How to compare bindings

So you are looking for some new bindings and have narrowed it down to a couple of choices.

What is the best way to easily compare the features of each binding?

The main things to compare on bindings are: flex, price, adjustability and warranty.

For this example I’m going to pretend that we are looking for a middle of the range binding, an all mountain binding, and I have a budget of $200.

I have narrowed it down to the Burton Mission and the Union Force.

Flex

Both bindings have a medium flex, so there is no real difference there.

Price

They both retail for $199 (except for the EST version of the Missions, they are more expensive).

Adjustability

On the Burton Missions, they have the little caps on the screws that let you tighten them by hand, so technically you can adjust them while you are out riding with no tools.

The Force’s have a large wheel that you can undo by hand to adjust the ankle strap, but you will need a screwdriver to adjust the toe cap.

These are both minor features, I have never had to adjust my bindings while I have been out riding, but the option to do at least some of it by hand is there on both models.

Warranty

The Missions have a 1 year warranty, while the Forces have a lifetime warranty on the baseplate.

I wouldn’t stress too much about the warranty, overall bindings are pretty tough.

All the other stuff

The other things to look out for are if the bindings have canting (or canted footbeds), how much they weigh (the lighter the better) and looks. Although I really don’t care about how my bindings look, most people do.

Either way, if you are comparing two bindings that are in the same price range, they are very likely going to have similar features.

If you know what bindings you want to buy, you can search on this page to find out what store has them in stock, and if they are on sale.