With an anti-shock system, these bindings should last as long as your board, and if they don’t, Rome provides every rider with a limited lifetime warranty.
Union Falcor
Specs
- Flex: Stiff
- Style: Strap
- Experience Level: Advanced-Expert
Features
- Magnesium, Bomb-proof Strap Buckles To Withstand All Weather
- Carbon Fiber Baseplate For Added Comfort And Durability
- Toe Strap With Secure Locking System For A Tighter Fit To Your Board
BEST FOR: ADVANCED DAREDEVIL SHREDDERS
The Union Falcor bindings may be last on our list, but they deserve more respect than most. Worn by famous snowboarder Travis Rice, the Falcor bindings are meant for experienced, skilled riders with a firm knowledge of what they want and how they want to shred. With a carbon and nylon fused highback, these bindings will feel both stiff and flexible when riding.
The large, locking straps ensure stability in the binding, but within padding, they may create a rather stiff feeling for the rider who doesn’t push back with an aggressive style. If you fancy yourself a skillful, daring rider willing to take on some gnarly terrain, these bindings will live to tell the tale with you. They come highly recommended for any elite rider.
THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING SNOWBOARD BINDINGS
Buying bindings should take just as much consideration as buying a board. There are so many different factors and attributes that can influence your decision. Sites like EVO can give you a good understanding about how to choose the best snowboard bindings for you, but here are a few key considerations.
BOARD COMPATIBILITY
Before you buy bindings, you’ll want to make sure you settle on a snowboard first. That requires a whole process in itself, but choosing a board should always come first as not all bindings are compatible with all boards and some bindings may go better with some boards.
RIDING STYLE
Perhaps the most important factor to take into consideration when buying snowboard bindings is your own personal riding style. Some bindings are geared towards aggressive, minimal snow-cover terrain whereas others suit a relaxed park rider better. Make sure before you buy any binding, you gauge your own personal style. And use that to guide you to the best snowboard binding for you.
ENTRY
Is the binding rear-entry or not? Think about what you would prefer standing atop a steep slope at a place like Telluride. Most bindings require a few extra moments to sit down and strap into, but others, such as many models from Flow, give riders the option of rear-entry. Before you buy one like this, talk to someone who has owned them before. If used properly, they can shave a bunch of time off of strapping in, but they do require a bit more attention and sometimes may not last as long due to the wear and tear of rear-entry technology.
RIGIDITY
Some bindings are stiffer than others. And that stiffness can and will affect your ride. A more rigid binding is better for an aggressive, more experienced rider, who would really like to tear into the mountain. A softer, more flexible binding is better for beginners, or more relaxed riders. Although, if you’re interested in back-country or park riding, you may want a flexible binding as well.
COST
When you first look into buying bindings, you may be surprised that they can cost just as much as your board. They are important. Very important. And though you can ride with any set of bindings, cheaper ones break more often. That’s probably obvious, but when the price point is as high as it is, no one likes a broken binding. We suggest taking the time to choose the right binding for you despite the price, because in the end, it will last you longer.
STRAP DESIGN
Do the bindings have one strap? Two? A toe strap? There are a bunch of different variations of straps when it comes to snowboard bindings, and each type will affect your riding. Two straps is more common as it grants riders a bit more mobility, but if security is your priority, search for a power strap that locks your foot in place for the day.
FEATURES EXPLAINED
CANTED
A canted base plate or highback means that the area is already adjusted to the tilt of your body or legs. It allows for a smoother ride.
HIGHBACK
The backplate is a wide support that stretches up from the baseplate to your calf, and on any board, it is pivotal to providing support while turning and carving down the mountain. Highbacks can vary from snowboard to snowboard, so when choosing yours, make sure you find one that’s best suited to your needs. Do you want more flex? Maybe a two-piece highback is best. Or do you want more security? A longer, stiffer highback is a better bet.
BASEPLATE
The padding beneath your feet that locks into the board. Note that not all baseplates are compatible with all boards. Make sure you ask if the binding you want will fit with your board. (This means you should buy your board first).
TOE STRAP
A strap that goes over your toe, pushing your foot back into the boot. A preference for many riders.
POWER-STRAP
This refers to one large, connected strap as opposed to two individual ones.
The post Best Snowboard Bindings of 2019 appeared first on The Adventure Junkies.
from The Adventure Junkies https://ift.tt/2ku0XyR
No comments:
Post a Comment