The right snowboard binding angles can make all the difference in snowboard performance and features. Whether you are a beginner trying to learn the basics or a longtime enthusiast looking to hone your technique, knowing which angle of binding is best for you is critical.
In this guide, we will look at all the snowboard binding angles, the most suitable for each style, and give you tips for choosing the right one for you.
Finally, we will show you the setup of some professional snowboarders.
The main Snowboard Binding Angles are the Positive / positive (+/+) in which both bindings have a positive angle. Positive/negative (duck) which has a positive angle on the front binding and a negative angle on the back binding. Finally, the positive/zero (+/0) where the front binding has a positive angle and the rear binding has 0-degree angle.
Importance of snowboard binding angles
Binding angles affect the adaptability of the snowboard, but above all it ease the riding in different styles and terrains. The right angle can improve your carving, increase stability, and/or make it easier to switch stances.
However, the wrong one can make it more difficult to improve, especially if you are a beginner.
Keep in mind that everyone’s riding style and preferences are different. So feel free to experiment with different angles until you find the one that works best for you.
Goofy or regular?
The first step in choosing the right angles of bindings is to know whether you are regular or goofy. So in which stance you ride the snowboard.
If you still don’t know, check out our guide on how to determine whether you are goofy or regular!
Factors to consider when choosing binding angles
When it comes to choosing snowboard binding angles, there are several factors to consider. Understanding these factors can help you find the right angles that will boost your performance on the slopes.
Here are the factors to keep in mind:
1. Riding style: Your riding style will play a big role in determining your binding angles. For example, if you prefer a freestyle setup, you may want a more aggressive angle.
2. Skill level: Your skill level will also be a determining factor in choosing binding angles. As a beginner, you may want to start with a snowboard easier to control.
As you progress, you can experiment with a different binding angle to find the perfect match your abilities.
3. Personal preferences: Everyone has their personal preferences when it comes to snowboarding. Experiment with different binding angles to figure out what works best for you.
Remember, this is a very important thing.
By considering these factors, you can go ahead and find the right snowboard binding angles for your needs and preferences.
Positive and negative angle: what does it mean?
Before choosing the right snowboard binding angle, you need to understand how binding degrees are measured. Don’t think you have to measure the angle by hand with a protractor.
Each binding has an adapter plate that allows it to be attached to the snowboard. The various degrees of rotation are numbered on this component, so you can easily set the binding angle.
Rotating the binding counterclockwise toward the nose of the snowboard will give you a positive angle, and clockwise a negative angle.
I recommend you read our guide on how to mount snowboard bindings with the angle you have chosen in 5 easy steps.
Main binding angles
1. Positive / zero (+/0)
One of the best snowboard binding angles for those who are into carving and switch riding is the positive/zero (+/0) setup.
In this binding setup, the front binding has a positive angle, usually around 15-21 degrees, while the rear binding is set at a zero-degree angle.
This allows for better control during carving, as the rear binding eases the folding of the rear leg (crucial in carving). It also simplifies switch riding.
PROS:
- Good for carving
- Good for switch riding
2. Positive/positive (+/+)
This stance features a positive angle in both bindings. If you are looking for binding angles suitable for carving, this one is for you.
However, it has a negative aspect since both bindings have a positive angle it is more difficult to ride in a switch stance.
In this configuration, it is possible to vary a lot in terms of positive angles for both front and rear bindings. Usually, the front binding angle is between +25-27 degrees, while the rear one is between +3-6 degrees.
PROS:
- Best for carving
CONS:
- More difficult switch riding
3. Positive/negative (duck)
Positive/negative, also known as duck stance, is a popular snowboard binding angle choice among riders. This stance features a positive angle in the front foot and a negative angle in the back foot.
This allows for greater stability and control, especially during landing from jumps.
This stance is particularly effective for switch riding as it allows for easier transitions between regular and goofy riding.
