Hello and welcome to my list of the Top 5 Freeride Snowboard Bindings. This list has been updated for the 2017/18 season.
Of the 10 freeride bindings I rated:
- The average score was 85.5/100
- The highest score was 92.5/100
- The lowest score was 76.9/100
- The average price was $397
Each binding is rated on its ability specifically as a freeride binding – not just rated generally as a binding. For example the likes of responsiveness is given higher importance than other factors.
As is custom at SnowboardingProfiles.com each binding is given a rating out of 100 based on several factors.
Alright let’s get into the top 5!
Men’s Freeride Binding #5
Bindings: Salomon Quantum
Price: View More Info and Current Prices Here
Smart rating score: 86.0/100
Flex: Stiff (8 out of 10)
The first bindings we’ll look at, in at #5, are the Salomon Quantums.
A nice stiff flexed binding to bomb the mountain hard and fast with.
These bindings will hold your boots nice and strong and are highly adjustable (so long as you’re not concerned with being able to adjust the forward lean), have pretty good shock absorption and enough comfort to keep you riding all day.
But mostly this binding is super responsive which is exactly what you want when you’re riding hard and fast especially through trees, down chutes, steeps etc.
They come in at a reasonable price too (as far as freeride bindings go anyway!)
Check out the video below for more
The Quantum’s Score Breakdown
| FACTOR | RATING (OUT OF 5) | CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE |
|---|---|---|
| Responsiveness: | 5.0 | 30/30 |
| Adjustability: | 4.0 | 12/15 |
| Ankle Support: | 4.0 | 12/15 |
| Shock Absorption: | 3.5 | 7/10 |
| Comfort: | 3.5 | 7/10 |
| Board Feel: | 3.0 | 6/10 |
| Entry/Exit: | 4.0 | 4/5 |
| Flex: | 5.0 | 5/5 |
| TOTAL after normalizing | 86.0/100 |
Men’s Freeride Binding #4
Bindings: Union Ultra FC
Price: View More Info and Current Prices Here
Smart rating score: 87.6/100
Flex: Stiff (8 out of 10)
In the #4 spot we have Union’s Ultra FC bindings.
These bindings might cost as much as a lot of snowboards – but you get something super high-tech for that money.
Lightness wasn’t a factor for the scores here, but if it was the Ultra FC would score highly in that area.
So if you’re looking for bindings that are not only super-responsive, comfortable, and providing of awesome board feel but are also super light (making your overall ride more snappy and nice when on the lifts, or hiking), then the Ultra FCs should be high on your list.
Check out the video for more
The Ultra FC’s Score Breakdown
| FACTOR | RATING (OUT OF 5) | CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE |
|---|---|---|
| Responsiveness: | 5.0 | 30/30 |
| Adjustability: | 4.0 | 12/15 |
| Ankle Support: | 3.0 | 9/15 |
| Shock Absorption: | 3.5 | 7/10 |
| Comfort: | 4.5 | 9/10 |
| Board Feel: | 5.0 | 10/10 |
| Entry/Exit: | 4.5 | 4.5/5 |
| Flex: | 5.0 | 5/5 |
| TOTAL after normalizing | 87.6/100 |
Men’s Freeride Binding #3
Bindings: Flux XF
Price: View More Info and Current Prices Here
Smart rating score: 90.9/100
Flex: Medium-Stiff (8/10)
At #3, we have the Flux XF.
These bindings are by far the best value for money on this list. They are the least expensive here by a good margin (and a good bit lower than the average price for freeride bindings) – but still have awesome performance. Price didn’t come into play here, so the XFs made #3 on their performance alone – the smaller price tag is just a bonus.
Slightly softer flexing and not quite as light as their super-hero older brothers (see #2), the XFs are still really stiff and super responsive but manage to give great board feel at the same time.
They have that great boot support that flux are known for and part of that comes down to the way they their ankle straps sit on the inside of the heel cup (most bindings they are on the outside).
Check out the video below for more about the XFs
This video is for the 2016/17 model. Most of which is still relevant but there have been some upgrades (like the Waffle ankle strap). Once I find a 2017/18 video, I’ll put it up here.
