Published in Whitelines Magazine Buyer’s Guide Issue, Winter 2010-2011

APO Team Binding : £140
Sizes: s-m / l
They Say: Great for any level of rider.
we say: This is an inexpensive binding with a pretty sophisticated ‘Dual Entry’ system, meaning you can either stick your foot in from the back, or use those straps like a conventional binding. Not the stiffest, but a good all-rounder.
Atomic Mai Tai : £160
Sizes: s-m / m-l
They Say: Sweet and sassy.
we say: This is a relatively high-end binding from Atomic, with components like their ‘custom elite ankle strap’ making it lightweight and comfortable. It’s not as sophisticated as some, but it’s well-priced for what you get.
Burton Stiletto : £130
Sizes: s / m / l
They Say: Dang! Look at this flexy little number.
we say: This is a relatively soft binding aimed at intermediates or more experienced ladies who spend a lot of time in the park. It’s not got as much cushioning in the baseplate as some bindings, but that keeps it light and cheap.
Burton Scribe : £140
Sizes: s / m / l
They Say: Attention ground control, requesting fly-by.
we say: A relatively simple binding with a mid-flex that’ll adapt easily to most situations. It’s got Burton’s ‘asym’ straps which you can tweak to fit your foot easily, and packs quite a bit of tech in for the price.
Burton Lexa : £160
Sizes: s / m / l
They Say: Pioneering freestyle performance.
we say: Burton were the first company to build women specific bindings, and the Lexa was the first one they built. It continues to be one of their top-end ladies’ products – with a flex that’s too stiff for beginners, but perfect for girls who can ride. Available with Burton’s EST base-plate system for £20 more.
Drake Queen : £110
Sizes: m-l
They Say: Smooth and more lady specific than ever.
we say: A simple, straightforward binding, this is aimed at riders who are just starting out or are keeping to a strict budget. It’s no frills, but it’s solid and well built.
Drake Jade : £130
Sizes: 1
They Say: All-terrain versatility for riders of any level.
we say: This binding boasts quite a lot of tech for £130. It’s got a dampening pad across the length of the footbed, and an asymmetric highback designed to suit the shape of women’s legs. Falls nicely in the middle between park and pow riding.
Flow Muse : £120
Sizes: m-l
They Say: Silky smooth.
we say: This is a step up from Flow’s entry level women’s binding, but it’s still soft enough that beginners could just about ride it. Soft-flexing and
forgiving, this is a great binding for anyone looking for a simple speed entry option.
Flow Prima SE : £200
Sizes: m
They Say: Comfort and control for the woman who wants it all.
we say: This is a special edition binding from Flow, available only in medium sizes and aimed at women who really know their stuff – like Flow’s Sarka Pancochova. The flex is definitely too stiff for novices, but if you want über-responsiveness, look no further.
Forum Aura : £115
Sizes: s / m
They Say: Feels like a part of you.
we say: This is a soft, freestyle-focused binding that’d suit park rats and ladies who are just starting out on their journey to sickness. It’s not got the widest array of features, but it’s built with the quality that you’d expect from Forum.
Forum Keeper : £155
Sizes: s / m
They Say: Keeps you connected to your real other half.
we say: Assuming Forum mean your board there, we’d say they’re right – but then all bindings do that. What this does that’s different is add a nice dose of dampening and spice things up with an aluminium heelcup. It’s not that stiff, but it’s light and forgiving.
K2 Agogo : £150
Sizes: s / m
They Say: The new precedent.
we say: This features K2’s new Auto technology, which means you only need to do up one ratchet to strap your whole foot in. It’s got a pretty stiff flex, making it ideal for high-speed pow missions, but less ideal for people just hitting the beginner slopes.
K2 Cinch Tryst : £150
Sizes: s / m
They Say: Versatility, value, vroom.
we say: This mid-range, mid-value binding features K2’s easy-entry Cinch system, which basically allows the rider to choose whether they want to put their foot in forwards or backwards. Which is cool.
Raiden Deco : £110
Sizes: s / m
They Say: Delivers performance whatever stage of the game you’re at.
we say: Raiden’s Deco is a straight up, simple entry level binding with a soft, forgiving flex. When you’re just starting out you have no need for a whole load of fancy features, so Raiden haven’t included any, which helps to keep this cheap.
Raiden Lynx : £130
Sizes: s / m
They Say: Mind altering performance thanks to its women specific features
we say: This is one up from the Deco, still soft and forgiving, but with added cushioning for extra comfort. As such, it’s quite capable of soaking up heavier landings, making it a good park rat’s choice.
Ride VXN : £145
Sizes: s / m
They Say: A vixen of virtue.
we say: The Vixen is a binding that’ll enable you to take on most kinds of terrain, and will suit most riding styles. Its padded footbed and comfy traditional straps mean it’ll suit relatively experienced all-round rider well.
Ride Bandita Contraband : £145
Sizes: s / m
They Say: Hot one-touch binders for her.
we say: The Contraband system enables you to get in using one strap once you’ve got it set up. If that kind of easy access sounds like your bag, then grab a pair of these puppies – their mid-flex will suit almost anything you wanna do with them.
Rome Strut : £145
Sizes: s-m
They Say: Delivers rider energy direct to the edges of the board.
we say: The Strut combines Rome’s ‘most powerful womens highback’ with a soft, cushioned footbed that makes heavy landings easy. It’s not super-responsive, but it’s mid freestyle flex and so suits most riders.
SALOMON stella : £140
Sizes: s / m
They Say: Strike for the stars.
we say: The Stella has a relatively soft flex making it an easy ride. To this, Salomon have added some new padded straps, which they reckon make strapping in ‘like walking on clouds’. Which means they’re probably comfy as, but a bit soft for proper high speeds.
SALOMON relay ring : £160
Sizes: s / m
They Say: Podium potential.
we say: This is a high-end freestyle binding with a soft, cushioned footbed and comfortable straps. The UK’s golden girl Jenny Jones is apparently a fan, which is recommendation enough for us. They’re a bit stiff for beginners though.
SP Loca Fastec : £170
Sizes: s / m
They Say: Go loco for the Loca.
we say: SP’s Fast-tec system has proved popular, having been licensed by Gnu amongst others. This binding puts it to good use by combining it with a medium flex. If you’re partial to rear-entry bindings, consider this one.
Union Cadet : £120
Sizes: s / m
They Say: Custom comfort, ultimate convenience.
we say: Union’s entry level women’s binding is pretty simple in terms of materials, but the construction is as solid as you’d expect from Union. It’s got the brand’s telescoping foot ramps for adjustable toe hang, plus a leopard print highback. Which is cool… right?
Union Milan : £160
Sizes: s / m
They Say: Performance evolution.
we say: A step up from the Cadet, this has a fully cushioned foot bed and injected aluminium buckles, which make it look pretty G. Its mid-soft flex is aimed at park rats, but most riders should be able to rock these without too many problems.
Union Trilogy : £180
Sizes: s / m
They Say: True to form.
we say: This is Union’s top-end women’s binding, a responsive feat of engineering that will hold your foot fast. It’s really light, and although it’s not as responsive as some, it’ll handle most types of terrain easily.