Snowboard bindings often get slightly overlooked when it comes to buying snowboard kit but they are arguably the single piece of kit that will have the most impact on your riding. Your snowboard bindings are the literal connection between you and your snowboard. All the movements you make when snowboarding get transferred through your boots and bindings to your snowboard.
If they don’t fit properly or aren’t set up correctly then you’re just making your life difficult for yourself!
Fit
Your snowboard bindings transfer all the movements you make with your feet, ankles and knees to your snowboard so it’s super important that your bindings fit correctly.
Fit to boot
Snowboard bindings are typically sized as S, M, L, and XL. Check the manufacturer’s sizing charts and you’ll find a suggested boot size range so you can make sure you get the correct size binding for your boots. Just like boots, it’s worth checking the Mondo size as this is universal across manufacturers.
It’s sometimes easier to set up your bindings to your boots before fixing them onto your board, so grab a binding and a boot and check the fit:
The footbed of your snowboard binding should be about the same length as your boot. The heel of your boot should fit snugly in the heel cup of the binding and your toes shouldn’t be hanging off the end.
All straps should fit snugly to your boot. Adjust the straps so that the main part of the strap is centred on the toe or ankle area of your boot. You want to be able to flex down in your bindings but not have your boots moving around under the straps.
When doing up your bindings, use the ratchets to tighten them until you get a bit of resistance. You don’t need to crank them up fully – over tightening bindings can lead to numb toes and no one wants that!
Fit to board
As well as fitting to your boots, your bindings need to fit to your snowboard. This sounds obvious but there are a few different binding mounting systems so make sure you buy bindings that will fit with your snowboard.
Most snowboards come with a 4 x 2 mounting pattern of holes. This gives you a range of stance options and the majority of bindings will fit this system.
Burton boards use a triangle hole pattern (3D) or a channel system for mounting bindings onto the snowboard. If your snowboard has one of these systems then you’ll need to buy bindings that use that mounting system, or check to see if you can get a conversion disc. If you’re looking for a new board and binding set up at the same time then just keep this in mind!
Flex
Just like snowboard boots, snowboard bindings have flex. Bindings with a softer flex are typically better for beginners as they’re more forgiving. Stiffer bindings are better for more experienced riders looking for more response and performance.
That said, your riding style can also influence how soft or stiff you want your snowboard bindings to be. If you’re a park rider or more freestyle orientated then a soft binding will help you get the response you need. For freeride or racing, stiffer bindings will give you the support and power that you need to charge.
It’s all down to personal preference and most people tend to choose an all mountain binding as these have medium flex so suitable for your average rider wanting to explore all aspects of snowboarding.
Style
Snowboard bindings might look very similar, but there are some differences in how you get in and out of them.
Strap in – this is the traditional two strap style that you’ve probably already used. Step into the binding heel first and tighten the toe and ankle straps across your boots. This style is easy to get in and out of wherever you are on the mountain. It’s also super easy to adjust throughout the day.
Rear entry – a quick fit system that requires a bit of setup but then no adjusting throughout the day. Rear entry bindings have one or two straps that go across your boot that you can set up before you get on the mountain. You get into these bindings by pushing back, or folding down, the high back and stepping in toe first. These are a bit quicker than traditional strap in bindings but can be trickier to get in and out of until you get the hang of them.
Step on – another quick fit system that does exactly what it says – you just step on to the binding and click in place. You need special boots for this style of binding
For more detail about all the parts of a snowboard binding check out the Anatomy of a Snowboard Binding from our friends at Absolute-Snow
Set up
You’ve picked your bindings, they fit your boots, now you need to get them on your board. How you set your bindings will have the biggest impact on your snowboarding.
Angles
This is how far out from centre your toes point when you’re standing on the board. If you stand up now and look down at your feet, chances are your toes aren’t pointing dead ahead, and they shouldn’t be when you’re on your snowboard either.
We recommend starting with a duck stance of +12 & -12 or +15 & -15. This means your front and back feet are both turned out from the centre by the same amount. A duck stance is great for helping you get centred over the board and riding switch.
