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Snowboards
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Snowboard bindings
Before You Buy Snowboard Bindings. . .
You've got to have a pair of snowboard bindings -- but they all
kind of look the same. What do you look for when buying snowboard
bindings? How do you know which snowboard bindings are right for
you? Read on for snowboard binding buying advice.
Fit The Binding To The Boot
By far the most important advice I can give you when buying snowboard
bindings is to buy your snowboard boots first, then find a binding
that best fits your boots. Most snowboard bindings come in two
or three sizes (S, M, L) and also have different shapes to the
heel cup and base plate that will affect how well they fit with
your boots.
 Try
On The Snowboard Bindings
Bring your boots with you when shopping for snowboard bindings.
With your boot on, point your toe and put it down inside the binding
then push your heel down and back into the heel cup. You want
the heel of your boot to slide easily into the binding but not
allow any excess movement side to side. Then connect all the straps
and see if you have a snug, comfortable fit.
Binding / Snowboard Compatibility
All modern (post 1995) bindings will fit all modern snowboards,
unless you have a Burton snowboard. Burton uses their proprietary
3-hole pattern, which requires that you purchase 3-hole compatible
bindings to use on a Burton snowboard. So make sure your bindings
are 3-hole compatible if you want to use them on a Burton.
Price Differences
Lower-priced snowboard bindings sometimes lack important things
like anatomical baseplates and pre-curved ankle and toe straps.
As you go up in price, snowboard bindings generally get lighter
and more comfortable, and have more adjustability options.
Snowboard Bindings Features
Some snowboard bindings feature tooless adjusters (nice, but
once you get your bindings adjusted you don't really need to do
it again), sliding toe ramps and gel padded baseplates. Of course,
features usually mean a price increase. This is one area where
if you have the money it can be nice, but if you're looking to
save, do it here.
Metal Vs. Plastic Baseplates
Some companies swear by their metal baseplates while others just
as vehemently tout the advantages of plastic. The real scoop?
It's personal preference. Plastic baseplates are more forgiving
while metal is very stiff. Both provide all the support you need;
some people just prefer the feel of plastic because it gives a
little bit and others prefer metal because of its rigid feel.
Source:
http://snowboarding.about.com/cs/gearbindings/bb/BYBbindings.htm
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