Snowboard bindings are certainly one of the important pieces of equipment for being a snowboarder. Even if you haven’t heard as much about snowboard bindings as you would have about other pieces of equipment like boots for snowboarding or the snowboard itself, finding the right snowboard binding for your physical traits and riding aesthetic is crucial.
You have a lot of alternatives, from flow snowboard bindings to strap snowboard bindings. But what riding style warrants the use of one type of binding than the other? And how do you decide which snowboard bindings are ideal for you?
Here, we’ll go over all you need to remember on both flow and strap bindings, covering their benefits and drawbacks, then you can make a better selection for yourself.
The Snowboard Binding’s Basic Anatomy
Buckles
The buckles ensure that your binding is securely fastened. Buckles on a ladder strap with a ratchet system are extremely convenient and simple to use. In most circumstances, a snug fit on your boots may be achieved with just a few clicks. Buckles are available in a range of materials. Lower-cost bindings are more likely to have lightweight plastic buckles.
Highback
The vertical plate beneath your lower calf is referred to as the highback. It gives you assistance and helps you convey your power to the board throughout turns. There are a number of heights, flexes, and forms available in a range of materials. In general, freestylers and beginners benefit from shorter and softer highbacks. While advanced riders benefit from bigger and stiffer highbacks.
Straps
Two straps are usually found on a snowboard binding. Both the toe and ankle straps are made of leather. The design of ankle straps is rather simple. They loop over your ankle to keep your boot in place while transferring your movement’s energy to the chassis. Padded high-end straps are designed to decrease pressure points and potential foot soreness. Toe straps, however, may vary.
What Exactly Are Flow Bindings?
Back entry bindings, often known as “speed entry bindings,” come in the “flow” kind.
They are still less prevalent than strap bindings, but they are growing more popular as a result of their distinct advantages. The majority of flow bindings just have one strap: a combined ankle-toe strap that wraps around the complete front of the foot.
Because the strap may have two unique parts, one over the ankle and one over the toe, the flow binding may seem to have two straps when it actually just has one. If your toe and ankle require various levels of tightening for security and comfort, you should be capable of adapting these individual pieces independently of one another.
Any changes you make towards the toe strap, on the other hand, will affect the tension of the ankle boot. Similarly, whatever changes you apply to the ankle strap will affect the stretchiness of the toe strap. Although a few flow bindings have totally separate toe as well as heel straps, this is a rare feature.
Your flow bindings’ high-back functions similarly to a draw bridge. The back can indeed be loosened completely, letting it move backward almost fully horizontally. This opens up a huge area where you can simply slip the boots out and into the bindings.
All you have to do to get onto your flow bindings is unhook the high-back and fully open it up so you can slip your boot within the strap. All you have to do now is close the high-back out over the back of your boot and secure it in place.
What Are Strap Bindings?
These strap bindings, also known as “strap-in bindings,” are the most prevalent form of binding you’ll see in stores and on the slopes.
Strap bindings have dual straps: an ankle strap near the top of the foot and a toe strap towards the bottom. The ankle strap crosses your ankle, while the toe strap either lies on top of your boot’s toe or wraps across the front of the boot, as their names suggest.
Strap bindings too have a stable high-back, which means the back stays put, though the inclination of the high-back can be adjusted to lean more forward or stand more upright. This is primarily determined by your comfort level and the slope’s angle.
You must undo both straps in order to really get in or out of the strap restraints. This will make it easier for the boots to enter and exit the bindings. When it comes to strapping bindings, most people will need to kneel down and put these on or pull them off. You can, however, learn to do it from a standing posture with practice, saving time.
Merits of Flow Snowboard Bindings
Flow bindings’ major advantage is how quick and simple it is to strap into them, thanks to its drawbridge-like high-backs that can be totally unlocked.
With practice, you’ll be able to put on your snowboard bindings as soon as you get off a ski lift, allowing you to spend more time on the slopes. You don’t have to sit down in the snow since one can strap in their flow bindings whilst standing up, enabling you to avoid having the seat of your pants wet.
Another advantage of flow bindings would be that the straps only need to be adjusted once, at the beginning of the day. After that, even though you put your boots through and out of bindings numerous times during your trip, you’ll be good for the rest of the day without a need to re-adjust.
Merits of Strap Snowboard Bindings
Your bindings’ two independent straps allow you to alter the tension of each strap individually, which may be important when the ankle needs a particular firmness than your toe.