The Score Breakdown for the XFs
| FACTOR | RATING (OUT OF 5) | CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE |
|---|---|---|
| Responsiveness: | 5.0 | 30/30 |
| Adjustability: | 4.5 | 13.5/15 |
| Ankle Support: | 5.0 | 15/15 |
| Shock Absorption: | 2.5 | 5/10 |
| Comfort: | 4.0 | 8/10 |
| Board Feel: | 4.0 | 8/10 |
| Entry/Exit: | 4.0 | 4/5 |
| Flex: | 5.0 | 5/5 |
| TOTAL after normalizing | 90.9/100 |
Men’s Freeride Binding #2
Bindings: Flux XV
Price: View More Info and Current Prices Here
Smart rating score: 91.9/100
Flex: Stiff (9 out of 10)
The #2 spot goes to Flux’s XV bindings.
These are like XFs – but on some steriods – lighter yet stiffer, we’re getting into some serious space age stuff here. You do pay more for them than you do for the XFs but they’re still pretty close to the average price for freeride bindings, so still completely reasonable for what they are.
If you you like to ride hard and aggressive and don’t want to compromise on stiffness and response then the XV might be your ultimate bindings.
These bindings are super responsive, with an extremely firm locked-in boot support feel.
Add to that great comfort and a lot of tool-less adjustability and you have the near perfect freeride binding.
Whilst they may lack somewhat in shock absorption, these babies more than make up for it for that rider looking for the ultimate in response and support.
Check out the video below to learn more of the technical stuff!
This video is for the 2016/17 model. Most of which is still relevant but there have been some upgrades (like the Waffle ankle strap). Once I find a 2017/18 video, I’ll put it up here.
The XV’s Score Breakdown
| FACTOR | RATING (OUT OF 5) | CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE |
|---|---|---|
| Responsiveness: | 5.0 | 30/30 |
| Adjustability: | 4.5 | 13.5/15 |
| Ankle Support: | 5.0 | 15/15 |
| Shock Absorption: | 2.5 | 5/10 |
| Comfort: | 4.5 | 9/10 |
| Board Feel: | 4.0 | 8/10 |
| Entry/Exit: | 4.0 | 4/5 |
| Flex: | 5.0 | 5/5 |
| TOTAL after normalizing | 91.9/100 |
Men’s Freeride Binding #1
Bindings: Burton X-Base
Price (US): View More Info and Current Prices Here
Price (Canada): View More Info and Current Prices Here
Smart rating score: 92.5/100
Flex: Stiff (9 out of 10)
And in the #1 position is the Burton X-Base!
If you really have no issues with how much you spend on your bindings, then the X-Base are going to be the ultimate freeride bindings.
But a warning – these things don’t come cheap!
Super light weight, hyper responsive and not a weakness in sight.
If you’re looking for something to really bomb down the mountain, particularly through the backcountry, then look no further.
You get Burton’s typically brilliant adjustability (though I’ve rated them slightly less than some other Burton bindings, just because of the fact that the ankle and toe straps aren’t tool-less adjustable), shock absorption and comfort too and add to that a really firm supporting feel inside the binding and you are looking at some awesome freeriding bindings.
The X-Bases comes in both Re:Flex (for standard 4 hole binding mounting systems) and EST (to fit Burton’s Channel system). The EST will have a sightly different feel due to the way it mounts to the board.
Check out this video for a few more details
The X Base’s Score Breakdown
Re:Flex score
| FACTOR | RATING (OUT OF 5) | CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE |
|---|---|---|
| Responsiveness: | 5.0 | 30/30 |
| Adjustability: | 4.0 | 12/15 |
| Ankle Support: | 4.5 | 13.5/15 |
| Shock Absorption: | 4.0 | 8/10 |
| Comfort: | 4.0 | 8/10 |
| Board Feel: | 5.0 | 10/10 |
| Entry/Exit: | 4.5 | 4.5/5 |
| Flex: | 5.0 | 5/5 |
| TOTAL after normalizing | 92.5/100 |
EST score
| FACTOR | RATING (OUT OF 5) | CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE |
|---|---|---|
| Responsiveness: | 5.0 | 30/30 |
| Adjustability: | 4.0 | 12/15 |
| Ankle Support: | 4.5 | 13.5/15 |
| Shock Absorption: | 3.5 | 7/10 |
| Comfort: | 3.5 | 7/10 |
| Board Feel: | 5.0 | 10/10 |
| Entry/Exit: | 4.5 | 4.5/5 |
| Flex: | 5.0 | 5/5 |
| TOTAL after normalizing | 90.3/100 |
I’m going to be honest, I wouldn’t spend this much on bindings – but if you want the ultimate and don’t mind paying for it, then go for it.
