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Best Snowboard Bindings 2018-2019

Chosen by the Whitelines Test Team

UPDATE: Check out our review of the Best Snowboard Bindings for 2019/2020 by clicking here.

Looking for the best snowboard bindings? Then you’re in the right place! The Whitelines Test Team has been putting the 2018/19 models through their paces throughout last winter – cranking buckles, laying down carves and tweaking grabs to bring you this list of the finest binders on the market.

All the leading snowboard binding brands are represented, including Burton, Salomon, Union and K2. Take your time doing your research, however, and don’t just choose a pair because you like how they look. Bindings are the crucial interface between you and your board and will play a big role in both how comfortable your set-up feels and performs.

“Bindings are the crucial interface between you and your board and will play a big role in both how comfortable your set-up feels and performs”

As with your snowboard and boots, it’s important that you select a model that’s suitable for your ability and intended use. It’s no good slapping Travis Rice’s signature bindings on your board, for instance, if you’re more likely to be hitting the baby runs than powdery steeps. The following factors should be taken into consideration:

Flex

This is determined by both the highback and baseplate. Softer bindings are more forgiving (so good for beginners) and easier to manipulate on jumps and rails; stiffer bindings (which often include carbon) offer greater support and more instant response – ideal for hard charging on piste and pow, or powerful kicker riders.

Fit

It goes without saying that you need a good fit between boot and binding. If you can, try them in store. You don’t necessarily need the same brand for both (though it can sometimes help) but be sure to choose the right size and adjust the toe ramps, straps etc. The buckles should connect easily across the top of your foot whilst cranking tight enough, and the whole package should feel snug with no awkward gaps.

“The Whitelines Test Team has been putting the 2018/19 models through their paces throughout last winter – cranking buckles, laying down carves and tweaking grabs to bring you this list of the finest binders on the market”

Features

If the flex and fit are correct then you’re most of the way there. Now you can consider the merits of any additional features like cushioned footbeds, plush padding, hardwearing buckles or lightweight materials.

Spares

It’s an unfortunate fact of life that binding parts do sometimes break, especially if you ride aggressively and/or spend the whole season in the mountains. After all, they’ve got more parts to them than anything else in your kit. It can pay to choose a brand with a solid network of dealers so you’re not left wandering resort on a forlorn quest for an obscure toe ratchet.

One more note before you dive in – following its limited release last winter, Burton’s Step On binding is back for a second season. While traditional straps still dominate the market, reviews of this radical new system continue to be positive, so if you value speed and convenience then finally you have a serious alternative to rear-entry cable options like Flow or the K2 Cinch.

Scroll down to view all the best snowboard bindings, or skip to a particular brand using the links below

Bent Metal | Burton | Drake | Head | K2 | Nidecker | NOW | Ride | Rome | Salomon | Spark R&D | Switchback | Union | Vimana

The Best Snowboard Bindings For Winter 2018/19


Bent Metal Joint Snowboard Bindings 2018-2019

PRICE: £179/€199

The Bent Metal Joint bindings are the brand’s newest pair, and are definitely a welcome addition. The combination of key features from the Logic and Transfer adds up to more than the sum of its parts, and they’re available at a surprisingly low price too.

Their impressive pound-for-pound performance has earned them a place in this year’s Whitelines 100.

Selected for The Whitelines 100 – take a closer look at the 2018-2019 Bent Metal Joint here

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Bent Metal Logic Snowboard Bindings 2018-2019

PRICE: £219/€239

The softest pair in the Bent Metal range, the Logic bindings offer extra flex thankts to their footbed and highback pairing.

That makes these ideal for seat-of-your-pants jib sessions, especially given the bombproof nature of urethane. Soft yet responsive, park rats should definitely take a closer look.

Check out our full review of the 2017-2018 bent Metal Logic here

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Bent Metal Transfer Snowboard Bindings 2018-2019

PRICE: £259/€289

BMBW’s classic all-mountain option remains one of our top picks. The Bent Metal Transfer bindings hit the sweetspot between soft and stiff, making them the perfect all-terrain vehicles.

As ever, there’s some tidy artwork on the Drive Plates courtesty of Jamie Lynn and Forest Bailey, two very different riders who both put their trust in the Transfer.

Selected for The Whitelines 100 – take a closer look at the 2018-2019 Bent Metal Transfer here

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Bent Metal Solution Snowboard Bindings 2018-2019

PRICE: £329/€369

At the other end of the scale from the Logic, these are the ‘Solution’ if response and power are what you look for in a pair of binders.

