Need a versatile set of binders? Look no further
These days it’s not uncommon for snowboard riders to have a quiver of two or more boards. When it comes to bindings though, most of us stick to one pair; if we’re lucky enough to have a powder board, we’ll just switch them across from our regular set-up when it dumps.
If this sounds like you – or on the flipside, if you only have one board which you use in any conditions from the trails to the park to the backcountry – then you’ll benefit from some all-mountain snowboard bindings.
What makes a good all-mountain snowboard binding?
The key factor in any pair of perfect bindings is the flex. Stiffer baseplates and highbacks will provide instant response as well as maximum support, which is great for screaming carves and sending it off big jumps. See our article on the Best Freeride Snowboard Bindings for more info. At slower speeds – for instance pressing rails, buttering or just playing around on side hits – stiff bindings can feel twitchy, which is where softer Freestyle Snowboard Bindings come in. These prioritize a relaxed, forgiving feel over power, and usually feature stretchy binding straps to help you tweak your grabs.
All-mountain bindings typically bridge the gap, with a medium binding flex that’s playful enough for the park, but is still reasonably responsive when you want to crank up the speed dial. In short, they’re the goldilocks solution. Of course, if a rider is good enough then they can ride the whole mountain on almost any pair of binders. Heck, we’re pretty sure Stale could stomp a back 12 with a set of bungees over his boots. Experienced all-mountain riders might therefore tend towards a softer or stiffer binding depending on their weight or a simple preference. Love to tweak? The legendary D.O.D. makes it easy to chuck a legit method from the jump line to the tree line. Going full send? You’ll appreciate the extra support of the all-new, carbon-infused Cleaver.
As a rule of thumb though, shredders looking for an all-mountain snowboard binding won’t go far wrong with a mid-flex model.
What other features should you look for?
As we explained in our in-depth guide to choosing snowboard bindings durability and customization are key.
If this is your only pair of bindings – whatever the conditions throw at you – then they’re likely to take a beating. At Rome we use composites for our baseplates and highbacks that are both lightweight and bomb proof. Our two-strap system is also tried and trusted, with reliable ratchets that won’t let you down in a blizzard.
Adjusting the fit will ensure your bindings feel right for the kind of riding you like to do. Once you’ve dialed the basic length of your baseplate and ankle straps, Rome bindings allow even more customization. The highback angle can be rotated for more efficient carving, the forward lean can be tweaked on the fly (handy for an impromptu pipe session), and our unique Pivotmount lets you position the ankle strap more precisely across your boot – prioritizing either locked-in power for when you’re clocking the miles, or a more relaxed, surfy fit for those days when you wanna get creative.
Bottom line – what are the best all-mountain snowboard bindings?
- Pay attention to flex; all-mountain bindings tend to be medium-soft or medium-stiff. Your riding style, ability and weight should determine which end of that spectrum you settle on.
- Make sure your bindings are tough enough to withstand the abuse they’ll take when using them all day every day.
- Adjustability means you can customize the fit and even switch things up depending on the conditions.
