Snowboard Binding Setup Guide

A good setup makes a board easier to ride and easier on your knees. Here is how we set up bindings at the shop. If you would rather we do it, bring your board and boots by and we will set you up.

The quick version

• Size bindings to your boots, not your board.
• Start with the reference stance printed on the board.
• A common starting point is +15 front and -6 back, then adjust to how you ride.
• Center your boots so your toes and heels hang over the edges by about the same amount.

1. Which foot goes forward

Regular means your left foot is forward. Goofy means your right foot is forward. If you skateboard or surf, use the same stance. If you are not sure, think about which foot you would lead with sliding across a frozen pond.

2. Stance width

Most boards have a reference stance marked on the inserts. That is a good starting point. A width close to your shoulder width is a common rule of thumb. Wider feels more stable for park and switch riding. Narrower is quicker edge to edge.

3. Setback

Many boards have the reference stance set back toward the tail. Setting back further helps the nose float in powder. Centered is best for park and riding switch.

4. Binding angles

• All mountain: about +15 front, -6 back.
• Park and freestyle (duck): about +12 to +15 front and -9 to -15 back, so riding switch feels the same.
• Freeride and carving: more forward angles on both feet, for example +21 front and +6 back.

Small changes matter. Move a few degrees at a time and try it for a few runs.

5. Center your boots on the board

Set the binding discs so your boot toe and heel hang over the edges by about the same amount. Too much toe drag or heel drag catches the snow on hard turns. Many bindings let you slide the heelcup or the disc to fine tune this.

6. Straps and highbacks

• Ankle strap: Centered over the front of the boot, snug enough that your heel stays down.
• Toe strap: Most modern toe straps wrap over the front of the toe, not across the top.
• Forward lean: More lean adds response on heelside turns. Less is more relaxed and forgiving for park.
• Highback rotation: Turn the highbacks to line up roughly with your heel edge.

7. Tighten everything and check it

Snug the disc screws firmly with a #3 Phillips screwdriver, in a crisscross pattern, and do not over tighten them. Check your screws and straps again after your first few runs, and every few days on the hill.

Burton Step On, Channel and other systems

Burton Step On bindings only work with Step On boots. Burton's Channel boards use the EST binding or a Channel disc instead of a 4 hole pattern. If you are not sure your board, bindings and boots work together, ask us before you buy.

See our size guide for binding sizes. Questions? Call 970.453.7400, email info@undergroundsnowboards.com, or stop by 320 S Main St in Breckenridge.