While they’re aimed at aggressive riding, and built to withstand all that entails, The Bent Metal Solution bindings are also remarkably light.

Check out our full review of the 2018-2019 Bent Metal Solution here

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Bent Metal Upshot Women’s Snowboard Bindings 2018-2019

PRICE: £219/€239

Last but certainly not least is Bent Letal’s female-specific binder, the Upshot. WIth that urethane highback and flexy footbed, these are perfect for freestyle.

That being said, our testers noted that they are capable of great things beyond the boundaries of the park – read the full review to find out more.

Check out our full review of the 2018-2019 Bent Metal Upshot here

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Burton Cartel Snowboard Bindings 2018-2019

PRICE: £245/€289

You don’t need to mess with the classics, which is why Burton’s long-serving, bulletfproof all-mountain bindings are unchanged for 2018/19.

The Burton Cartel bindings are still on the stiff side, so more adventurous riders will fare best with them. Available in two versions, these are as safe as bets come.

Check out our full review of the 2018-2019 Burton Cartels here

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Burton Custom Snowboard Bindings 2018-2019

PRICE: £175/€199

A softer-flexing pair, the Burton Custom bindings have been many a snowboarder’s first pair.

Even if you’re a grizzled veteran, you may still be interested in these if you prefer something with more padding in the ankle strap, and a mellower flex for surfier turns. The price makes them pretty tempting, too.

Check out our full review of the 2018-2019 Burton Custom Bindings here

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Burton Lexa Women’s Snowboard Bindings 2018-2019

PRICE: £229/€279

As popular as powder days, the Burton Lexa bindings have found favour with riders of all styles. Stiff enough to charge but soft enough to have fun with, they’re as versatile as bindings get.

The option to swap the ankle straps over for a different feel is a nifty one, and there’s plenty of cushioning in the footbed for all-day comfort.

Check out our full review of the 2018-2019 Burton Lexa here

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Burton Malavita Snowboard Bindings 2018-2019

PRICE: £269/€329

A freestyle-centric model that also has the flippable strap option, the Burton Malavita bindings delvier a softer ride than the Cartels, but they’ll still back you if you take on the XL line.

The Heel Hammock grips your boot for ultimate comfort and better heel hold, allowing you to ease off the straps a little.

Check out our full review of the 2018-2019 Burton Malavita here

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Burton Mission Snowboard Bindings 2018-2019

PRICE: £219/€249

The Burton Mission bindings now feature the same ‘Hammockstrap’ as the Cartel, so you can expect a little more response from them this winter.

Its stiffer single component base plate provides quick toe to heel response on your turns, and the Zero Forward Lean highback is ideal for the park.

Check out our full review of the 2018-2019 Burton Mission here

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Burton Scribe Women’s Snowboard Bindings 2018-2019

PRICE: £219/€239

Stand and salute the Burton Scribe bindings; these excellent all-rounders have been around for years, and remain a fantastic choice for a wide variety of riders.

With a female-specific design that puts comfort first, these would suit beginners down to the ground. At the same time, more confident riders the world over go to the Scribes for a reliable, comfortable and versatile ride.

Selected for The Whitelines 100 – take a closer look at the 2018-2019 Burton Scribes here

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Burton StepOn Snowboard Bindings 2018-2019

PRICE: £229/€259

Now that the dust has settled, the Burton Step On system look like it’s here to stay. So what’s the verdict?

Are they for a broad spectrum of riders, or just a niche? Can they be trusted at high speeds? Are they a faff in the powder? Check out our full review for our test team’s take on the Burton Step On bindings.

Check out our full review of the 2017-2018 Burton StepOn Bindings here

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Drake Super Sport Snowboard Bindings 2018-2019

PRICE: €249

Featuring one of the tallest highbacks around, the Drake Super Sport bindings look a little intimidating at first, but the ride is anything but.

They’re happy with top speeds, but there’s enough side-to-side play for mellower turns and freestyle. Versatile and comfortable, they remain a great all-mountain option.

Check out our full review of the 2018-2019 Drake Super Sport here

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Head NX Five Snowboard Bindings 2018-2019

PRICE: £185/€249

Head provides bang for the buck in everything it does, and the Head NX Five bindings are no exception.

Packing a lot of tech into a lower-priced model, these would suit the intermediate to advanced rider that doesn’t shy away from a stiff, responsive ride.

