The bindings are our interface with the snowboard. They allow us to control it with our movements. However, it is essential to adjust them correctly to have an optimal riding experience.
The first thing to do is definitely to adjust the snowboard highback angle.
Let’s see how you should do it!
What is the snowboard highback, and how does it work?
The snowboard highback is the part of the bindings behind the leg. It works as a lever that, when pressed by our legs, makes the snowboard move the way we want it to.
As you can understand, it is important and has a big influence on the behaviour of the snowboard when we move.
There are two ways to modify the transmission of our movements by the highback:
- Change the snowboard highback angle
- Lengthen/shorten the highback
Which snowboard highback angle should you set?
Leaning the highback forward toward the legs (forward lean) will keep the knees slightly bent.
That will lower the centre of gravity, making the snowboard more responsive to our movements and facilitating side-to-side transition.
Our every slightest movement will be felt immediately by the highback and will be transmitted to the snowboard.
Note: the term forward lean indicates the amount of forward angle of the highback.
On the other hand, keeping the highback more upright will give the opposite result. Our legs will have more freedom of movement, so our movements will not immediately be transmitted to the snowboard.
What I’m going to show you now are guidelines to help you understand how you should tilt the binding highback.
Each bindings’ model can be adjusted more or less, so I will not give you the exact angle of lean.
In general, the knees should always remain slightly bent but not excessively. The picture below will give you an idea.
Note: Exaggerating to lean the highback in either direction does not benefit you. You only risk hurting yourself.
Best snowboard highback angle for BEGINNERS
As a beginner, it is normal to make mistakes, but it is also important to try not to fall after every little error.
Therefore, a beginner should keep the highback fairly upright. That gives more freedom of movement to the leg, preventing every slightest mistake in movement from leading to a fall.
That is at the expense of responsiveness, but it is not critical for a beginner.
In addition to setting the bindings correctly, it’s also important to have a snowboard with the right features. Find out what a snowboard for beginners should be like.
Best snowboard highback angle for FREERIDE
In freeriding, the snowboard highback angle must be tilted toward the leg (forward lean). You need to have a lot of responsiveness in your movements.
That is also good for very aggressive freeriders.
Best snowboard highback angle for FREESTYLE
In freestyle, the snowboard binding highback angle must be more upright. The greater freedom of leg movement is great for facilitating landing from jumps, especially if they are very high.
Best snowboard highback angle for ALL MOUNTAIN
In all mountain, it is important to have maximum versatility. The gear must be suitable for each style. Therefore, the highback must be set at an angle between that of freeride and freestyle. You need responsiveness, but at the same time freedom of movement.
Remember that experimenting is important. Start from the guidelines I have given you and find the perfect angle.
Note: the highback is not always the same height. In freestyle it is usually shorter to provide freedom of movement. While in freeriding and all mountain it is higher to give more control and responsiveness.
Snowboard binding highback adjustment
Adjusting the snowboard highback angle can be done in different ways depending on the bindings’ model you have.
Sometimes it is adjusted by unscrewing or screwing internal screws like Burton step on (image 1) others by turning a spacer like K2 clicker (image 2). Some others by sliding a plastic part on the back of the binding (image 3).
Useful videos
Note: you can also adjust the highback’s rotation to improve power transfer from the bindings to the snowboard and to increase comfort. But it is not essential.
FAQ
Is it possible to replace the binding highback?
Yes, you can replace the highback on the bindings with a new one, but it is important to make sure it is compatible with the binding.
Now that you know what snowboard highback angle to set, it is time to complete the stance setting, that is, the setting of the bindings on the board. It is critical, so I recommend you read our guide on how to set the right stance.
Always remember to test different angles until you find the right one for you. Keep this advice in mind with other snowboarding topics as well. It’s important!
If you have any questions or concerns, you can contact us by leaving a comment or emailing us at support@adventurerhub.com.
