As you come down the hill the last thing you want to be worried about is whether or not your bindings will hold up.
You need to be able to trust all your gear, but especially the bindings which are keeping you and your board working as a single graceful gliding unit.
When you are looking for your bindings or attaching them, you want to know that the bindings are working with your boots, and board.
You also want to know that the bindings will work great for the type of snow you will be boarding on, and work well with your style of snowboarding.
The biggest decision when selecting bindings is whether or not you will use strap or step-in types.
Step-ins are more secure and can work with harder boots.
These are great, especially with hard packed snow or ice, but many boarders have a problem with them.
Step-ins are not very flexible and there are individuals who have trouble using them.
The difference can be loosely compared to using cage petals on a bicycle.
Some people feel more secure while others like the strap bindings which buckle into place to secure your boots more.
Straps are usually used with softer boots.
Bring the boots you will be using with you, to select the bindings since it is the boots the binds need to fit.
While the sizes are listed on the bindings you should also try each one since one size with one manufacture might not be exactly the same to another manufacturer.
It might not be a bad idea to rent or borrow this equipment until you see which you prefer.
Beginners usually like the more flexible softer bindings, as do those who enjoy freestyle snowboarding.
The more advanced boarders like the stiffer bindings since they respond faster to their movements.
While you cannot exactly move around much when trying the bindings you can at least get an idea of how well they fit the boots, and whether they are stiff or soft.
Find the bindings you want and do not let anyone pressure you into buying anything that is not right for you.
It does not matter what a superstar of the sport is using or what the sales person says is the best brand.
The best bindings are the one that work for you.
If you have selected straps as the best bindings for you and you are ready to use them then sit down in the snow and tilt the board toward your feet.
If there is any loose snow around clear this away.
Place the foot you will use as the front foot in the front binding.
You will need to lift the straps and guide the heel to the very back of the binding.
There should be no space between the heel and the back of the binding.
Kick or dig your heel back to make sure there is absolute no 'wiggle room'.
Strap the heel down and make sure this is snug as well.
Attach the toe strap so it is snug, but not too tight.
Now you can strap in the other foot.
Stand up on the board and try out a stance before taking to a hill.