Check out our full review of the 2018-2019 Head NX Five here

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K2 Lien AT Snowboard Bindings 2018-2019

PRICE: £229/€269

The more freeride-focused of the bindings using K2’s unique Tripod system, there’s much to admire about the K2 Lien AT.

There’s lateral movement when you need it, but the stiff highback and technical ankle strap ensure you always get excellent response. And if you prefer something softer, there’s always…

Check out our full review of the 2018-2019 K2 Lien AT here

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K2 Line Up Snowboard Bindings 2018-2019

PRICE: £179/€199

Don’t panic, Lien FS fans – the much-loved softer brother of the Lien AT lives on as this, the K2 Line Up.

These bindings also have the Tripod, and a more flexible feel that is ideal for really surfy turns in the powder. Now with a more responsive ankle strap, these are solid gold for laid-back freeriding.

Selected for The Whitelines 100 – take a closer look at the 2018-2019 K2 Line Up here

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Nidecker Prosper Kids’ Snowboard Bindings 2018-2019

PRICE: £129/€139

No-one wants to shell out loads of cash for their kids’ first pair of binders, which is why Nidecker has this low-budget offering for newbie groms.

The Nidecker Prospect bindings have everything you need, and nothing that you don’t. Younger riders looking to dip their toe in will get on well with these.

Check out our full review of the 2018-2019 Nidecker Prosper here

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NOW Conda Women’s Snowboard Bindings 2018-2019

PRICE: £249/€299

If you’re a confident freerider looking to try NOW’s ‘Skate-Tech’, then the NOW Conda bindings would be the ones to go for.

Stiff enough to go full throttle on, but a little more forgiving than expected thanks to that proprietary tech, the Condas are a great pair of binders for high-end riding.

Check out our full review of the 2018-2019 NOW Conda here

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NOW Drive Snowboard Bindings 2018-2019

PRICE: £295/€369

Before Jeremy Jones borrowed Skate-Tech for his own brand’s bindings, he helped raise the profile of the system through his signature model with NOW.

The NOW Drive bindings are pretty full-on, although you do have the option to swap the ankle straps round to allow for more boot flex. The buckles have been upgraded this year, making them lighter and more user-friendly.

Check out our full review of the 2018-2019 NOW Drive here

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NOW NxGen Kids’ Snowboard Bindings 2018-2019

PRICE: €159

If your kid is getting more confident on their board, beginner bindings might not cut it anymore.

The NOW NxGen does what all good kids’ bindings do; takes the best stuff from the adult models, and distils it into a grom-friendly package. Our testers were unanimous in their appreciation for these.

Selected for The Whitelines 100 – take a closer look at the 2018-2019 NOW NxGen here

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NOW Pilot Snowboard Bindings 2018-2019

PRICE: £249/€299

Mellower than the Drives, the NOW Pilot bindings can still hold their own on formidable faces. If you’re into more than just gnarly descents, though, these could be the most appropriate choice.

You can ease them off further still by swapping out the firm bushings on the Skate-Tech system for a softer set.

Check out our full review of the 2018-2019 NOW Pilot here

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NOW Vetta Women’s Snowboard Bindings 2018-2019

PRICE: £185/€219

These are NOW’s medium-stiffness women’s bindings, suitable for a bit of everything. The flexible highback is great for the park, letting you tweak or press without too much trouble. It’s not noodle-soft either, so can handle a bit of a razz around the pistes or backcountry too.

Naturally, Skate-Tech is Vetta’s headline feature, so check it out if you haven’t already.

Check out our full review of the 2018-2019 NOW Vetta here

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Ride LTD Snowboard Bindings 2018-2019

PRICE: £239/€269

The RIde LTD bindings are a curious combination of stiff baseplate and flexy highback. You get terrific response from the former, and tweakability and shock absorbtion from the latter.

Park riders who know how to hold a strong edge on the run-in will appreciate how much flex they have at their disposal once airborne.

Check out our full review of the 2018-2019 Ride LTD here

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Ride Rodeo Snowboard Bindings 2018-2019

PRICE: £219/€249

This veteran pair of freestyle binders has always been a safe pair of hands. Flexible enough for freestyle, and as bomb-proof as it gets, these have got your back for a whole season of hot laps.

THere have been a few key improvements to the Ride Rodeo bindings for 2018/19, meaning that one of the best just got even better.

