The best snowboard bindings for beginners will give us flexibility, comfort, as well as affordability since it isn’t too necessary to drop a lot of money when first starting out in our powder adventures. We saw in our best snowboard bindings article that they can start to get pricey; however, at times it’ll be worth it if you’re into extra technology, better grade materials they’re built of, and brand confidence (if that’s your thing). If this is indeed an investment, we say don’t be afraid to put some cash into it, but also keep in mind there are some necessities to make your starting snowboard career most optimal. Let’s check it out.
Picking the best beginners snowboard bindings
To begin, let’s talk budget. When it comes to ‘cheap’ bindings, especially as seen in our bindings under $200 guide, that’s about as low as we’ll recommend. $200 or less is a good starting point (snow gear gets expensive, doesn’t it?) but those that are above this are also viable if you’re able to scrounge up the cash. The more expensive the bindings, the better overall material it’s made of, the more ‘features’ are built-in to it, as well as an overall higher quality ‘feel’.
When it comes to those ‘features’ to look for, especially when choosing bindings, we always recommend look for ‘flexibility’. Here are some of our recommendations for bindings for beginners:
- Extra protection around the toes
- Soft flex ratings
- Sturdy and easily adjustable straps
- Padding at the back for your calves
- High-quality and flexible baseplates
- Feasible ankle support
- Easy overall adjustability to quickly move your feet in and out
Like we’ve heard many of our riding enthusiasts recommend starters — expect to fall! If the bindings are too stiff or tight it will cause more damage to your feet, ankles and legs if you were to fall; however, at the same time, too loose will keep your ankles room to twist in ways you don’t want them.
Do you have your other gear yet? Perhaps you’re looking to match your snowboard, helmet or goggles to the look of your bindings? Of course, the previous factors should prioritize your thoughts when purchasing beginner bindings, but you can’t ignore the aesthetics and planning of your style on that mountain. Keep this in mind not only for matching, but for budget purposes as well — if you still have to buy any other gear, it’s going to really start to add up.
The best snowboard bindings for beginners
Burton Custom
We start off our list with in our opinion one of the best snowboard bindings for beginners due to their comfort and extreme flex. The Custom’s are meant for all terrain and provide great control no matter the conditions. The soft flex rating on these bindings give them a relaxing and lightweight feel and the straps were designed to provide comfort and sturdiness. They have rubber wraps around the toes, which we really like to ensure a tight fit that will stay put without putting unnecessary pressure on the feet (and help with those falls, of course. And yes, you will fall!). They are made with an adjustable single component hi-back giving them the ability to react quickly. The Customs contain a cored baseplate that is made exclusively of one material, which reduces the overall weight, allows for quick response and provides a more relaxed feel. The forgiving nature of these Burton Custom bindings as well as the soft flex makes these our pick as the best snowboard bindings for starters.
K2 Yeah Yeah
Next up we include the K2 Yeah Yeah snowboard bindings, which are known for their simplicity and versatility for ladies. Also, their aesthetic styles and color options don’t hurt either. They fall on the upper end of the price spectrum but the unique features of these bindings make them one of the best beginner snowboard bindings in the market today. The one-piece baseplate make them extremely lightweight and the customizable footbeds provide awesome comfort and stability. They have strap in bindings that form to the shape of the boot and are easily adjustable — pair this up with the soft flex makes them one the best beginner snowboard bindings due to their forgiving nature. The highback on these bindings reduces pressure on the legs through a soft calf pad. The K2 Yeah Yeah bindings perform well on any type of terrain and in any type of conditions, making them a reliable and smart purchase for beginner shredders.
Flow Alpha
The Flow Alpha bindings are reasonably priced and come in three different energetic colors, making these another great pick for one of the best beginner snowboard bindings. These bindings contain a unique rear-entry system, which takes away the pain of sitting down to strap in at the top of the mountain through its easy and efficient access. They also contain a locking cable device which can be opened from the back to slip the boot in, taking away the need to strap in at the top of every lift. The soft flex of these bindings are adaptable and forgiving, making them ideal for beginner riders. They also contain a one-piece highback, making them extremely lightweight. The highbacks and footbeds are well padded, giving these bindings extreme comfort and the straps contour to the shape of your boot, which provides ample ankle support. If you are looking for an efficient set of bindings that were designed with the beginner rider in mind then the Flow Alpha snowboard bindings are a great choice.
Ride KS
The KS by Ride are the ideal choice for the beginner rider who is looking for a simple yet perceptive pair of trendy looking bindings. The soft flex and unique footbed features make these one of the best beginner snowboard bindings while providing comfort and stability all at the same time. The footbed contains slight angles to automatically align the rider’s ankles and knees to maximize comfort and encourage proper form. The straps have intense grip to lock into your snowboard boot and thick padding on the ankle straps to disperse pressure evenly across the foot. The sleek buckles are made of aluminum, ensuring durability and will last for quite a while if you take proper care of them. The framework of the bindings has a built-in stance correct heel cup, making these an ideal choice for beginners. The simplicity of the Ride KS bindings, paired with the numerous features geared towards learners.