If you want something Burton Freeride but want to pay a little less, then the Genesis X is a good option. They’re more all-mountain to freeride, rather than pure freeride – but would still do a great job as a freeride binding.
Thanks for reading
So that’s my Top 5 Freeride bindings. I hope this has been helpful in your search for bindings.
If you’re interested in any of the bindings in this list check out the links under each binding to learn more.
Any thoughts on the NOW Drive or O-Drive?
Thanks for all of the insight!
Hey Adam
Thanks for your message.
Unfortunately I don’t really know anything about NOW gear so I can’t comment there. Sorry I can’t help more on that.
Hey Nate,
Big footed rider with toe/heel drag issues sometimes. Is there a significant difference between the footbed height of the Ride El Hefe and the Flux DM? Could the canting or the dampening of the El Hefe help avoid some of that drag? Or are they pretty much consistent?
Thanks!
Hi Dixon
The El Hefe might have a marginally higher footbed but nothing significant. I don’t see how the canting or dampening would affect toe and heel drag. Toe and heel drag is typically caused by a snowboard that is too narrow for your boots. If you pick the right sized bindings for the snowboard then the bindings shouldn’t have any effect on toe and heel drag except something with a thicker footbed that raises your feet higher above the board.
Ideally you want to set up your bindings so that they are from edge to edge on the board but not overhanging at all. I know that you can adjust the heel and toe on the baseplates of the DMs to help get that fit just right.
Learn more about finding the right sized bindings at the link below.
~Binding Sizing
Hope this helps.
Do you test these out yourself or just look at specs? I’m just wondering how you decide on so many pairs of bindings. how would the union t-rice or atlas or the ride capo’s didn’t make the list? these all seem like powder bindings rather than freeride.
Hi Paul
Thanks for the message.
My reviews and analysis take into account my own testing, analysis of the specs and analyzing other professional reviews and user reviews. By taking all these different things into account I get a more accurate picture. I could just test them and give my personal view based on nothing else but my style, ability level and physical characteristics would make that a bias test. So I like to look at all the angles.
I haven’t tried the Atlas but I am looking to get a chance to test them this winter as I have heard good things. This list is always evolving as I test more but this is my top 5 from the ones that I have done.
I’m not sure of your meaning of freeride and powder. Everyone seems to have a different view of these. If you can clarify what your definition is that would be great. In my view these bindings are great as powder and freeride. You can check out what I consider freeriding to be at the following links. I’m interested to know what your definition is.
~ 6 Broad Snowboarding Styles
~ Freeriding vs Freestyle
~ What is freeriding
Hope this answers your questions
hey Nate, is the 2015 Rome Targas worth getting for 80.00 less than the 2016? or spend extra for the 2016?? thanks
Hey Ari
Personally I’d go with the 2015 model because you’re saving quite a bit. There usually isn’t that much difference in tech from one year to the next – just some tweaks usually. This definitely makes a difference over 2-3 seasons but not usually that much over 1 season unless there was some major breakthroughs for that particular model. I don’t think the Targas changed that much between 2015 and 2016 so I’d go with the 2015
Hello Nate. I haven’t seen a any “step-in” binding reviews. What is your take on the step-ins from flow (or others)? I am intermediate-advanced free rider (never in the park) with wide feet looking to purchase the a frame arbor and ride trident boots. I ride in the northeast and CO (when i can get out there).
Hey Nick
To be honest I haven’t put any focus on step-in/speed-entry/rear-entry bindings for a while. The only reason being that I need to limit my focus somewhat because I only have so much time, not because I have anything against them.
I did own a pair of low level flow bindings for a while and, compared to other bindings I’ve owned and demoed, they weren’t great. But, as I say, they were low level Flow bindings and aren’t a comment on their higher end bindings (and also the bindings I had were 2013 models so they may have improved those since then).
