Do you love freeriding?
Do you often ski on tough terrains or explore the backcountry or riding steeps?
Then, you will need a pair of snowboard bindings.
Freeride snowboard bindings are specifically designed for an intermediate or advanced skier with a high demand for support and response.
The bindings need to be stiff so that they can handle steep drops perfectly and remain high speed when you are transferring from trails with heavy powder to heavy sleet.
Therefore, flexible bindings seem not to be durable for you.
If you are still struggling to choose the best freeride snowboard bindings, let us suggest the five products that you can consider.
Top 5 Best Freeride Snowboard Bindings In 2020
- System MTN Men’s Snowboard Bindings
- K2 Lien at Snowboard Binding
- Burton X-Base Snowboard Bindings
- Union Force Snowboard Bindings Men
- Ride Fame 2020 Snowboard Binding – Women’s
Our Pick of 5 Freeride Snowboard Bindings
System MTN Men’s Snowboard Bindings – Easy Mounting on All Boards
This product features a rear-entry step-in style so that you can get it in and out with ease. The molded ankle strap made with highly durable polyurethane will provide comfort and immediate response!
Now, feel free to enjoy a comfortable! The bindings have a full EVA padding on the hi-back and high-density dampening on the footbed.
What do you need to do? Just slip the high back, slide your feet in and ride. The MTN ankle strap will automatically open to provide more space to fit your shoe.
Although it is easy to put on, your heels may get stuck a bit when you are trying to remove them.
What’s more, you can use these bindings on all boards, including Burton three-hole, standard four-hole, and Burton Channel EST boards, thanks to the fully compatible multi-disk base plate.
Pros:
- Easy mounting for all riders
- Durable and responsive ankle strap
- Multi-disk base plate offers versatility
- Ensures a smooth ride
- Warranty
Cons:
- The heels may get stuck
- Not suitable for men with large feet
If you are finding bindings that you can easily use and mount on all boards, you can choose this product without thinking twice.
K2 Lien AT Snowboard Binding – Excellent Support and Control
Because free-riders often challenge themselves on the natural and ungroomed terrain to explore the backcountry or riding steeps, they must choose the binding with a high level of stiffness – it will provide excellent stability and precise control.
And luckily, the K2 Lien AT is what freeride experts need.
It is so comfortable, responsive, and secure, thanks to the two straps and the mid-to-stiff flex. It can transfer energy to the board efficiently and allow you to have a great time playing around.
Also, the Perfect Fit 2.0 toe straps will perfectly fit any boot. The Sender ankle straps are an upgrade from previous models, maximizing both power and comfort.
Anything to complain? The adjustment of the forward lean seems inefficient.
Pros:
- Maximum stability and control
- Allows customizable feels
- The straps are easy to adjust without tools
- Perfect Fit 2.0 toe strap
Cons:
- The lean forward adjustment needs to be more efficient
K2 Lien AT proved to be an excellent choice for all-terrain riders who want reliable performance. And it can maintain control on steep terrain – the crucial factor of a freeride binding.
Burton X-Base Snowboard Bindings – Super Lightweight and Responsive
If you do not need to find an economical choice, choose the Burton X-Base. It will be worth your money.
Super lightweight and hyper-responsive are the highlights of the product. In addition to the carbon and nylon baseplate enhancing response and boot-hugging comfort, the Re: Flex baseplate with the universal compatibility helps to improve the board flex and feel as well as reducing weight.
The manufacturers have also paid attention to the smallest details, like the stiff and durable carbon composite Ultra Hi-Back.
They also include cushioning in all the right places for absorbing harsh vibrations and shock. This feature is especially useful when you ski on uneven terrains.
Here are some other features that you can consider:
- The Flex Slider helps you to put your foot in the binding with ease and enhance the strap strength.
- The SuperGrip Capstrap 2.0 locks down your boot securely.
- The Double Take buckles with teeth on both sides can make clicking in faster and smoother.
Now the problem is whether you are willing to pay for this binding or not because it does not come cheap!
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Super responsive
- Re: Flex baseplate
- Many convenience features
Cons:
- High price
If you need a super responsive binding that can be compatible with the stiffest boards, the X-Base is for you.
Union Force Snowboard Bindings – A Freeride Binding at an Affordable Price
Are you finding a high-quality snowboard binding without burning a hole in your pocket? You can consider this Union Force binding.
This binding is suitable for freeriding, freestyling, and all-mountain snowboarding. The stiff baseplate combined with dual-density bushings will provide a high-performance response, making it perfect for professional skiers.
