How Snowboard Bindings Affect Performance

Snowboarding dates back to the mid-1960s, but the popularity in the sport has only been apparent for the last 30 years. The 1980s saw competitive companies, such as Burton and Winterstick, developing newer boards and more comfortable ride setups. Riders originally strapped into two rubber straps that held the feet to the snowboard. As the technology progressed, the binding that holds the boot to the board has become a pivotal piece of equipment. The binding setup on a rider's board greatly affects how that person rides down a mountain and performs certain tricks.

  1. Highback Plate

    • Different bindings feature different types of highback plates, and in some cases, none at all. The highback plate contours the back calf and ankle of the rider, holding the boots firmly into place. Essentially, this piece allows the rider to control the back of the board. Highback plates come stiff or flexible, with varying degrees of these two characteristics. Stiffer highback plates offer more control over the board, but these are generally recommended for experienced riders. Likewise, a flexible highback plate gives riders a more forgiving binding for all situations. Bindings with no highback plate at all, while uncommon, are built more for easy access and limited control.

    Rear-Entry

    • While this design features a highback plate, the rear-entry bindings are built for casual riders. These bindings feature a hinged highback plate that allow for boots to be quickly strapped into place. While this convenient setup works for some, others are aware of the lack of performance handling they have with this type. The drawbridge highback plate is less stable than a normal binding, therefore control is limiting.

    Burton EST

    • Most bindings are attached to the snowboard with a series of bolt holes, Burton's Channel system loads the bindings into a horizontal slot to secure. The Burton EST (Extra Sensory Technology) bindings allow the riders to position their feet in almost any position. Riding and trick performance increases as these particular bindings conform to any rider's stance needs.

    Weight

    • The weight of a binding may affect any rider's performance, no matter the skill level. A binding made of lightweight material, such as carbon-fiber, allows riders to jump with the board more easily. Heavier bindings may be just that, but they tend to be cheaper for riders on a budget. If trick performance is not a main concern, then heavier bindings may work just fine.