Rear entry bindings are an easy-to-use option that is popular with beginner and intermediate riders. The benefit of this binding style is that you don’t have to mess around with straps and will be ready to ride faster.
I’ve been teaching people how to snowboard for the last ten years and love my winter job as a snowboarding instructor. I have used several rear entry bindings and know what to look for in the best options.
The Flow Nexus is my current favorite rear entry binding for the year. They have a solid construction and design that will help you ride strong all over the mountain.
I’ll show a few different options in this post so you can choose a rear entry binding that works best for your preferences or style of riding.
Let’s get after it.
Contents
Who Should Get This
Rear entry snowboard bindings are not the most popular style out there, but they are much easier to use than traditional models.
If you’ve ever struggled with your bindings while trying to strap in on a cold day, you know they can sometimes fight you more than helping you.
Rear entry bindings are designed to allow you to step in and out with relative ease. Traditional bindings have two straps that you need to secure on each foot before you begin to ride.
Rear entry simplifies things by utilizing a one-piece design to secure your boot to your board effectively. That makes the strap-in process considerably easier.
To Rear Entry Snowboard Bindings
If you want to get a good set of rear entry snowboard bindings, look at any of the options below.
1. Best Overall: Flow Nexus
- Best for: Overall
- Key features: Axis baseplate, versatile performance, high-quality construction, Fusion powerstraps
- Flex: Medium
- Style: Rear entry
- Cost: $$
The Flow Nexus is my current choice for the top rear entry snowboard binding. This is a solid binding all around and is versatile enough for many different ability levels and riding styles.
You’ll get excellent power transfer and response thanks to an AXIS series baseplate that mixes a nylon baseplate with an asymmetrical design for added balance.
Fusion PowerStraps and a locking slap ratchet keep your feet in place at all times when you are cruising anywhere on the mountain.
These can be a little difficult to get into if you have huge feet, but that’s true of any rear-entry option.
==> You can also get it on Evo or Backcountry or Curated.
2. Best All-Mountain: Flow Fenix
- Best for: All-Mountain
- Key features: All-mountain versatility, performance flex, canted bankbeds, reclining highback, active strap tech
- Flex: Medium
- Style: Rear entry
- Cost: $$
If you love the freedom of all-mountain riding and want a rear entry binding that can follow you anywhere you go, check out the Flow Fenix.
The Fenix has a medium flex that will provide solid performance in a variety of conditions. It also features the Axis baseplate for superior balance and excellent power transfer.
Canted footbeds help give you a customized fit, while EVA foam runs the length of the below foot area for added comfort.
Advanced riders might want a stiffer option, as the medium flex has its limits in very technical or challenging terrains.
==> You can also get it on Evo or Curated or PRFO Sports.
3. Best Women’s Option: Flow Omni Fusion
- Best for: Women
- Key features: Versatile performance, comfortable, easy to step into, FUSE-series baseplate, active strap tech
- Flex: Medium
- Style: Rear entry
- Cost: $$$
The Flow Omni Fusion is the best rear entry binding for women. It’s a solid option all around and is built to provide you with versatile performance in a range of different conditions.
Active strap technology keeps your feet in place and helps to enhance power transfer from your legs to your board. It’s an effective design that stands out for a rear entry option.
The highback reclines to allow easy access when you are ready to strap in. It’s built with a carbon-infused material that is super strong to provide support and comfort.
The FUSE-series baseplate has EVA foam footbeds for comfort and stability and helps allow for the responsive nature of the Omni.
These are relatively expensive compared to the other options on the list but still a highly recommended binding.
==> You can also get it on Evo or Christy Sports or Fun-sport-vision.
4. Best Freeride: Flow NX2-GT Hybrid
- Best for: Freeride
- Key features: Great for more advanced riders, N-gel cushioning, ATM.8 highback support panel, hybrid power strap.
- Flex: Stiff
- Style: Rear entry
- Cost: $$$
The Flow NX2-GT Hybrid is a solid choice for more experienced riders who want to charge freeride lines down the mountain. They have a stiffer flex than any of the other options above, and that’s great for increased performance.
The NX2 series baseplate is engineered to be lightweight while still providing plenty of stiffness. It makes the Hybrid the most responsive binding on the list.