Stance
This is how wide apart your feet are on the board. All boards will come with a recommended width marked on the binding holes which is a good place to start if you’re new to snowboarding.
If you’ve been riding for a little bit, have a play around with your stance. Try moving it in or out and see how it feels. Nidecker has put together this great little video with some tips on working out your stance:
The REAL binding of choice
The Nidecker Carbon bindings are the REAL binding of choice for this season. Super light weight and responsive, these bindings give us the comfort and performance that we need whether we have a full day of lessons or are shredding around the mountains.
What next?
Up next in our Snowboard Essentials series we’ll take a look at snowboards and what to think about beyond the graphics. We’ll talk about what to consider when buying a snowboard, along with our recommendations. Keep an eye on our Instagram stories to find out when it’s out.
About Nidecker
Nidecker has a long history of snowsports innovation, making their first pair of ski in 1912 and manufacturing snowboards since 1984. We love their approach and attitude, and are delighted to partner with them. Visit https://www.nidecker.com/ to check them out.
For further reading visit: https://snowboardhow.com/best-snowboard-bindings/
Just like socks, good snowboard boots are more important than your board and bindings. You’re going to be in them ALL DAY LONG so take the time to find some that fit properly.
If you tend to rent your snowboard equipment and are thinking about making an investment in some kit then boots are 100%where you should put your money first. You can always keep renting a snowboard until you find one you like!
There are a lot of choices out there so here’s a quick breakdown of what to look for.
Styles
Laces, speed lacing, boa – these are all terms you’ll come across as you start looking into boots. Which one to go for is personal preference as there are pros and cons to them all. It all comes down to the best fit for your feet.
Boa
The boa lacing system is quick to do up and quick to release. It’s a loop of wire that you can tighten using a dial on the front of your boot. Great for speed, not so great if the wire breaks and you need to replace the whole system (not common but it can happen). The boa system tightens the same across the whole boot and won’t work its way loose throughout the day.
Speed laces
Another one for speed and ease, this system usually has two different zones allowing you to tighten your boots separately across the top of your foot and around your shin. Pull the lace up, click it into place and you’re good to go. Like the boa system, it can be awkward to replace if it breaks but, again, this is pretty rare.
Laces
The most straight forward of all. Pull them tight, tie them in a bow. Re-tighten at lunchtime when they’ve worked their way loose!
Liners
All snowboard boots will have some kind of liner. More expensive boots will usually have some kind of lacing system on the liners that is designed to work with the outer boot and hold your foot in place. It’s worth checking if the liners are removable so you can dry them properly if you don’t have access to boot dryers. Some liners can even be put in the washing machine but make sure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions before chucking them in for a spin!
Fit
Having good fitting boots means that the movements you make with your feet will transfer to the board more efficiently, make it more responsive and easier to ride.
Your feet
First thing’s first. Wear proper snowboard socks when you’re trying on boots. Your boots will feel really different with a pair of snowboard socks compared to thin trainer socks so take a pair of snowboard socks with you.
Once your feet are in, if you stand up straight you should feel your toes lightly touching the end of the boot. You don’t snowboard with straight legs (well, you shouldn’t!), so flex your knees. You should feel a bit of support on your shins from the boots and your toes should move away from the end ever so slightly. Wiggle your toes to make sure they’re not bunched up, and try to lift your heel. A good fitting boot will have minimal heel lift –adjusting the liners and lacing can help with this.
Flex
The flex of a snowboard boot refers to how soft it is. It’s a bit of personal preference again but generally a softer boot is better for beginners and a stiffer boot is better for performance riding. All boots will pack out and soften over time so it’s best to err on the slightly stiffer side to get the most life out of your boots.
Footbeds
A whole host of fit problems can be solved by using proper footbeds. Snowboard boots tend to come with flat footbeds so if you need extra support just swap them out for some proper footbeds.
Footbeds are also a really handy way to find the right fitting boot. Take the foot bed out of your trainers and measure the length of it in cm. This is your Mondo size, a universal sizing system used for ski and snowboard boots. It’s really useful to know this as different brands and models will size differently.
