Just like helmets and snowboards, bindings are also essential to gear at your disposal. They help attach your feet to the board and help you zoom past any challenging terrain. There are not many major variations in snowboard bindings, but each one has its style, feel, and shape. The type of snowboard binding you use will determine how well it anchors your feet and boot to the board. Over time, snowboard bindings have vastly improved and there is immense variety in the best snowboard binding set up.
What are the best snowboard binding set up?
While on the hill, it is always wise to have a snowboard binding that provides the comfort, design, and performance that matches your style. So, depending on whether you are in a park or a mountain, snowboard bindings are always going to be an important part of your setup. Many overlook the importance of them, but they are a crucial interface between a person and the snowboard.
The type of binding you choose should match the rest of your setup. The snowboard binding should be responsive, and it should provide the necessary control. Flex, fit, and adjustability are factors that are of pivotal importance as they will ensure a customized fit. Based on your approach to selection, you could choose between a budget binding or a binding high on tech. With the compilation of the best snowboard bindings, this list will help you choose the right one.
Best snowboard binding set up overall – Union Flite Pro
Union emphasizes focus and dedication and they are backed by a team of Pro snowboarders. They have a mission to transform the snowboarding experience. This series of bindings are best for riders who are looking for freedom and comfort. The Union Flite Pro has minimal binding to board contact, and this series in particular has benefits for freestyle enthusiasts. It has a soft and forgiving feel, and the universal disk V2 works with standard mounting patterns.
The ankle strap gives a rapid response on the outside and it is durable and lightweight. It fits perfectly well with every make and model of boots in the market. This binding gets a Ts 4.0 toe strap which has multi-positional options. It has thermoplastic anti-slip material which keeps you locked and on point.
What I liked
- This is a lightweight binding, and it offers a good amount of maneuverability, ensuring minimum fatigue to the rider.
- This binding has a strong and responsive baseplate which transfers energy effectively and gets a stable ride.
- This binding has comfortable straps and padding which offers a good fit and minimizes pressure points.
- It is built with high-quality materials and it can withstand wear and tear after long-term use.
- It is priced competitively and is of incredible value.
What I disliked
- Users have reported that this binding is too stiff and it is not flexible for their style or preference.
- This binding has limited adjustability, and it might not fit all foot sizes.
- This binding can transmit vibrations and impacts to the rider’s feet.
- It is compatible only with a few mounting systems.
Best snowboard binding set up performance – Bent Metal Axiton
Bent Metal is a consortium of engineers and pro snowboarders. They are dedicated to offering the world’s best binding. Made with 100% nylon, this snowboard binding features a responsive Dual Band (Dyadic construction) ankle strap. This fuses flex and power which gives optimized comfort and response. It also has a super comfortable grip from the toe strap with a uni-body nylon chassis.
It also gets a solid asymmetric high back which gives increased rigidity and maximized performance. These bindings give all-day comfort and reliability. The low-profile design forms a geometry that gives a perfect fit and is lightweight. The easy-riding all-mountain flex is ideal for mountain shredding and it has a large axis disc that is 4X4 and 2X4 and channel compatible.
What I liked
- This binding offers a personalized and comfortable experience.
- It uses lightweight materials and reduces fatigue during long runs.
- This is a versatile binding and can be used on any terrain.
- It provides quick response time and reliable support.
What I disliked
- It is pricier compared to other bindings.
- Issues pertaining to durability with regard to straps and buckles.
- It has limited color options.
- Requires regular maintenance and adjustment.
Best snowboard binding set up for mountains – Burton Cartel X EST
Item Package Dimensions L x W x H – 15.29 x 11.91 x 7.5 inches
A team of pro riders backs Burton and they offer products for snowboarding like – snowboards, boots, bindings, and outerwear. This binding gets a sensory bed cushioning system which is compatible with the EST mounting system. This helps in providing outstanding control and a great connection to the board. It also gets B3 Gel cushioning which is designed to not harden in cold conditions. This helps in withstanding heavy impacts and prevents them from breaking down. This binding has a dual-component baseplate construction that uses two kinds of materials. One for underfoot and the other for lateral edges. This gives a soft ride and a stiffer edge-to-edge for an enhanced balance. The hinge flexes dynamically with your leg and it increases foot roll. It also reduces fatigue and gives easier ollies.
