In the world of professional snowboarding, every piece of equipment plays a critical role in a rider’s performance. Among the most essential components of a snowboarder’s setup are the bindings. Bindings are the interface between the rider and the board, translating movement and force from the rider into control over the board. For pro snowboarders, choosing the right bindings is not a decision taken lightly. The quality, fit, and features of the bindings can make a significant difference in their performance, whether they’re in the backcountry, on the slopes, or in the halfpipe.
Professional snowboarders use highly specialized bindings that cater to their unique needs and riding styles. These bindings provide the perfect balance of responsiveness, comfort, and flexibility to help them execute their tricks and maneuvers with precision. This article explores the types of snowboard bindings used by professional snowboarders, the factors influencing their choices, and the specific brands and models preferred by some of the best riders in the world.
Types of Snowboard Bindings
Before diving into the specifics of what bindings pro snowboarders use, it’s important to understand the main types of snowboard bindings. There are three primary categories:
1. Strap Bindings
Strap bindings are the most common type of snowboard bindings used by professional snowboarders. These bindings feature adjustable straps that secure the rider’s boots into the binding. The straps are typically placed across the ankle and the toe, offering a customizable fit for different boot sizes and riding preferences. Strap bindings are favored for their versatility, offering a balance between control and comfort, making them suitable for freestyle, freeride, and all-mountain riding.
2. Rear-Entry Bindings
Rear-entry bindings, also known as step-in bindings, are designed for easy entry and exit. Instead of securing the boots with straps, the rider slides their boot into the binding from the back. The binding then locks into place automatically. Rear-entry bindings are popular among riders who want convenience and fast entry and exit. However, they are less common in professional snowboarding due to concerns over the precision and fit compared to strap bindings.
3. Step-On Bindings
Step-on bindings are a more recent innovation in the world of snowboarding. As the name suggests, these bindings allow snowboarders to simply step into the binding without the need for straps. The boot clicks into place, and the rider is ready to go. Step-on bindings offer convenience and quick adjustments, making them popular for riders who prioritize ease of use.
However, they are still relatively new in the pro scene, and many professional snowboarders prefer strap bindings for the customizability and responsiveness they offer.
4. Hard Boots and Bindings
While not as common, hard boots and bindings are used in specific types of snowboarding, particularly alpine snowboarding and racing. These bindings are designed to be stiffer and offer maximum control on the snow, providing a more direct connection between the rider and the board. This setup is less flexible than strap bindings, but it is preferred by some riders who focus on precision and speed on groomed runs.
Features of Pro Snowboard Bindings
Bindings used by professional snowboarders are often designed with advanced features to meet the rigorous demands of high-performance riding. Some key features that pro snowboarders look for in bindings include:
1. Responsiveness
Professional snowboarders need bindings that can quickly translate their movements into precise control of the board.
High-performance bindings are built to be responsive, providing immediate feedback from the board to the rider.
Responsiveness is crucial for executing quick turns, powerful jumps, and technical tricks.
2. Flexibility
The flex of a binding refers to its ability to bend and give under pressure. Pro snowboarders often prefer a binding with a certain level of flex to allow for the freedom of movement required in tricks and jumps. A stiffer binding offers more stability and control, while a softer flex provides more maneuverability and comfort. The choice of flex depends on the rider’s style and terrain preferences.
3. Comfort and Fit
Comfort is a key consideration when choosing snowboard bindings. Professional snowboarders often spend hours on the slopes, so bindings with cushioned footbeds, adjustable straps, and padded ankle areas are preferred. Bindings that offer a customizable fit help reduce foot fatigue and discomfort during long sessions.
4. Durability
Given the extreme conditions snowboarders often face, durability is a major factor in choosing bindings. Professional riders need bindings that can withstand the abuse of high-impact landings, rugged terrain, and challenging weather conditions.
Brands often use materials like aluminum, carbon fiber, and durable plastics to ensure that their bindings are both lightweight and long-lasting.
5. Adjustability
Bindings with multiple points of adjustment allow riders to fine-tune their setup for maximum performance. Pro snowboarders typically look for bindings with adjustable highbacks, strap positions, and heel cups to ensure a personalized fit and optimal control.
Popular Snowboard Binding Brands Used by Pro Snowboarders
Several brands have established themselves as leaders in the snowboard binding industry, producing high-quality products that are trusted by professional riders. Here are some of the top brands that pro snowboarders rely on for their bindings:
1. Burton
Burton is one of the most iconic and widely recognized brands in snowboarding, and it is a favorite among professional snowboarders.
The brand offers a wide range of bindings, with models like the Burton Cartel and Burton Malavita being particularly popular among pro riders. These bindings are known for their high level of customization, comfort, and durability, making them suitable for riders across all disciplines, from freestyle to backcountry.
The Burton X-Base and Est System (compatible only with Burton boards) are some of the cutting-edge systems that offer improved board feel and adjustability, favored by top pros. Burton also offers a wide range of stiffness options, allowing riders to choose the ideal flex for their riding style.
2. Union
Union bindings are well-known for their lightweight construction, durability, and responsiveness. Models such as the Union Force and Union Atlas are trusted by professional snowboarders for their ability to provide precise control and power transfer. These bindings are particularly popular among riders who focus on freestyle and all-mountain snowboarding.
Union’s use of high-quality materials such as magnesium and carbon fiber in their bindings makes them incredibly strong yet lightweight, offering a perfect balance of performance and comfort. The Union Contact Pro is another popular choice for freestyle riders, providing excellent board feel and flexibility.
3. Ride Snowboards
Ride Snowboards is another top brand that is favored by professional snowboarders. Known for their precision and control, Ride bindings like the Ride EX and Ride A-9 are designed with durability in mind and offer adjustable features that cater to different riding styles. The Ride Cl-6 series is known for its lightweight design and responsive performance, perfect for pro riders who need flexibility and agility in their gear.
Ride’s Slimeback™ Technology in its highbacks adds extra cushioning and shock absorption, making their bindings a comfortable choice for long days on the mountain.
4. K2 Snowboarding
K2 is another top contender in the snowboard binding market, offering advanced features that appeal to professional riders.
The K2 Lien AT and K2 Formula bindings are known for their stability, comfort, and versatility. K2’s Triple Threat™ Technology helps provide a smooth and stable ride by enhancing the binding’s performance on rough terrain.
K2’s reputation for innovation has led them to create highly customizable bindings, giving pro snowboarders the ability to fine-tune their setup based on their preferences. K2’s Cinching Technology allows for quicker entry and exit, ideal for those who are looking for ease of use without sacrificing performance.
5. Flow
Flow bindings are distinctive for their rear-entry design, which offers ease of use and quick adjustments. While less common among pro riders than strap bindings, Flow’s NX2 and Fuse models are still favored by some professional snowboarders, particularly for their comfort and the ability to easily adjust the binding on the fly.
Flow bindings are known for their innovative designs, which reduce the pressure on the ankle while still maintaining solid performance. Their Powerstrap™ system allows for an even pressure distribution across the boot, providing excellent comfort and responsiveness.
Conclusion
The bindings that pro snowboarders use are crucial to their performance and play a significant role in their success on the slopes.
Whether it’s for freestyle, all-mountain, or backcountry snowboarding, the choice of bindings is based on the rider’s style, preferences, and terrain. Professional snowboarders often choose from brands like Burton, Union, Ride, K2, and Flow, each offering a wide range of bindings designed with advanced features such as responsiveness, comfort, durability, and adjustability.