It’s also easier to utilize strap bindings whilst sitting down, so this option is perfect for steeper slopes where you’ll have to sit down at the start. Since strap bindings seem to be more popular, they are also less expensive, making them more appealing to newcomers to the sport.
Furthermore, while strap bindings require a longer time to put on and take off in normal conditions, they are significantly more trustworthy in the event of a fall or collision. They’re less likely to fly away while sliding down a slope, and if you get caught in a snowbank, they’re a lot easier to get out of pretty quickly.
Demerits of Flow Snowboard Bindings
Flow bindings are designed to be put on more effortlessly while standing. However, this makes it more difficult to put on these snowboard bindings when sitting down, which is occasionally necessary while boarding on a very steep slope.
Furthermore, because the straps on most flow bindings are coupled, you won’t be able to independently change the level of strain on each toe and ankle if you still need to.
When you’re initially learning to snowboard, this could prove more difficult to master about how to arrange flow bindings than that of other types of bindings. Finally, because flow bindings are more pricey than strap bindings, they may not be the best choice for a beginner’s set, especially if you’re just getting started with the sport.
Another disadvantage of flow bindings is that they could make recovery from a collision or fall more difficult. You may not be able to unlock the high-back and then get your boots out of the binding if you ride together into a powdery snowbank with snow jammed up against it.
Also, if you tumble and slide down a slope on your back, you could accidentally activate the flow bindings’ unlocking mechanism, which will send the board flying off your feet! Of course, this is a danger to both you and the board.
Demerits of Strap Snowboard Bindings
Strap bindings’ major disadvantage is that it takes time to put on it and take off. Unlike flow bindings, one must sit down to modify or equip them until they have better technique. In addition, unlike a flow binding, a strap binding’s high-back cannot be opened. Finally, when snow and ice clog the mechanisms, the straps can jam, and you must re-adjust the straps every moment you place on this form of binding.
How to Mount Snowboard Bindings?
Oftentimes, you can get your bindings mounted on your snowboard by a ski store employee or some other specialist on the slopes. Even if that’s your plan, knowing how to mount your own bindings is helpful in case those loosen up over time.
You won’t be capable of turning as quickly or smoothly with loose bindings, which can annoy you or that it might cause accidents.
Actual Way to Mount Flow Bindings
- Check to see if your bindings are compatible with your snowboard. Some bindings and snowboards have different mounting hole patterns, and bindings with a 33 hole will not work on a snowboard with the one that has a 44 design.
- If the hole layouts are incompatible, you might have to utilize a specific angle plate to help you match them up. However, it will be an additional cost.
- Place the snowboard in a firm place when you’re ready to install your flow bindings. If you do need an angle plate, place it at a zero-degree angle in the baseplate of the first foot binding.
- The angle will be indicated by an arrow just on the baseplate. Align the mounting holes upon that snowboard with the holes in the angle plate or the binding itself.
- Make sure the binding, as well as the snowboard, are positioned such that the long line upon that angle plate is perpendicular to the snowboard’s sides.
- Screw four screws into the holes inside this binding or angle plate with an appropriate screwdriver. The screws must be driven all the way through into the angle plate, the binding, as well as into the snowboard.
- Then repeat with the second-footlong binding. If you’re using an angle plate, make sure the base plate of the binding is already at a fifteen-degree angle towards the angle plate this time. Then, just like the previous foot binding, line the holes and screw in the screws.
- All that’s left is to attach the boots to that same base plate, the right boot to the right side, the left boot to the left, and the buckles to the bindings’ straps.
- You’ll be able to ride once you’ve secured the buckles well over boots!
Installing The Strap Bindings
The technique of putting strap bindings on your snowboard is quite similar to putting flow bindings on your snowboard. Check to see if you’ll require an angle plate to match two sets of hole layouts that aren’t the same.
Screw the bindings into place until they are snugly fixed on the board, positioning them at appropriate angles.
The difference with strap bindings is that you must modify the forward lean on the high-back after screwing the bindings to the snowboard. This will depend on your personal choice and your comfort physically, however, for snowboarders, forward leans of ten to fifteen degrees are the most typical.
You want an angle that is comfortable for your knees while still allowing you to bend your legs enough to keep your balance. All you’d have to do is put your snowboarding boots on and go.
Final Words
Snowboard bindings are available in a variety of styles and brands. Considering snowboard bindings really are a crucial aspect of your adventure, you should do your research before deciding on a brand.
