Why are Snowboard Bindings so Expensive? (Explained!)

If you love snowboarding and are a regular snowboarder, then you are probably aware of the high price of snowboard bindings.

Well, at some point in your snowboarding career, you might have wondered what makes these bindings so expensive, and we are here to find out the reasons behind it.

Why are snowboard bindings so expensive?

The main reason snowboard bindings for being so expensive is that they are made of high-quality, lightweight, durable, and long-lasting materials. Side by side, you will be charged for more in the brand’s name because the cost of research and innovation for bindings will be concluded.

There are many reasons behind the bindings being so pricey, but the price is worth it because they ensure you have a safe and enjoyable experience.

Anyone who has been snowboarding for a lot of time will tell you that snowboard bindings play a critical role in how good they do in the snow.

Here are some reasons for which snowboard bindings become so expensive:

Quality of material

Snowboard bindings are manufactured to be light in weight while ensuring the strength and flexibility needed for performance. In addition, the price would indicate the variety and quality of products used by the company.

The base plate is the essential part of a binding’s structure, so it is crucial to choose the correct base plate.

The low-cost bindings will have a plastic base plate, while high-end bindings will have a ceramic or aluminum base plate.

The products used in them can differ depending on the product, but they often include carbon fiber, glass/nylon, etc. The majority of bindings have two thick straps, one at the foot and the other around the ankle.

Cheaper bindings will use plastic ratchets, which are more vulnerable to cracking. The most expensive bindings have aluminum ratchets, which are of higher quality and much more robust.

Innovation cost

Snowboard equipment has developed over the years, which means research and development funding costs are included with the price.

The innovative researches guarantee that manufacturers’ goods remain cutting-edge and updated with modern technologies. In addition, new developments are manufactured regularly to keep up with the evolving market.

Brand Power

Although there is a close link between price and consistency, more expensive bindings do not necessarily imply higher quality bindings. In the buyer’s mind, a brand name creates some guarantees that what they’re purchasing will be of excellent quality.

When a customer believes a brand is of high quality, they are likely to spend far more than when they feel a brandless product is of poor quality.

Customers are ready to pay the price.

The manufacturers know how much consumers can spend, and keeping that in mind, they are trying to increase their profits by covering all of their expenses and overheads.

Risk policy and ticket pricing

There is a lot of policy and liability that goes into snowboard bindings. Someone may be critically wounded or lose life if they collide, which is why the risk is what drives up the price.

Ski lift tickets can be purchased as full-day, half-day, or multi-day children and adults tickets throughout the United States at a wide range of prices.

Before you go, make sure you know how much ski lift tickets can cost so you can prepare accordingly. You will always save money by purchasing lift tickets in advance.

How much should I spend on snowboard bindings?

We don’t suggest purchasing a low-priced binding because it won’t last long, which is why it is better if you for a high-quality binding from a reliable manufacturer that will suit your riding style and performance.

As for any piece of equipment, you can know how much you want to spend before going out and shopping to avoid getting too nervous and spending too much money on top-of-the-line gear.

Beginner bindings are available at around $160, which is a fair price. The top-of-the-line models will cost you about $250.

When purchasing, you should keep in mind that the less expensive bindings are usually lighter and more flexible, making them better for park and freestyle riding. But you should get a fair deal and save a little more money for yourself.

Do bindings matter on a snowboard?

The three main components that make up a snowboard setup are snowboard, snowboard boots, and snowboard bindings.

Consumers always focus on the snowboard, and boots and bindings often come last, which is not the right thing to do. Bindings are more crucial, and choosing the least expensive option is simply the wrong choice.

The importance of the bindings is equal to that of the rest of the components of a snowboard. They are your direct link to the board, passing your energy to it and returning the power when necessary.

Bindings improve control and comfort, making it an important feature that can either improve or spoil your riding experience if chosen incorrectly.

Bindings are more critical for mountain snowboarding performance than for park skiing. One of the most crucial points in comfort, and a loosely fitted foot strap is highly uncomfortable, and it worsens your riding.

Always remember boots keep you warm, bindings keep you in balance, and the board lets you control down the slope.

Cheap vs. expensive snowboard bindings- Which one is better

People will get the quality depending on what they will pay for, and it is the same case when it comes to snowboard bindings.

It is almost difficult for customers to get the quality-based material if they do not attempt to pay for snowboard bindings with outstanding cushioning and soft durability.

Expensive bindings are costly for a purpose, and it’s a worthy investment if you want the highest performance, durability, and compatibility.

Here are some facts why expensive snowboard bindings are worth the price:

Flexibility is top-notch

The pricey snowboard bindings have different styles of bindings with a greater level of flexibility which is the deciding factor. This is the feature that they can realize the most when people use expensive snowboard bindings.

People can use the inexpensive bindings at first, but they will soon realize that using the more expensive ones will save them a lot of money in the long run.

More compatible

When it comes to the more costly bindings, the quality of compatibility is still something that customers can consider. Any of the main mounting mechanisms would usually mount the more expensive bindings.

When customers go for the more costly binding systems, they purchase something that includes brand-name mounting functions.

It comes with a warranty.

Another feature that makes the snowboard bindings pricey is that all of them come with a lifetime warranty. That has certainly become a subject of discussion for people who are thinking about purchasing long-lasting bindings.

Finally, we suggest you go for more premium brands for peace of mind and comfort, and they are totally worth it in that regard.

Are step-on bindings worth it?

Step-on bindings are a perfect way to make snowboarding more attractive for beginners, and they’re well worth the money. When boots are activated with the binding, the step-on mechanism performs so well that they do not slip or bend at all.

For specific riders, this means that their equipment has been much more flexible. For some, it means they lack the versatility they need for their riding style.

It will take some time for any rider to get used to step-on bindings because you wouldn’t have to strap in at the end of the run.

Which bindings should I buy?- What to look for buying bindings

Snowboard bindings are divided into three categories based on their intended use: all-mountain, freestyle, and freeride.

All-mountain riders can aim for a binding with a mild flex because it offers the most flexibility.

Starters and freestylers choose bindings with small, compact rear support for a softer, comfortable ride and fast recovery when landing jumps and turns.

Bindings with tall and rigid highbacks are preferred by experienced riders and free-riders for better control at high speeds on thick snow and on hilly slopes.

What are the best snowboard bindings for beginners?

Many of the bindings are appropriate not only for beginners but also for intermediate and novice riders and particular riding styles such as freestyle. We have listed the best three beginner snowboard bindings down below:

Union Contact Pro

It’s the priciest item on the list, but it’s still the best for riders who have progressed past the beginner stage. It is excellent as a starter binding and capable of taking you far beyond that.

Burton Freestyle

The Freestyles have an excellent soft flex that gives turning at low speeds and is more tolerant of mistakes. Not just that, but they have a lot of versatility for a low-cost binding so that you can get the perfect fit and feel.

Union Flite Pro

This is another excellent choice for the beginner who cannot or may not want to spend excessively. Most notably, they’re great for beginners, with a nice fast flex. In addition, they are incredibly flexible, versatile at low speeds, and respond with a consistent smoothness.

Can you put any bindings on a snowboard?

You can put any bindings on a snowboard because bindings can be mounted in various ways, and snowboards come with a range of hole patterns and mounting functions.

Fortunately, most brands now make universal disks or several discs to cover multiple forms of mounting holes. Again, consult with the manufacturer to ensure that the binding can fit you.

Whether the bindings are expensive or cheap, the topmost concern should be the quality of the bindings as they are the core connector to the snowboard and your body.

Have a safe snowboarding experience!