Types and selection of snowboard bindings

When purchasing equipment for snowboarding, you need to pay considerable attention to the selection of bindings. This element, also often called crepes, greatly influences the skating level of an athlete.

Snowboard bindings are the essential piece of equipment that connects a person's legs to the board. It depends on his condition how safe riding will be. The bracing also determines the force that must be applied to control the board. This element contains seven main components. The base is the base on which the rest of the pieces are fixed. It is located under the sole of the shoe and is fixed directly on the board.

Paddle called a special arc, which is attached to the back of the base. Usually it is made of metal or modern composite material. This part is responsible for secure fixation of the heel of the athlete's boot. Often, its position is adjusted with bolts to ensure maximum leveling of the leg position. The gas pedal is located directly above the base, its task is to close the bolt fasteners. This part is usually adjustable and is designed to transfer the athlete's power to the board.

Highback is the part of the attachment that secures the boot shaft from the rear and directs the force to the heel edge of the board. The setting of this part, including the choice of the angle and height, is carried out depending on the preferred type of riding: for example, the higher ones are suitable for freeriding, and the lower ones are for freestyle.Straps are the upper and lower straps with buckles that secure the boot to the base.

Almost all modern manufacturers produce models with a lower strap, which is not fastened to the top, but diagonally. The buckle is the piece that connects the strap to the toothed strap. She is also responsible for regulating the compression of the boot. The highest quality buckle is made of aluminum. A toothed belt, made from plastic or a more complex composite, is also responsible for securing and compressing the boot.

An overview of all fasteners available on the market allows them to be divided into several groups.

Depending on the type of fastening, several groups of fasteners are also distinguished. Strap crepes are snowboarding classics. They are made of plastic, metal or composite. Plastic crepes preferred by most athletes. Their significant advantage is the ability to choose any size depending on the boot. The plastic version with a metal bracket is quite popular. Such equipment does not make the leg too heavy and is considered to be quite reliable. The metal bracket is responsible for creating additional bending rigidity, and therefore improving the quality of fixation.

Quick-release fasteners of the Step-in type are considered one of the best in terms of fixing speed. However, during operation, snow must not be allowed to enter inside, otherwise the systems will not dock. In addition, the equipment can be unfastened during high-speed skiing. To use this type of crepe, it is important to choose the right boots that will ideally fit the size of the mechanism. Devices without classic clasps allow you to connect to the board simply by standing on it.

Quick-release soft fasteners Flow bindings are used when it is uncomfortable for the athlete to bend over in the equipment to adjust the device. The fastening element consists of a one-piece frame and a reclining backdrop, thanks to which the board can be attached to your feet while standing. This fixation is not considered particularly reliable, and therefore it is recommended only for beginners who do not accelerate to high speeds, or for cautious athletes who are not attracted to high-speed routes.

The soft mounts are almost classics in snowboarding equipment. They provide a secure fit for the boot, are cheap and are made from a variety of materials: plastic, metal or composite. The main work on fastening is performed by a rigid highback and transverse straps. The regulation of the latter allows the fasteners to be adjusted to the size of the boots as much as possible.

Rigid elements are used for fast descents or stunt sports. They can only be used in a set with appropriate equipment. The element platform is equipped with two frames: a front one with a lock and a freer back one. The rider's legs are not only securely fixed, but also gain increased sensitivity and the ability to respond to any change in board position.

Semi-rigid crepes are also called body mounts. They wrap around the leg above the ankle and allow you to move even in normal shoes. Despite the fact that their presence makes it possible to save on rider boots, their use is considered unsafe.

There are also Now bindings crepes introduced by Now in 2014. The design feature is that the bindings are not statically installed on the board, but slightly sway due to the presence of an axial hinge in the center.As a result, the athlete feels the board better, and the movement becomes precise and easy.

A special size chart allows you to determine what should be the mounts for the boots. There are three sizes for both men and women: S, M and L. Men's shoes size 38-41 require size S bindings, sizes 41-43 require M bindings, and 43 and over sizes require L bindings. For women's shoes of sizes 34-36.5, fasteners S are useful, for shoes 36.5-40 sizes - crepes in size M, and 41 and more sizes - crepes L.

Top bindings for snowboards include the classic Union Flite Pro, which has a medium stiffness. The base of the element is made of a durable and lightweight composite. Users call this model a reliable option at an affordable cost. Also in the top is the Head RX One with a folding highback. The device with low stiffness has a composite base. The model is intended for a universal type of riding, but also suitable for beginners mastering freestyle.

The Burton Citizen has excellent reviews for its low stiffness plastic base. The female model of pleasant shades has a small size, which makes sense when it comes to the fair sex. Lightweight equipment is made of durable and frost-resistant plastic. The GNU Psych model has a reclining back and composite base. The element of medium hardness is suitable for professionals or athletes with a level above average. The manufacturer offers only large sizes, orienting this mount for men who are fond of freeriding and freestyle.

Mention should also be made of the classic women's Roxy Team, which has medium rigidity and a composite base. Snowboarders also praise the classic Black Fire Scoop with a low stiffness and combo base and the Salomon Trigger, which has similar characteristics.

In addition to securing your snowboard, you can purchase an adjustment strap that will be stronger and more secure to fix your foot. Bolts and screws, usually made of 100% steel, will always come in handy. We should also mention discs for snowboard bindings, which are equipped with a pair and are selected for a specific model of crepes.

In order to choose the right crepes, several factors must be taken into account: from the cost of equipment and available equipment to the type of skiing. The choice should be made in accordance with the preferences regarding the materials. For example, metal hardware is robust but quite heavy. The disadvantages of the elements include the fact that they bend when dropped. The plastic elements are lightweight and cost-effective. Nevertheless, their stability is inferior to their aluminum counterparts.

Composite crepes are considered to be of the highest quality due to the combination of several materials. For example, soft models contain polycarbonate, and fiberglass is used to increase rigidity. As for the style and skills of riding, simple bindings of medium hardness are recommended for beginners. Freestyle lovers prefer soft options with a short back, and freeride lovers prefer products with high highback and increased rigidity. Carving usually requires the use of rigid mechanisms.

The installation of the crepes is carried out in a few simple steps. The first step is to determine the width of the rack, that is, the distance between the axes of the crepes, and then the location of the mounts on the board. At the third stage, the athlete is required to determine the angles, and at the fourth, to center the mounts. At the final stage, the highbacks are set up. It is worth checking the position of the rates beforehand.

Retainers must be embedded in mortgages, so their location and thread must match. Depending on the leading leg, the stance is adjusted, the standard width of which is equal to the size of the boot from heel to knee. The angle of rotation relative to the board is chosen based on the personal preference of the rider. For beginners, the recommended figure is 10-15 degrees for the front lock and 0 degrees for the rear.