Snowboard Bindings

The selection of a suitable binding is easier than the choice of the board. The Plate Binding is adustable in size. They are best used with hard shoes. The plate bindings are usually entered from a front binding. WIth this binding, an optimal transfer of energy onto the board is achieved. Plate bindings are used mainly in alpine snowboarding.

The shell or soft binding is used for freestyle and the half-pipe mainly. A soft boot is worn with the binding allowing a high degree of flexibility on the board. Adjustable buckles guarantee an even distribution of pressure and attach the boots to the board.

As regards the safety aspect, injuries when using ski boots are most frequently of the knee, including ligaments and cartilage. When soft boots are worn, the injuries tend to be more around the ankle. The ankle injuries are easier to treat and generally heal faster. Beginners injuries tend to be more in the knee and ankle areas, while experienced snowboarders are more prone to injuries in the hands, arms or shoulders.

Snowboards

Manufacturers have developed to the stage where manufacturers offer the right board to suit each snowboarding discipline. Now a snowboarder is confronted with a large diversity of product. The choice can confuse the beginner.

There are three main groups of snowboards: All-around board; Alpine race board (asymmetrical) and the Freestyle board. There are also three methods of construction: Foam method (injection method); Compound method and the Sandwich method with wooden core. The laminated sandwich method is the most expensive to produce. The quality is unsurpassed and they have longevity.

There are two different procedures for mounting bindings onto the boards offered by manufacturers. The binding can be screwed into brass inserts or the binding is screwed into the snowboard in the binding area with special screws.