How To Put Bindings On Snowboard - 7 Simple Steps
Bindings are easy to set up. All you will need is a screwdriver. However, you must know a few key factors before you start. Getting your width, angle, and stance right will enhance your comfort level and slope performance.
Before you start, check the board to binding compatibility. If you purchase any bindings, the type of board connectors they can be attached to will be indicated (4X2, 4X4, 3D, channel). See detailed explanation further.
Let's jump into the article, where you will learn all you need to know before mounting snowboard bindings and the 8 easy-how-to steps you need to follow to install snowboard bindings.
Goofy Stance or Regular Stance - Step 1
The first thing you need to do when getting on the board for the first time is to find out what your front leg is. Which leg is in front of you when you're going downhill?
- How do I find out if I'm regular or goofy?
Just do the "push test". Ask a friend to give you a surprise push from behind. You will put your front foot forward to avoid the fall. When it's left foot, you're a regular rider; when it's right foot, you're a goofy rider. Repeat the test a couple of times to be sure.
- If your answer is left foot, you are a regular rider.
A board's left binding (front) is placed at the tip (nose), and it's right binding (rear foot) is at the tail.
- If your answer is right foot, you are a goofy rider.
A board's right binding (front) is placed at the tip (nose), and its left binding (rear foot) is at the tail.
Snowboard Binding Position - Step 2
The next step is to determine where your bindings should be placed. Depending on whether you're riding a twin, directional, or asymmetric snowboard, there is a slight difference in how you should set up your bindings. It is best to start with the snowboard's "Recommended Stance", which is marked on the board. Snowboard manufacturers usually recommend a centered stance.
Centered stance
Your bindings should be symmetrical between the nose and tail of your board. A centered stance allows beginners to have equal nose and tail lengths for maximum control. In addition, advanced freestyle riders prefer a centered stance for ease of landing tricks and switching.
Setback stance
Rather than being symmetrical between the nose and tail, in a setback stance, bindings are shifted toward the tail. Positioning your bindings towards the tail of your board will help you ride in powder since it's easier to keep the nose above the snow. It is also a favorite stance among aggressive all-mountain riders because it adds energy in aggressive turns on hardpack.
An important note: Bindings should never be mounted closer to the nose than the tail.
By using Burton's Channel system and Burton EST Bindings, you can get the perfect fit by simply sliding the binding until it feels right. Additionally with the channel system, if you decide to spend some time off-piste in the middle of the day, you can move from a centered stance to a setback stance in a matter of seconds. You can find a screwdriver everywhere on the slopes near the chairlift lifts.
Snowboard Stance Width - Step 3
The width of your stance determines - how well you can control your snowboard and how comfortable you feel during riding.
Most riders feel comfortable with a stance that is a bit wider than the width of their shoulders. If you select the correct snowboard size, the binding position will typically be very close to the manufacturer's suggested binding position.
There is no right or wrong distance when it comes to the width of your stance, it's about your personal preference. The wider your stance, the more stable you will be on your board.
The most important thing is to feel comfortable. You will find reference points on the top sheet of most snowboards, which is a great starting point.
Snowboard stance width chart:
| Height (inch) | Height (cm) | Stance (inch) | Stance (cm) |
| <5'1'' | 155 cm | 17-19'' | 43-48 cm |
| 5'2'' - 5'4'' | 156-163 cm | 19-21'' | 48-54 cm |
| 5'5'' - 5'8'' | 164 - 172 cm | 20-22'' | 48-56 cm |
| 5'9'' - 6' | 173 - 184 cm | 21-23'' | 53-58 cm |
| 6'1'' - 6'4'' | 185 - 193 cm | 22-24'' | 56-61 cm |
| 6'4'' + | 193 cm | 23-25'' | 58-64 cm |
Snowboard Stance Angles - Step 4
For long-term riding comfort, the proper binding angles of your snowboard stance are crucial. If misaligned, you can put an unnecessary and painful strain on calves and knees, leading to shorter or less enjoyable days! Fortunately, it's simple to adjust with a mounting disc in the center – look for dash marks along your binding baseplate. Then align them according to what works best for you.
The most popular setup among beginner riders is a 'duck' stance, where your binding angle outward slightly. Start off duck stance is a very safe choice, and slowly make adjustments to reach the sweet spot between comfort and performance: try around up to -5 degrees on the back foot and up to +15 on the front foot. But bear in mind that extreme binding angles can put a strain on knees, so avoid going past -21°. Remember, it's all about finding what works best for YOU!
So, how to set up snowboard bindings for different terrain ?
Beginner snowboard stance
The best snowboard stance for beginners is the duck stance. Each foot should be angled opposite the other. Your front binding may be angled at approximately +15 degrees, while your rear binding may be angled at approximately -6 degrees. A duck stance allows you to distribute your weight better on your snowboard, making you feel more stable.
All-mountain snowboard stance:
In all-mountain snowboarding, various terrains are used, including the backcountry. A slight forward stance lean or even a moderate duck stance works well for all-mountain snowboarding. In this case, the lead foot will be at an angle of +18 degrees while the back foot will be -6 degrees. Other options include the front foot being between +15 and +18 degrees and the back foot between -9 to +6 degrees.
