• Sizes: S, M, L
• Flex: 8
• Entry System: Classic
• Price: £239 / €279

If anything needs defending in the snowboard world these days, it’s the practice of not fixing what ain’t broke. All too often, a perfectly good product gets an overhaul it didn’t need. Not so with the Salomon Defender snowboard bindings, though; after getting a few adjustments ahead of last winter, they’ve now soldiered on unchanged for 2018/19.

By no means are they old hat, though, or lacking in clever innovations – the Salomon Defender bindings feature the brand’s ‘Shadowfit’ system, which is most noted for having a soft heelcup. No matter what size, shape or brand your boots are, Shadowfit ensures a perfect fit every time.

“No matter what size, shape or brand your boots are, Shadowfit ensures a perfect fit every time”

[monetizer101 search=’salomon defneder’]

It also sits on hinges, so when you move your weight forward or back along the length of the board, you are free to move a little more than usual. This is perfect for those who like a surfy feel. Lots of binding manufacturers are catering for this now, but Salomon’s system remains one of the best.

The highbacks on the Salomon Defender bindings have a large outline but aren’t heavy or chunky, so you get plenty of support without any unnecessary bulk. Both straps are fairly minimalist, and work well with the heelcup to keep you locked in yet pressure-point free.

There are stiffer and softer Shadowfit models out there, but the Salomon Defender bindings are definitely a fine pick for all-mountain snowboarding.