There are not many things as exhilarating as flying down a snow-covered slope on a snowboard. It is a sport that really captures people’s imaginations- it’s relaxing, adventurous and fun!
But the experience is only as good as the snowboarding equipment allows. If the equipment or particularly snowboard bindings are not right, rider’s performance and safety both are compromised.
Bindings not just keep your feet secured to the board but also help improve your level of skill.
Top 10 Best Snowboard Bindings Comparison Table
| Picture | Name | Features | Rating (1-5) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 2018 Flow Alpha LTD Stormtrooper Snowboard Bindings | Canted footbed ExoFit Powerstrap Easy to put on & take off Low price | 3 | $ |
 | K2 Men's Formula: Snowboard Bindings | Strong and light weight Canted footbed Pro Fusion Technology 3D shaped ankle strap Unique autumn red color | 3 | $$ |
 | Union Travis Rice Falcor Snowboard Bindings Mens | Highest strength to weight ratio Maximum lateral flex ExoFrame ankle & Ultragrip toe straps Magnesium 2.0 ratchets 3 color options Lifetime warranty | 3.5 | $$$$ |
 | System MTN Men's 2019 Rear Entry Flow Style Snowboard Bindings | Convenient rear entry/step-in design Compatible with all snowboards Includes extra ladder straps for toe strap 3-year warranty Low price | 3.5 | $ |
 | Burton Custom Snowboard Binding - Men's | Strong and light weight Zero Forward Lean hi-back design Instant and even response Triple Axis Spine EVA padding 4 color options | 3.5 | $$ |
 | 5th Element Stealth 3 Snowboard Bindings | Convertible, Universal toe straps Oversized ratchets 2 color options 1 year warranty Low price | 3.5 | $ |
 | Salomon Rhythm Snowboard Bindings 2019 | Canted footbed 3D Supreme ankle & Lock-In toe-straps Universal disc compatibility Adjustable toe ramp 4 color options | 4 | $$ |
 | Burton Custom EST Snowboard Bindings Mens | Zero Forward Lean hi-back design Triple Axis Spine EVA padding Customizable cushioning system Reactstrap with Flex Slider 3D curved Lushstrap & Gettagrip Capstrap 3 color options | 4 | $$ |
 | Burton Freestyle Snowboard Binding | Triple Axis Spine EVA padding Reactstrap with Flex Slider Gettagrip Capstrap 4 color options 1 year warranty | 4.5 | $$ |
 | Flow Alpha MTN 2019 Snowboard Bindings | Molded composite rockered baseplate Locking cable mechanism Exofit Powerstrap LSR Locking slap ratchets 2 color options 1 year warranty | 5 | $$ |
So, if you are into snowboarding and are looking to buy your first pair or upgrade your current pair, this guide is all you need. Here, we give you a scoop on what’s good, bad and what are the best options available in market. Hopefully, this will help you find the best snowboard bindings and step up your game this year.
What Types of Snowboard Bindings are There?
Snowboard bindings can be primarily categorized by user’s riding style. There are 3 common riding styles (freestyle, freeride and all-mountain) and for each, the bindings are designed a bit differently.
Freestyle: If you are someone who prefers to ride in parks, trying jumps, tweaking grabs, spinning off-axis and performing tricks like half-pipe and rails, then you are a freestyle rider. For this, you need a binding with softer flex and greater adjustability options.
These bindings have shorter highbacks and offer more cushion. A highback is a high vertical plate at the back of the binding that supports your heel cup as well as lower calf. With it, you can easily make forward lean adjustments. So, if it is short and soft, it allows for more flexibility.
Freeride: This style refers to off trail riding in glades or down steep cliff sides. It requires more power and energy transfer, so this calls for a binding with stiffer flex rating and taller highbacks as they allow for more control and speed.
Freeride bindings are more responsive and light and are made mostly of bombproof materials like carbon.
All-Mountain: This refers to riding on all kinds of mountainous terrains and requires a mixture of everything – park style, jumps, etc. All-Mountain bindings play the middle ground between softer freestyle bindings and the more responsive, stiff freeride bindings.
