Wintersports
Snowboarding
How to Adjust Snowboard Bindings & Angles: A Step-by-Step Guide
Struggling with snowboard bindings? Learn how to adjust them for the perfect fit. Follow our step-by-step guide for better control and comfort on the slopes.
Gliding on a snowboard is one of the greatest thrills you can experience on a snowy mountain. For Red Bull athlete Jake Canter, his passion for the sport began with love at first sight (more accurately, ride).
“When I first stepped on a snowboard, I loved it,” Canter tells Red Bull.
Part of falling in love with the sport, though, is getting your setup right to begin with. Binding adjustment is one primary example that can make or break the quality of a ride. While every snowboarder is different, there are a few general tips to follow when perfecting your setup. Read ahead for a full guide on how to adjust snowboard bindings, from figuring out your stance to positioning bindings for your preferred riding style.
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Why proper binding adjustment matters
Although every snowboarder’s binding setup is unique, one thing is universal: your binding adjustments have a drastic impact on the quality of your ride. Proper adjustment allows you to navigate the slopes with ease, while incorrect adjustment will make things uncomfortable, at best. At worst, you could be putting yourself at risk for injury.
There are a few factors that influence what makes a good binding setup for you, including stance and riding style. It’s worth it to take the time to get it right, so you can fully enjoy your time on the slopes or in the freestyle park.
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Tools you’ll need to properly adjust your bindings
Before adjusting your bindings, gather the following essential equipment:
- Screwdriver or binding adjustment tool: If you don’t have a dedicated snowboard binding adjustment tool, a Phillips-head screwdriver can help you secure your bindings. Depending on your bindings, you’ll want a #2 or #3 screwdriver.
- Screws and binding discs: These should be included when you purchase your bindings.
- Your snowboard boots: Your binding setup is unique to you and there’s no way to find out the right adjustment without using your boots for guidance. If you don’t center your boots properly, you could experience heel or toe drag on the mountain.
Jake Canter jumps over Zeb Powell
© Red Bull
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Step-by-step guide to adjusting snowboard bindings
1. Determine your snowboard stance
There are multiple factors to consider when figuring out your personal stance setup. First, you need to decide if you ride regular, with your left foot facing forward, or goofy with your right foot forward. If you’re not sure, you can use the classic “push test,” where someone pushes you forward on your board, and you see which foot you default to first. If you’re not near the snow, you can try this out on pavement with a skateboard.
Once you know which foot goes in which direction, consider your snowboard stance width. Most beginners start with their feet about shoulder-width apart. The longer your board is, the more a narrow stance makes sense. If you feel right at home at the terrain park, though, a wider stance might be more appropriate for freestyle riders.
Finally, you’ll consider which stance angles fit your riding style best. The most common stance angle setups include:
- Duck stance: Preferred by most freestyle riders, duck stance positions your front binding at a positive angle and your back bindings at a negative angle. This more open stance is also preferred by many beginners.
- Old school stance: Your front binding will be set at a positive angle, while your back binding is typically set to zero degrees.
- Alpine stance: Also known as forward stance, this setup features positive angles on both feet. This angle setup is great if you’re a beginner exploring a groomer, or an experienced rider enjoying an off-piste adventure.
2. Position the bindings on your snowboard
Next, you’ll put the bindings where you want them according to your personal stance preference. Position your bindings so that the inserts and baseplate holes line up with your desired angles and stance width.
Before securing your bindings, you’ll also want to make sure this alignment also matches up with your boot fit. You can still adjust after your bindings are attached — and you’ll definitely want to make sure everything is comfortable with your feet in them. But to start, use your boots as a guide to get the alignment correct, so you don’t have to start from scratch later. The goal is to keep the center of your boot in line with the center of your board and avoid excessive overhang so you don’t experience heel lift.
3. Set the snowboard binding angles
Now you’re ready to set your binding discs at your exact desired angle. This will look different for everyone, and experimentation is highly encouraged. Your board may also include a recommended stance, which can be helpful as a guideline. In general, these are typical settings for each stance:
- Duck stance: Angles for this stance generally range between +10 to +15 degrees on the front foot and -10 to -15 on the back.
- Old school stance: Start with +15 to +20 degrees on the front foot, and your back foot centered at zero degrees.
- Alpine stance: Your front foot will be at a slightly higher positive angle, usually between +10 to +15 degrees. Your back foot will be just a few degrees more than zero, typically between +1 and +5 degrees.
Once you’ve got everything set, grab your screws and attach your bindings, being mindful to avoid over-tightening.
4. Adjust the highback on your bindings
Once your bindings discs are set at the right angle, you’ll focus on aligning the adjustment screw on the highback according to how much forward lean you want. The farther forward you position your snowboard highback adjustment, the lower your center of gravity. This position also makes your knees bend quite a bit, which can be great if you love to show off with jumps or need some extra control on your turns. Your legs won’t move as easily in this position, though, so it can make sliding along rails challenging.
