The best snowboard bindings come in many different styles, fits and feel, as well as extra features to make sure your ride’s as comfortable as possible. Since new models come out each and every year and there’s a load of brands out there that make snow quality snow gear, we wanted to help you sift through the rubble to find the best pair for you. We made sure to find some different price points, looks, as well as overall build to give you some options for those beginners just starting to learn to snowboard. Let’s check out what we found below.
Picking the best bindings for snowboards
- Your budget – First and foremost, how much are you willing to drop? Bindings are pretty important when it comes to needing decent quality, considering they’re the backbone of your safety when you’re on the slopes. Don’t get us wrong, we totally understand that grabbing all of your gear at once can get costly (which is why we have some articles that pertain to specific budgets, such as our bindings under $100 or bindings under $200 you may like). Considering in our best snowboards guide those came out to more than a few bills as well, it can all add up.
- Riding style – Are you a free-rider, all-mountain, freestyle, or all of the above? Some of these are tailored to a more-specific riding type, while others are pretty versatile and can attract all types of riders. If you aren’t into getting super specific, any will do, and the snowboard style consideration is only for those who are attempting to pin-point a certain type of binding (such as freestylers needing some flexibility, or tighter-fit for better performance).
- Extra features -Toeless builds, snap-lock systems, extra insulation for heat, etc.? Which little features stand out as important to you? The more features, typically the higher the price; however, it may worth it if it fits your particular needs.
- Overall look – Looking good on the mountain is important (in our opinion, at least). Although it shouldn’t completely dictate what type of snow gear you grab, you at least gotta match, right? Luckily, many of these come in different colors and styles.
The top 10 best snowboard bindings
Burton Malavita
Well reviewed as one of the best bindings for snowboards, the Burton Malavita comes in first and offers us mid-range flexibility with full wrap bindings, allowing for a great freestyle ride. The ankle straps and toe straps offer a toeless build, making it easy to adjust and dial for ultimate comfort while riding. The bindings also provide an ease in heel-toe response, making it both easy and responsive when engaging in a freestyle ride (for which it is designed to enhance). These minor tweaks and adjustments are further simplified by the Hi-Back wings, while the cushioning offers a relatively stable shock absorption for a smooth ride on any terrain. This one by the way was also in Transworld’s best bindings post. Additionally, the ‘Insta-Click feature’ on the Double Take buckles is huge for us in terms of additive features, which make for a hassle-free time when moving on and off the board (you all know this process). Offered in several different colors and at a reasonable price, the Burton Malavita is a strongly favored option for freestyle riders and the like.
Union Legacy
Flexible and light, the Legacy by Union is the best snowboard bindings for those seeking durability and a performance-enhanced ride. Designed with the more experienced female riders in mind, these bindings boast an impressive 5% contact area between the binding and the board, ensuring a glide that allows for more control and versatility. The straps are known as the ‘Sonic Fused Ladyfit’, which enhances freedom in movement from the evenly distributed extra padded core, while the ‘Vaporlite Bushing system’ ensures a smooth ride through shock absorption that lessens outside vibration. The Good Ride’s Legacy review rated them pretty highly. Weighing only 699 grams, these bindings are one of the lightest options on the market, offering control and strength in all movements for stronger performances. With a medium flexibility in the stiffness of both the baseplate and highback, the Union Legacy provide both strength and comfort for all female riders looking to tear it up with some freedom.
K2 Lien AT
A reasonable price for the more advanced snowboarders, the Lien AT provide a connection with the board that remains durable in all circumstances of riding. While the flexibility of the bindings leans more towards the stiff side, it is their ‘Adjustable Flex Pods’ that really make the difference in the ease of these bindings. With three color-coded transmission pads and adjustability for the toe strap, these bindings were created to fit the natural alignment of each individual, and allows for personal modifications to match the movements that are natural for the user. The footbed furthers this organic movement, angling in three degrees more than an average binding to match the leg position that is natural for each ride and create enough comfort for long-wear use with little fatigue. The Highback offers heel support for optimum balance from the lightness, while the interruption between the board and user is reduced due to the compact shape. For a light ride with a natural feel, the K2 Lien AT is a worthy option for riders everywhere as the best snowboard bindings in the market.
Nitro Zero
For the adrenaline junkie searching for the flexibility needed for those more difficult snowboarding tricks, the Nitro Zero provides the best bindings for snowboards in this particular department. The lightweight dampening system, known as the Nitro Air, is the precision shock absorber that allows for cushioning and injury prevention in stunts that require a harder landing. Add to that the footbed that is turned inward three degrees to allow for natural positioning for a comfortable and longer-lasting rides. The Asym Zero Highback offers the flexibility of bindings designed for freestyle with the support for difficult landings, while the S-curved straps provide a simplistic ease when stepping on and off of your board. In addition, the toe strap is convertible to fit any and all boots that adjust for providing little stretch during rides. Created for those who are tackling those Intermediate to Advanced hills, the Nitro Zero is a well-priced binding with a high quality value.