Here’s a quick video from Absolute-Snow explaining a bit more about it:
Of course, the best way to find snowboard boots is to try them on. Try different brands and different models until you find some that feel good.
The REAL boot of choice
Thirty Two are the boot of choice for the REAL Snowboarding team. This season we’re wearing the Mullair Boot. The traditional lacing system allows for the maximum comfort and adaptability whatever you’re looking to ride.
What next?
Working our way up, next time we’ll have a look at snowboard bindings. We’ll talk about what to consider when buying them, along with our recommendations. Keep an eye on our Instagram stories to find out when it’s out.
About ThirtyTwo
ThirtyTwo have been making snowboard boots and snowboarding outerwear since 1995 and remain true to their by snowboarders for snowboarders roots. They constantly push for innovation in all their products and we are delighted to partner with them. Visit www.thirtytwo.com to check them out.
If you don’t get your equipment right then life can be difficult when you’re up on the mountain. Over the years, people have turned up for lessons without gloves, goggles, helmets and even once, skis instead of a snowboard!
Equipment and clothing designed for snowboarders and the mountain environment helps to keep you warm, comfortable and dry.
Snowboard equipment is one of the most discussed topics in the REAL Snowboarding office so we’re starting a new blog series to share our expertise with you.
First up: socks.
Snowboard socks
Forget what your board looks like, what shape it is, or even what colour your jacket is. For us, socks are the most important bit of kit for staying happy when you’re snowboarding all day long.
The right pair of socks keep your feet warm and can also help with the fit of your boots.
Do you notice we said ‘pair of socks’? If there’s one piece of advice we want you to remember, it’s to never double up on socks! It might seem like a good idea but can actually restrict circulation to your toes making them feel cold, and cause friction which can lead to pressure points or blisters.
Not fun.
Technology has advanced a lot in the past few years. You can now get socks that provide support and cushioning to specific areas of your feet. Take the time to try different pairs and find the ones that are the perfect fit for you. The material is important too. Just like base layers, cotton is a bad idea. The best snowboarding socks are designed to wick moisture away from your skin and keep your toes cosy all day long.
We have to put our hands up here and admit that when we started snowboarding we didn’t really pay much attention to our socks. Turns out we all had some kind of issue with our feet or boots that disappeared once we started using socks that had a bit more to them than 3 for 2 at Costco.
The REAL sock of choice
For the REAL Snowboarding team, Stance Socks are our sock of choice and we’ve been wearing them for years. Stance Socks hold your heel, provide arch support and cushion your shins. They are the most comfortable socks to have ever existed, fact.
As well as being comfy, Stance Socks are some of the most stylish out there. Which, fair enough, isn’t as important as fit and comfort, but it comes a very close third, especially when you’re in the boot room or hopping in the car at the end of the day!
The style of choice in the REAL office this winter is the Launch Pad sock. If ever a sock could summarise REAL, this is it!
Not only is it bright orange but, to us, the rocket symbolises the core freestyle element of our snowboarding school. REAL was founded by two freestyle snowboarders, Barry Parker and Dave Crozier so having a rocket on our socks helps us to remember that we should always send it!
At REAL Snowboarding part of our role as instructors and coaches is to inspire others within snowboarding. We’re always progressing our ability and developing our style and it’s great when we find friends and partners to work with that share the same ethos. The team at Stance Socks are committed to innovation, somehow making our snowboarding socks better every winter.
Socks aren’t just for Christmas
Remember: take care of your socks and they will take care of you.
A decent pair of snowboarding socks may be more expensive than Costco but they will last longer and you will get so much more out of them. Stop and think before buying several pairs of cheap socks that will end up in the bin and landfill before long.
Wash at a low temperature and avoid putting them in a dryer as this can destroy the fibres that keep that perfect fit.
What next?
It has to be boots! Next time we’ll talk about what to look for in snowboard boots. We’ll also share our recommendations and details of what the REAL team are wearing this season. Follow us on Instagram to find out when it’s out.
About Stance Socks
Stance Socks’ snowboard specific collection is unbeatable in style and quality. Check them out, and their other collections here:
https://stance.eu.com/