5. Adjust the snowboard binding straps
The final step is to make sure you feel comfortable with the placement of your toe and ankle straps. Start with your ankle straps and aim for a fit that’s snug but not constricting. Your ankle straps should be centered on the boot for optimal fit. If they’re too loose, you won’t get the best control on turns. Then you’ll follow the same steps with your toe straps. You also want to find a secure fit that isn’t too tight when the straps are centered across your boots.
6. Fine-tune for comfort and performance
Finding the best snowboard binding angles for you might take some trial and error, and it’s okay if you don’t get it 100% right on the first try. When you’re playing around with what feels best, try not to go from one extreme to another. Gradual changes make it easier to figure out your precise comfort level.
Adjust a few degrees at a time in the direction you want to go and try it out on your preferred terrain. It can help to write down how everything feels when you try out a new setup, noting if you feel a little more secure or have better control on certain moves. That way, you can always refer back to your notes later on if you want to adjust on a different day, but can’t remember what you tried last time.
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Tips for binding adjustment success
Whether adjusting your snowboard bindings for the first time or when tackling new terrain, these are some general rules to keep in mind:
- Consider snow conditions: Riding through deep powder is different than cruising down a groomer. A good powder binding setup usually involves a more neutral highback, while groomed snow may require more forward lean.
- Centering your boots: Your boot size also impacts the quality of your setup. If you’ve got smaller feet and a wider snowboard, a narrow width with your bindings closer to the toe edge is generally the way to go. But for riders with larger feet or narrower boards, set your bindings closer to the heel edge.
- Adjust the footbed: Not every binding setup requires this, but you may need to fine-tune the position of the toe ramp or footbed so that your feet remain centered and you can get the right leverage. The edge of the footbed should line up with the edge of your toes with your boots on.
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Common mistakes to avoid while adjusting your snowboard bindings
Do your bindings not feel quite right after a first adjustment? One of these errors might be the culprit:
- Over-tightened screws: Adhering your bindings with overly tight screws can cause long-term damage to your board.
- Overhang during boot placement: Excessive overhang will quickly turn into a case of toe or heel drag on the snow. Again, the key is to set up your bindings so your boots are as centered as possible.
- Extreme angles: Just because some bindings can go as much as 45 degrees (or even 70 degrees) in either direction doesn’t mean you should start there. This kind of setup is meant for experienced riders only.
- Skipping the test run: Even if you’ve tried out your setup with your boots on, you have to start riding to see how well your adjustment actually works. Test out your bindings on easier terrain.
- Powering through discomfort: What might feel like a little pinch or awkward forward lean is going to cause issues long-term if you don’t take steps to address the problem. Don’t try to toughen out a bad binding setup. If you feel even slightly uncomfortable, it’s time to reevaluate your setup.
- Mimicking other snowboarders: The perfect setup for your riding buddy might be the exact opposite of what you need. It can be helpful to follow the advice of someone with a similar riding style, but don’t force a setup just because it works for one of your peers.
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FAQ
Can you adjust snowboard bindings yourself?
Yes, you can adjust your snowboard bindings all on your own. You’ll just need a screwdriver or specialized tool, the screws that came with your bindings, and your snowboard boots for proper placement.
How should beginners adjust snowboard bindings?
If you’re new to snowboard binding adjustment, you can start with the recommended stance for your brand and model of board. Many beginners prefer a duck stance, with your front foot at a positive angle and your back foot at a slightly negative angle. If this stance doesn’t feel comfortable, try an old school stance, with a positive front foot angle and your back foot set to zero degrees.
How should I have my snowboard bindings set?
There is no one right way to adjust your bindings. Your snowboard binding setup is unique to your riding style, board and boot size, and preferred snow conditions.
Should I snowboard goofy or regular?
Riding goofy or regular is a matter of your personal preference. In general, your riding stance will be determined by which foot is dominant, as that foot does most of the driving from the back. If this tends to be your right foot, you’ll probably ride regularly and vice versa.
Is it safe to adjust bindings yourself?
Yes, it’s possible to safely adjust your snowboard bindings by yourself. If you’re concerned with setting up your bindings safely, though, you can always get them adjusted in a snowboarding shop. This might be a great option for first-time riders, especially if you have questions.
How wide should my stance be on a snowboard?
Your snowboard binding width will depend on your personal preference. Many riders, however, prefer to start with their feet shoulder-width apart.
What angle should snowboard bindings be at?
Your snowboard binding angles should be set according to your preferred stance. If you want both feet facing forward, you’ll adjust for a positive/positive Alpine stance. For a more open duck stance, adjust with your front foot angled positively and back foot at a negative angle. Or you can go old school and set your front foot at a positive angle and back foot at zero degrees.
What degree should I put my snowboard bindings at?
There’s no universal recommendation. Determine your preferred stance and width before setting your binding angle degrees. Then test out your setup and gradually adjust a few degrees at a time until you find a comfortable fit.
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Find the right snowboard binding fit for the best ride
Every snowboarder has a unique binding setup, tailored to their individual preference. Finding the one that works for you is an important journey. It might take some time and playing around with different angles. But when you find the right binding setup, you’ll notice the difference when you’re flying down the slopes.