Salomon Mirage
Salomon is a brand that is highly regarded in the snowboarding community as many of you mayknow, and the Mirage is well-regarded as one of the best snowboard bindings for female snowboarders. The asymmetrical equates for a forward lean rotation, providing precision and control in all movements. This is further enhanced by the ‘Kevlar Quickwire’, which, in combination with the high back, offers maximum support through any transitional movement or transfer of weight across the board. Adding to this is the EVA cushioning pads, which provide heightened dampening for shock absorption as transfer of motion is taking place. The bindings also provide for an enhanced fit with flexibility for flexibility within the heelcup and for each snowboarder’s boot. With other features like an adjustable toe ramp, micro strap adjustments, and ankle straps that are asymmetrical, the Salomon Mirage provides a comfortable binding with precise control designed specifically with women in mind.
Union Force
Adding another Union brand binding to the list, the Force is the high quality model at a well-worth-it price, making it a high contender as the best bindings for snowboards. Utilizing what is known as ‘Duraflex Nylon’ in the base plate and heel cup, the Force is designed to withstand the colder temperatures that typically make it difficult to ride, and instead offers insulated warmth that increases the longevity of all rides, even in harsher conditions. Due to the fact that the base remains on the stiffer side, the dampening and flexibility of the board enhance the overall control and ease of transitioning through movements with immediate response. Also, the magnesium in the buckles make them easy to adjust while still being reinforced with the assurance of a fitted grip throughout the duration of the ride. Well-reviewed and a reasonable price make the Union Force one of the best bindings for snowboards out there, especially if you want some extra warmth in your wheels.
Rome Madison Boss
A different brand to grace this list, the Rome Madison Boss is the all-terrain binding that is designed for the freestyle snowboarders looking for adventure in all the areas their boards can take them. Touting an asymmetrical highback that provides flexibility in movements but enough stiffness for carves using the heelside of the board, this binding utilizes its binding-to-board contact for minimal dead zones where pressure cannot be applied on the board. The canting is adjustable to the point where you can align everything to your individual comfort and natural positioning, while a cushioned landing is provided by the EVA pads within the baseplate of the bindings for precision shock absorption. Strapping in becomes easy with the ‘AutoStrap technology’, designed to fit comfortably on the boot without providing in pressure that could cause any agitation. A solid quality option that is great for the price, the Rome Madison Boss adds to this list as the best snowboard bindings.
NOW O-Drive
For those in the market for a stiff binding that allows movement to transfer easily for difficult terrains and adventurous stunts, the O-Drive is the high-end binding to help get you where you need to go. The O-Drive utilizes a carbon blend of 30% throughout the bindings, allowing for instant transfer of energy from the highback and supported stiffness throughout the base. This baseplate also employs a hinge within its center, known as the Skate Tech, which allows for a rocking motion for control in all movements and turns. Also, unique to this binding in comparison to others on this list, there is an option for the user to choose between a hard or medium damping within their bushing at the base. Finally, a toe cap with padded comfort added to ankle straps that wrap around the entirety of the boot allow for enhanced security with the bonus of comfort. A higher priced option for the adrenaline seeking boarder, the NOW O-Drive is one of the best bindings for snowboarding if your budget allows.
FLUX GX
Built for women who are looking for high-speed adrenaline in all terrains, the FLUX GX is the best snowboard bindings for those who need an immediate response for adventurous stunts. Heel-to-toe response is immediate due to the blended baseplate, while the highback offers stiff support for both a smooth ride or a difficult landing. Further adding to that feature is the EVA footbed, with strong shock absorption for harder impacts and difficult terrain. Adjust heel and toe ramps as well as Honeycomb straps allow for a customized fit for each individual and a security of staying fit in all movements. These adjustments can be made without tools, making this binding secure in all situations. Designed for styles of riding ranging from freestyle to all-mountain terrain, the FLUX GX is a great choice for the female riders seeking adventure in the outdoors.
Switchback Heater
One of the lowest priced bindings featured on this list, the Switchback Heater is the great budget-friendly binding that is great for its value. Designed for the freestyle riders in mind, the straps allow for more direct interaction with the board while still providing flexibility throughout the binding. To dampen vibrations for a smoother ride, the Heater uses rubber bushing for a feel relatively similar to the terrain while still allowing control in all movements. Much of the positioning of the pad is in the hands of the user, with the ability to slide the ramp to increase or decrease response within the toe side of the board. The padding is also designed to match the particular shoe and sole of the individual rider, with thicker padding along the sides for comfort. Finally, a 360-degree flexibility and lightweight design of the Switchback Heater create a more natural feel, making this one of the best snowboard bindings available.