I might try and get on some more high end Flows and GNUs (who also do that type of binding) this season so I can see how they’ve changed since I last tried them, but sorry I can’t be of more help at this point.
Hey Nate
Has the x-base changed much form 2015 /16 to this years 2016/17 model.
Cheers brud
Hey Jim
The 2016/17 model is very similar (virtually identical) to the 2015/16 model. The same bindings really for all intents and purposes. If you can find a good deal on 2015-16 model go for it.
Thanks mate. yep got last seasons for 1/3 cheaper. Your top 5 helped greatly. Cheers
Hey Jim
You’re very welcome. Let me know how you like them when you get a chance to ride them. Have an awesome season!
Hey there, lady rider here who’s resorted to using guy gear for the most part since they just don’t seem to make female gear aggressive /responsive enough for some of us. A little history; I was been riding the libtech TRS for three years now, and I love it. I have it in both regukar width (for the guys) and narrow (for the ladies). Frankly, I still prefer the guys line even though I have tiny feet (size 23.5). It’s jus more stable, and has significantly more pop. That being said, I’ve accompanied the board with bent metal bindings and love them. Super stiff and responsive, however, since I do have small feet, the fit isn’t ideal since they are a men’s s/m. My question is; do you have any recommendations on ladies bindings that can hang? I was sold on the Rome katanas, and they just aren’t as responsive, and the high backs I feel are way too soft for bombing. Thanks in advance for your opinion!
Hi Laura
I would look into the Flux GX and the Burton Lexa. These are the stiffest/most responsive women’s bindings I know of. Check out the link below for my list of the top 3 women’s freeride bindings. I could only find enough to make a list as a top 3 – there really is a lack of stiffer/responsive women’s bindings.
>>My Top 3 Women’s Freeride Bindings
Hope this helps
Hi Nate,
Trying to decide between Burton Genesis X, Burton X-Base and a pair of last years Burton Diode’s. Response is key but also appreciate comfort. Any advice?
Hi Matthew
I think any of those would work and are probably similar but not the same in terms of response and in terms of comfort. It’s unfortunate that they have stopped making the Diodes this year because they were awesome. If you can find a pair of those that might be your best bet, because you should be able to get them for the lowest price.
The Genesis X are probably just that little bit softer flexing than the other 2. I’d say that they are an 8/10 flex, whereas the X Base is more of a 9/10 with the Diode’s being a 9/10 or even 10/10.
Overall I’d say that the Genesis X would be slightly more comfortable (mainly due to the canted footbed that the Diode and X Base don’t have) than the Diode and X Base and the Diode and X Base being slightly more responsive – but only subtly so. The X Base are probably the lightest of the 3. I’d say the order of responsiveness would be:
1. X Base and Diode
2. Genesis X
And the order of comfort would be
1. Genesis X
2. X Base
3. Diode
Personally I’d go Genesis X but that’s mostly because I like a little bit of forgiveness even for freeriding. But if you like your bindings stiff and the response is the most important thing then the X Base or Diodes – in which case I’d go Diodes, just because you should be able to get them considerably cheaper. But if you have no budget concerns, then the X Base will probably give you the best of both worlds in terms of response and comfort.
So I have just recommended all 3! Hope this gives you more information to go off anyway.
Union FC? Thoughts?
Hi Sean
I definitely rate the Union FC – They’re only not in this list because I have categorized them in a different category – “All-Mountain-Freeride”. Just because they are great as both all-mountain bindings and as freeride bindings. You can see them in my All-Mountain-Freeride list in the link below – or at my full review at the 2nd link.
~ Top All-Mountain Freeride Bindings
~ Union FC Full Review
So that would work as a freeride binding or as an all-mountain binding, IMO.
im looking to maybe upgrade my bindings. looking for something more freeride! i currently ride on burton malavitas. and to be honest i like them. ive not seen u mention the malavitas at all. but i would compare them closest to the cartels(would i be right or wrong). what differences if any would i notice from changing to burton genesis or x-base? thanks
Hi Phil
Thanks for your message. I like the Malavitas too – just not quite as much as the Genesis or the Cartels. To me the Malavitas are kind of like the Cartels but also a bit like the Genesis – just a bit more freestyle based. I actually have a review for them in the works – just not finished or published on the site yet.
