To accommodate the multitude of riding disciplines, snowboard bindings come in a variety of styles. The bindings serve the essential function of keeping you stabilized during hairpin turns and airborne maneuvers. While some riders prefer rigid bindings, others opt for a more flexible design. Choose the binding style that best corresponds with your intended riding terrain.
Strap Bindings
When browsing through your local snowboarding shop you'll likely stumble upon numerous pairs of strap bindings. Strap bindings are one of the most common styles and generally feature two or three padded retention straps. The ratcheted straps of the bindings allow you to easily customize the fit for maximum comfort on the slopes. According to the snowboard experts at REI, strap bindings can accommodate both soft and rigid snowboard boots and generally fall into the low- to mid-price range.
Step-In
If you grow weary of buckling and unbuckling your straps, choose a specialized model known as the step-in binding. The step-in binding is another common style that offers increased convenience. According to ABC-of-Snowboarding, the step-in binding features a locking mechanism that attaches to the base of your snowboarding boot. Simply step onto the baseplate of the binding to secure your boots in place. One of the few drawbacks of the step-in binding is the lack of ankle support during high-impact tricks.
Flow
The flow binding is a relatively new design that combines the convenience of the step-in binding with the support of the strap binding. These hybrid bindings feature a large tongue that extends across the laces of your snowboarding boot. As opposed to having to fidget with a number of retention straps, you can easily enter the flow bindings by lowering the vertical highback plate. Many slope style riders opt for the flow binding as it provides increased ankle and heel support.
Men's vs. Women's
While men's and women's snowboard bindings may appear quite similar, there are a few key differences that set them apart. Compared to men's bindings, women's bindings often feature a more feminine style with flowered graphics and brightly colored components. The dimensions are another key difference between these two binding styles. To accommodate the unique shape of the female leg, the binding's highback plate features a lowered design for increased comfort. Men's bindings generally have a wider design than female-specific styles.
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