The EST mounting system in this binding misses out on hardware underfoot and it has a flexible footbed for an enhanced board feel. These bindings provide the highest range of stance options and it mounts only to the boards that feature a channel board mounting system. The Heel hammock features reinforced rubbery material which wraps the boot heel. It provides complete suspension giving a lightning-fast response. The dialflad system features a rotating dial that allows for making adjustments to the forward lean-angle of the hi-back. The hinge hi-back technology also eliminates hardware and weight resulting in an independent adjustment of your forward heel.
What I liked
- This binding provides excellent responsiveness and it is ideal for riders who wish to have precise control over their snowboard.
- It is lightweight and it reduces fatigue on the rider.
- It has a comfortable and well-cushioned footbed which reduces the impact of any challenging terrain.
- It is made with high-quality materials which can withstand wear and tear after long use.
What I disliked
- It is on the pricier side.
- The EST system in this binding is only compatible with boards that have an EST channel.
- This binding is quite stiff and it is not ideal for riders who want a more flexible binding.
- It does not offer adjustability and may not fit all foot sizes.
Best snowboard binding set up fit innovation – Salomon Trigger Snowboard Binding
Item Package Dimensions L x W x H – 14.8 x 12.95 x 5.98 inches
Salomon bindings focus on design and innovation. They engineer their products to enhance your experience on snow. This binding comes with a blaster baseplate, and it has strategically placed blaster pods that give a dynamic suspension between the boot and binding. This aids in a perfect balance of energy and mobility. This binding also has a shadow strap which gets a molded injection design with EVA foam for extra comfort. This binding uses lightweight material giving a premium fit and quicker energy transfer. This snowboard binding gets an ergonomic asymmetrical design that provides both fine-tuning and supports with an adaptive flex.
What I liked
- Built with lightweight materials, this binding allows easy movement around the board.
- This binding has a padded baseplate and straps which gives a comfortable fit and minimal pressure points.
- This binding is adjustable meaning it allows a high degree of flexibility.
- It has a quick-release system which makes it easier to get in and out of the binding.
- It is built with high-quality materials making it highly durable and long-lasting.
What I disliked
- It is on the pricier side.
- It is available in limited sizes and might not fit all riders.
- This is specifically built for mountain riding, and may not be ideal for freestyle o backcountry usage.
- Making adjustments to the flex and fit of this binding can be difficult.
- It comes in limited color options.
Best snowboard binding set up design – Union Strata Team Snowboard Bindings
Item Package Dimensions L x W x H 1 x 1 x 1 inches
These freestyle bindings are purposely designed for riders looking for ultimate freedom, and comfort. These bindings have minimal binding to board contact which is a pioneering concept from Union. It has a balanced and responsive ride and the Union Mini disk offers maximum board flex and a surfy ride feel. The Forma Lab ankle strap has a rapid response on the outside and cushioned comfort on the inside. The Forma Lab ankle strap is lightweight and super durable. It fits well with any boot in the current market. The Ts 2.0 Hex grip toe strap has multi-placement options and slip-resistant plastic. The Union Ts 1.0 hex grip toe strap kit molds with any boot and has negligible slippage.
What I liked
- This is a versatile binding capable of handling any terrain.
- These bindings feature a high-back that is responsive which allows easy transfer of power to your board.
- Built with lightweight materials, this binding is easy to set up and easy to maneuver.
- These bindings get EVA padding for optimal comfort, and it helps to reduce fatigue even after long use.
- Built with high-quality materials, this binding is capable of aggressive riding.
What I disliked
- It is priced higher than other bindings in the market.
- These bindings offer good adjustability, but riders might not be able to fine-tune the fit to their liking.
- It is not compatible with all the snowboard models.
- It is relatively stiff and may not be best suited for freestyle riding.
