So, you’ve got your snowboard and boots, and you’re itching to hit the slopes? Hold up a second! Before you carve up the mountain, let’s talk about snowboard bindings. These crucial pieces of gear are what connect you to your board, influencing everything from your board feel and turning ability to how smoothly you land that next big trick. Whether you’re cruising down the bunny hill or launching off jumps in the park, the right bindings make all the difference. This guide will break down what to look for when choosing snowboard bindings for park and freestyle riding, and will also review some of the top models on the market.
Before diving into specific binding recommendations, it’s important to understand some key features. This knowledge will empower you to choose the best bindings for your riding style and personal preferences.
Snowboard bindings attached to a snowboard
Key Features of Freestyle Snowboard Bindings
When selecting bindings for park and freestyle riding, several factors come into play. Let’s examine the main characteristics you should consider.
Flex (Response)
Flex refers to the binding’s stiffness and how easily it bends. This is a crucial element for performance. A softer flex gives you a more forgiving ride with increased board feel. If you’re doing a lot of tricks or hitting the halfpipe, softer flex bindings make turning and maneuvering easier. It’s akin to having softer wheels on a skateboard, offering more flexibility. Beginners will also appreciate the more forgiving nature of a softer flex. A medium-soft flex is a great place to start, usually around a 3 or 4 out of 10. As you progress, you can experiment with a flex rating of 1 or 2 for park-specific riding, or a 5 or 6 for those who focus on big air and halfpipe riding.
Footbeds
The footbed is the cushioned part of the binding your boot sits on. It is essential for shock absorption, especially when landing jumps. Some footbeds are canted, which means they’re angled slightly inward. This design can reduce knee stress and improve balance for some riders. Canted footbeds may not be ideal for all styles of riding, however.
Mount Types
There are two primary mount types: disc and EST. The type of snowboard you have will determine which mount you need. The disc system uses a circular mounting plate that attaches to the board with screws. The EST system is unique to Burton boards and features channels rather than a standard hole pattern for more stance adjustability.
Baseplates
The baseplate is the part of the binding that connects directly to the snowboard. These are usually made of durable materials like carbon fiber or fiberglass and nylon composites. Some baseplates include cushioning and some have removable footbeds.
Strap Bindings vs. Rear-Entry Bindings
Traditional strap bindings utilize two straps, one for your ankle and one for your toe, secured with ratchets. These straps are often padded and the buckles are made of either lightweight magnesium or strong aluminum. Rear-entry bindings, also known as speed-entry bindings, usually have a single strap. These are generally considered quicker to get in and out of, but strap bindings offer more customization in terms of fit.
Top 5 Snowboard Bindings for Park and Freestyle
Now, let’s dive into some of the best snowboard bindings currently available for park and freestyle riding.
1. Union Contact Pro
The Union Contact Pro is a medium-soft flex binding designed for intermediate to advanced riders but a great option for beginners wanting to improve their skills. A key feature of these bindings is their full-bottom baseplate, which provides a level and secure foot position. This enhances board feel, making it great for parks, bowls, and halfpipes. The full-bottom baseplate also features EVA cushioning, offering a soft and responsive feel while helping reduce board chatter. The lightweight aluminum buckles make getting in and out quick and the ankle strap offers secure and comfortable hold. Some riders find the mini-disc mounting system to be finicky and will need to tighten it often. It is important to know that these bindings are not compatible with boards using a 4×4 mounting system.
What We Like: Responsive feel, full-bottom baseplate with EVA cushioning, lightweight and strong aluminum buckles, and a comfortable ankle strap.
What We Don’t Like: Finicky mini-disc mounting system and compatibility issues with 4×4 mounting systems.
Price: Older models average around $140, while the 2021 model is around $240.
2. Ride C-4
The Ride C-4 binding is great for both park and all-mountain riding. These feature a canted footbed, as well as an aluminum heelcup that adds stability. They have a medium-soft flex with a nylon highback and are available in M and L sizes. They’re great for beginners who are still perfecting turning and carving or riders with narrow heels who need extra ankle support. The ankle strap is a one-piece design while the toe strap is minimalistic, reducing weight and allowing for easy entry and exit. The linkage ratchet system, along with the heelcup provide increased board feel without any fuss. The smallest size is a medium, so it will not fit smaller feet or women’s boots well. Some riders may also prefer more toe strap support and might find the heelcup too stiff.
What We Like: Lightweight, easy to use, great for beginners, and the linkage ratchet system.
What We Don’t Like: The smallest size is a Medium, might not fit smaller feet or women’s boots well, some might want more toe strap support.
Price: Around $220, but sometimes marked down to $132.
