Bindings
This page will explain just exactly what a binding is and its purpose.
Here is a Burton Custom binding (2013). This is your most typical type of binding. Bindings normally have two straps on them like the one in the picture. The top strap is called the heel or top strap, and the bottom strap is called the toe or bottom strap. Each bindings come in pairs which are suppose to fit with both your boots. First I will explain the most common type of bindings. Just like snowboards, the type of bindings you should buy
should match up to the style of snowboarding which you prefer (e.g. free style,
all-mountain, freeride, etc.). The reason for this is because depending on what kind of bindings you get, you will get a a different response from your board.
All-mountain: this type of bindings will have about a moderate level of stiffness allowing the riders to be able have good control over their board and still have some level of flexibility. This allows them to have an all-purpose bindings that gets the job done. Free-Style / Park: this type of bindings will have a lower level of stiffness allowing more flexibility which allows for better landing and preventing the board from catching an edge, but the lower flexibility causes shaking in the binding if the rider is going to fast. Powder / Freerider: this type of binding will have a high level of stiffness allowing the rider to have more control over the board while keeping a relatively fast velocity and have an easier time going though powder. However, the high level of stiffness makes doing jumps more difficult because it is harder to land and the binding will not be as forgiving which leaves less room for error. |
This binding is called a Flow Binding which is called a Speed Entry binding. As you can see from the picture, the straps are connected to make one big strap. Not all speed entry bindings have one big strap but majority of them do. Besides the differences in strap between the two bindings, the speed entry bindings have two wires that are attached to the high back plate, but there is also a sort of hinge on the high back that allows the high back to come down so your foot can easily just slip in and then pull the hinge back in order to lock your foot in. These bindings were meant to give riders a faster way to strap on at the top of a lift because the normal strap on bindings would normally required to be strapped which could take a couple minutes. However, I will not recommend these to a complete beginner and would recommend to stick with the strap on bindings.
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So now you know what exactly is a binding is and its important function to snowboarding. However, not all boots equally fit each bindings.
Here is a sizing chart from Burton that gives a rough estimate of what size bindings fit to what size shoe. So keep this in mind when choosing what kind of bindings you want to use for riding.
So how do you put on your bindings? Well many people learn how to put their bindings on themselves which anyone can learn with about 30 minutes and the right tools. However, in order to prevent someone from accidentally damaging their snowboard or bindings, I would recommend taking it to any kind of ski/snowboard shop or resort mechanic since most of them will do it for free.
However, if you are one those people who want to learn how to put on their own bindings, I've posted a video by videojug of how to install your own bindings to your board. The reason why I chose this video is because he explains how to install bindings into all the different kinds of boards out there.
So how do you put on your bindings? Well many people learn how to put their bindings on themselves which anyone can learn with about 30 minutes and the right tools. However, in order to prevent someone from accidentally damaging their snowboard or bindings, I would recommend taking it to any kind of ski/snowboard shop or resort mechanic since most of them will do it for free.
However, if you are one those people who want to learn how to put on their own bindings, I've posted a video by videojug of how to install your own bindings to your board. The reason why I chose this video is because he explains how to install bindings into all the different kinds of boards out there.
- Videojug. How To Set Up A Snowboard Binding. Youtube. Youtube, n.d. Web. 9 Dec. 2013.
Next, I will explain the different types of snowboards and what snowboard will fit you the best.