The binding you pick must be based on the type of board you’re riding as well as your riding style. Obviously, you need snowboard bindings that are comfortable for your feet. Flow bindings are the appropriate solution for you if you need speed but don’t want to re-adjust the straps of the bindings every single time you put it on or pull it off in a day.
From a standing position, they enable simpler access and quick releases. If you’re new to snowboarding and want to have a pair of bindings that won’t slide off your feet or get stuck in a snowbank, strap bindings are a good option.
Feel free to modify them as required for your comfort in either scenario. Now all you have to do is find the perfect snowboard bindings that fit you and hit the slopes!
FAQs
Do people still use Flow bindings? ›
They are still a bit less common than strap bindings but are nonetheless becoming increasingly common and popular for their unique advantages. Most flow bindings only have one strap: a combination ankle-toe strap that covers the entire front of the foot.
Are Flow bindings good for beginners? ›Great for anyone transitioning from a traditional binding, this style has a slightly softer flex overall, so is more popular with freestyle riders and beginners.
What bindings do pro snowboarders use? ›Some of the best bindings used by professional snowboarders include Burton, Salomon, or Union Binding Co bindings. The Burton Cartel X EST, the Union Flite Pro, and the Union Force are widely regarded as three of the best all-around snowboard bindings.
What happened to Flow snowboards? ›Snowboard brand NIDECKER has bought the Flow Snowboarding brand.
Can you put Flow bindings on a Burton board? ›To use a Burton ICS snowboard with Flow snowboard bindings you will need one of these Channel Discs! Please note: These discs are for 2010 or newer bindings and are compatible with Burton 2010/11 and newer snowboards.
Do I want stiff or soft bindings? ›Park riders usually lean towards a softer setup allowing them to press and flex their boards as needed. A rider that enjoys quick and aggressive turns may choose a stiff binding for optimal control.
Are all Flow bindings rear entry? ›Flows are the original 'rear entry' binding. They have one large strap section that is fixed over the top of the foot and a high-back that drops down for access into the binding.
Are step on bindings more responsive? ›Step On delivers a noticeably more responsive feel to your heel-to-toe and toe-to-heel transitions by solidly attaching the boots to the bindings. With less flex at the boot and binding connection, less energy is lost.
Is a wider stance better for snowboarding? ›Until you develop a defined favorite riding style, most riders will find a slightly wider than shoulder width stance to be a good starting point. A just wider than shoulder width stance offers good stability and a powerful jumping position.
Who make the best snowboard bindings? ›- Bataleon Astro – Best Men's Snowboard Binding.
- Union Ultra – Best Unisex Snowboard Binding.
- Bataleon Blaster.
- Bataleon Chaos.
- Bent Metal Stylist (Women's)
- Flow Mayon Plus (Women's)
- Flow NX2 Carbon.
- Jones Orion.
How do you tell if bindings are NNN or SNS? ›
If you have a pair of boots and you aren't sure which binding system you have, take a look at the sole. If there are two thin, shallow grooves running the length of the sole, then it is an NNN boot. Salomon's NNN boots are called Prolink. If there are two bars, it is a current SNS, or Pilot boot.
Are Flow snowboards any good? ›...
| FACTOR | RATING (OUT OF 5) | CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE |
|---|---|---|
| Carving: | 3.0 | 6/10 |
| Powder: | 2.5 | 5/10 |
| Speed: | 3.0 | 6/10 |
| Uneven Terrain: | 4.0 | 8/10 |
Nidecker (aka Nidecker Group) is a family-owned Swiss snowboarding company based in Rolle, Switzerland. Nidecker was founded in Etoy, Switzerland, in 1887. They own and operate several snowboard product companies and brands including Flow, Jones, Nidecker, NOW and YES.
How tight should Flow bindings be? ›It works, and is also a tripping point for new Flow owners. Because it distributes pressure better you don't really feel the strap on your boot, often leading new users to overtighten the strap making entry difficult. Run them snug, snug is tight.
What boots are compatible with Flow bindings? ›Although we're compatible with all snowboard boots on the market, we recommend Nidecker boots for the best in & out experience with Flow bindings.
Are Flow Alpha bindings good? ›Performance of these bindings are as good as an binding I've ever used and I've been snowboarding for 20+ years. This is a lower price point model, but I have had no issues at all. I actually ride 2 boards and will be purchasing a 2nd pair of flow bindings for my other board this offseason. So easy to get in an out of.