Selected for The Whitelines 100 – take a closer look at the 2018-2019 Ride Rodeo here

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Rome Crux Snowboard Bindings 2018-2019

PRICE: £189/€209

The new Rome Crux bindings offer a pared-back version of Rome’s ‘Asymwrap’ chassis, resulting in a highly effective model that’s also way more wallet-friendly than some of the others in the range.

Our test team went bananas over these, and if you like a comfortable all-rounder then you will too.

Selected for The Whitelines 100 – take a closer look at the 2018-2019 Rome Crux here

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Rome DOD Snowboard Bindings 2018-2019

PRICE: £255/€299

From a new model to an old favourite; the Rome D.O.D. is a more park-focused pair, and one that’s been proven to withstand all sorts of abuse in the pursuit of a deeper trick bag.

Responsive yet comfortable, and with plenty of customisable components for achieving the perfect fit, these just rule.

Selected for The Whitelines 100 – take a closer look at the 2018-2019 Rome DOD here

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Rome Guild Women’s Snowboard Bindings 2018-2019

PRICE: £229/€279

The Rome Guild bindings have lots in common with the female version of the Katana – not least the asymmetric basepate that offers increased lateral movement without sacrificing edge-to-edge response.

There are also so many customisation options that you are pretty much guaranteed the perfect fit with your boots.

Check out our full review of the 2018-2019 Rome Guild here

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Rome Katana Snowboard Bindings 2018-2019

PRICE: £289/€379

These don’t come cheap, but you’ll struggle to find a more tech-packed design than that of the Rome Katana bindings.

They’re super light, super strong, and deliver a surfier ride than you’d think at slower speeds. When you want to step things up, they respond, and the D30 padding in the baseplate makes landings easier to deal with.

Check out our full review of the 2018-2019 Rome Katana here

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Rome Targa Snowboard Bindings 2018-2019

PRICE: £279/€349

Unsurprisingly given that they’ve been designed for Stale Sandbech, who rides one of the stiffest park boards around, the Rome Targa bindings take no prisoners.

For precise, aggressive riding, these are ideal, thanks to their light-yet-rigid design. If you need something that you can rely on at Mach 10, these will do nicely.

Check out our full review of the 2018-2019 Rome Targa here

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Rome Vice Snowboard Bindings 2018-2019

PRICE: £229/€279

Despite not having quite as many clever features as the Katanas, the Rome Vice bindings are excellent in their own right.

You still get the V-Rod baseplate, which is at the heard of Rome’s ‘Flex-With-Pop’ philosophy, and they can be used everywhere from the peaks to the streets.

Check out our full review of the 2018-2019 Rome Vice here

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Salomon Defender Snowboard Bindings 2018-2019

PRICE: £239/€279

Unchanged for 2018/19, the Salomon Defender bindings offer a more responsive version of the ‘Shadowfit’ system.

The soft heelcup isn’t what you’d normally find on a charger, but the Kevlar wire within – combined with the way it adapts to your boot – means that you’ve got power on demand.

Check out our full review of the 2018-2019 Salomon Defender here

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Salomon District Snowboard Bindings 2018-2019

PRICE: £219/€249

Meanwhile the Salomon District binding are here for the more freestyle-focused rider. Tweakable as hell thanks to the hinged baseplate and flexible asym highback, expect to throw more shapes off kickers than even before.

Thanks to that price tag, they’re the best option for anyone who’d like to try Shadowfit for the first time.

Check out our full review of the 2018-2019 Salomon District here

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Salomon Hologram Snowboard Bindings 2018-2019

PRICE: £259/€299

The new look Salomon Holagram bindings may have undergone a bit of a facelift, but they’re still right up there with the finest all-mountain options around.

The Shadowfit system is ideal for such a binder as it’s pllayful when you want it to be but can respond quick-sharp when called upon.

With minimalist straps, a lightweight chassis and upgraded underfoot padding, they’re simply impossible to fault.

Selected for The Whitelines 100 – take a closer look at the 2018-2019 Salomon Hologram here

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Salomon Hologram Women’s Snowboard Bindings 2018-2019

PRICE: £259/€299

The female-specific version of the Salomon Hologram bindings haven’t been short-changed in any way; they’ve got the exact same top tech as the men’s version.

Check out our full review of the 2018-2019 Salomon Women’s Hologram here

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Salomon Trigger Snowboard Bindings 2018-2019

PRICE: £179/€199

Not into Shadowfit’s flexible heelcup, and looking for something more traditional? The Salomon Trigger bindings could be the ones.