These are thus like all-purpose bindings that can be used by anyone and anywhere. Depending on your skill level, you can pick an all-mountain binding with soft to medium flex or if you are a racer, you can pick one with stiff flex.
Other than these, bindings come in two strap styles: strap and speed-entry. While strap bindings have straps to secure feet, speed entry bindings have hinged highback allowing your feet to step into and exit the bindings as required.
Strap bindings are the most common ones as they provide greater cushioning. However, buckling and unbuckling them may seem like a laborious task to some. Speed entry bindings, on the other hand, are more convenient and timesaving but also a bit heavier than the strap ones.
Benefits of Best Snowboard Bindings
Finding the best snowboard bindings from a sea of options may seem challenging but it’s a decision worth taking your time. The best pair is one that has the best fit, function and features according to your riding style. It should be comfortable and designed in a way that it gives the right flex and cushion as needed for your style.
For instance, if you are only interested in freeride cruising, bindings made of carbon and metal are appropriate as they are stiff and light weight but they are inappropriate for freestyle riding.
For freestyle, materials like urethane and polycarbonate are best. Similarly, you don’t need much padding in heel area for freestyle riding. Next, make sure that it is sturdy and able to withstand years of abuse even in brutal conditions. Unlike high quality ridings, low quality ones are annoying to ride and unsafe too as they can break anytime.
Downsides of Snowboard Bindings
The only minor downside of snowboard bindings is that they come mostly in basic two-strap style where straps are located at the right ankle and on the toe. Some users reported that this design caused pressure and pain in their feet.
Though speed-entry bindings are a more convenient option, they are not very common and their replacement parts are also not easily available.
Snowboarding is a sport that’s not easy to learn and requires a lot of time and patience. Having more speed-entry binding options would have been very useful, especially for beginners.
10. 2019 Flow Alpha LTD Stormtrooper Snowboard Bindings
Flow is a well-known brand and its snowboarding gear is used by many world class athletes including Tim Humphreys, Scotty Lago and Sarka Pancochova. The 2019 Flow Alpha LTD Stormtrooper is their low-price model in all-mountain style. It has a low flex rating of 3/10, so it is not very stiff or responsive.
The rating indicates that it’s soft, forgiving and ideal for beginners. Also, since it is made of POM composite plastic, it is slightly more forgiving than any other material. It is very comfortable for your feet, thanks to its EVA foam heel, toe inserts and the nice fitting ExoFit Powerstrap.
This strap acts like an exoskeleton and maximizes ankle support. The baseplate has a molded composite highback and rockered corners, ensuring that your power is transferred directly to the board. The highback has a reclining make, so when you open it, a simple system lifts up the strap and then also tightens it automatically when you close the highback.
The bindings are comfortable, easy to put on or take off and are well-designed for beginners. If you are just getting started, this is a nice, low price option to consider.
Pros:
- Canted footbed
- ExoFit Powerstrap
- Easy to put on & take off
- Low price
Cons:
- Some users complained that the bindings felt a bit cheap given the use of plastic.
9. K2 Men’s Formula: Snowboard Bindings 2017
This is an all-mountain binding with a medium flex rating of 5/10 for all-purpose use. Made of nylon, it is strong, lightweight and has excellent temperature resistant properties due to which the highback mounts well on snowboard without leaving any gaps. Its signature highback-adjusting system also allows for easy customization.
The footbed is made of medium firm EVA foam which is soft enough that you can compress through it when you need to. Since the footbed is canted in shape, this raises your boots on the outside of each foot and relieves uncomfortable pressure on knees.
This is especially useful for those who prefer a wider stance. Also, its ankle strap is Pro Fusion Technology 3D shaped for adjustability and neoprene-padded for maximum comfort. It is padded enough to eliminate any pressure points but slim enough to not feel bulky or break easily.
Made of urethane, the toe strap fits perfectly around any boot and is a lot tougher than most toe straps. It is a nice, trendy looking pair of bindings in autumn red color- perfect for those who are looking for something different. It is designed for intermediate to advanced riders and serves its purpose very well.