I like the Genesis a bit more than the Malavitas and I you get a touch more response out of them – but I definitely wouldn’t say they’re freeride bindings. They don’t have that kind of response. I would say that the Genesis are all-mountain leaning on all-mountain-freestyle and the Malavitas are more all-mountain-freestyle, if that makes sense.
If you changed to the X-Base you would notice a much bigger difference in stiffness and response compared to the Malavitas – going to the Genesis I think you would notice it but it would be a more subtle difference.
Another option which might suit you well – assuming you want to stick with Burton, which isn’t a bad idea at all, especially since you know that you like them (and Burton’s bindings are pretty consistently good), would be the Genesis X. The Genesis X is a stiffer more responsive version of the Genesis. Not quite as stiff but just as responsive, IMO, as the X-Base – but not quite as pricey. You get all the awesome-ness of the Genesis but in a stiffer more responsive model that’s more suited to freeriding.
Check out the link below for my top 5 all-mountain-freeride (in between all-mountain and freeride bindings) which I consider the Genesis X to be.
~ My Top 5 All-Mountain-Freeride bindings
Hope this helps
Hi Nate, I am reading your test reports with interest and your experience help a lot finding new bindings. However, so far I could not decide for a new binding. First some words about my riding style. I would consider myself as an experienced rider and have increasing fun on strong carving. However, I am also doing some small freestyle stuff, 180s and 360s on small kickers, changing to switch and also some buttering. Grinding very rarely and only on boxes and bigger kickers are not my favorites and if there is some snow I don’t say no to off pist. I know that there is now binding fulfilling all of these requirements, but I think that a stiff binding can also be used for small freestyle tricks, but a soft binding makes no fun for carving and freeride. I try to find a very stiff (maybe the stiffest) connection to the board ( with Driver X softboot) and I found the Union FC and Flux XV, both reviewed by you. The main difference seems to be the boot support. However, I have no clear idea what that meens. Does a high boot support give a stiffer feeling for carving ( I hate it when my heel lifts inside the boot or the boot lifts inside the binding) and would you say, that this is a property I should focus on? The Union FC is about 120 $ cheaper as the Flux XV at the moment and would be my my choice, if the properties are similar.
Thanks and regards, Malte
Hi Malte
Thanks for your message.
Boot support (at least not the way that I define it) shouldn’t affect the response of the binding and the boot support rating that I use doesn’t reflect boot lift inside the binding. Basically what this boot support rating is, is how much ankle support there is. Some people prefer to have a lot of ankle support – either they just like the feeling, they have ankles that are quite skinny or aren’t very strong or have ankle problems. I think most people probably prefer a bit more ankle support which is why I score higher for bindings that have good ankle support. But some people prefer their ankles to have a bit more freedom – in this case boot support won’t matter or you might even prefer less boot support. And for someone with strong ankles, this probably doesn’t matter too much either.
Hope this makes sense and answers your question
Hi Nate,
Thanks for all your work and reviews. I am an intermediate rider that gets out 10-12 days a year. I hit groomers and glades if the snow is good. I don’t do park.
I’ve been doing some research and I’m leaning towards one of these 3 bindings. Note, I just got done with the KEY Formula which were good but I didn’t love them.
1. Arbor Cypress
2. Flux XF (worried they might be too stiff?)
3. Burton Cartel (seem to check off a lot of boxes)
Thanks!
Hey
Thanks for your message.
I don’t demo Arbor bindings but the Cypress sound like they would be the right flex level – but I couldn’t give any more details than that.
The Flux XF is quite stiff and maybe a bit stiff for an intermediate level – but they do provide good board feel despite being quite stiff. If you haven’t already you can check out my review of them at the link below.
~ Flux XF Review
I think the Burton Cartel’s would be the best bet (or the Arbor Cypress but I’m not sure). They are a good flex level for an intermediate level and are just all-round great bindings – especially for the price.
>>Burton Cartel Review
Since the K2 Formulas have what I would say is a mid-stiff flex, then going for medium flex might be your best bet – so that would be Cypress or Cartels. Though the XFs would still probably feel better than the Formulas just because I found them to be more comfortable and have better board feel and better ankle support.