- The heel cup of these bindings is not very secure which can limit control.
Best snowboard binding set up value – Flow Nexus Snowboard Bindings
Item Package Dimensions L x W x H – 14.57 x 10.39 x 7.8 inches
Flow Bindings started in 1996, and they firmly believe that snowboarding should be fun. This binding has a soft flex and is an ideal choice for beginners and advanced riders. This binding comes with the legendary speed entry system, and it features the ComfortFit Fusion strap. It is a one-piece design that works alongside the reclining hi-back. It also gives support to the entire foot and does not require to be run as regular two-strap models.
This eliminates pressure points and ensures you ride all day. It offers decent comfort, responsiveness, and stiffness. This snowboard binding uses a glass-filled nylon hiback which is best suited for creative usage and riding. It gives a feel as though you are riding your board at the very edge and you will tend to appreciate the extra forgiveness. It gets EVA cushioning and the heel helps to smoothen your ride.
What I liked
- It is easy to get in and out of the binding.
- It has an aluminum alloy baseplate and EVA padding on the NEXUS bindings which offer good power transfer and responsive handling.
- These bindings feature a comfortable and supportive high back with an adjustable forward lean. It has padded straps and a canted footbed for optimal comfort and support.
- It is versatile with a medium flex rating and it is suitable for a wide range of riding styles and skill levels.
What I disliked
- It is pricier than other binding models.
- It is not all that durable since it has plastic parts on the high back and ratchets.
- It does not offer customization on par with some high-end bindings in the market.
- It has a rear entry design which is not suitable for everyone, and many may instead want a traditional strap-in design.
Best affordable – Rome Snowboards Mens 390 Boss Snowboard Binding
Item Package Dimensions L x W x H – 14 x 14 x 6 inches
Rome designs bindings for riders who want a lightweight, and powerful ride. Their bindings are versatile and can be used for creative snowboarding. This is a tried and tested snowboard binding. This binding has a full wrap and is bomb-proof, and it has a hyper-responsive platform that is built for deep landings. Built for high speeds and efficient energy transfer, it gets pureflex ankle straps that are lightweight and allows medium flexing. It has a snug with minimal footprint and the pro grip toe straps are powered by auxtech which provides the best locked-in hold and grip. It has hinged patterns for the best-connected comfort.
What I liked
- These bindings are designed for use in the mountains, and they are reliable to use on any terrain and snow conditions.
- These bindings have a flexible highback and padded straps which helps in offering a comfortable fit and reducing fatigue.
- These bindings are made with high-quality materials which include an aluminum chassis, and it is durable to withstand rugged use.
- It has multiple adjustable features like a forward lean, strap position, and highback rotation which allows for a customized fit and feel.
- They offer a responsive feel and it allows riders to quickly transfer their movements to the board.
What I disliked
- These bindings are not the cheapest option in the market.
- Despite being responsive, these bindings are on the stiffer side which could be a cause of discomfort and it could affect performance.
- These bindings are heavy and might not appeal to those who are looking for weight reductions.
- The features in this binding are better suited for intermediate and advanced riders and it might not be easily adaptable for beginners.
- It comes in limited color options.
Best for veterans – Spark R&D 22/23 Surge ST
Item Package Dimensions L x W x H – 14.13 x 12.36 x 5.28 inches
Spark R&D is dedicated to building the best snowboard bindings and accessories, and they are rider owned and operated. This snowboard binding is trusted by professionals as it has a robust ankle strap and a stiff high back. This is perfect for big-line riders and mountain town legends. It has the ST touring bracket and ST Whammy bars which makes it highly efficient on the steeps. It also gets CNC machined base plates which remain solid for maximum stiffness and durability. The baseplate side windows have been filled to increase durability and strength.
It features a stiffer version of the brand’s new ASYM Rip ‘N’ Flip high back which gives riders additional response. The pillow line straps are lightweight, durable, comfortable, and waterproof. The ankle straps are wide and asymmetrical around the boot giving incredible support. The toe straps are designed so that they can be used as a toe cap, and it also fits nicely as a traditional strap across the top of the boot.
