Don't Get Twisted Over
Snowboard Bindings

If you want to get a heated discussion going amidst snowboarders than just start talking bindings. They'll get themselves all twisted over who believes which binding is the best.

There are three standard binding types. The strap in also called the soft binding, the click in also called the step in binding, and the hard binding. So how can only three choices create such heated discussions? It's easy! Each of these bindings feels totally different and suits different style riders. So when it comes to bindings it truly is a personal choice.

The Soft System

This type of binding is the most common and it is an excellent choice for beginners who are prone to mistakes. It is very flexible and for this reason it is also very popular with freestyle riders who are doing all kinds of jumps and tricks.

Soft boots and bindings require a solid strap and a high back to secure the boots and give you control over your snowboard. Because the strap is providing most of the support the boots have a softer sole that lets them role a bit from side to side. This gives you some wiggle room for mistakes when you are first starting out. However because of the extra space between the boot and the binding the soft binding is not nearly as responsive as a hard binding.

There are several parts to a soft binding system: Ankle straps, toe straps, highbacks, and baseplate. In case you couldn't figure it out, the ankle strap goes over your ankle and the toe strap goes over your toes. These straps should have many positions to choose from so that you can adjust them to fit properly on your ankle and toes.

The highback rests against the back of your calf muscle. Make sure they are padded adequately and adjusted properly are they are very uncomfortable. Either choose a toolless highback or make sure you carry along the right tool because you'll need to make some adjustments while riding.

The baseplate is the pieces that you step onto. They can be made of plastic, metal, or some type of composition. Depending on the material depends on how flexible the baseplate is.

The Click In or Step In System

The click in system has a stiffer boot than the soft system. This means that you'll get a much better edge to edge response than you can with a soft system. However the downside is that they are much less forgiving than the soft system. If you can stop the board from sliding the click in system is much easier to get into.

The click in system requires a special boot that has a latch on the sole which attaches to the bindings so you don't have nearly the choice in boots that you do with the soft system. Some click ins also have a highback similar to those found in the soft system. This gives you added support.

Freeriders and people who are renting boards are choosing the click in or step in system much more frequently than in previous years. This system is fine for beginners through to pros.

The Hard System

With the hard system a hard plastic boot is used to control the board. Of all of the systems the hard system is definitely the most precise. That's why it's widely used by racers and carvers who need a split second response time.

The hard system gives you the choice between toe clips and step ins. Toe clips have a bit more give than the step ins which are generally much stiffer because of how it attaches to the boot.

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