Pros:
- Strong and light weight
- Canted footbed
- Pro Fusion Technology 3D shaped ankle strap
- Unique autumn red color
Cons:
- No mini disc for responsiveness.
8. Union Travis Rice Falcor Snowboard Bindings Mens
This is a high end product designed for and used by the legendary Travis Rice. Going by his aggressive riding style, the bindings have a unique Forged Hybrid Highback that gives maximum lateral flex.
It puts a frame of Duraflex Nylon around a central spine of Forged Carbon and makes a Y shape that allows for easy movement and lateral flex every time you need it. Also, the Vaporlite 3.0 Bushing used absorbs impact and maximizes the flex.
Then when you lean back, the heelside response gets into action and ensures that all your energy goes straight to the board. It has an extruded aluminum heelcup, so you get more strength, response as well as stance adjustment. Made of both carbon and nylon, these all-mountain bindings are light, durable and powerful enough to handle even Alaskan spines.
In fact, it has the highest strength to weight ratio that any Union binding has ever had. Its 3° natural cant well aligns ankles, knees and hips for maximum comfort and the straps are also top notch. Its ExoFrame/Air ankle strap is light and responsive and its thermoplastic-made Ultragrip toe-strap provides a secure hold around-the-boot.
This toe-strap is highly efficient and appears in only limited models of Union. The bindings also have mini Magnesium 2.0 ratchets that are 4 times stronger than aluminum and half its weight, so they are even lighter than the regular Union Magnesium ratchets.
The model is pretty stiff and responsive, so casual or beginner riders may want to consider something else. It is perfect for advanced to expert level riders and though it is very expensive, it is a preferred product among the experienced.
If your riding style is aggressive, these are the best snowboard bindings for you. The model is available in blue, black and orange colors and includes a lifetime warranty. Undoubtedly, it is a great investment for anyone who loves snowboarding.
Pros:
- Highest strength to weight ratio
- Maximum lateral flex
- ExoFrame ankle & Ultragrip toe straps
- Magnesium 2.0 ratchets
- 3 color options
- Lifetime warranty
Cons:
- High price
7. System MTN Men’s 2019 Rear Entry Flow Style Snowboard Bindings
System’s all new MTN bindings have a unique, patented rear entry/step-in design featuring EVA padded response back on the hi-back. Unlike other rear entry bindings, its 3D molded ankle strap automatically opens to provide enough room to fit your entire boot and then also cinches back with one quick lever.
This enables you to get in and out more easily than what it takes in most other bindings. Forget about sitting down to strap in or buckle! With MTN all mountain-style bindings, just slip the hi-back down, slide your foot in and get started. Its rear cable locks the hi-back in place and tightens with pressure, making the bindings more responsive and strong.
Moreover, it features high density dampening pads through heel and toe ramp, reducing board chatter and shock from impacts and creating a smooth cushioned ride. The strap, being covered in very durable and lightweight polyurethane, also offers maximum comfort and instant response.
Its multidisc base plate is fully compatible with all snowboards including the standard 4-hole, Burton 3-hole and the Burton Channel EST boards. Moreover, it comes with a 3-year warranty against manufacturer defects. If you are a beginner, this is one of the cheapest yet reliable options to consider.
Pros:
- Convenient rear entry/step-in design
- Compatible with all snowboards
- Includes extra ladder straps for toe strap
- 3-year warranty
- Low price
Cons:
- Some users complained that the plastic cover over bolts did not fit well.
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6. Burton Custom Snowboard Binding – Men’s
The Custom is one of the most stylish bindings from Burton. It is not their top product but still, pretty solid for the price. It has a medium flex rating of 3/10, making it suitable for beginners and intermediate riders.
It is an all-mountain style binding and should be paired with easier turning, softer flexing boards. Since it has a single-component baseplate made of polycarbonate, it creates consistent flex, response and feel for all types of terrain.
The highback is also made of polycarbonate and has a simplified one-piece design for instant response. The polycarbonate used is lightweight, bomb-proof and soft enough for laid-back, relaxed cruising.
