How to mount and adjust your snowboard bindings?

You now have the board of your dreams and bindings that promise to give you real thrills? We explain how to assemble and adjust your snowboard bindings to finally get started!

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The different types of boards

When you choose your board, you will quickly realise that there are different insert systems to integrate the bindings onto it. They differ in their number of holes (called "inserts"), their spacing and their layout. It is through these features that you will then be able to adjust your snowboard bindings to your preferences.

• The 2x4: on each side, 2 parallel rows spaced 4 cm apart with 6 inserts each 2 cm apart.
• The 4x4: under each foot, 2 parallel rows spaced 4 cm apart and each row has 3 inserts spaced 4 cm apart.
• The Channel System (or ICS): invented by the Burton brand, it consists of two "trenches" located on either side of the board and into which two screws are slid. Once the adjustment of the snowboard binding is found, it is enough to fix with 2 other complementary screws to secure the position.
• The 3D Pattern: it's hardly found anymore, but you might as well be informed. Under each binding slot, it's a set of eight points arranged in a star pattern for the most accurate snowboard binding adjustment possible.

Most bindings come with a disc/plate that is compatible with 2x4 and 4x4 snowboards. For the Channel system, be sure to choose the correct bindings.

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How to find your stance?

Once you're sure you have the right bindings for your snowboard (or vice versa), the first thing to determine for a good setting of your snowboard bindings is the stance, i.e. the distance between each of your feet. If you're Goofy, you'll have your right foot in front, Regular, it will be your left foot first facing the slope. To find the right gap, simply climb your board and find the gap that feels most comfortable and optimal for your balance. If you are a freerider, it is advisable to choose a stance that's as far back as possible, for the floatability in deep powder snow. For freestyle and all-mountain, try to be as centred as possible. Hence the interest in choosing your snowboard well.

Remove the discs from your bindings to place them where you want them on the board and, once your boots are placed in the bindings, check that the front and back of your feet stick out as much as each other from your bindings. If not, adjust within the width of the board using the notches on the disc.

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How to adjust the angle of your snowboard bindings?

In snowboarding, the feet are not necessarily positioned in parallel, quite the contrary. Depending on your practice, you will be able to apply a snowboard binding angle that is more or less important to your bindings, which will facilitate your glide. To find the right adjustment of your snowboard bindings, you need to rotate their discs without the whole assembly being attached to the board. Each line represents 3 degrees.

• Freestyle angle: the feet open outwards. Ideally you want to have an adjustment of +15° for the front foot and -15° for the back. It can be difficult to get used to this type of position though: feel free to go gradually for the back foot positioning.
• Freeride angle: to marry speed and control, both feet should be positioned forward. Try an angle of +15° for each foot.
• All-mountain angle: an all-mountain snowboard binding adjustment should work in any situation and landscape. So you should start on an angle of +15° at the front and be in negative (-3° or -6°) for the back foot setting. You will then just have to refine the adjustment according to your sensations.

It doesn't matter what type of riding you want to do, the correct adjustment when starting out in snowboarding is: +15° for the front foot and 0 on the back.

Once you've determined your stance and angle, grab a cross-headed screwdriver. All you have to do is place your bindings at the right notch and angle, and screw them in. You're ready to ride!