PROS:
- Stability and control
- Best for switch riding
CONS:
- Not ideal for carving
Having the right snowboard binding angles is one of the steps in setting the right stance. If you want to have the right setup for your snowboard, read our guide on how to choose the perfect snowboard stance for you!
Best Snowboard binding angles for BEGINNERS
The right snowboard binding angle for beginners is Positive / zero (+/0), more specifically +15/0 degrees. This setup offers a lot of stability, but also ease in turns. All useful features for beginners.
Note: If you want to try different angles do not exaggerate, especially if you choose duck setups. That is because too much difference in angle between the two bindings can hurt your knees.
Best Snowboard binding angles for FREESTYLE
When freestyling, stability is very important, plus it is useful to switch stances easily. That because you need to have more flexibility in your approach to jumps, but also because you won’t always land from jumps in your natural stance. Therefore, for freestyle I suggest a duck stance.
The front binding has an angle ranging from +13 to +21 degrees, while the rear binding is between -3 to -15 degrees.
As said before, do not overdo the difference in angle between the bindings to avoid knee pain. Some common binding setups are +18/-12, +18/-9, and +21/-15.
Remember that there are no perfect snowboard binding angles. Try different angles to find the right one for you.
Best Snowboard binding angles for FREERIDE
The most common binding setup among freeriders is positive/positive. This is because freeriders often want a snowboard that is aggressive and responsive in turn.
In addition, this allows the legs to bend more easily and thus facilitate carving.
The front binding has an angle between +27 and +15 degrees, and the rear binding is between +9 and +3 degrees, sometimes even 0 degrees.
Some common binding setups are +21/+6, +27/+6, +18/+6, and +18/+3.
Best Snowboard binding angles for ALL-MOUNTAIN
The all-mountain style is very variable in terms of binding angles. Usually, we recommend between +12 and +21 degrees for the front binding and between 0 to -9 degrees for the rear binding.
However, I advise you to always think about your needs. Look at the pros and cons of each basic setup (Positive/positive, duck, etc..) and choose the right stance.
For example, if you want an all mountain – freeride set up then choose positive/zero angle, while if you want it all mountain – freestyle then choose positive/negative with the rear binding slightly rotated.
Some common all-mountain binding setups are +15/-3 (all mountain – freestyle), +15/0 (all mountain), +18/+3 (all mountain – freeride).
Pro Snowboarders Binding angles and Stances
Here are some professional snowboarders and their binding angles:
| Pro | Goofy or Regular? | Front Foot Angle | Back Foot Angle | Riding Style |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jeremy Jones | Goofy | +27° | 0 to +6° | Freeride |
| Ben Ferguson | Regular | +15° | -10° | Freestyle |
| Mark McMorris | Regular | +9° | 0 | All-mountain |
| Seppe Smits | Goofy | +15° | -12° | Freestyle |
| Jake Blauvelt | Regular | +21° | +6° | Freeride |
FAQs
How to adjust binding angles snowboard?
To adjust the snowboard binding angles you have to use the adapter plate.
This component is used to attach the binding to the snowboard, plus it has numbered degrees of rotation. This makes it easy to know what angle the binding has.
One setup or change binding setup?
After you find the right binding setup, over time you can try others, so that you become a more complete snowboarder.
What are the best snowboard binding angles?
There is no definitive answer to this question, as the best angle for you may vary depending on your personal preferences and your riding style.
Now that you know the main snowboard binding angles, how they affect rdind, and the best options for each style, it’s time to put them into practice!
Remember that there are no perfect snowboard stance angles, but the one that fits YOU best.
If you have any questions, concerns, or requests, please feel free to contact us here in the comments or at support@adventurerhub.com.
What to do next…
Once you’ve found the right bindings angle for you, it’s time to complete your snowboard stance setup. Check out our guide on how to determine the right snowboard stance for you to improve faster!
I also recommend you read:
- What snowboard highback angle you need to set.
- What is snowboard waxing and why should I do it.