N-Gel cushioning helps reduce vibration at high speeds and cushions your feet from impact after big airs or drops.
Hybrid power straps offer a tight and secure fit that is easy to get dialed in quickly. This provides impressive hold for a rear entry binding.
These are another pretty expensive binding option.
==> You can get it on Blue Tomato.
How to Choose Rear Entry Snowboard Bindings
Before you buy any of the bindings mentioned above, read through this section to make sure you make the right decision for your ability and riding style.
Are Rear Entry Bindings Right for You?
You may already know that you like or want rear entry bindings. If that’s the case, you can skip this paragraph. However, if you’re not sure what style of bindings are best for you, rear-entry might be the option to consider.
The most significant advantage of rear-entry bindings is that they are easy to use. This can be appealing to beginner riders or those who have ever struggled when using other types of bindings.
A disadvantage of rear-entry is that they will not allow for as much customized adjustment as traditional style bindings. With one strap instead of two, you cannot achieve independent adjustment of your toe and ankle straps at the level you can with traditional style bindings.
Durability
As with any type of binding, or any piece of snowboarding equipment, you want to get something that’s built to last. The harsh conditions your bindings will see out in the snow means they will take a lot of abuse. If you ride often, that becomes even more important to consider.
Look for quality materials, such as polycarbonate plastics, that are tough, durable, and able to withstand intense weather conditions without losing any durability or performance. That will allow you to ride to the best of your abilities and help you save money in the long run.
Flex
Flex is an important consideration as well. The term refers to how much give a binding will have when you put pressure on it while boarding.
A softer flex is better suited for beginners or those who like to play in the park or ride freestyle.
A stiffer flex translates to better response and high-end performance, making it good for advanced riders who demand a lot out of their equipment.
If you’re a somewhat experienced rider and don’t know your exact flex preference, I would suggest going with a medium flex. That will give you the ability to ride all over the mountain, from the park to deep powder, without missing a beat.
FAQs
Here are a few quick answers to some commonly asked questions about rear entry snowboard bindings.
Are rear entry snowboard bindings good?
Rear entry bindings are a good choice for beginner and intermediate riders. They can also work just fine for some advanced riders, but I typically like the fit and feel of strap-in style bindings over rear entry.
How do you use rear entry snowboard bindings?
Rear entry bindings are very easy to use. You slide your boot into the bindings from the top, similar to how you slide your feet into a boot. Once they are inside the straps, you pull the ratchets tight, and then you are ready to ride.
Are all Flow bindings rear entry?
Yes. At least every model that I’ve seen from the brand has been a rear entry style. Flow makes the best rear entry options in the industry, and that’s why they have swept this list.
Useful Tips & Resources
In addition to rear entry style bindings, there are two other common styles: traditional and step-on.
Traditional is the most popular, rear entry the second most, and step in the least common.
If you want to learn more about the differences between the three main styles of snowboard bindings, check out this video.
My Verdict
If you want to use rear entry bindings for your snowboarding setup, the Flow Nexus is a top option. Any of the Flow bindings you find on this list are highly recommended because they specialize in this style.
Rear entry snowboard bindings are an excellent option for those of you who want an easy way to strap in while on the slopes. They aren’t always the best choice for experienced riders who want a more customized fit, but they will work for beginners and intermediates alike.
About Lorraine
Nigel Mitchell
I usually rent equipment for my yearly trip but rear entry bindings are rarely an option. I did manage to get them a couple of times and they are definitely my preferred option so I am considering buying my own. Obviously Flow have an excellent reputation but I note that System rear entry are available and have good reviews despite the much lower price (£140 on Amazon.) Are you aware of any reasons not to buy System. (I think of myself as a solid intermediate boarder, able to get down most slopes though not necessarily with style.)
Lorraine
I’m not aware of any specific reason not to buy System bindings. I haven’t used them yet myself so can’t give you a personal recommendation, but I know they have a decent reputation and are a good option if you like to use rear-entry models. Hope that helps!
kat
Hello i would like to purchase these bindings but theyre all currently unavailable, and no upcoming date is shown. Do you know when they will be restocked? or any other sites that sell them?
Lorraine
I only saw two of them are unavailable right now. Not sure how Amazon manages the availabilities of these products. But if you can’t find it on Amazon, you can check out Evo or REI.