This is also why the binding is not suitable for beginners.
When it comes to durability, the Duraflex blended nylon construction makes the product more durable, lasting through multiple seasons and tolerate frigid weather.
Of course, you can still experience a reliable and smooth ratcheting thanks to a magnesium ratchet buckle. And do not forget that the dampening and the responsiveness of the product are worthy of high praise too.
What’s more, the proper multi-zone highback helps to offer more support and flex. To sum up, the long list of features make this model worth your consideration.
Pros:
- High-quality materials
- Suitable for freeride, freestyle, and all-mountain snowboarding
- The stretched highbacks offer better control
- Bushings with dual density give more support
- Warranty on heel cups and baseplates
Cons:
- Suitable for professional skiers only
At an affordable price, the Union Force snowboard binding meets high criteria of toughness, durability, responsiveness, and comfort.
Buy it on Amazon.com
Ride Fame 2020 Snowboard Binding – Choice for Freeriding Ladies
The final choice for freeriding through deep powder and tough terrain is the Ride Fame. And especially, it fits with women.
With the mid-stiff flex rating of 6 (1: Soft – 10: Stiff), the product allows you to manage more challenging terrain like steep ledges and powder.
The SlingBack high back is specifically designed for a freeriding lady so that it offers premium freestyle flex and performance. The response from the fame is robust and allows for excellent edge-to-edge transitioning.
Another outstanding feature is the Freestyle ankle strap featuring clean flip and stitch construction, made with multi-density 3D padding and formed neoprene will give you both comfort and control you need.
In terms of adjustment, it is effortless to adjust. However, you still need a tool for the disc.
About the ability of shock absorption, the binding with super cushy canted footbed tech can keep your hips, knees, and ankles more in line as well as creating more leverage on the outer parts of the hybrid shaped boards.
And like most freeriding snowboard bindings, this product is not suitable for beginners or those who only go skiing occasionally.
Pros:
- Suitable for woman
- Super light and flexible Infinity Chassis System
- Freestyle ankle strap
- Adjustable heel cup
Cons:
- Not ideal for beginners
- The ratchet system is mid-level, nothing excellent.
If you are a lady who loves freeriding and looks for a well-rounded binding, the Ride Fame may be an ideal choice.
How to choose the best freeriding snowboard bindings
Turn Initiation
A quick turn initiation and high responsiveness are a must for free-riders because they can face with narrow chutes or trees and want their bindings to perform sharp turns.
Want a fast turn initiation? Get the product with a stiff flex and great boot support.
Flex
The flex of your bindings should be suitable for your riding style. On a scale of 10, 1 – 2 is soft, 3 – 5 is medium, 6 – 8 is firm, and 9 – 10 is very firm.
Usually, those who free ride in tough and unpredicted terrains should go with a firm flex so that it can have a maximum response.
Boot Support
As we have mentioned above, the excellent boot support will help your binding be hyper-responsive.
Your boots need to be snugly supported by your bindings so that you can limit the delay of energy transferring from your legs into the board. Because the less the delay of that energy transfers, the more quickly you can turn.
So, the advise is having a nice and snug boot support with even pressure and the straps of the bindings need to mold to your boot and spread the pressure evenly.
Adjustability
Everybody wants to buy easily adjustable products. Try some suggestions below:
- High back adjustments: Try to find bindings with easy highback adjustments. Typically, free-riders prefer a forward lean to freestylers.
- Strap adjustments: You will want the bindings with much room for adjusting the straps. For example, the ankle strap may be higher on the ankle or lower down closer to your foot.
Shock Absorption
Search for bindings with a lot of cushioning for rough snow, hard ice, and landing jumps. Having the bindings that can absorb shock well can help your body when landing.
Besides, freeride boots must have excellent traction on the soles for hiking. But it is difficult to have that transaction when there is much soft padding.
Therefore, some boots can provide a good balance between shock absorption and traction. If you have this type of boots, shock absorption in the bindings will not be extremely crucial anymore.
Compatibility with Your Board
You also need to consider the compatibility with your board. In some cases, the manufacturer will tell you which boards that fit a particular binding. But sometimes, it may be more like a trial and error.
Now, It is Time to Make a Choice!
We hope we have helped you to know what you will want for your freeride snowboard bindings.
The top five freeride bindings we have pointed below are rated based on these criteria.
We believe you can choose the right one for yourself and have a good time snowboarding.
Thank you for reading, and if you have any questions or thoughts, share with us.
