If you want to enjoy some really exciting sporting fun then going snowboarding is one of your top options. Of course, to fully enjoy the experience you will want to make sure that you are properly kitted out. So what is the best way to get the right boots and binding? Can you just go out and buy the best looking ones you see or is there more to consider than how they look?
The first thing to bear in mind is that it is usually far better to get your boots and bindings together, rather trying to mix and match different types. Here are some of the different options open to you.
The Different Combinations to Consider
- Soft Boots and Strap on Bindings. This is a great choice if you want flexibility and manoeuvrability. It is also a comfortable system but you are probably most likely to be impressed by the fact that you can use different bindings with any type of soft boots.
- Step in Boots and Bindings. These can either soft or hard boots and the type of boots needs to be matched with the right kind of bindings. This is a good choice is you want a low cost alternative which also makes it easy to get on or off the board. You won’t have as much control of the board when you are using it though.
- Hard Boots and Lever Bindings. This is the option you will want to take if you want the type of maximum control which freecarvers look for. All of your movements will get passed right down to the board and you will have great control even when you are travelling fast. This means that you will also be kept safer if you want to try out some advanced moves and really get up to high speeds.
The first combination on the list is the most commonly seen, and you can’t go far wrong with this style when you are first starting out on snowboarding. However, as you can see, the other ones can also come in useful for different types of riders and situations. It is then a question of matching up your needs to what is available on the market.
Another issue to remember is that the size of the bindings is also something you need to consider. There are usually a couple of different sizes to choose from and the one you choose will really come down to the combination of boots and binding you go for. Getting this right will mean that you will be comfortable and that you will also be able to adjust it easily enough to the perfect size.
Finally, we need to look at the situation with the highbacks that come with the bindings. These come in different styles so don’t forget to pay close attention to the ones you are thinking of buying. If you are going to be freestyle riding then a smaller and more flexible style of highback is likely to suit you best, as you will have a greater degree of manoeuvrability with these. Those who would class themselves as aggressive freeriders or freecarvers are most likely to look for the greater level of control offered by a highback which doesn’t need a hard boot.
With all of this information you should now be able to go out and buy your snowboarding boots and accessories with a much greater sense of confidence. Just be sure to spend enough time on getting this right and there will be nothing to hold you back from having a great time.
This travel article was written by Hannah of free snowboarding advice website masdesnowboard.com