Snowboard Binding Buying Guide

The highback is the part of the binding that supports the back of the boot providing a stable platform for your whole ride. There are several distinctive styles of highbacks and each has its own merits and drawbacks that align with different riding styles and ability levels. 

These highbacks are specific to the left and right boot. They work more efficiently than a standard symmetric highback by picking up and transferring rider input more quickly. 

By replacing glass fibre with carbon, you increase both response and control. It’s a lighter, more responsive rider, but will often come with a higher price tag. 

All of the binding components attach to the baseplate and this, in turn, is fixed to the snowboard. A stiffer baseplate generates a more powerful response for precision riding and a softer one is more forgiving and playful. 

Footbeds act as cushioning for impacts and soak up vibrations and chatter. The contours of a footbed match boot profiles to create a more streamlined fit. Some footbeds feature canting, where the footbed lies on a slight angle to reduce pressure on your knees and help generate more pop with less effort. 

The heelcups on a binding hold your boot in place and transfer power into the baseplate.

This adjusts the angle of the highback to your natural stance. A large forward lean angle drives the binding to react quickly to your movements whilst a small angle supports tweaks and grabs.

Holds your boot in place and stops your heel lifting out of the binding when you are turning.

This strap sits over or on top of your toes adding support and locking your boot in.

The ratchet tightens the ankle and toe straps locking your boot into the binding.

Made from hardy plastics, they allow you to make micro-adjustments to the fit of ankle and toe straps.