About Snowboard Binding Parts

There are several key components to every snowboard binding. Even though bindings vary extensively in terms of design, the main components are primarily the same regardless of make or model. Here we'll look at the key snowboard binding parts and how they function.

  1. Significance

    • The snowboard binding itself is designed to lock your feet onto the board so you can maneuver correctly. Each part on the binding functions to hold your boots and provide the response and performance needed to ride. Bindings use different systems to lock your feet in. Strap bindings are the most common binding type and use a two-strap system to secure your feet. Flow-in bindings are another popular style in which the back of the binding retracts allowing for rear entry. Step-in bindings are largely obsolete but were a popular design at one point, these used a mechanism that worked with the boot so you could simply step into the binding automatically clipping in. For the purpose of this article we'll focus solely on strap and flow-in.

    Identification

    • Every snowboard binding has a baseplate. The basplate is the lower portion of the binding and provides the main structure, connecting the other parts. Baseplates are composed of metal, plastic or a composite material. They are mounted to the snowboard using a mounting disk and screws.

    Features

    • Strap bindings are defined by the strap system that is used to strap your boots in. A strap binding includes an ankle strap and a toe strap. Each strap is adjusted to fit securely over your boot using a tightening mechanism, most often a ratchet. The ratchet on one side of the strap clamps down and pulls the other side tight using the teeth on the non-ratchet side of the strap. Generally you pull the ratchet inward to tighten. You can pull a separate opening mechanism on the ratchet outward to loosen the straps. Flow-in bindings also incorporate a double or single strap design; however, since you enter from the back the straps can be adjusted to your boots once and then left alone.

    Function

    • Bindings incorporate a back that provides support and properly transfers your force onto your heel edge. High backs are the most common and provide the best lean and response for carving. Low backs are also available and are a little more forgiving for freestyle applications. On strap bindings, the back stays stationary except for a lean adjustment on the back that allows you to set forward lean at the angle you prefer. On flow-in bindings a reclining mechanism allows the back of the binding to unlock and recline down so that you can put your foot in. The high back is connected to the base plate with tension cable.

    Types

    • Besides the common components already mentioned other design features are included on some models of bindings to enhance overall comfort and performance. A gas pedal or toe pedal extends from the front of the base plate under the toes to provide additional toeside response. Some bindings include an insert that rests under the foot on top of the baseplate to provide cushioning on big landings and additional response. Toeless adjustments allow for on-the-go adjustments such as lengthening or changing the position of the strap.

    Prevention/Solution

    • If any particular component of your binding breaks it's best to contact the manufacturer of your binding to get parts specific to your binding. You may also be able to find generic replacements that will work at snowboard shops or online, even pulling them off an old binding if necessary.