Snowboard bindings have come a long way from pieces of plastic and EVA foam hastily slapped together. With bindings being better than ever it was hard to pick our favorites, but these five rode on a level above the rest.
Now - IPO
The Now IPO is turning heads this year with its hinge technology that used to be exclusive to Burton. To our liking, the Now’s hinge style is thought out in a totally different direction. The “kingpin” hinge is designed to allow you to transfer your energy by offering a slight flex in the base plate. This pays of big with the stiffest of boards, and helps the day last a lot longer when you're out for the perfect carve. Additionally, the rubber bushings might seem like a simple touch, but for the rider that likes to leave the ground, your feet are going to thank you with every landing. Finally, the high back is actually removable, so f you feel like riding the old-fashioned way, the Now is responsive enough to ditch the high back and ride away.
MSRP: $216.95
Flow - NX2-RS
Flow hasn’t necessarily been known for ultra-comfortable snowboard bindings, but their new padding gives you better shock absorption than previous models, making it one of our favorites this year. The classic entire top foot cover can take some getting used to, but those who know Flow swear by it. The 2012/2013 NX2 has some added responsiveness from last year's lines. We certainly appreciate that, especially for the $300+ investment.
MSRP: $319.95
K2 – Cinch CTX
Since it's inception, the K2 Cinch line has been one of the most popular alternative entry style bindings. For a little less cash, you'll enjoy any of K2's three Cinch models for 2012/2013 (CTX, CTS, CTC),but the high-end CTX model is worth the extra coin. The easy-in, easy-out style gets you in front of the rest of the pack when there's untouched snow be shredded. At first check, they'll feel to be on the heavier side, but for those that just want to get some epic turns in, the difference is negligible. Step in, pop the high backs up, and rip.
MSRP: $299.96
Burton – Genesis
The Burton Genesis is one of the finest middle-of-the-road bindings on the market this year, and easily one of our new favorites in the Burton line. They're not ultra responsive, but smooth enough to make the ride enjoyable. Like most Burton bindings, the Genesis is super comfortable, and the ankle straps are top-tier in comfort. The padding below your feet is superb for the bumpy or firm runs, so “Jersey Powder” heads will absolutely love this binding.
MSRP: $299.95
Ride – Maestro
The Ride Maestro binding is as close to “the perfect freeride binding” as it gets. The “microdisc” baseplate is meant to get more of your foot off the board, making it very responsive. Don't get ahead of yourselves and ride them on an ultra-stiff board—the Maestro is more about comfort than flexibility. In fact, the soft high back and foot padding are what put this on our radar in the first place, and for the all-mountain rider, this board is sure to let you enjoy an entire day on the slopes.
MSRP: $299.95
Now - IPO
The Now IPO is turning heads this year with its hinge technology that used to be exclusive to Burton. To our liking, the Now’s hinge style is thought out in a totally different direction. The “kingpin” hinge is designed to allow you to transfer your energy by offering a slight flex in the base plate. This pays of big with the stiffest of boards, and helps the day last a lot longer when you're out for the perfect carve. Additionally, the rubber bushings might seem like a simple touch, but for the rider that likes to leave the ground, your feet are going to thank you with every landing. Finally, the high back is actually removable, so f you feel like riding the old-fashioned way, the Now is responsive enough to ditch the high back and ride away.
MSRP: $216.95
Flow - NX2-RS
Flow hasn’t necessarily been known for ultra-comfortable snowboard bindings, but their new padding gives you better shock absorption than previous models, making it one of our favorites this year. The classic entire top foot cover can take some getting used to, but those who know Flow swear by it. The 2012/2013 NX2 has some added responsiveness from last year's lines. We certainly appreciate that, especially for the $300+ investment.
MSRP: $319.95
K2 – Cinch CTX
Since it's inception, the K2 Cinch line has been one of the most popular alternative entry style bindings. For a little less cash, you'll enjoy any of K2's three Cinch models for 2012/2013 (CTX, CTS, CTC),but the high-end CTX model is worth the extra coin. The easy-in, easy-out style gets you in front of the rest of the pack when there's untouched snow be shredded. At first check, they'll feel to be on the heavier side, but for those that just want to get some epic turns in, the difference is negligible. Step in, pop the high backs up, and rip.
MSRP: $299.96
Burton – Genesis
The Burton Genesis is one of the finest middle-of-the-road bindings on the market this year, and easily one of our new favorites in the Burton line. They're not ultra responsive, but smooth enough to make the ride enjoyable. Like most Burton bindings, the Genesis is super comfortable, and the ankle straps are top-tier in comfort. The padding below your feet is superb for the bumpy or firm runs, so “Jersey Powder” heads will absolutely love this binding.
MSRP: $299.95
Ride – Maestro
The Ride Maestro binding is as close to “the perfect freeride binding” as it gets. The “microdisc” baseplate is meant to get more of your foot off the board, making it very responsive. Don't get ahead of yourselves and ride them on an ultra-stiff board—the Maestro is more about comfort than flexibility. In fact, the soft high back and foot padding are what put this on our radar in the first place, and for the all-mountain rider, this board is sure to let you enjoy an entire day on the slopes.
MSRP: $299.95
