k8xp

Went ahead and bought my first board today (139cm - I'm 19, 5"2 and 95 pounds) Here it is: Salomon Lotus Snowboard 2013 at Snowboard Connection

And now I need some bindings. I've been reading some stuff on this section, but still kinda don't understand... A little confused because it seemed like all of them looked different. I don't know what's best. I also don't want to spend a ton of money though, so can someone give me some basic advice?

Here are 3 I found today when I bought my board that come in a Small, I wear women's size 6 boot. I can spend a little more, but if either of these are good quality let me know what you think. And PS, no they do not have to be available at SnowConn, I can shop elsewhere lol. Thanks in advance

Burton Citizen Bindings 2013 (PURPLE) at Snowboard Connection

Union Lady Flite Bindings 2013 (BLACK) at Snowboard Connection

Ride LXh Bindings 2013 (WHITE) at Snowboard Connection

tokyo_dom

Bindings can make a great day turn into a horrible day, or vice versa. Its what keeps you strapped to your board so you dont want failures or weaknesses

Having said that, i have had more luck with cheap/no-brand bindings than i have so far with my more expensive Burton bindings (http://www.snowboardingforum.com/bin...-ratchets.html). Regardless of manufacturing faults, these are more fiddly to strap into, meaning i have to sit on the snow each time to do them up (something i learned to do while standing up in the cheaper/salomon speedfit bindings).

k8xp

Wow, really? Maybe I'll look at Big5 for some

Just found these K2 bindings on sale. Think these would be my first pick http://www.rei.com/product/823973/k2...omens-20112012

dubstatic

I love my ride bindings. I have had many sets of them. There simple and just always work right.

poutanen

I don't share tokyo's view on burton ratchets, but the main thing is to buy from a shop with a good return policy. That way if you buy and try, and they're just not working for you, you can go in and swap them.

I think bindings are nearly as important as the board, which is nearly as important as the boots in a setup. Good bindings will work without making you frustrated, have the right amount of support, and be the right size! Bad bindings can cause you to get really frustrated before you're even heading down the hill...

A couple things to look for:

- toe caps are better than straps, after riding with, I'll never go back
- metal ratchets will tend to last longer without parts elongating and starting to skip
- nice wide ankle straps will tend to be more comfy than thinner straps, given the same amount of hold

Oh man, I think my painkillers are starting to kick in. None of what I just wrote makes sense to me!

poutanen

My GF had K2 bliss bindings for her first setup. Was not impressed. The holes in the ratchets elongated, allowing the teeth to begin to skip, which stripped one of the ladders out pretty quick. She got one good season out of that pair of bindings. Picked up Burton Scribes this year and loves them, more support too...

k8xp

Perfect description! Helps a lot. Except is this what the toe cap bindings look like? If not can you show me http://www.evo.com/outlet/snowboard-...se-womens.aspx

poutanen

Actually that's a rear-entry or step in type binding. Some people love em, some hate em, last time I tried a pair was about 5 years ago so I'm not the one to ask. For traditional bindings you can get some models with a toe strap. Like the Burton Citizens you mentioned:

Notice the side view of the toe strap is very flat...


Here's the Burton Stiletto with a pronounced toe cap...



The cap goes over your toe and holds your boot both down and back into the heelcup. It allows you to wear your ankle strap a notch or two more loose, so you're not cutting of circulation but still have good support.

Everyone has their own tastes, I personally like a really obvious cap that'll lock on and not slide anywhere.

k8xp

That one does look and sound like it would be more comfortable.

NoOtherOptions

Those are rear entry bindings. I probably wouldn't learn on those. Get a normal pair. The Burton Citizen's seem to be toe straps. Toe straps go over the tip of your boot, they go on at a 45 degree angle. Traditional over the top straps go over the top of your boot at a 90 degree angle. That make sense?