How do you get into Flow bindings? ›EASY SET-IT-AND-FORGET-IT
To get into your bindings, fold the Reclining HiBack fully down and slide your foot in.
Take Off the Bindings Before You Wax
Snowboards feature bindings, which are where you insert your feet. While bindings can help transfer energy when riding, they can make it difficult to wax a board, so you don't need them.
Binding Compatibility with Snowboards
In general, most binding discs are compatible with most mount patterns, but it's good to make sure. Luckily, most brands nowadays have "universal discs" or offer multiple discs to cover different types of mounting holes.
All Nidecker & Flow snowboard bindings come with a pair of Offset Discs which you use to mount the bindings to the board.
What swing speed should use stiff? ›
What swing speed requires a stiff shaft? Golfers at driving speeds over 90 mph should generally use a stiff shaft. Under 90 mph should probably use a regular shaft.
Do pros use stiff or extra stiff? ›Most professional golfers use Extra Stiff Flex clubs, so unless you're headed to Augusta National sometime soon, you likely don't need one. But, if your average club head speed is 110 miles per hour or more and you're consistently hitting with a distance of around 270 yards, an Extra Stiff Flex staff could be for you.
Are stiffer snowboards harder to ride? ›Stiff boards can also absorb the heaviest of landings without buckling, whereas softer boards make it easy to manoeuvre and perform tricks at slower speeds. They are also much more forgiving of mistakes since rider input is not transferred quite so rapidly.
Are Flow bindings adjustable? ›Binding Adjustability: There is a lot here and with Flow it is important to pay attention too. You have adjustments for the highback forward lean, the straps are on flip-cams, and you have two positions for the highback to mount to the frame with for a forward and back adjustment.
What are the two types of bindings? ›There are two main types of bindings – strap-in bindings and speed entry bindings (a.k.a Rear Entry Bindings).
Do pro snowboarders use Step On? ›They need to perform and ride their best, which means they need the equipment that works best for them. We've compiled a bunch of evidence that Burton Team Riders do in fact run the Step On system.
What are the cons of Step On bindings? ›Con: Snow and Ice Can Build Up
Every binding can get snow and ice stuck inside of it, but if step on bindings get snow or ice stuck in them then it can interfere with the boot clicking into the binding. Burton designs their bindings and boots to prevent build up, but it's difficult to avoid completely.
Reliability, extreme precision and maximum safety. The PIVOT binding has a turntable heel piece that swivels around the tibia axis, offering a record elastic travel to prevent unexpected releases and a short mounting area to respect the natural flex of the ski.
What snowboard stance is best for buttering? ›SETBACK OR CENTRED STANCE
A centred stance can help you feel balanced on the board whilst performing ground tricks and butters as well. If you like to ride directionally whether on or off-piste then having a set-back stance may suit your riding style.
You don't want to be too upright when you are snowboarding. You want your knees slightly bent even in a relaxed position. For this reason the high-backs should be on a slight angle tilting forward (towards the board).
What's the number one brand in snowboarding? ›
In the world of snowboarding, Burton is widely considered the top choice. A Burton board like the Flight Attendant will give you confidence that you can always ride at your best.
How many years do snowboard bindings last? ›On average, you can expect them to last at least 3-4 years (depending on how hard you ride) before they start showing signs of weaknesses. Of course, if you've got the money and want to try out new bindings, nothing is stopping you from switching after 1 or 2 full seasons.
What is the fastest snowboard brand? ›#1 best snowboard for speed: Burton Custom X (camber)
Well known for its all-around consistency and powerful performance, the Custom X camber is one of the fastest boards on the market. The board has a directional shape with a longer nose than tail, designed to be ridden fast over a variety of different terrains.
NNN bindings are more popular than SNS bindings these days, though both are used by pros and beginners alike. These attach to your boot via a metal rod at the toe and have two ridges making them compatible only with NNN boots. A rubber front helps you generate power when lifting your foot to glide forward.
Can you change SNS to NNN bindings? ›Boots designed to work with NNN bindings will not work with SNS bindings and vice a versa. These bindings use a metal rod at toe of boot, and the boot clips into the binding. NNN bindings might have two parts with two ridges designed to work with compatible NNN ski boots.