Union Flite Pro
Up next we include a middle of the price range pair of bindings that come in three different colors and have some awesome features. The Union Flite Pro’s are the best snowboard bindings for starters who are looking to grow into a pair of bindings that can handle different ability levels and all terrain. The straps were designed with extreme gripping abilities to ensure they stay locked in all day and the high backs on these bindings are known for their weightless feel and ability to perform on various levels and types of terrain. The heel cups are made of aluminum, making them extremely durable. The Union Flit Pro’s include a multi-layer ankle strap system that was designed to allocate pressure evenly across the top of the foot while providing stability as well. The Union Flite Pro were built with the adventurous rider in mind who loves to test their limits, all while providing great support and comfort.
Salomon Spell
The Salomon Spell are at the middle of our best beginner snowboard bindings guide for the trendy rider who is on a budget. They are simple yet dependable and were designed to make learning to board as smooth and comfortable as possible while leaving some cash left over in your wallet after the buy. The soft flex on these bindings allows for greater movement at slower speeds with a forgiving nature all at the same time and they also contain a zone baseplate with EVA sole padding to maximize comfort and minimize vibration. They also have both ankle straps and toe straps, providing great stability and protection. The Spell binding straps are easily adjustable and heavily padded — adjusting requires no tools and can be done anywhere, at anytime. The lightweight free frame highback on these bindings were designed to absorb shock. The sleek look, affordable price, and distinct features make the Salomon Spell ideal, and yet another great option as the best snowboard bindings for beginners.
Flux PR
As we continue to make our way through the list, we include an affordable pair of bindings with plenty of modern features, making them one of the best snowboard bindings for beginners who are looking to increase their skill set and ability level. The medium flex highback make them stiffer than the rest of the bindings on the list, but give them a greater amount of responsiveness in return. The baseplate is simple but reliable with toe and heel cushions for comfort and increased shock absorption. The straps on the bindings were designed to eliminate tension on the foot by evenly distributing pressure across the foot. The Flux PR snowboard bindings do not require tools to make adjustments, allowing quick alterations to occur any time, any place. If you are beginner rider looking for a pair of bindings that you can continue to use as your skill set increases, then the Flux PR snowboard bindings are the perfect purchase, especially if you may like a stiffer feel to your boarding.
K2 Lien FS
The K2 Lien FS land on the peak of our price spectrum and are known for their customizable features, stunning chic look, and ability to perform in any conditions. These freestyle bindings are the best for beginners looking for a trendy, high-end choice. The tripod framework only makes contact with the snowboard at three points, allowing for great shock absorption as well as the ability for the rider to easily transfer their weight quickly and efficiently. The highback was designed to be lightweight and forgiving, yet reliable and stable and the toe strap conforms to the boot for maximum customization and can be easily adjusted. The ankle strap and footbeds on the bindings are loaded with cushion to provide comfort and release pressure at the same time. The footboard is a little different from others and is slightly angled inward, but this allows the bindings to feel as natural and smooth as possible. These K2 Lien FS freestyle bindings are the perfect choice for the adventurous beginner rider looking for comfort and customization.
Burton Freestyle
As we near the end of our list, we have another Burton model here and a reasonably priced pair of bindings that were designed exclusively for park riding. The forgiving flex, lightweight feel, and comfortable features make these the best starters snowboard bindings looking to improve their skill in the park. These bindings contain a simple cored baseplate that is weightless yet strong. The baseplate is fully cushioned, providing comfort and endurance for a full day of riding and the intense cushion on the baseplate prevents ice and snow from accumulating on the footbed of the bindings as well. The straps have great gripping capabilities as well as padding throughout, leaving no question for how it’ll feel out there, especially if you’re into the versatile park environment. The buckles are made of aluminum, giving them the ability to slide smoothly and a one-piece highback provides a relaxed feel with great response. The Burton Freestyle snowboard bindings are the ideal purchase for the daring rider who is looking for reliable bindings and is ready to intensify their skill set.
K2 Sonic
To wrap up our list, we include a pair of bindings designed to perform well in all mountain terrain and through any conditions. The affordable price paired with the softer flex and the easily adjustable capabilities on the K2 Sonic make these the last pair of our picks as one of the best snowboard bindings for beginners. Essentially, the entire footbed can be easily adjusted, from the toe straps to the ankle straps. Like quite a few others in this guide, the straps can be effortlessly centered on the fly without the need for tools and the baseplate was designed to feel lightweight yet tough, providing stability. The buckles on the bindings have a large lever release allowing for a quick and easy exit. At the same time, the highback is weightless and contains a calf pad in order to increase comfort. The K2 Sonic bindings are known for their predictability and consistency, making them a smart and dependable purchase for a beginner rider to finish our list off strong.
