Saturday, December 29, 2007

Snowboard Bindings

This equipment used for snowboarding ensures your snowboard boots are securely attached to your snowboard.

There are generally two common types of snowboard bindings with other less popular bindings also available.

The two most prevalent snowboard binding types are: Strap bindings and Step-in bindings.

Strap bindings

The most popular off all snowboard bindings, these bindings consist of a highback plate, a base plate and straps to go across the boot. These bindings are used with soft snowboard boots are easily adjustable because of the straps. They offer the rider comfort and flexibility. Can be used for any snowboard riding style, although length of highback plate will vary according to style of ride.

Step-in bindings

Made popular due to the reduced hassle factor when compared to strap bindings. Simply step in to the base plate and click closed. Offer less control to the snowboard rider and bindings must match boot type. This snowboard binding can be used ridden freestyle or freeride. Boots can be either soft step-in snowboard boots or hard snowboard boots.

Flow-in bindings

A relatively new style of binding that offers a cross between strap and step-in bindings. Combines the control of strap bindings with the ease of use of step-ins. Flow-in snowboard bindings can be used with soft snowboard boots. The binding consists of a base plate, an adjustable tongue over the toes and a highback plate which can be dropped to get access and exit from the binding. They are slightly harder to adjust than strap bindings but are easier to remove.

Plate bindings

These are very similar to traditional ski bindings. They require hard snowboard boots that snap into the binding but the increased rigidity offers greater control for high speed carving as more edge pressure can be applied. Generally prefered by alpine racers of a higher level of competence.

When looking at binding equipment used for snowboarding with a view to purchase you should also consider which size you will require and the height of the highback fitting.

Generally all snowboard bindings come in three sizes, small, medium and large and the size you choose is completely dependant on snowboard boot size. With strap bindings allow enough strap for adjustment as adjustment on the slopes can be tiring.

The height of the highback depends on your snowboard ride style. If you are a freestyler then a shorter highback will offer more flexibility and manouveurability in turns. Freeriders and alpine boarders will want a taller stiffer highback for better carving at speed on harder snow. For better levels of control in freeriding and alpine in these conditions hard boots and plates may be a better choice.

Snowboard Accident Picture

Equipment Used For Snowboarding