Snowboard binding flex plays a crucial role in the riding experience and can greatly affect riding. Choosing the right one is key to having the perfect equipment that allows you to improve faster.
Let’s start.
What Is snowboard binding flex?
The snowboard binding flex is a value that affects riding and indicates the flexibility of the binding.
This value is influenced by the baseplate and the highback (the part of the binding that works like a lever and allows you to control the snowboard).
Learn more about the highback and other snowboard binding parts.
Snowboard binding flex ranges from 1 (very soft) to 1 (very stiff), however not all brands use the same numbering system, here is a list that can give you an idea:
1st type:
Soft (1 – 2 out of 10)
Medium-to-soft (3 – 4 out of 10)
Medium (5 – 6 out of 10)
Medium-to-stiff (7 – 8 out of 10)
Stiff (9 – 10 out of 10)
2nd type:
Soft (1 -3 out of 10)
Medium (4 – 7 out of 10)
Stiff (8 – 10 out of 10)
Note: These flex rating scales can also be used for snowboard and boots.
How Does snowboard binding flex Affect Riding?
The snowboard binding flex affects riding in different ways depending on its value. That’s why it’s important to choose the right one for you!
Soft flex
The soft flex is not very responsive and stable at high speeds or when landing from high jumps. It gives the boot more freedom of movement and this is useful in reducing falls due to incorrect moves.
Medium flex
The medium flex is very variable. This is because it depends on whether you choose a value softer or more stiff. Its main characteristic is that it offers the qualities of soft and stiff flex but in a more versatile way.
Stiff flex
The stiff flex offers maximum responsiveness as every movement we make is immediately transferred from the binding to the snowboard. It is also very stable since it limits the movement of the boot. Finally, it provides a lot of precision in the movements of the board.
How To Choose snowboard binding flex
There are several ways to choose the right snowboard binding flex. You can choose it according to:
- Riding Style
- Skill level
- Compatibility
- Personal preference
Riding Style
Each riding style has its features and that is why it needs a specific flex value that facilitates the riding.
Freestyle
If you are a freerider, the best snowboard binding flex is 3 or 4. That flex will give you a lot of freedom of movement during tricks.
In addition, you can make two other choices for this style. If you want to focus entirely on street riding and jibbing, then the best choice is 1 or 2.
Whereas for very high jumps I recommend 4 or 5. This way your foot will be more stable when landing.
Find out what freestyle is all about!
Freeride
For freeriding, I recommend a flex between 8 and 10. That is because freeriding needs to have maximum responsiveness. Think about riding through trees, for example, knowing that the board will move immediately after your movement is crucial.
Note: the higher flex you choose, the more responsiveness you will have, but your board will be specific to this style. So if you want to have a more versatile board, choose a lower flex, in this case, 8.
Find out what freeride is all about!
All mountain
If you want to practice all mountain you will have to take a very versatile board, able to perform all styles.
That’s why the flex I recommend is 5 or 6 (Medium).
If you want to practice all styles, but at the same time focus more on one, then choose a flex of 7 to have a board great for freeriding or 5 for freestyle.
Find out what all mountain is all about!
Skill Level
This kind of choice is important above all for beginners, who must have equipment that allows them to improve as best they can.
Beginners
The best snowboard bindings flex for beginners is 3 or 4, so rather soft (Medium-to-soft). That is because as a beginner it is normal to make wrong movements, and having a soft binding prevents these mistakes from leading to repeated falls.
I also recommend 5 of flex if you prefer to have more responsiveness.
I invite you to read our guide on the features a snowboard for beginners should have.
Intermediate and advanced
In this case, the choice of the snowboard binding flex depends only on the riding style you prefer. That is because more experience allows freedom of choice.
If you don’t know which one to choose find out what the different riding styles consist of and check the most suitable flex.
Compatibility
When we talk about flex in the snowboard world, we mean the flex of the board, bindings, and boots. Yes, they have their flex too!
That is why it is recommended to choose a similar flex for all three parts, so that all parts work well together.
Learn how snowboard flex and boot flex works and how they affect riding.
Personal Preference
Once again, the choice can be made according to personal preference. So if you have the opportunity, try different flexes and find the one that suits you best. The recommended setups are not necessarily the best for everyone.
However, if you don’t have a chance to test, then I recommend you choose the setups I suggested above.
Now that you know the snowboard bindings flex right for you, you can make an informed purchase that will quickly improve your skills.
If you have any questions or doubts please feel free to contact me here in the comments or at support@adventurerhub.com
I will be happy to help you!
In addition, I recommend you check out our guide on snowboard flex and boot flex.
Learn how to best set up your snowboard gear to improve quickly.
