Installing and properly adjusting your snowboard bindings is a crucial step to fully enjoy your new equipment. In this guide, Glisshop helps you choose your stance on the board, your angles, and the adjust the position of your boots in the bindings. Step by step, we explain everything you need to know to find the ideal position on your snowboard and perfectly adjust your bindings.
Adjusting the Bindings According to the Boots
First, you need to adjust the position of your boots in the binding. Depending on the binding model, you can adjust the heel cup to centre the boot on the snowboard. Your soles should not excessively overhang on either side. On some bindings, only the position of the gas pedal can be adjusted. In this case, centring the boot on the snowboard is done using the binding discs.
It's also important to centre the straps on your boots. Many bindings come with a system that allows for this tool-free adjustment. Move the straps so that they are well-centred on the boot, ensuring good support during frontside and backside turns.
You can also adjust the angle of the high back to tweak the responsiveness of the binding, the precision on the backside edge, and proper alignment with the back of your boots. This adjustment is often tool-free, allowing you to experiment directly during a session.
Calculate Your Stance: Your Position on the Board
Now it's time to determine your position on the board, which foot is in front, and the width of your stance.
If you naturally feel comfortable with your right foot forward, you are goofy; if you prefer having your left foot forward, you are regular.
It's time to grab a measuring tape to adjust the distance between the two bindings! The stance width depends on several factors: your height, leg length, riding style, type of snowboard, and personal preferences. You can start with the reference stance of your snowboard, indicated near the inserts, and adjust according to your feeling.
Choosing your Stance Base on your Snowboarding Style
If your snowboard does not have a reference value and you are setting this up for the first time, here is a formula to get a ballpark value:
As you can see, a wider stance is recommended for freestyle, to have more control over the tips of the board for tricks.
What Angle to Choose for Your Snowboard Bindings?
What Angle to Choose for Your Snowboard Bindings?
It Depends on Your Riding Style
Again, many factors influence your choice. Don’t hesitate to test different angles for the front and rear bindings to find the position that feels the best to you.
The discs provided with your bindings are marked to indicate the degree of angle (usually every 3°).
If you are not yet sure which binding angle suits you, here are some references to experiment around.
Neutral Stance: Front Foot +15° / Back Foot 0°
A versatile stance or for beginners. A position that is comfortable for the joints and suitable for all terrains. A good starting point for all-mountain riding.
Duck Stance: +15° Front Foot / -15° Back Foot
For freestylers or beginners who are still unsure of their preferred stance (goofy or regular). These angles allow you to ride in both directions, both switch and regular. Particularly suited for twin tip boards (symmetrical from nose to tail).
Double Positive: +20° Front Foot / +15° Back Foot
For freeriding, freecarving, and snowboarders looking to ride fast. This position allows for a natural opening of the shoulders and provides a lot of control over the board he regular stance. These angles are suitable for directional boards.
These values are just a starting point to experiment with to find the angles that work best for you and your riding style. For example, you can start with +15° on the front foot and -3° on the back foot, or set both bindings at +21° to carve at high speed with your elbows on the snow!
It’s Time to Mount Your Bindings
It’s time to get your tools out, often a Phillips screwdriver, to install the bindings on the snowboard using the provided screws. Don’t forget the spacers, and remember to tighten gradually in a cross pattern, alternating like when installing skateboard trucks. Also, keep in mind that there is a right binding and a left binding. They can be identified by the shape of the foot bed. Another way to easily distinguish them is that the buckles should be facing towards the tips of the snowboard.
If you’ve followed all our advice, your bindings are perfectly adjusted for your snowboard and boots. You’ve chosen your stance, width, and binding angles to feel perfectly comfortable and have solid support when pushing on the frontside or backside edge. You’re ready to ride and enjoy your new gear!
Discover all our quick entry bindings, ideal for winter sports enthusiasts who want to maximize their time on the slopes. Our bindings are designed to offer optimal performance and ease of use, allowing you to quickly strap in and fully enjoy each lap. For the younger riders, we offer a complete selection of kids' bindings, specially adapted to ensure safety and comfort for little riders. Finally, explore our range of women’s bindings, perfectly tailored to meet the specific needs of women, combining elegance and performance on the slopes.