3. Burton Freestyle Re:Flex Snowboard Bindings
The Burton Freestyle Re:Flex bindings are designed to be more beginner-friendly, accessible, and versatile. They’re also a more budget-friendly option. They have a softer flex, which might not be preferred by more advanced riders. The poly-carbonate baseplates are flexible and lightweight, offering a consistent feel for all terrain and conditions. The forward lean angle can be adjusted with Burton’s MicroFLAD system. These bindings include the Re:Flex FullBED cushioning which helps cut down on fatigue during long sessions in the park. They’re a great deal for riders on a budget. However, the medium-soft flex might not be the best choice for riders needing more stability and the ankle straps are known to feel stiff. The Burton Custom Re:Flex is a comparable model with better cushioning and more comfortable straps.
What We Like: Affordable, versatile, the Re:Flex FullBED cushioning, and the MicroFLAD adjustment system.
What We Don’t Like: Medium-soft flex, stiff ankle straps.
Price: Around $180, but can be found used for $85-$100.
4. Burton Malavita EST Snowboard Bindings
The Burton Malavita EST bindings have a medium flex and Burton’s EST system, which allows for a wide range of stance adjustment options and excellent baseplate cushioning. These are considered a step up from beginner bindings due to the increased craftsmanship, performance, and the canted footbed and no-lean highback. This makes them great for all-mountain freestyle riding as well as park sessions. The straps can be adjusted without tools, and the EST baseplate has a hinge that flexes with your feet. This offers great board feel for big jumps and tricks. The smallest size available is a men’s 8. The Burton Lexa EST is a good alternative in smaller sizes. These bindings are considered pricey if you’re used to spending less than $200.
What We Like: Tool-less adjustments, flexible EST baseplate, great for freestyle riding.
What We Don’t Like: The smallest size is a men’s 8 and they are pricier than other options.
Price: Ranging from $272 to $360.
5. Nitro Ivy Snowboard Bindings
The Nitro Ivy series is available in women’s sizes S/M, ranging from women’s shoe size 5.5 to 10.5. If you have smaller feet, these are a great alternative to the Nitro Team Pro series. They have a medium stiffness with a canted footbed. These bindings are ideal for intermediate riders who want to ride the mountain or park in equal comfort. These bindings feature a Stealth Air baseplate with Air Dampening technology offering greater comfort, especially for riders with narrow heels or who need more cushioning on rough landings. The mini-disc mounting system easily snaps into place and takes up less room than traditional disc systems, offering more flex. The baseplate corners are rounded for less stress on the board. Both ankle and toe straps feature cutouts to better mold to the feet. The toe strap also includes a rubber underneath for a secure fit. They are more expensive than other options, and some hardcore park riders may find that they’re too flexible.
What We Like: Great for women with smaller feet, comfortable, mini-disc mounting system, and the Air Dampening technology.
What We Don’t Like: Pricier and might be too flexible for some park riders.
Price: Ranging from about $270 for the 2019 model to $300 for the 2022 model.
Frequently Asked Questions about Snowboard Bindings
Let’s explore some common questions related to snowboard bindings.
How are snowboard bindings sized?
Snowboard bindings are generally sized as Small, Medium, Large, and X-Large, correlating with men’s or women’s shoe sizes, from 4 to 15. It’s important to check the manufacturer’s sizing chart as sizing varies between brands. If you are between sizes, try the bindings on with your boots to ensure a proper fit.
Am I goofy-footed or regular-footed?
A regular-footed stance means your left foot is in front when riding, while a goofy-footed stance means your right foot is in front. Your stance is not determined by whether you are right or left-handed. Experiment to see what feels most comfortable.
What stance should I have for park/freestyle riding?
Many freestyle riders prefer a “duckfoot” stance, with equal angles on both bindings for a symmetrical feel, making it easier to ride switch. Don’t angle your back foot more than 15 degrees to avoid putting extra pressure on your knees. Another option is a “forward stance,” common for all-mountain riding, where your front foot points slightly forward.
What are strapless bindings?
Strapless bindings like K2’s Clickers and Burton’s Step On bindings offer a quick and easy way to attach your boots to your board without traditional straps. Clickers use a system like ski bindings and clipless cycling pedals. Step On bindings use a system with attachments at the toe and heel. These systems require compatible boots with stiffer soles. It is not recommended to use Clicker or Step On boots with strap bindings.
Wrapping Up
Finding the best snowboard bindings for you is about combining your personal riding style and goals with gear that will enhance your performance on the mountain. Whether you’re new to the sport or a seasoned rider, there’s a binding out there that is a perfect match. Consider all the factors discussed in this guide and don’t be afraid to test different options to see what feels best for you. Remember to wear a helmet and have fun on the slopes!
