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Choosing a binding generally comes in a distant third when looking at new kit. Most people spend an age researching the board and then the same trying on different boots, after that it’s normally a case of “that will do” for the binding because it matches the board. But that approach does a huge disservice to what really is one of the most important parts of a set up. The reality is, this simple bit of plastic is 100% responsible for delivering the input from the rider direct to the board, get this wrong and that input is broken and no matter how careful you were in choosing the rest of your kit the simple truth is that it isn’t going to work properly. When choosing a binding take into account what board it’s going on, how responsive you want it to be and what type of riding you will be doing. In our descriptions for each binding we have a tech spec section, cross reference this with the technical glossary below to help you understand the performance characteristics of the binding.
BASEPLATE
Polycarbonate: This basic material is generally used in bindings that are aimed at riders who want a more forgiving ride. Polycarbonate can undergo large plastic deformations without cracking or breaking.
Glass Reinforced Nylon: By combining short fibre glass with nylon you can control the stiffness of the baseplate. The % of glass dictates the stiffness. This ranges from 10% to 45% with 45% being the stiffest. Anything over 45% renders the material too brittle.
Carbon Reinforcing: This generally replaces the glass fibre content of the binding with carbon fibres increasing both response and control.
Aluminium Heel Cups: These are generally added to bindings where the Baseplate is adjustable for length.
Power Ramps: Increase the footprint of the binding by sitting underneath the toe of the boot. Power ramps increase the response speed by picking up the weight shift of the rider earlier.
Footbeds: Are generally formed from EVA and normally cover the baseplate of the binding under the boot. Their main objective is to isolate the boot from vibrations coming through the binding which can cause foot cramps.
Baseplate Bushings: Bushings normally serve a couple of purposes, the first is to add another level of vibration dampening whilst the second is to soften off the edges of the binding to try and reduce core compression in the boards core which can result in structural damage to the board.
HIGHBACKS
Plastic Make Up: This is the same as for baseplates, a polycarbonate highback will be soft and forgiving whilst the 30%, 45% and carbon reinforced highbacks will increase in stiffness.
Urethane: Mainly aimed at freestyle riders, urethane highbacks have a really soft torsional twist whilst still being supportive with direct pressure. This makes this material perfect for riders looking for mobility on rails or in the air.
Asymmetric: These highbacks are specific to the left and right foot. They are designed to work more efficiently than a standard symmetric highback by being able to pick up the riders energy shifts earlier.
STRAPS
3D Straps: By stitching the strap fabric in a specific way you can create a 3 dimensional shape. The advantage of 3D straps is that they sit over the boot better increasing comfort and reducing strap pressure.
Cap Straps: These are designed to sit over the front of the boot, they help pull the boot back into the binding heelcup and reduce pressure over the front of the boot.
Combination Straps: These can be used as either a cap strap or a traditional over the top of the toe strap.
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