But overall, I think the Cartel’s are your best bet.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate,
Thanks for the reply! Anything else from Flux that you would recommend (I like the feel of their binding) or any other binding you think I would enjoy?
Hey
I think you’d like the Flux DS. They have a mid flex, maybe slightly leaning towards the soft side of medium – around 4.5/10, I’d say. They would be a great choice for an intermediate rider – and are great at any level – I own the DSs. The other option would be the RIIs. They will be a little bit softer again – maybe 4/10. Or there’s the TMs – but they are probably more like 7/10 – so getting on the stiff side again.
I think the DSs would be a good match for you.
Hey Nate! Thinking of pulling the trigger on the Flux XFs – only concern is the shock absorption. Is it really that bad?
I have some old Ride Contraband bindings (they finally broke) that seem like they don’t have that much padding for shock absorption either but I don’t know how they compare.
Anyway, any thoughts you might have would be greatly appreciated!
Cheers!
Hi Andrew
Thanks for your message.
I couldn’t say for sure, because I never tested the Contrabands, but just from a bit of research, I’d say they would be similar. The XFs aren’t terrible there – there is some padding – but not that much in the heel and the footbed is quite hard rather than being cushy. I think this does give them better board feel though, than they’d otherwise have – so there is an upside there.
I’ve had Flux DSs for a few years now and I don’t notice it now that I have boots with good shock absorption. I did use to notice it before that but usually most noticeably after a long park session or after a long day – by the end of the day just feeling the vibrations a bit more than I might on a long day with a more shock absorbing binding.
If you’re not likely to get in the park that much or if you have good shock absorption in your boots, then it’s not a huge deal, IMO.
Hope this helps
Nate! You are the man – that was super helpful.
My park days are long gone – I mostly charge powder/groomers nowadays and the way you described it sounds they will be just fine!
Thank you much for all the research you do!
See you out there.
-Andrew
You’re very welcome Andrew. Hope you have an awesome season!
Hi!
Have you guys tried drake radar bindings ? As far as i can read about them they seems like a very good bang for your buck pair of stiffer bindings, but there isn’t that much information I can find about them. would love if you guys would have any experience of them.
Hi Marcus
Haven’t tested any Drake bindings so can’t really say for those, unfortunately
Hi Nate
Having taken your reviews to heart, early this year I abondoned my ancient K2 zeppelin and bought a Slash ATV. I board in Europe for only a week a year and have been doing so for probably 20+ years now. Generally hoof it down groomed slopes as fast as I can; bit too old (48) to make an arse of myself in parks or off piste. Broke my ankle in March (last day of the hol thankfully) so naturally I’m blaming my cruddy old bindings as opposed to irresponsibly enjoying the awesome speed of the ATV way too much. The Flex bindings sounds pretty peachy. What do you reckon, the XFs or XVs?
Contrary to what my long suffering wife thinks, I’m definitely going back next season. After all, nobody likes a quitter.
Hi Craig
Thanks for your message.
Good to hear you’re going to be back on the board next season (and glad that you’re injury was on the last day of your holiday and not your first!).
I think Flux would be a good choice for sure. In my experience they provide good ankle support, and you’ll probably appreciate that after your ankle injury. And yeah going for something that has good response and a good bit of stiffness is a good idea to match the ATV. I would say the XF are just a little more forgiving and softer than the XV (and a bit cheaper too). But they still have great response and support. I’m probably going to actually move the XF into my “all-mountain-freeride” list for the 2018-19 season, because I rode them again this season and I think they’re better suited to that category – and I think I’ll probably drop their flex rating just a touch too – probably 7.5/10.
I think both would certainly work – if you wanted to really go for that really stiff feeling, then the XV is the better choice, but if you want just that little bit of movement/forgiveness, then the XF. The XF were one of my favorite bindings to ride this season (along with the Union Falcors – but for you I would go XF as they are a bit better in terms of ankle support). But then I do like something that offers a bit more flex, so for your purposes, you might like the stiffer feel of the XVs.
Hope this helps with your decision, and hope you have a great next season and continue to enjoy the ATV, and hopefully even more so with new bindings!