Whether you’re a novice shredder or a beginner on the bunny slopes, one of the most important features of your snowboard is its bindings. After all, they keep you secure on the snowboard and allow you to maneuver freely to turn, jump and spin without worry.
Just as Burton has been a top name in snowboard design for decades, they also make the most versatile and reliable bindings. Burton snowboard bindings come in a variety of sizes and styles for riders of all ages and abilities. If you’re not sure where to start, the Burton Mission Re:Flex Snowboard Bindings are a great all-purpose option. They offer medium flex for optimum support without sacrificing board feel at a price that won’t break your budget.
What to know before you buy Burton snowboard bindings
Materials
Snowboard bindings are made from composite metal or aluminum in the baseplates. Some baseplate composite materials include nylon, carbon fiber or fiberglass. The straps and high-backs are usually made of plastic, foam and nylon. The adjustable ratchets on the straps are most commonly made of aluminum because it’s strong but light.
Size
Snowboard bindings are usually sized in a range that corresponds with shoe sizes, which is why they are categorized the same way as men’s, women’s and kids’ snowboard boots. However, you can use whichever snowboard binding you’d like as long as it fits you; the binding size is just a guideline.
Stance
To determine your snowboard stance, try taking a running start in your socks and then slide across the floor. Whichever foot you lead with is the foot that will go in front of you on the snowboard. If your left foot is in front, then you are regular-footed. If your right foot is in front, you are goofy-footed. While the foot that goes in front is often your stronger foot, not all right-handed people will be regular-footed and not all left-handed people will be goofy-footed.
Burton snowboard bindings features
Style
Burton snowboard bindings come in two different styles: traditional strap bindings, which either have one or two straps that go across the ankle and toe, and Step On bindings, which go with Step On boots and clip into the binding without using straps. Riders who want more support will probably like strap bindings better. Riders who like more movement in their stance and want something that is fast to put on and take off might prefer the Step On system. Burton Step On snowboard bindings also have an adjustable high-back to help with heel and ankle support.
Baseplate
The binding baseplate is where your foot goes. It attaches each binding to the snowboard with screws. This is also how you adjust the stance of your Burton snowboard bindings. On top of the baseplate is the footbed, which on Burton snowboard bindings is generally padded for shock absorption. Some Burton snowboard bindings use a system with flexible material under the baseplate so that the bindings flex the same amount as the snowboard, making for a more consistent feel.
Response
Bindings respond to your movement depending on the stiffness of their straps and degree of board feel, which is how easily you can feel the board under your feet. Depending on your riding style, you might want softer, more responsive bindings, or you might prefer more ankle support with stiffer bindings, which will have less response and board feel.
Adjustability
Since Step On bindings have no straps, you can only adjust the angle of your stance, which sometimes requires a screwdriver and sometimes slides and locks into place without tools instead. Strap bindings adjust to fit your boots using ratchet straps. Some strap bindings have a strap that goes over your toe as well as one that goes over your heel, and others have a single strap. Burton snowboard bindings can also be adjusted at the back of the binding, known as the high-back, which covers your heel and comes up to just past your ankles. You can change the angle to lean forward if you prefer to be centered further over the board when you’re riding or if you tend to crouch down low to turn.
Burton snowboard bindings cost
Burton snowboard bindings range in price from about $100-$525 depending on features.
Burton snowboard bindings FAQ
Do both my bindings have to be set at the same angle?
A. No. While the typical stance is to have your front foot angled slightly outward, some beginners prefer less of an angle and some freestyle riders use what’s called a duck-foot stance, which is when both bindings are set slightly outwards. Experiment with a few angles to see what feels best for you. You can always change it later.
I’m a beginner. Should I get Step On bindings?
A. It really depends on your riding style and your comfort level. If you’ve skied before, you might be used to this sort of binding. Likewise, if you’re also a skateboarder or surfer, you might prefer a looser feel when standing on the snowboard. However, you might also find that it’s easier to turn when your ankles are more supported by straps, especially if you tend to lean heavily on your toes or if your heels tend to lift up slightly.
Which Burton snowboard bindings should I get?
Best of the best Burton snowboard bindings
Burton Mission Re:Flex Snowboard Bindings: available at Amazon
Our take: These medium-flex bindings use the Re:Flex binding system, which incorporates flexibility into the bottom of the binding so that your board feel stays the same right under your feet as it does on the rest of the board.
What we like: The straps are curved to snugly fit any boot style. The ankle strap is bigger and asymmetrical to match the angle of your foot for a better fit.
What we dislike: You need a screwdriver to adjust the angle of the high-backs. Some riders find the toe ratchets to be difficult to adjust with gloves on.
Best bang for your buck Burton snowboard bindings
Burton Freestyle Men’s Snowboard Bindings: available at Amazon
Our take: While initially made for men, these affordable bindings are suitable for anyone and are universally compatible with all snowboard mounting styles.
What we like: They have the ReFlex: FullBED cushioning system to prevent fatigue and wear. The high-backs are adjustable with a sliding plate system.
What we dislike: They aren’t available in shoe sizes below men’s 6. Some riders might find them to be too soft.
Honorable mention Burton snowboard bindings
Burton Citizen Women’s Snowboard Bindings: available at Amazon
Our take: These affordable bindings are designed for women but work well for anyone with a shoe size smaller than men’s 6.
What we like: The ratchets are easy to adjust, making them great for beginners. The heels have additional EVA cushioning for shock absorption.
What we dislike: The stance can be difficult to adjust and requires tools. The footbed is not angled, so you might get less board feel.
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Adrian Wengenroth is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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