TL;DR: In this article, I’ll be covering everything there is to know about Arbor bindings. From showcasing the different types of bindings, to delving into their unique technology, stay tuned until the end to find out how YOU can get the best pair of bindings for your setup.

As a Curated Snowboard Expert, and someone who has snowboarded all over the country, I often find myself thinking about what gear ought to receive more attention from customers. While I have never owned an Arbor snowboard, I have used a pair of their bindings (and let me tell you, the hype is real). So, let’s dive into the nitty gritty of Arbor bindings.

Who is Arbor?

Arbor Collective is a brand that every snowboarder should know. Whether you ride one of their boards or sport a pair of their bindings, patrons of this renowned brand have all experienced their high quality. Like Burton, Salomon, Capita, and Lib Tech, Arbor is one of the best snowboarding manufacturers on the planet.

Since 1995, Arbor has manufactured beloved snowboards and skateboards. Headquartered in Venice, California, the brand vows to make its products with care, employing sustainable methods and using quality materials.

Different Types of Arbor Bindings

Like most snowboard brands, Arbor makes different kinds of bindings that are designed for any gender, ability level, budget, and type of riding. All of the bindings Arbor manufactures are traditional systems that cinch the rider’s feet/boots to the snowboard for perfect harmony. Additionally, all bindings are technically “unisex,” unless otherwise stated. Let’s take a look!

Arbor Hemlock Bindings

The Hemlock bindings are Arbor’s “mid-range” bindings. They aren’t Arbor’s cheapest bindings, but they’re not the most expensive, either. They are a fantastic combination of high performance and comfort. With various editions to choose from, these bindings offer a flexible and comfortable design. This setup would be ideal for any all-mountain rider who enjoys hitting up the terrain park.

Arbor Cypress Bindings

The Arbor Cypress snowboard bindings are made for snowboarders looking for a more stable ride. Built for performance, these bindings feature a stiffer, more supportive highback. These bindings are perfect for high speeds and advanced terrain. If I were a beginner, I’d steer clear of these bindings until I was up to par, skill-wise.

Arbor Spruce Bindings

The Arbor Spruce snowboard bindings are designed for anything and everything. These all-terrain bindings are ideal for comfort, progression, and performance. These bindings offer comfort and performance at a modest price. I’d recommend these bindings to just about anyone, although maybe not backcountry riders.

Arbor Sequoia Bindings

These women’s bindings are designed for high performance and comfort all over the mountain. With various editions, these bindings feature a medium flex design that will satisfy any all-mountain snowboarder. They are Abor’s most expensive and (arguably) best women’s binding.

Arbor Acacia Bindings

These women’s all-mountain bindings offer tons of feel and maneuverability. Their lightweight and soft flex design makes them an ideal binding for both beginners and park rats. Their ergonomic, pre-curved ankle strap also offers supreme comfort.

Arbor Sapling Bindings

This is a pair of kids' bindings, perfect for any young rider looking to tear up the outdoors. These bindings are great for taking their snowboard game to the next level.

Arbor Bindings Technology

Arbor has 6 different types of bindings, and some use different technology than others. These tech features make the bindings more rider-friendly, as well as enhance performance. The Hemlock, Cypress, and Sequoia are the brand’s best-selling bindings, so they get most of the advanced tech.

System X Baseplate

Arbor’s baseplate “limits the binding’s direct contact with the board to the disk and convergence zones.” This means that it creates a more natural flex feeling underfoot, eliminates flat spots, and helps the binding-to-board experience to feel less stiff. This baseplate system enhances heel-to-toe turning and helps you hit those hard angles. All baseplates come with a lifetime warranty!

Bindings that use the System X Baseplate: Hemlock, Cypress, and Sequoia

The other bindings on this list use a lightweight single mold baseplate for their binding system, which is your run-of-the-mill bindings baseplate.

System X Outsole

The System X Outsole is made from a special TPE Rubber, which dampens high-frequency chatter and acts as a cushion between the snowboarder and the board. This tech is best used by high-performance riders and tricksters due to its ability to suppress heavy landings and impacts.

Bindings that use the System X Outsole: Hemlock, Cypress, and Sequoia

BioStrap

Arbor’s Cypress and Sequoia bindings utilize their all-new plant-based BioStrap. These low-profile heel and toe straps are strong, durable, and made of sustainable materials (the first of their kind, according to the manufacturer). According to Arbor, they use wood and bamboo from “well-managed” forests. These bindings are designed for outdoor equity and the coldest conditions.

