Expert Review: Arbor Spruce Snowboard Bindings · 2022
This review is my honest opinion of the snowboard bindings, which I purchased with my own money in November of 2021.
Coasting out of the terrain park at Snow Bowl, AZ. A perfect binding for someone needing All-Mountain performance at an affordable price! All photos courtesy of Matt Johnson
About this Review: This review is my honest opinion of the snowboard bindings, which I purchased with my own money in November of 2021.
My take
The Arbor Spruce Snowboard Bindings are the first pair of bindings I have ever purchased. These bindings are extremely versatile and responsive on every terrain I’ve ridden on (park, trees, deep pow pow, groomers, etc). They are an absolute steal at their retail price, especially for beginners looking to have a pair of bindings that will function as their skills progress.
About to drop into the Whistler park. These bindings are responsive in the park and even the powder!
About the bindings I own
- Model: Arbor Spruce Snowboard Bindings - 2022/2023
- Size: Medium/Large
- Burton channel compatible: Yes
- Mini disc: No
About me
- Height: 6’0”
- Weight: 175lbs
- Experience: 2 years of snowboarding
Test conditions
- When I bought these: November 2021
- Days tested: 10 days on the mountain (one season)
- Board: Arbor Formula Camber 2022
- Boot: Ride Anthem Size 10
- Where I’ve used it: Snowbowl, AZ; Whistler, BC
- Terrain: Groomers, Park, Powder
How they perform
What I was looking for
I was searching for a binding that was versatile enough to ride the whole mountain and wouldn’t put a hole in my pocket.
Why I chose this gear
I decided on this binding because of the price point and to match my bindings with my Arbor board. Arbor offers a lifetime warranty on baseplates, which is another great perk. I considered purchasing Burton Step-ons, but ultimately went with these because I didn’t want to have to buy a new pair of boots (Burton Step-Ons only work with specific boots).
Look at this sick view (and sick bindings). Extremely versatile, these bindings are responsive enough to use when riding through the trees
What I love about them
- Binding adjustability in boots: The straps can be adjusted in any way I need, making it easy to find the perfect fit.
- Stance adjustability: The baseplate comes with a universal 4x4 disc, which makes making micro-adjustments to find my perfect stance angle or stance width extremely easy.
- Comfort: These bindings took me a few days to “break in.” During this period, my feet went through some pain; however, this can be avoided if one knows their proper stance. After I found my proper stance and foot angles, these bindings have been comfy.
- Shock absorption: These bindings have been awesome at helping absorb the impact of my jumps. The footbed is also constructed of a textured rubber that helps take the brunt of hits.
- Carving: The medium flex of these bindings offers great stability when carving. As I continue to progress in my carving, these bindings haven’t disappointed me at all.
- Ease of turn initiation: I have found turn initiation extremely easy with these bindings. This is handy when I’m looking to get some deep carves or maneuver my way through trees.
- Buttering: I am still new to buttering, but these bindings have straps that are very secure and responsive to my movements.
- Straps: At first, these bindings were causing me issues, but after I realized I was tightening them way too tight, I haven’t had any issues or pain since.
- Buckles: The straps on these bindings are extremely easy to ratchet down. Most of the time, I don’t even have to take off my mittens. I haven’t experienced the buckles shifting at all while I ride.
- Durability: The Spruce bindings are constructed from sturdy plastic and aluminum ratchets. They also come with an Arbor warranty that will replace the baseplate for a lifetime.
- Weight: Thanks to the sturdy plastic build, these bindings are lightweight and don’t add much weight to my setup. This can be a plus if one is looking to spend time riding the park and hitting features.
Issues I’ve encountered
- Responsiveness: These are medium flex bindings, which are perfect for me as an all-mountain rider. For a medium-flex binding, these have been very responsive. I can ride through trees in deep powder with no issues. However, if one plans on focusing on carving or backcountry, they may want a stiffer binding.
Favorite moment with this gear
My favorite memory with the Arbor Spruce bindings was my first trip to Whistler last year. I could ride all the terrains put in front of me—trees, the park, groomers, deep powder, etc.—thanks to the versatility of these bindings. They have been very responsive, making them good for carving and riding trees, but the medium flex offers some give, so I don't fall from minor movements.
Value for the money vs. other options
I haven't found another binding on the market at this price point that offers the quality and versatility of the Arbor Spruce bindings. I considered Burton Step Ons but decided against it to save some cash. Also, I was not too fond of the boot options there. Nevertheless, I’m happy with my purchase.
Final verdict
If you’re looking for a pair of bindings that won’t cost an arm and a leg and will still deliver great performance, you don’t have to look further than the Arbor Spruce bindings. These really do it all, and at an amazing price
