Beginner snowboarders need to make sure that they get the right equipment to match their ability level. Bindings are an essential piece of equipment that many newbies don’t pay as much attention to.
I’ve been a certified snowboarding instructor for the last decade. I’ve taught all ability levels and have experience with different snowboard bindings to match my student’s needs.
The best beginner snowboard binding of the year is the Ride C-2. These bindings are forgiving enough to be used by new riders but will still give you enough performance to progress.
I’ll show you a handful of other recommended options in this post. All of them make for a good choice if you are purchasing your first snowboard setup.
Let’s get on the snow and start riding.
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Who Should Get This
When you’re learning the basics of the sport, you should get geared up with equipment that matches your ability level. If you get advanced-level gear without the skills to utilize it, that can hurt more than help.
The bindings listed here are suitable for beginners because they are all forgiving enough to allow you to progress through the stages of riding as you work your way up to becoming more advanced.
The softer flex means they are also good for anyone who loves to ride in the park or prefers freestyle equipment.
Those same attributes mean that you won’t get high-end performance out of them. If you’re an advanced rider who’s looking for peak performance, you’d be better off looking at different options.
Top Pick of The Best Beginner Snowboard Bindings
All of the options listed below will make for a good beginner snowboard binding.
1. Best Overall: Ride C-2
- Best for: Overall
- Key features: Soft flex, responsive, nylon highback, comfortable, good power transfer
- Style: Strap-in
- Flex: Soft
- Cost: $$
The Ride C-2 is the best beginner binding out there. These are a forgiving and comfortable option that will let you learn the basics of the sport while encouraging you to get better every day in the snow.
They have a composite baseplate that is strong and secure to give you reliable power transfer and response. You will learn how to perfect your edge control and balance with these on your board.
A nylon highback also increases comfort and aids in response. Your boots will stay firmly in place thanks to a one-piece ankle strap and a small toe strap that won’t get in the way.
The linkage ratchet buckles are also a nice feature for beginners. They are durable and easy to use. You will be able to strap in off the chair lift quickly without needing to take your gloves off to do so.
I wouldn’t recommend these for a rider who wants to learn how to freeride, but it’s a good option for all-mountain or freestyle beginners.
==> You can also get it on Evo or Tactics or Backcountry.
2. Best for Progression: Burton Mission
- Best for: Progression
- Key features: Trusted brand name, FullBED cushioning system, very comfortable, secure baseplate, canted highback, responsive performance
- Style: Strap-in
- Flex: Medium-Soft
- Cost: $$
If you want a binding that will grow with you, the Burton Mission (review) is the way to go. This is a binding that can help beginners effectively advanced to intermediate riding abilities in no time.
You’ll get excellent performance thanks to a single-component baseplate and strong construction that equates to tremendous response and a dynamic feel on all types of terrain. The highback is responsive and has a zero forward lean design for a playful feel.
The Mission also has plenty of comfort thanks to a FullBED cushioning system that gives you a layer of padding underneath the entire boot area. This is a great feature for beginners who get fatigued after a full day on the slopes.
These can be somewhat aggressive for someone who has never ridden before but is great for beginners with at least a few days under their belt.
==> You can also get it on Burton or Evo or Backcountry.
3. Best for the Money: Nitro Staxx
- Best for: The Money
- Key features: A-frame base, excellent freestyle performance, EVA dampening, board saver technology, perfect fit ankle straps
- Style: Strap-in
- Flex: Medium/Soft
- Cost: $
The Nitro Staxx is a solid budget pick for a beginner binding. These will give you decent performance in a variety of conditions and have a good flex for beginners.
They have an A-frame base and Hammer highback that give you a solid fit with excellent heel hold. These are both strong without adding much weight.
EVA dampening helps to cushion your feet and limit fatigue so you can make the most out of your time in the snow without getting tired.
They also come with easy entry buckles and ratchets for quick strap-ins on the top of the hill.
These can have a slightly loose feel, so you’ll want to make sure you strap in tightly before taking off.
==> You can also get it on Evo or Nencini or SidelineSwap.
4. Best Freestyle: Salomon Rhythm
- Best for: Freestyle
- Key features: Soft flex, EVA basepad, universal disc mounting, rhythm highback, 3D supreme ankle straps
- Style: Strap-in
- Flex: Soft
- Cost: $
If you hope to conquer the terrain park or explore freestyle riding, the Salomon Rhythm bindings will have your back.
They feature a Zone Baseplate that is durable, easy to fit, and nice to ride on. They also come with an integrated mounting system that will keep your disc screws in place to get everything adjusted just right.
A full EVA basepad adds a lot of cushioning and helps to reduce fatigue and foot soreness. The rhythm highback has an asymmetrical shape that allows increased support of the ankle.
The toestrap on the Rhythm can start to loosen up, but that’s one of the only drawbacks to the design.
==> You can also get it on Salomon or Evo or Utah Ski Gear.
How to Choose Snowboard Bindings for Beginners
Remember to consider all of the following factors when you are shopping for a good set of beginner bindings.
Flex
One of the biggest things that separate beginner bindings from other types is their flex. That refers to the amount of give and movement the snowboard bindings will have when you’re strapped into them and moving on the snow.
The more flex a binding has, the easier it is to break in. It is also more forgiving for snowboarders with less experience. All of the options listed here come in a softer flex, which is ideal when you’re learning.
Comfort
It’s nice to have equipment that’s comfortable when you are learning. It takes energy, effort, and consistent time spent on the snow to get better.
If your feet are uncomfortable because of your bindings, you won’t want to be out for as long. Look for elements such as a padded highback and baseplate, as well as fully adjustable straps. Those design features will make a set of bindings much more comfortable.
Strap Style
The two main types of strap styles you will find with these beginner bindings are strap-in and rear-entry. Strap-in style, which is the most common, features a toe strap and an ankle strap.
These can be harder to get used to, but they offer more customization.
Rear entry style bindings have a single strap that covers the entire foot. These are easy to get into and out of, but they don’t allow for as much customization.
FAQs
Here are some commonly asked questions relating to beginner snowboard bindings.
Are freestyle bindings good for beginners?
Yes. Freestyle bindings have a softer flex which is ideal for beginners. This more flexible design is forgiving and won’t be too aggressive or difficult to use.
What kind of snowboard bindings should I get?
As a beginner, I would just focus on getting a softer pair of bindings than any style in particular. If you know what type of riding you would like to do once you have the skills, you could get a binding with that focus. Most beginner bindings will be versatile and all-mountain-like.
What snowboard Camber is best for beginners?
I would suggest a light camber for beginners. Camber is more of a high-performance feature that is best utilized by experienced riders.
Useful Tips & Resources
The best way to get better at snowboarding is to get out on the snow. There is no substitute for hard work, and there is no other way to replicate snowboarding skills than to be on the mountain.
I’d recommend taking a lesson with a good instructor so you can get the advice needed for quality form and technique.
For some tips and tools to study up on while you’re at home, take a look at this video.
My Verdict
The best beginner snowboard binding this year is the Ride C-2. These bindings are versatile enough to take you all over the mountain but forgiving so you can progress your skills slowly and steadily.
Bindings are an important aspect of your snowboarding setup that can play a critical role in how you ride. The beginner options listed here are perfect for anyone new to the sport or those who want to quickly get their skills to the next level.
About Lorraine