Bindings that use the BioStrap: Cypress and Sequoia

Asymmetrical HighBacks

All Arbor bindings come with asymmetrical highbacks. What are those? Basically, it means there is a left and a right highback designed for your specific footwear (so don’t mix them up!). Arbor highbacks come with 5º pre-rotation for freedom of movement and an ergonomic feel.

Ankle, Toe, and Bow Strap Adjusters

Riders can adjust the ankle and toe straps without any tools! Simply flip, twist, and adjust. The bow-strap adjuster conveniently swings away from the highback, making binding entry easy and accessible.

What to Consider When Buying Arbor Bindings

Just like when you’re buying a new snowboard, it’s important to know whether your bindings fit your riding style. Additionally, do they fit your budget? Take a look at these considerations:

What Bindings Should I Buy For All-Mountain Riding?

Arbor’s arsenal of bindings does fairly well across the board for all-mountain riding. The Hemlock offers supreme maneuverability, the Cypress offers unbeatable performance, and the Spruce is affordable yet versatile. All are well-suited for an all-mountain snowboarder. In the women’s department, the Acacia bindings are the best option for all-mountain bindings.

What Bindings Should I Buy For the Terrain Park?

If you’re a freestyle enthusiast like me, you are going to want a pair of bindings that offer lots of terrain maneuverability. The Hemlock bindings are the best choice. However, the Spruce bindings and the Acacia bindings (for women) are good alternatives, as well.

What Bindings Should I Buy For High-Performance Riding?

For riders looking for performance, speed, and overall stability, the Cypress bindings will do the trick with a suitable freeride design. These are Arbor’s most performance-intensive bindings, and they will do just fine off-piste and in the backcountry. The Sequoia bindings (for women) are a great choice, too.

What Bindings Should I Buy on a Budget?

I’ll admit, I try my best to save money when I can. The Spruce bindings are Arbor’s most affordable pair of bindings. That said, they are still reliable, high-caliber bindings. I have used these bindings before and can attest to their astounding quality. If you are a first-time buyer, I would highly recommend this pair. They suppress foot fatigue and offer a more natural foot feel than most bindings at this price.

Choosing the Right Arbor Bindings

Now that you know almost everything there is to know about Arbor bindings, it’s time to make a decision. Choosing the right pair of bindings is crucial to your riding experience. Let’s take a look at some examples of different types of riders, and my bindings recommendations for them, to help you make YOUR decision:

Winston: Seasoned Rider & Park Rat

Winston is a seasoned rider and gets 20+ days at Winter Park every year. He rides a true twin snowboard with a hybrid camber profile. He gets lots of air when he hits jumps, and needs to feel secure on his board while testing his limits. While he enjoys riding all over the mountain, he spends most of his time doing park laps, jumping, grinding, jibbing, and doing butters.

Features Winston should look for:

• Bindings with maneuverability, responsiveness, flexibility, durability, and stability
• High-quality bindings to complement his aggressive riding style

Bindings to consider: 2024 Arbor Hemlock Snowboard Bindings

Esther: Snowboarding Newbie

This is Esther’s first time on a snowboard! She is going to Jackson Hole with her family to make some fresh tracks, and isn’t sure how she’ll fare strapping into a pair of Arbor bindings. Esther rides a true twin snowboard with a rocker profile. Since her board is designed for beginners, she needs bindings that are designed for her riding style, too. Oh, and her favorite color is purple!

Features Esther should look for:

• Bindings that are ideal for all-mountain riding
• Bindings with a single-mold baseplate that are simple, comfortable, and durable

Bindings to consider: 2024 Arbor Acacia Snowboard Bindings (Lavender edition!)

Find the Best Arbor Bindings For You

Arbor has lots of bindings for you to choose from. If you are unsure which pair is best for you, think about your riding style and the conditions you prefer to ride in, and then go from there. The bindings listed above, though suited for everything, do best when used how they’re intended. For example, the Cypress is designed for high-performance riding, while the Hemlock is Arbor’s most versatile binding, and the Sequoia bindings are the brand’s best women’s bindings (also performance-driven).

Choosing a pair of bindings that is right for you can be difficult. Talking to a real person who shares the same passion as you can make a difference—so if you’re still looking for help finding the perfect pair of bindings for you, chat with a Curated Winter Sports Expert for free, personalized advice. Happy tracks!