Without the help of the bindings, your feet would slide across the polished deck of the snowboard. In the early days of the sport, snowboard bindings consisted of a simple leather strap fastened to the top of the board. Over the years, the snowboard binding has evolved to feature adjustable retention straps for increased stability.
Hangover
When sizing a pair of snowboard bindings, the first thing you'll need to measure is the amount of hangover. The hangover measurement refers to the amount of your boot that hangs over the front edge of the binding. Slide your boot against the high back plate while standing in a stationary position to measure the hangover. Choose the next size up if more than 1 inch of your boot hangs over the binding. Hanging toes can easily catch in the snow during hairpin turns.
High-Back Plate
The high back plate is the component of the snowboard binding that sits perpendicular to the footbed. According to ABC-of-Snowboarding, the high back plate of the snowboard binding is lined with foam pads for increased comfort and heel support. A properly sized snowboard binding will feature a high back plate that extends to the base of your calf muscle. Snowboard bindings designed for women have a lowered high back plate to accommodate the unique placement of the female calf muscle.
Straps
The retention straps of the snowboard bindings should not hinder the movement of your feet within the snowboard boots. Most snowboard bindings are equipped with a toe strap that fits around the front end of your boots. The toe strap should fit snugly around the front of your boot. If you can slide your forefinger under the strap, increase the tightness. The middle straps of the bindings should fit over the laces of your boots. Tighten the middle strap until your bindings have a snug yet comfortable fit.
Flexibility
The proper flex of the snowboard binding varies depending on the intended discipline of riding. For the novice rider, the boot binding should feature a soft flex for increased ankle movement. This pliable construction helps to prevent painful ankle sprains when sliding out on an icy terrain. If you prefer to tackle technical trails in the backcountry, your binding should feature a more rigid fit. According to REI, the stiff design of the binding allows you to quickly transfer energy from your boots to the edges of the board.
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