It offers great butterability and shock absorption to withstand all the hell you put your body through lap after lap. Its 3D curved ankle strap has concealed EVA padding, giving ultimate comfort and its toe strap also offers perfect grip, thanks to its sturdy cap design.
The ratchets also crank down snug and open easily for better control. The Custom is available in black, blue, grey and red colors and all look great. It is a stylish, comfortable pair and reasonably priced as well.
Pros:
- Strong and light weight
- Zero Forward Lean hi-back design
- Instant and even response
- Triple Axis Spine EVA padding
- 4 color options
Cons:
- No canted footbed or mini disc
5. 5th Element Stealth 3 Snowboard Bindings
The Stealth 3 from 5th Element is another very stylish binding on our list. It comes in white and black colors and has nice silver polished buckles that instantly grab attention.
It is an economical binding designed for beginners. Its forward lean adjustment helps you get your stance right and the padded base plate reduces vibrations as you learn to maintain control and pick up speed. The baseplate has a one piece design, so it’s light weight and eliminates the fuss of adjusting extra parts.
Made of plastic, it has a low flex rating and provides a forgiving platform for the less experienced snowboarders. Also, the bindings are easy to use, thanks to their oversized ratchets. The toe straps are convertible, so they help push your toes down and your boots back into the heel pocket.
This ensures efficient power transmission to board. Also, they are EVA padded and fit all boot shapes. Since they are UTS (Universal Toe Straps), they can be used as the standard over-the-toe style straps or as toe cap style straps.
The Stealth 3 all-mountain bindings have a 4-hole disc, so they are compatible with all standard 4-hole boards except Burton. It includes 1 year warranty as well. It is the lowest price model on our list and if you are on a tight budget, these are probably the best snowboard bindings you can get.
Pros:
- Convertible, Universal toe straps
- Oversized ratchets
- 2 color options
- 1 year warranty
- Low price
Cons:
- No canted footbed
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4. Salomon Rhythm Snowboard Bindings 2019
The Salomon Rhythm bindings come with all the comfort and support a beginner needs. They look modern and are made of polycarbonate (30%) for soft flex and cushy feel. The model comes with new asymmetrical highback that’s cored-out in a way to make it lightweight and flexible for easier turn initiation.
Since its EVA padded baseplate absorbs all unruly vibrations, smooth ride is guaranteed. Also, its built in canting aligns to your natural riding stance, resulting in greater control. It has 3D Supreme ankle strap with massive padded lock down so that your boot stays locked into the heel cup.
This eliminates pressure points and ensures full comfort even on long rides. For front, it has a Lock-In toe-strap that goes over the top as well as around the front of your boot so as to secure your toe from both directions. Thanks to its adjustable toe ramp, it can be paired with any boot size.
Also, its disc is universally compatible, so it can be used with all kinds of snowboards. The bindings are available in 4 colors (azure, black, red and white), so you can pick one by the color of your snowboard gear. It is a well made Salomon product and will last for years.
Pros:
- Canted footbed
- 3D Supreme ankle & Lock-In toe-straps
- Universal disc compatibility
- Adjustable toe ramp
- 4 color options
Cons:
- No product warranty
3. Burton Custom EST Snowboard Bindings Mens
It is an improved Burton Custom version with a handful of upgrades. It comes with stepped up flex, feel, comfort and control on all kinds of terrain. Like the Burton Custom Snowboard Bindings, the canted highback has a zero forward lean design and is made solely of lightweight polycarbonate for instant response.
The rest is made mostly of short glass and nylon composite (30%). This material blend gives it its overall flex profile – from buttery to responsive. The baseplate is cored out and makes you feel like you are surfing barefoot.
This Re Flex design makes your board free to flex naturally and allows a more direct connection for improved board feel. Thanks to its exclusive Living Hinge technology, the design eliminates most hardware/ weight and allows adjusting forward lean and hi-back rotation independently.
To soothe your sole, it comes with super-minimized ShredBED 2.0 cushioning consisting of ultra lightweight EVA. But this cushioning system is customizable and can be replaced with that of Stiletto EST, Mission Smalls EST, and Stiletto Smalls EST models.