Whats the difference between NNN and absolute NNN? ›Triple Net Lease | NNN
The tenant pays for property taxes, insurance, and maintenance of the roof, structure, and common areas of the NNN property. The difference between a triple net lease and an absolute net lease is that in a triple net lease, the tenant may not pay for expenses directly.
How fast is fast on a snowboard? While averaging 25 mph is the norm for weekend riders, those in the top-percentile can reach speeds between 45 and 60 mph before they begin to lose control.
Does 2cm on a snowboard make a difference? ›Depending on your own preferences and what you like to do, most freestylers will typically choose a board that is between 2cm and 6cm shorter. Freeriders will tend to go with longer boards in order to help with speed and stability. Freeriders tend to choose a board that is between 1cm and 4cm longer.
What is the hardest move in snowboarding? ›The "triple cork," as it is called, is a move so difficult that it once landed White in the hospital.
What is the history of Flow bindings? ›Neil Pryde and Reinhardt Hansen started Flow as they wanted to make snowboard bindings, more comfortable and easier to use. With Flow bindings the highback pivots down so you can slide your foot in rather than having to mess around doing up ratchets when you want to drop in and go ride.
How much does a Flow binding weigh? ›
* for one binding, including screws and disc. The average weight of a small sample size of around 45 bindings (2019, 2020, 2021 & 2022 models) I weighed, was 1lb 15oz (890 grams). The lightest was 1lb 8oz (680g) and the heaviest was 2lb 9oz (1,160g).
Should my toes touch the end of my snowboard boots? ›Snowboard boots should feel comfortably snug everywhere—heel, instep, and toebox. Your toes should be barely touching the front edge. If a boot fits "just right" out of the box, chances are it will be too big when to boots break in.
How do you know what binding size you need? ›Your skis' waist width will determine the ski brake width (the distance between the two brake arms). For example, if your skis are 80mm wide at the waist, you will need bindings with a brake width of at least 80 mm and preferably no wider than 95 mm.
Do people like step in bindings? ›In short, Step On bindings work extremely well. The vast majority of riders who have tried them report excellent results, with many saying that they outperform traditional strap bindings in both comfort and performance.
What bindings does Jeremy Jones use? ›From the first day Jeremy Jones rode NOW SkateTech bindings he was convinced of their unmatched performance. Here's why Jeremy thinks NOW SkateTech is so revolutionary: "When I started snowboarding we were drilling our boards and bolting down our bindings at the edge of the board.
What bindings does Danny Davis use? ›Men's Burton X EST® Snowboard Bindings.
Does Nidecker own Flow bindings? ›Nidecker (aka Nidecker Group) is a family-owned Swiss snowboarding company based in Rolle, Switzerland. Nidecker was founded in Etoy, Switzerland, in 1887. They own and operate several snowboard product companies and brands including Flow, Jones, Nidecker, NOW and YES.
Should I strap in or step on bindings? ›If you're a beginner snowboarder who is still getting your feet under you, then strapping in will mean at least sitting down and maybe even falling over a few times as you try to stand up. Step on bindings solve that problem by making strapping in easy to do while standing up and as fast as one step.
What are the cons of step on bindings? ›Cons: Odd clicking noise. Lack of freedom to ride other bindings/boots. Boot-to-binding entry is tough with snow build-up.
What bindings does Jamie Anderson use? ›The Union Jamie Anderson Snowboard Bindings are a stunning take on the classic Union Trilogy bindings. They come with an extra durable Stage 4 baseplate, a super responsive and versatile highback, and new Exoframe 4.0 ankle straps that have you covered for comfort, support, and performance.
What bindings does Eric Jackson use? ›
Welcome to BRANDED. The spot for all the best snowboard products for the 2021 season. This week Bent Metal Binding Work are bringing you the Transfer Pro bindings by Eric Jackson.
What bindings does Travis Rice ride? ›For the biggest lines and the steepest spines, this is the binding that the legendary Travis Rice trusts every time he straps in. We've upgraded the Falcor with a thicker, more durable forged carbon spine, longer lasting magnesium S1 ratchets and lightweight ankle and toe straps.
What bindings does Arthur Longo use? ›- View All.
- Atlas FC.
- Atlas Pro.
- Atlas.
- Force Pro.
- Force.
- STR.
- Ultra.
One of the biggest concern for those riding on old setup is bindings and boots. Because bindings are made from plastic and foam, they will start to deteriorate much quicker than a snowboard. This could be a quick and cheap fix such as replacing old straps or ladders.