Strap-in snowboard bindings

How to choose your classic snowboard binding?

If the price and the color of a snowboard binding are criteria that anyone who is not familiar with snowboarding is able to appreciate, other more specific points are to be taken into consideration before jumping on the most beautiful and cheapest binding.

Choosing a binding adapted to my level

A beginner does not use the same type of binding as an expert, and this is certainly the most important thing to consider. It is better to be humble and choose a binding adapted to your level that will bring you comfort and allow you to progress, rather than an over-performance binding that will exhaust you and prevent you from enjoying your descents.

To help you in your choice, we classify the bindings by level (beginner - intermediate, intermediate - advanced, advanced - expert). The main criterion that motivates us to classify a binding in one category rather than another is its rigidity. The more rigid a binding is, the more precise and powerful it can be in the supports. On the other hand, it is more tiring and leaves less room for error. This is why we direct you towards flexible and comfortable bindings if you are a beginner and, the more you go up in level, the more rigid and powerful bindings we offer you.

Attention, these rankings are indicative and should be put into perspective with your experience and your feeling. Even with a very good level and many years of riding, some snowboarders do not like bindings that are too rigid, whether for reasons of feeling or size. The only certainty is that a beginner will not like a binding that is too rigid.

Choosing a binding adapted to my practice

Stiffness is not the only point of vigilance and, what's more, it is a parameter that varies according to one's practice and preferences. Snowboarding is divided into several sub-disciplines (freestyle, freeride, all-mountain, carving, boardercross, ...) and is practiced on different terrains (piste, off-piste, snowpark, street, backcountry, high mountain, ...). The binding you choose will also depend on what you like to do with your snowboard.

That's why at Glisshop we classify the bindings according to four programs: freestyle/park, freeride, versatile freestyle, versatile freeride.

The freestyle/park bindings are for freestyle/jib enthusiasts in snowpark or street. They are generally more flexible and focus on comfort and playability. Spoilers are short and flat enough to offer good lateral freedom of movement.

Freeride bindings rely on precision and control to allow you to ride fast and strong in all circumstances. This is achieved by using torsionally stiff materials and a spoiler that rides high and wraps well around the calf.

Versatile bindings appeal to the widest range of snowboarders, those who like to do it all. Rather freestyle or freeride oriented depending on the model, they offer a good compromise between freedom of movement and precision. The difference is sometimes quite fine and subjective between a freestyle all-rounder and a freeride all-rounder.

Once again, this ranking is an aid to the choice that does not necessarily have to be followed to the letter. Each snowboarder's needs are different, so you must first of all deal with your own feelings and experience.