Powder riding is the ultimate experience for many of us. There aren’t many things in life that are better than a deep powder day if you ask me. But to make the most of it, you need quality equipment, including bindings, on your side.
I’m a certified snowboarding instructor with decades of experience riding in all types of conditions. I’ve used several different powder bindings over the years and want to share what I’ve learned here with you.
The Jones Mercury is the best powder snowboard binding currently available. They are fantastic and can handle deep snow with ease.
I’ll show you a few other of my favorite options here in this post, as well.
Bring on the snow!
Contents
Who Should Get This
If you’ve never snowboarded in powder conditions, make it a top priority the next time you hit the slopes. If you have, you know it’s an experience like no other.
That being said, if you want to make the most out of the powder days you are gifted with (remember, there’s no guarantee of fresh snow), you want to make sure you have the best equipment at your disposal. That includes your bindings.
If you don’t plan on riding in powder, you likely won’t need the bindings listed in this guide. Though they can work for different conditions, it’s best to get other specialized options if you want a setup for the terrain park or shifting conditions.
Top Powder Snowboard Bindings
Here are my top picks for the best powder snowboard bindings.
1. Best Overall: Jones Mercury
- Best for: Overall
- Key features: Great in powder, freeride bushings, Flip-it ankle straps, Control Flex highback
- Flex: Medium/Stiff
- Style: Strap-in
- Cost: $$$$
The best powder binding in the game is the Jones Mercury. These are built to handle every inch of deep snow that comes your way.
They have a Skate Tech baseplate that helps increase response and allows for a quick transfer of energy from your legs to your board. You can expect a very surf-like feel and intuitive response.
Flip-it ankle straps allow you to have a customized setup. You can adjust them higher up on your boot for a little extra support when you want or need it.
A Control Flex highback helps to reduce chatter and gives you versatile performance if you need to ride through crud, slush, or hardpack on your way to fresh tracks.
The downside is that the Mercury is one of the most expensive sets of bindings I have ever seen.
==> You can also get it on Evo or Backcountry or Tactics.
2. Best High Performance: Union Force
- Best for: High Performance
- Key features: Duraflex ST baseplate, aluminum heelcups, canted footbeds, solid but lightweight construction
- Flex: Medium/Stiff
- Style: Strap-in
- Cost: $$$
The Union Force (review) is another top option for powder, and it has plenty of versatility to get you all over the mountain as well.
These have a medium-stiff flex that will cater toward high performance and allow experienced riders to charge aggressively through any line. If you like steep and deep terrain and freeride powder days, this is the option for you.
Duraflex ST materials used in the baseplate and highback lead to an extremely strong and durable binding that is still lightweight.
Thermoformed EVA plastic bushings also add durability and make the bindings effective and secure in cold weather and deep snow.
These are stiff, which might not be ideal for powder seekers with a more laid-back style.
==> You can also get it on Evo or Christy Sports or Tactics.
3. Best for Comfort: Burton Genesis EST
- Best for: Comfort
- Key features: EST binding system, SensoryBED Cushioning System, Kickback hammock strap
- Flex: Medium/Stiff
- Style: Strap-in
- Cost: $$$$
If comfort is your primary concern and you love riding powder, the Burton Genesis EST is the way to go.
These bindings are beyond comfortable, thanks to a SensoryBed cushioning system that uses B3 gel to absorb impact and give you plenty of soft area beneath your feet.
The EST system is designed with comfort in mind and adds extra cushion in the baseplate design, reduces weight, and doesn’t limit response.
You can still expect quality high-end powder performance thanks to a zero lean highback design and a Kickback hammock that keeps your legs engaged and your feet fully supported.
The Genesis is another very pricey option, however.
==> You can also get it on Burton or Evo or Hansen.
4. Best Women’s Option: Union Trilogy
- Best for: Women
- Key features: Duraflex ST construction, EVA bushings, 3D aluminum heelcups, magnesium buckles
- Flex: Medium/Stiff
- Style: Strap-in
- Cost: $$$
The Union Trilogy is the best women’s powder binding in the industry. These are a quality set of straps and will give you outstanding performance in deep snow.
Duraflex construction provides you with a binding that can take a beating in the backcountry and last for season after season of regular use.
3D aluminum heelcups keep your feet in place securely and comfortably, and you won’t need to worry about them sliding around.
EVA bushings and magnesium buckles will work effectively in deep snow and still allow you to get the perfect adjustments when you’re knee-deep in it.
These are a more aggressive binding and are not recommended for beginners.
==> You can also get it on Evo or Christy Sports or Backcountry.
How to Choose Powder Snowboard Bindings
Take a look at all of the following factors and keep them in mind when you decide which powder bindings to buy.
Flex
Powder riding can be demanding on both your body and your equipment. Deep snow conditions will require you to work hard for every turn in a way you might not be familiar with if you’ve only been on groomers.
That increase in difficulty means your bindings need to be able to provide excellent performance. A big part of that is their flex.
A stiffer flex is better for powder bindings because that gives you more power and control. Your bindings transfer power from your legs to your board and act somewhat like a car steering wheel.
In powder conditions, you want that steering to be tight, so you can make aggressive maneuvers and stay on top of the snow. Stiff bindings provide much better performance in deep snow than softer options.
Durability
Durability is also an important consideration when getting powder bindings.
Again, since fresh snow creates such demanding conditions, your bindings will go through a lot of stress. You need them to hold up over time and consistently perform at a high level.
All of the bindings listed here are strong and durable. Binding material varies from model to model, but it’s important always to check that the option you’re considering is built with durability in mind.
Straps/Ratchets for a Secure Fit
To handle powder conditions, you need bindings that offer a secure and stable fit. This is important because your board’s performance in deep snow is directly related to your ability to control it.
Without a secure fit, your boots will be loose in your bindings. This can decrease response and control. Though a little bit of looseness isn’t too dangerous, it can highly affect your performance as you ride.
The straps, buckles, and ratches built into your snowboard bindings are the most important factors when it comes to keeping your feet and boots secure.
The powder bindings listed here are all built with high-quality materials and secure fasteners that will keep your feet firmly in place when you ride in powder or any other condition.
FAQs
Here are some quick answers to a few common questions about powder bindings and riding.
What type of snowboard is best for powder?
A wider board with a more rockered profile is usually better for powder. This gives you more float and surface area to work with when you are riding. Some people like shorter boards for powder, as well.
Should I set my bindings back for powder?
If you want a board set up specifically for powder riding, then yes. A set-back stance will allow you to keep your nose up and out of the snow when conditions get deep.
Is a longer snowboard better for powder?
It depends on your preferences. I like a longer and wider board for my powder setup. It has more surface area to stay on top of the snow. But some riders I know like a shorter board.
Is it easier to ski or snowboard in powder?
I’d say that a snowboard is easier to ride in powder. It just feels more intuitive and natural since you only have to deal with a single piece of equipment strapped to your feet.
Useful Tips & Resources
Even though many snowboarders love riding in powder, it’s not always easy. You need to lean back on your board to stay on top of the snow. That can take some getting used to if you don’t have much experience. It can also slow you down.
On a good powder day, you won’t get in as many runs as you would when there’s no fresh snow. Check out this video for some more tips on how to best navigate powder conditions on your board.
My Verdict
My top choice for the best powder snowboard bindings is the Jones Mercury. These will give you the response, control, comfort, and flex you need to take advantage of deep snow when you are lucky enough to find a powder day.
All of the bindings listed here will help you ride powder. But even if you don’t have a powder setup when the big storm comes, don’t be afraid to dive right in. You can ride powder and have a great time doing so, with any type of equipment.
About Lorraine