Hello and welcome to my list of the Top 5 Freeride Snowboard Bindings.
This list has been updated for the 2020/21 season.
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.
Comparison Stats
Of the 10 freeride bindings I rated:
Alright let’s get into the top 5!
FREERIDE BINDING #5
Bindings: NOW O-Drive
- CANADA
Smart rating score: 84.5/100
Flex: Stiff (9/10)
Starting off the list in #5 is the NOW O-Drive.
Really stiff and super responsive, the O-Drive is a great option for those hard chargers that want to bomb and carve aggressively.
They have next level shock absorption which comes from both the padding in the footbed, the "Skate Tech" hinge and the bushings.
Check Out the Video Below for More Info
Score Breakdown for the O-Drive
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
RESPONSE | 5.0 | 35/35 |
ADJUSTABILITY | 3.0 | 9/15 |
ANKLE SUPPORT | 4.0 | 12/15 |
SHOCK ABSORPTION | 5.0 | 10/10 |
COMFORT | 3.5 | 7/10 |
BOARD FEEL | 2.5 | 5/10 |
ENTRY/EXIT | 4.0 | 4/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 84.5/100 |
FREERIDE BINDING #4
Bindings: Jones Apollo
- CANADA
- UK/EUROPE
Smart rating score: 85.1/100
Flex: Stiff (8.5/10)
In at #4 we have the Jones Apollo bindings.
The Apollo are one of 2 pairs of Jones bindings and are the stiffer, more hard charging on the two.
Like the O-Drive above, the Apollo has almost ridiculous shock absorption, coming from the footbed, skate tech and bushings also.
But it's not just shock absorption that make these great freeride bindings - they are also super responsive and can really handle big carves and bombing at speed, really well - and when you're charging, they are one of the best at absorbing chatter along the way.
Check out the video for more
Score Breakdown for the Apollo
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
RESPONSE | 5.0 | 35/35 |
ADJUSTABILITY | 3.0 | 9/15 |
ANKLE SUPPORT | 4.0 | 12/15 |
SHOCK ABSORPTION | 5.0 | 10/10 |
COMFORT | 3.5 | 7/10 |
BOARD FEEL | 2.5 | 5/10 |
ENTRY/EXIT | 4.5 | 4.5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 85.1/100 |
FREERIDE BINDING #3
Bindings: Salomon Quantum
- CANADA
Smart rating score: 86.6/100
Flex: Stiff (8/10)
Next we have, at #3, the Salomon Quantum.
A nice stiff flexing binding to bomb the mountain hard and fast with.
These bindings will hold your boots nice and strong, have 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 and riding big mountain.
They come in at a reasonable (less than the average for this category) price too (as far as freeride bindings go anyway!)
Check out the video below for more
Score Breakdown for the Quantum
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
RESPONSE | 5.0 | 35/35 |
ADJUSTABILITY | 3.5 | 10.5/15 |
ANKLE SUPPORT | 4.5 | 13.5/15 |
SHOCK ABSORPTION | 4.0 | 8/10 |
COMFORT | 3.5 | 7/10 |
BOARD FEEL | 3.0 | 6/10 |
ENTRY/EXIT | 4.0 | 4/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 86.6/100 |
FREERIDE BINDING #2
Bindings: Union Atlas FC
- CANADA
- UK/EUROPE
Smart rating score: 90.7/100
Flex: Stiff (9/10)
Coming in, in the #2 position is the Union Atlas FC.
The Atlas FC are new for 2021 and are a stiffened up version of the newly rebuilt Union Atlas.
They've got you well covered in terms of response and charging, but they're also pretty comfortable at the same time, and have really decent board feel too.
Check out this video for a few more details
Score Breakdown for the Atlas FC
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
RESPONSE | 5.0 | 35/35 |
ADJUSTABILITY | 4.5 | 13.5/15 |
ANKLE SUPPORT | 4.0 | 12/15 |
SHOCK ABSORPTION | 3.5 | 7/10 |
COMFORT | 4.0 | 8/10 |
BOARD FEEL | 4.0 | 8/10 |
ENTRY/EXIT | 4.5 | 4.5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 90.7/100 |
FREERIDE BINDING #1
Bindings: Flux XV
- CANADA
Smart rating score: 92.3/100
Flex: Stiff (9/10)
And, finally, the #1 spot goes to Flux’s XV bindings.
The XVs are light, stiff and just respond like a dream - without feeling like tanks at the same time, when you're riding a bit slower.
If you you like to ride hard and aggressive and need something that can power a stiff and aggressive board, and don’t want to compromise on stiffness and response then the XV might be your ultimate bindings.
Typical of Flux bindings, the XVs have an extremely firm locked-in feel with great ankle support. 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.
And they're cheaper than the average price of bindings of all the bindings I rated for this list, so they're great value for money too. They're not cheap in general, but for bindings in this category, they are one of the less pricey options.
Score Breakdown for the XV
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
RESPONSE | 5.0 | 35/35 |
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 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 92.3/100 |
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.
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