What I liked
- It is lightweight compared to traditional snowboarding equipment which is easy to carry around.
- It is highly versatile allowing you to use it for mountains, or the backcountry.
- It is durable and can withstand adverse climatic conditions.
- It can be customized to suit your preferences.
What I disliked
- It is pricier than other snowboard bindings.
- It can take time to get used to this binding.
- It requires regular maintenance like waxing and tuning.
- It is not suitable for all terrains.
Best looking – Burton Malavita EST Mens
Item Dimensions LxWxH – 38.1 x 33 x 22.9 Centimeters
This snowboard binding features an auto-cant sensory bed cushioning system which is compatible with the EST mounting system. It uses dual-density EVA which automatically puts your boot into a natural position. This improves board control and reduces fatigue. The b3 gel cushioning in the binding does not harden under colder conditions and it can withstand hard knocks without breaking down. The dual-component baseplate construction features two kinds of materials. One for the underfoot and the other for the lateral edges which help in creating a soft ride with stiff edge-to-edge for better balance. The hinge flexes dynamically with increased foot roll and you experience less fatigue with easier ollies.
The EST mounting system has no hardware underfoot, but instead, it features a flexible footbed that gives an improved board feel. This helps in giving the binding the widest range of stance options. The binding has a canted hi-back design that follows the natural contours of your legs which helps in giving maximum comfort and control. The zero forward lean hi-back is vertical and it is designed for riders who wish to have a relaxed feel. The heel hammock features reinforced rubbery material that wraps the boot heel. It provides complete suspension for lightning-fast response. The dialflad system features a rotating dial to make adjustments to the forward lean angle of the hi-back.
What I liked
- It is responsive making it easier to have control over the board.
- It has a hammock-style high-back which provides additional comfort and support.
- It is a lightweight binding meaning it can reduce fatigue after long-term use.
- It is compatible with Burton’s channel mounting system which allows riders to quickly adjust the stance width and angles of their bindings.
What I disliked
- It is pricier than other bindings in the market.
- It is only compatible with Burton boards which limits its versatility.
- The binding has the EST technology which means it requires a specific board to work properly.
- This is a high-performance binding that may not be the best option for beginners.
Factors determining best snowboard binding set up –
The snowboard binding you choose should be compatible with your snowboard or your boots. Depending on the flex level and features this list of factors should better equip you to take the best purchasing decision.
Mounting options –
Based on your stance and the angle at which you ride your snowboard, the baseplate should be adjusted for giving the best placement for your bindings. Most snowboards have a universal mounting system.
Flex –
Snowboarding can be split into several categories and depending on your style you can traverse across any terrain. The level of flex helps in determining how flexible your equipment is. Lower flex ranging between 1 to 4 allows greater freedom which is essential for those who are just beginners to snowboarding.
Adjustments –
Picking a binding that has multiple features works well for those who like to make adjustments. Purchasing highly customizable bindings can be opted for, provided you have access to easily swappable parts. If you do not intend to make precise adjustments you can instead opt to get one size that fits all based on your size and stance.
Budget and riding style – While making any purchase, the important factor to consider is how much money you have. Based on how much money the product costs and considering the costs of making repairs, you will only accordingly spend to repair or replace them. Your riding style is an indicator of your final purchase. Getting a new snowboard or other pieces of equipment is relatively expensive. So, having a brief idea of snowboarding costs will help eliminate unnecessary costs.
Entry methods –
Entry methods make it easier for equipping or removing your gear. Bindings in the speed entry category provide a lot of security and are seen as convenient entry methods. Conventional entry methods like the step-on entry method take a lot more time and effort to put on and remove.
Based on the above-listed inputs, you can take a wise decision regarding your snowboard binding purchase. Based on your riding style, comfort level, support features, and aesthetic design you can take an informed decision regarding the best snowboard binding set up you intend on purchasing. Depending on your current skills, and the type of snowboard you will have to choose those bindings that are compatible with your snowboard set.