Its new Reactstrap wrap comes with Flex Slider that allows the ankle strap (3D curved Lushstrap) to fully fold open for easy stepping in/out and buckling. For toes, it has a Gettagrip Capstrap with rubber covering for a locked-in fit and pressure-free comfort.
Appearance-wise, it’s trendy and comes in shades of black, blue and red. With its endless stance options, truer flex, more cushioning and best-in-class feel and control, it is undoubtedly the most comfortable Custom ever.
Pros:
- Zero Forward Lean hi-back design
- Triple Axis Spine EVA padding
- Customizable cushioning system
- Reactstrap with Flex Slider
- 3D curved Lushstrap & Gettagrip Capstrap
- 3 color options
Cons:
- It is compatible only with Burton snowboards.
2. Burton Freestyle Snowboard Binding
As the name suggests, this binding is designed for freestyle riders but the adjustability and flex is little more than just a freestyle binding. The model is quite forgiving and since the flex rating is in between low to medium, it works well for other riding styles as well.
It is an entry level product with Re Flex design for excellent response, feel, shock absorption and universal compatibility with mounting systems. The EVA padded baseplate is made solely of polycarbonate, so the response is always consistent. And since it uses a Living Hinge disc, it is cored and light weight.
Its Reactstrap with Flex Slider allows for easy stepping in/out and buckling. The Flex Slider is so strong that the company gives lifetime warranty on it. For toes, it has convertible Gettagrip Capstrap that ensures a locked-in fit and pressure-free comfort.
The product is available in green, black, blue and white colors and has a very modern appearance, especially due to its big aluminum ratchets. It includes one year warranty as well. If you are a budding freestyle rider, Burton Freestyle bindings are the best snowboard bindings for you.
Pros:
- Triple Axis Spine EVA padding
- Reactstrap with Flex Slider
- Gettagrip Capstrap
- 4 color options
- 1 year warranty
Cons:
- It is heavier than most other bindings.
1. Flow Alpha MTN 2019 Snowboard Bindings
The MTN 2019 is one of the latest bindings from Flow Alpha. With a low flex rating of 2 and a baseplate made with molded POM composite plastic, the binding is extremely forgiving and durable. Despite the composition, the baseplate features a rockered design for direct energy transfer to the board.
Having minimized contact area with the board not just channels your power to where it needs to go but also helps maintain optimal flex. The 1-piece baseplate is EVA padded and reclines fully for easy dual-entry and exit.
With MTN’s super easy rear entry system, you no more need to sit down and tighten ratchets to strap in. Its locking cable mechanism allows the cable to open up for a quick, rear access to the binding.
Other than that, it has an Exofit Powerstrap that locks your boots in and also locking slap ratchets for that extra security. The Exo-Fit Powerstrap features an exoskeleton support, so it conforms to the shape of your feet and provides great ankle support.
It has a nice sporty design and black and white color options to choose from. It comes with 1 year warranty and thanks to its 1-piece baseplate design, it’s suitable for all riding styles.
Pros:
- Molded composite rockered baseplate
- Locking cable mechanism
- Exofit Powerstrap
- LSR Locking slap ratchets
- 2 color options
- 1 year warranty
Cons:
- It is heavier than most other bindings.
Editors Choice of Best Snowboard Bindings
Zeroing in on one, we would say Flow Alpha MTN 2019 Snowboard Bindings are the best snowboard bindings.
Alpha MTN is an upgrade to Flow’s Flite models and incorporates all latest features. It is designed to be fully padded, extremely forgiving for beginners and efficient at energy transfer to the board, resulting in a fatigue-free riding experience.
Another impressive thing is its super easy rear entry system with cable locking mechanism. It keeps your feet secured to the board, no matter how’s the terrain and provides full ankle support.
It offers supreme comfort, ease of use, unparalleled performance- and all that at a very reasonable price. We love it and recommend it to our readers.
If you are an existing user of any of these products, we would love to know your views and experiences. Drop your comments in the box below and let others also make an informed choice.
For more winter sport related reviews click here for toddler sleds, here for beginner snowboards and of course kids snowboards and don’t miss out on snowboard boots!
