Best Snowboard Bindings

How to Find the Best Snowboard Bindings

Before looking at snowboard bindings buy boots. This is a must because you need to fit matching.

Select the correct snowboard binding and fight shy of potential setbacks. Be certain your bindings and your boots are compatible. If the binding is smaller than your boot, you may set yourself up for buckling complications or the binding could break because of the pressure build up. On the other hand, buying a binding that is too big for your snowboard boot will result in too much loose space. This can be an unsafe situation. More than anything, a snug fit is a security issue.

What binding is best for you? Suck it up and ask a store employee. They usually work on commission so will be happy to help you choose the best board bindings for your boot type. make sure to take your boots to the shop. This will reduce mismatch. If you can’t take your boots because you are buying on the web, it could be helpful if you know what brand, size and any other relevant information. attempt to contact the store via email and ask for their recomendations based upon the information you furnish.

Binding sizes vary greatly from manufacturer to manufacturer; so always try before you buy. The Internet provide comparison tables matching up sizes and brands. This helps you rule out mismatches.

Should I go with the Strap On or Step In style bindings? It is highly recommended that you use because they are the industry standard. Many stores stopped carrying the Step Ins because they are unreliable for tight turns.

In conclusion, matching the bindings with the proper boot/board combo is paramount. Ask around, make calls and check the charts. Then confidently purchase the perfect snowboard bindings.

How to Pick the Best Snowboard Jacket

There are a few serious riders boarders should consider when buying a new jacket: The Tri Layer System, Weatherproofing, and Style. Lets take a lookat at each one.

Respect The Tri Layer System to stay warm, dry and comfortable regardless of the conditions. The first layer keeps warmth close to the skin. It usually comes in the form of thermal underwear or spandex for all you pretty boys and girls. On top of that you throw on a warm sweater. I choose fleece because its light and always stays dry. The third layer is aptly called the shell. This is the jacket and where fashion and function meld into one.

A decent jacket protects you in three ways: keeps out the water, keeps out the wind, and allows air flow. Only buy coats that are waterproof at 120 to 150 centimeters. This means that a plastic tube is placed on the fabric and filled with a specified amount of water before bleeding through. If that amount is less than 120 then it’s no good, don’t buy it!

There are no specifications to look for when checking windproofing, but if it’s sufficiently waterproofed then it should keep the wind out.

Lastly, you need a jacket that breathes. When you start ripping it up the body sweats. You want the moisture out because it will freeze when you are stationary. A nice jacket will have fabric that releases that moisture into the air. How does a waterproof fabric let water in but not out? I don’t know, it just does. Ask Burton!

As far as style goes thats up to you. Buy some killer threads that match your personality. Just please don’t color coordinate to the point you look like a freakin magazine model…unless of course your personality is that of a complete douche bag. Done!

How to Make a Kick-Ass Snowboard Video

Making a decent video is not that hard. You will need a few things: a camera with a video feature, a computer with a free video editing program (they come with Windows and Mac), and some friends that are willing to crack sculls for a little YouTube recognition.

First, hit the slopes and make as much footage as possible. Record everything not just the cool shit. I mean everything, the bites, the conversations up the lift, the beer session afterward…everything! Don’t erase anything! It’s better to have hours and hours of useless footage than have to scrape or postpone until the next trip.

Ok, upload it to the computer! Now, find 20 songs that get you stoked for boarding and narrow them down to about 5 or 6 favorites. Obviously high energy tunes with splashy beats and peaks work the best.

Now you are ready to edit. Open up Windows Movie Maker or iMovie on the Mac. Both of these programs are capable of making some truly professional looking vids. I will not get into the technical aspects of how to use each program. Just play with them, it’s really not that difficult.

Your first scene will begin with music and show the car ride up, strapping on the boards, riding the first lift, etc. Also, use this part to introduce the characters in the video. The first riding shot will then start when the first song peaks. A song that starts out slow and then picks up quickly will work best. Follow this up with some sick moves, but not the best ones.

The next scene will be a compilation of tricks interspersed with high fives, hugs, chest bumps (for the dudes). This is where you want to start playing with all the cool features that are included with the video editing program. Play with fades, color shots and include some text.

Now, cut into some commentary. You can use a little music, but fade it in and out or keep it quiet in the background. Talk about the tricks, the cold or joke around. Just make it interesting or comical.

Next, get back to the tricks with fast music. Half way through this song start showing the wipe outs and the bone breakers. Screams and whining are always a good touch. End this section with the best tricks that you recorded, a big air, box slide or whatever.

How to Buy the Best Snowboard Boots.

Any serious rider who knows snowboarding has been asked the same important question multiple times: How the heck do I choose a snowboard boot. There are zillions options. It can be a daunting task for a rookie. Don’t worry, there are some rules that are universal.

First, decide on a max amount to spend. This is where some buyers make an error. If you have a total budget of $500 and you are looking to get a deck, bindings and boots, you may think about dividing the money equally. This might be a bad plan. A better notion would be to spend the largest amount of the allotted cash on quality boots and then use the rest for used bindings and a board. Ridiculous you say? It’s not. Your boots make or break a snowboarding experience. Never skimp on foundation because it could kill the day. Good boots are the key to a killer ride. If you are going to throw some dinero around, make it the boots.

Second, acknowledge your boarding approach. This is essential to boot picking and will limit your search. For park boarding, choose a softer boot. For mountain riding, a stiff boot can’t be beat. A soft boot in deep powder is very strenuous and lacks control, while a stiff boot in the park may cause gnarly landings.

Third, take into consideration how it fits. Make sure to try on boots before you buy them. Make sure that the snowboard boots don’t move around to much. It should be a fit snug, but not super tight. Boots will loosen up after a while and you don’t need a loose fit the third day out. You can get inserts if needed. This usually takes care of the issue.

Finally, options for lacing. There several things to look at There is the standard lacing, the BOA system, and Burton’s fast lace. Be aware of what’s out there so you get a good tight fit. Its all about preference.

Buying a nice pair of boots is essential. Just know your needs and ask around. When you do the research, you will find the perfect boots.

Burton P1 Bindings Best Prices Best Deals

I saw one website call the Burton P1 the “Lamborghini of Bindings”. I think that might be a little stretch. If you get the 2008 model you will spend around $150. Not bad for a quality Burton product. Don’t get me wrong they are great bindings for certain riders in certain situations. Lets review the reasons that some would want to buy P1 Bindings.

First, these bindings are super easy to get in and out. The unique strap system is called the SZ’s Speed Zone strap technology. You can use one hand to get a good snug strap down and the boot stays in place…no stress buckling…it’s nice.

Second, they have unique two-part baseplates that provide a soft buttery response that is great for intermediate boarders. This technology also gives good edge to edge control for freestyle or park riding.

Third, they are comfortable and durable. These babies can take a beating and at the same time give your boots a nice asian-style massage. It must be the Excalibur highback cushions.

So, to recap: The Burton P1 Bindings are great for intermediate and park riders due to softness and edging capabilities, but there are many reports of it them being a little to comfy for an aggressive big mountain rider.