NOTE: We made the decision to remove this category and adjust the other 2 women's bindings categories, so that there are 2 women's bindings categories now instead of 3.
All of the bindings that were previously in the women's freeride category have been moved to either the women's all-mtn-freeride bindings category or the women's all-mtn-freestyle bindings category.
So the 2024-2025 list was the last of the women's freeride bindings list.
You can check out all the past archived lists here.
More information on the category changes below:
The women's bindings categories changed this year. Let's take a look at how it was vs how it is now to better understand the changes.
How it Was
Previously we had 3 women's snowboard binding categories:
- Freestyle
- All-Mountain
- Freeride
These were determined predominantly by flex:
- Freestyle: 5.5/10 flex and below
- All-Mountain: 5.5 to 6.5/10 flex
- Freeride: 7.5/10 to 10/10 flex
While this worked and was nice and simple to determine where each binding belonged, it didn't gel with the category descriptions quite as well as we wanted them to.
How It is Now
We have reduced the number of categories from 3 to 2. The 3 previous categories merged into the following categories.
- All-Mountain-Freestyle
- All-Mountain-Freeride
The criteria for which bindings belong to each category has also changed. It now looks more like this.
All-Mountain Freestyle
These can now be any flex level, though they tend to be softer flexing than those in the all-mountain-freeride level.
The biggest determining factor for the bindings in this category relates to board feel and in general, how well we think the bindings are suited to freestyle and all-mountain freestyle riding.
This category now covers different areas of freestyle riding, from more extreme larger features, to more playful, creative freestyle riding/for those just starting out with freestyle riding.
The stiffer bindings in this category are more suited to big jumps, etc, where you need more solidity to handle bigger impacts and higher speed take offs etc. and the ability to carve into a take off at higher speeds and remain in control. These options are also best suited to stiffer flexing freestyle and all-mountain freestyle boards.
The softer bindings in this list are for those who don't go big, but are creative and playful with their freestyle riding. Flatland tricks, smaller jumps, side-hits etc, butter tricks, jibs etc. Or for those who are just starting out with freestyle and may or may not go big later but aren't yet. These are better suited to softer flexing freestyle boards.
The softer flexing options also work well for those who just want to cruise the mountain and don't want their bindings too much from them.
In general, while they work really well for freestyle riding, they are also good as general bindings - the softer options better for casual riding and the stiffer for more aggressive riding. Though if you are riding more aggressively and aren't doing any freestyle, then the All-Mountain Freeride category might be a better bet for you.
All-Mountain Freeride
This category also covers any flex, but has more emphasis on things like ankle support, consistent feel and stability, vs their freestyle counterparts.
The stiffer bindings in this category are more suited to bombing, laying down big carves and are for more advanced all-mountain riders and those who have stiffer snowboards.
The softer bindings in this list are for those who don't ride overly fast. They might still like a little speed, but prioritize maneuverability over stability and want to be able to be nimble and quick turning when riding at more moderate speeds - e.g. trees, bumps, etc.
The softer flexing options are also best for less experienced riders, those who just want to cruise, and those with mid to mid-soft flexing snowboards.
Previous Freeride Bindings
Bindings that were in the freeride category that have been moved include:
- Jones Aurora (moved to all-mtn freeride)
- Burton Step On Escapade ReFlex (moved to all-mtn freeride)
- Burton Step On Escapade EST (moved to all-mtn freeride)
- Burton Lexa X Re:Flex (moved to all-mtn freeride)
- Burton Lexa X EST (moved to all-mtn freeride)
- Flux XF Women's (moved to all-mtn freeride)
- Rome Women's Katana (moved to all-mtn freestyle)
