Tl;dr: If you’re in the market for a new set of bindings, Ride Snowboards has some great equipment, here is a breakdown of the different styles they offer.

Hey, snow shredders! Prepare yourselves for an exhilarating journey into the cutting-edge world of snowboarding with the revolutionary 2024 Ride Snowboard Bindings. As a rider with 25+ years under my belt, I’ve tried it all. Growing up on the slopes of Utah’s Wasatch mountains shredding anytime I have the chance, trying out different equipment has become something of a hobby for me.

Beyond being mere gear, Ride bindings are your ticket to a realm of precision engineering, avant-garde design, and an unwavering commitment to elevating your snowboarding experience to unprecedented heights. So, buckle up and join us as we delve into the realm of innovation that defines the Ride Bindings of 2024.

What are Snowboarding Bindings & Who is Ride?

I want to quickly summarize for those of you new to the sport. Snowboard bindings are the tether to your fun pass. The lock securing your board to your feet. Having a great set of bindings can mean the difference between a miserable day and a trip to cloud nine. Bolting to the top of your snowboard, bindings strap your boots in for the ride. For the last 30 years, Ride Snowboards has been developing snowboards and snowboard equipment that keep you on the mountain with innovative designs and top-notch manufacturing.

What to Consider Before Buying Your Bindings

Before setting your heart on that awesome-looking set of bindings, you must first ask yourself:

How much should I spend?

Bindings come in all sizes, colors, and styles. Your average set of bindings starts in the low $100 to $200 range and can go as high as $1,000. Ride Snowboard bindings tend to run at an affordable price of around $250.

Do I want traditional or step on bindings?

In 2017, Burton introduced the step on binding, giving riders the ability to ditch the straps and opt for a quicker way of securing their boot to the binding. As cool as this method is, there are some trade-offs to consider. You can read about those in An Expert Guide to the Different Types of Snowboard Bindings. The more traditional option is bindings that use straps to secure your foot to the board. Traditional style bindings have benefits all their own and it’s up to each rider to consider those differences.

How much flex do I need?

Flex in snowboard bindings refers to the amount of flexibility in the high back of the binding as well as the footbed. The flex ratings range from soft flexing to medium flexing, and finally stiff flexing. When considering how much flex you need, know that the flex of the binding directly relates to the control of the board. To learn more about flex check out this article by Gaelen Mast: Stiff vs. Soft Snowboard Bindings: Which is Best for You?

What are the Different Types of Ride Bindings?

With the exception of the A-BC splitboard binding, Ride offers mainly two types of bindings for men and women with their own unique construction. Let's dissect the key features that set the A-Series and C-Series apart, starting with their core building blocks – the materials.

The A-Series

The A-Series performance Chassis has an aluminum construction that offers a unique blend of strength and flexibility with an ultra-light footbed, with the durability of aluminum and minimum weight. Engineered to flex seamlessly under your weight, this chassis promises a highly reactive and dynamic riding experience. As you navigate the slopes, the A-Series Chassis becomes an extension of your movements, ensuring unparalleled control and responsiveness.

Benefits:

• Stronger more durable aluminum base
• Composite ladder
• Aluminum ratchet

Be Aware:

• Less flex in the footbed

Ride Examples: Ride A-4, Ride A-8

The C-Series

On the flip side, we have the C-Series performance Chassis. This chassis combines an extruded aluminum heel cup with a composite tray, which makes it very comfortable. The aluminum heel cup, a testament to Ride's commitment to performance, allows you to leverage exceptional toe-heel response enabling you to carve through the snow with more precision. Meanwhile, the composite base tray introduces an element of smoothness and comfort to your ride.

Benefits:

• Composite footbed and nylon highback allow more flexibility
• Aluminum heel cup improves responsiveness

Be Aware:

• Softer flex
• Less durable than full aluminum construction

Ride Examples: Ride C-2, Ride Women’s CL-4

Features to Look for When Buying Snowboarding Bindings

Here are a few things to look for when considering what type of equipment to buy: style, quality, durability, flexibility and performance, and construction materials.

Style

One thing I look at first is style; having that eye-catching look is a must, but a great-looking binding isn’t the only thing to think about when making that purchase. Ride bindings come in many colors and styles within the A-Series and C-Series categories.

Quality

Quality of materials and quality of manufacturing should be your number one priority when looking for new equipment. Bindings made using plastic for critical components are usually no good. Look for Aluminum or composite free of flaws.

Durability

Durability is a necessity, where quality and style come together. Durable bindings will hold up through the punishment inflicted by hundreds of runs down your favorite mountain resorts.

Flex and Performance

The flex rating of a binding refers to the flexibility of the highback (the plastic plate that pushes against a rider's calf and the tray that cradles your boot. There are three flex categories: Soft flex, Medium flex, and Stiff flex.

Construction and Materials

Most bindings are made from a combination of Aluminum and Composite materials. The materials are both very strong and durable, and each type has its advantages. You’ll want to stay away from bindings with plastic components, and these tend to fail more often.

How to Choose the Right Ride Bindings for You

The ability to shop online is amazing, but be sure to do your research before committing. With all the different things to consider when looking at new bindings, your riding style and personal preferences are going to drive you to the right binding type. Be sure to look at flex rating and responsiveness as well as comfortability and ease of use when shopping for that new set of bindings. Below, I have described three riders whose gear I’ve helped find to take their riding to the next level.

Dave: A beginner with lots to learn

Dave is a beginner snowboarder who likes to carve down the groomers and isn’t quite up to the park life yet. He’s only been snowboarding for two seasons and using hand-me-down gear. This year, Dave just bought a new board based on recommendations of his buddy who’s been snowboarding for years. He is now looking to buy bindings for his brand-new setup.

Features Dave should look for:

• Bindings with medium flex
• Aluminum ratchets
• Composite ladders
• Largely adjustable features

Ride Example: Ride A-4

Allan: An avid park rider looking to upgrade

Allan has been riding for years. His love of the terrain park is only surpassed by his love of his equipment. Allan recently broke his binding after taking a nasty spill on a handrail. He is now looking into Ride snowboards for his new set.

Features Allan should look for:

• Durable Aluminum Construction
• Softer flex
• Aluminum ratchets

Ride Example: Ride C-6

Sarah: All mountain snow bunny just out for fun

Sarah likes to cruise all over the mountain. She’s looking for bindings that will take her anywhere she decides to point her board. From tree runs to the park, Sarah needs an all-around workhorse.

Features Sarah should look for:

• Medium flexibility
• Three-piece ankle strap
• Aluminum ratchets

Ride Example: Ride CL-4

Find the Right Ride Bindings for You

So, whether you're drawn to the versatile charm of the A-Series or enticed by the freestyle freedom of the C-Series, Ride's 2024 bindings promise an unforgettable ride. As Ride says, “We didn’t set out to reinvent the binding – We set out to perfect it.” Remember that both the A-Series and C-Series come in multiple variations with a look and fit that’s right for you. So, strap in, embrace the future, and let the mountain be your playground! Your journey into the world of Ride Bindings is not just an adventure; it's an exploration of joy, innovation, and the boundless possibilities that await on the snowy slopes. May your ride be epic and your experiences unforgettable!

If you need any additional information on Ride bindings or anything else snowboarding-related, please feel free to reach out to any Curated Snowboard Expert!