Board Bindings: Strap vs Rear-entry
Strap Bindings are the most common type of snowboard bindings. Several components work together to secure your boots to the snowboard.
Here's how strap bindings typically work:
Baseplate: the foundation of the binding, is attached to the snowboard. It serves as the platform on which the rest of the binding components are mounted.
High-back: the vertical piece of the binding that rises behind your heel when your foot is secured in the binding. It provides support and helps transmit energy from your movements to the snowboard. The high-back can typically be adjusted for angle and sometimes height to accommodate different riding preferences.
Ankle strap: wraps around your ankle, securing the boot firmly to the binding. It typically consists of padded material for comfort and can be adjusted for tightness using a ratcheting mechanism or buckle.
Toe strap: goes over the front of your boot, securing your toe firmly against the baseplate of the binding. Like the ankle strap, it can be adjusted for tightness using a ratcheting mechanism or buckle.
Here's how strap bindings work in practice:
Entry: to enter strap bindings, you’ll first adjust the straps to the desired tightness. Then place your boot into the binding, positioning it so that the toes are snug against the baseplate and the ankle is securely wrapped by the ankle strap. You’ll then tighten the ankle and toe straps using the ratcheting mechanisms or buckles until the boot is firmly secured in the binding.
Exit: to exit a strap binding, simply release the ratcheting mechanisms or buckles on the ankle and toe straps, allowing them to loosen and open. Your can then lift your boot out of the binding.
Strap bindings offer a secure and customizable fit, allowing you to adjust the tightness of the ankle and toe straps to your liking. They’re versatile and suitable for riders of all levels and riding styles.
Rear-entry Bindings are a type of snowboard binding that offers you a convenient and quick entry and exit system. Unlike traditional strap bindings, which require adjusting and tightening multiple straps, rear-entry bindings typically feature a high-back that hinges backward, allowing you to slide your foot into the binding from the rear.
Here's how rear-entry snowboard bindings typically work:
Entry: open the high-back by releasing a lever or mechanism located at the rear of the binding. This creates a wide opening, allowing you to simply step into the binding from behind. Once your foot is in place, close the high-back by pulling it forward until it locks into position.
Exit: unlock the mechanism or lever at the rear of the binding, releasing the high-back, and creating a wide opening for your boot to be easily removed.
Rear-entry bindings are favored by some riders for their ease of use and convenience, especially for beginners or riders who value quick transitions. However, they might not offer the same level of customization and fine-tuning as traditional strap bindings. You may find that rear-entry bindings are less responsive or provide less support compared to traditional bindings, particularly on high-performance runs.
Try them both if you can, and, as with any snowboard equipment, the choice between rear-entry bindings and traditional strap bindings ultimately comes down to your personal preference and riding style. Ride on!