With a built-in suspension system to take the edge off everyday chatter, these tick all the right performance boxes whilst simultaneously shattering your expectations on price. Park riders in particular will love these.

Selected for The Whitelines 100 – take a closer look at the 2018-2019 Salomon Trigger here

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Spark R&D Arc Splitboard Bindings 2018-2019

PRICE: £369/€429

Our hat goes off to Spark for making what is surely the most user-friendly splitboard system ever, with no loss of performance.

If you’re new to the game, the Arc would be a stellar choice, as it’s a little easier-going than its big brother the Surge.

Check out our full review of the 2018-2019 Spark R&D Arc here

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Spark R&D Splitboard Bindings 2018-2019

PRICE: £421/€469

You can put your faith in the Surge bindings all season long thanks to their incredible robust design, and specs that will keep you supported on the gnarliest of faces.

If you’re ready to step up to bigger, steeper descents, look no further than these.

Selected for The Whitelines 100 – take a closer look at the 2018-2019 Spark R&D Surge here

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Switchback Eiki Pro Snowboard Binding 2018-2019

PRICE: £249/€289

Eiki Helgason favours a soft-flexing binder for the kind of mindbending tricks he specialises in these days.

The responsive AERON base lets you turn it up when you need to, however, and you still have the option to change up the straps and highbacks for different styles of riding.

Check out our full review of the 2017-2018 Switchback Eiki Pro Bindings here

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Switchback Halldor Pro Snowboard Bindings 2018-2019

PRICE: £249/€289

Meanwhile his brother Halldor Helgason opts for a more powerful setup (albeit one that’s still not too fierce for mini-shred).

The Switchback Halldor Pro bindings are immediately recognisable by their winged highback, which can help you really dial in presses.

Check out our full review of the 2017-2018 Switchback Halldor Pro Bindings here

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Switchback Session Snowboard Bindings 2018-2019

PRICE: £219/€259

Perhaps the most versatile of Switchback’s pre-assembled setups, the Session is ideal for all kinds of riding.

This year it’s available in the stripped back ‘Raw’ version, as well as the standard. Both are modular of course, so you can customise them at will.

Selected for The Whitelines 100 – take a closer look at the 2018-2019 Switchback Session here

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Union Cadet Kids’ Snowboard Bindings 2018-2019

PRICE: £119/€129

Affordable and effective, the Union Cadet bindings won over our junior testers for the second year in a row.

They’re an especially good call if your young charge wants something that looks like adult bindings, as opposed to colourful cartoonish fare.

Check out our full review of the 2018-2019 Union Cadet here

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Union Contact Pro Snowboard Bindings 2018-2019

PRICE: £189/€209

So called due to the minimal amount of baseplate that touches the board when unweighted, the Union Contact Pro bindings are all about achieving true board flex and feel.

The standard Contact Pro is a solid all-rounder, and there’s also a Scott Stevens edition that tips the balance towards freestyle.

Check out our full review of the 2018-2019 Union Contact Pro here

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Union Expedition Splitboard Bindings 2018-2019

PRICE: £319/€349

Union reckons it’s cracked the splitboard bindings code with these. Just look at them – the Union Expedition bindings could pass for a regular pair.

They come with all the mounting equipment you need, with a simple pin system for switching between the two modes.

Check out our full review of the 2018-2019 Union Expedition here

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Union Falcor Snowboard Bindings 2018-2019

PRICE: £309/€329

Union and Travis Rice worked together for years on this one, and the results speak for themselves.

These strong, light and mega responsive binders are all but guaranteed to meet the needs of the bravest, sendiest riders out there.

Selected for The Whitelines 100 – take a closer look at the 2018-2019 Union Falcor here

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Union Force Snowboard Bindings 2018-2019

PRICE: £209/€229

The Union Force bindings have been synonymous with strength and reliability for years. The extruded aluminium heelcup, for example, is backed by a lifetime guarantee.

For a pair that’s been proven to withstand everything from blunt force trauma to everyday wear and tear, they’re available for a steal of a price.

Check out our full review of the 2018-2019 Union Force here

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Vimana Scando Snowboard Bindings 2018-2019

PRICE: £179/€199

Simple but effective, Vimana’s only pair of binders are full urethane, and therefore very light, but they’re not as bendy as you might have thought.

The Vimana Scando bindings are supportive enough for all-mountain riding, and have excellent shock-absorbing qualities to boot.

Check out our full review of the 2018-2019 Vimana Scando here

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