Freestyle snowboard stance:
Most freestylers favor the mirror duck stance. Each leg is set at 15 degrees, the front leg at +15 degrees, and the back leg at -15 degrees. Because your weight is evenly distributed over the board, this stance is ideal for riding backward and for tricks and rotations. The other options are +15/+18 on the front leg and between -9 and -15 on the back leg.
Freeride snowboard stance:
If you're a freerider, we recommend a bit narrower stance. You can achieve this by mounting both bindings at a positive stance angle. When you are in this position, you can apply more pressure to the edges during turns. Combining this with a slight setback, you have a perfect stance for powder rides.
The options are between +18 and +21 degrees in the front, between +3 and +9 degrees in the back.
Snowboard binding angles chart
| Terrain | Front Leg | Rear Leg |
| Beginner (duck stance) | +15° | -6° |
| All-mountain | +15° : +18° | -9° : +6° |
| Freestyle | +15° : +18° | -9° : -15° |
| Freeride | +18° : +21 ° | +3° : +9° |
Binding Types - Step 5
Snowboard bindings come in three types, and here's what you need to know about each of them:
Step on snowboard bindings:
A step-on binding (or as many people call them, step-in bindings), such as the K2 Clicker Bindings or the Burton Step On Bindings. The bindings are only compatible with the same brand of snowboard step-on boots. Boots and bindings can't be bought separately; they must be bought together. Step-on bindings are incredibly convenient. All you have to do is slide your feet in and lock your heels. I personally ride Burton's step-on, and I love them so much! There is a little caveat: they are less durable over time, and you shouldn't use them in deep snow. However, step-on bindings deserve their own article.
Rear entry snowboard bindings:
Due to the single strap on the toe and the tall, reinforced back of rear-entry bindings, you can easily distinguish them from other types. There is an opening in the back, called a highback, and you place your foot in it. After that, you lock the high back, and you're done. Probably the most popular rear entry binding are Nexus Fusion.
Snowboard binding with straps:
Among the three types of bindings, snowboards with straps are the most common. You insert your foot, adjust the straps until your boot feels snug in the binding, and you're ready to go skiing. It is a very simple system and long-lasting system because you can replace the snowboard binding straps for no money.
Bindings Mechanics - Step 6
Types of Snowboard Mounting Systems
Several different types of snowboard mounting systems are available. Here are some of the most common snowboard mounting hole patterns:
4X4 pattern
2 rows of holes are arranged in a 4x4 pattern, with each row separated by 4cm and each hole in each row separated by 4cm. There was a time when snowboarding was popular with 4x4 systems, but they have mostly disappeared nowadays.
4X2 pattern
This is the most popular option nowadays. Each row of holes in the 4x2 pattern is 4 cm apart, while each hole in each row is 2 cm apart. Typically, there are 6-8 holes per row. Non-Burton snowboards are now most commonly mounted with the 4x2 pattern. In order to mount each binding, four screws are required.
3D pattern
Each end of the snowboard has eight holes arranged in overlapping triangles. Three screws are used to mount each binding (in a triangle). The 3D pattern was included on Burton's boards manufactured before 2014. The 3D hole pattern is unique to Burton snowboards, but it's old and no longer used.
The Channel
In 2014, Burton's channel system replaced the 3D pattern with two parallel slots (one for each binding). A nearly infinite number of binding mounting options are available. The bindings can be adjusted without the limitations of a four-screw pattern using only two screws per binding.
Types of snowboard binding interfaces
The binding interface is basically the plastic detail that attaches the snowboard to the bindings
4x4 Baseplates
Standard round 4x4 baseplates are the most common non-Burton binding mounting interface and are compatible with 4x2, 4x4, and snowboards featuring The Channel.
3D Baseplates
There are only Burton snowboards manufactured prior to 2014 that can fit round 3D baseplates.
Re:Flex Baseplates
Designed to be mounted on 3D, 4x2 (not for 4x4), and snowboards with The Channel, Burton's Re:Flex binding baseplates are considered universal.
EST - Extra Sensory Technology
Extra Sensory Technology, or EST bindings, is a mounting system that is unique to Burton bindings. Bindings designed exclusively for The Channel are not compatible with 4x2, 4x4, or 3D hole patterns.
Mounting Snowboard Bindings - Step 7
Once you know your stance, your binding position, the stance width, and the angles, you know the type of your binding, the binding mounting systems, and the interface baseplates that connects it to the board - now it's the time to install the snowboard bindings.
Mount the snowboard bindings baseplate loosely with two or four screws (depending on the model). Remeasure your stance width and tighten the screws with a screwdriver. To make sure the screws aren't loosening up, recheck them after a day of riding.
Now it's time to adjust your binding highbacks to the board. The highback should be aligned with the heelside edge as much as possible, so loosen the binding chassis screws and twist the highback to align it. Retighten the screws while keeping the highback in its new position.
Last but not least, if you look at the back of the highback, you should see a lean-forward adjustment. When you lean forward, your calves are literally pushed forward, forcing you to bend your knees and get lower. Some prefer zero-forward lean, and others like it kicked up a notch. It all depends on what you prefer and how you ride.