Below are what I rate as the Top 5 All-Mountain Freeride snowboard bindings currently on the market. This list has been updated for the 2021-22 season.
As per usual at SnowboardingProfiles.com, each binding will be given a score out of 100.
Comparison Stats
Of 15 different all-mountain-freeride bindings that I rated:
O.k. let’s get straight into the top 5!
ALL-MOUNTAIN-FREERIDE BINDING #5
Bindings: Salomon Highlander
- CA
- UK
Smart rating score: 85.1/100
Flex: Medium-Stiff (7/10)
Starting off the list at #4, we have the Salomon Highlander.
The Highlander is an impressive binding that has that knack for hard, deep carves at speed, but is also really manageable at slower speeds.
Whilst there isn't any mini-disc or anything like that, the Highlanders also have really good board feel - part of that might be down to the flexible heel loop.
Whatever it is that makes this binding tick, it's got a great combination of all the factors that I tested for, for an all-round, comfortable, fun, yet responsive binding.
Check Out the Video Below for More Info
Score Breakdown for the Highlander
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
RESPONSE | 4.0 | 24/30 |
BOARD FEEL | 4.0 | 12/15 |
ADJUSTABILITY | 3.5 | 10.5/15 |
ANKLE SUPPORT | 4.5 | 13.5/15 |
SHOCK ABSORPTION | 4.0 | 8/10 |
COMFORT | 4.0 | 8/10 |
ENTRY/EXIT | 4.0 | 4/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 85.1/100 |
ALL-MOUNTAIN-FREERIDE BINDING #4
Bindings: Union Atlas
- CAN
- UK
Smart rating score: 85.6/100
Flex: Medium-Stiff (6.5/10)
At #4, we have the Union Atlas.
The Atlas are just an all-round quality set of bindings - with no real weaknesses - and importantly for this category, have great responsiveness.
But they're also highly adjustable, compatible with pretty much every board out there, out of the box, and are really comfortable and damp. They don't have the same board feel as others on this list, but even that is still not bad.
The Atlas was been completely rebuilt for 2021 (no extra changes for 2022), but still retains it's overall feel, functionality and personality.
Check Out the Video Below for More Info
Score Breakdown for the Atlas
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
RESPONSE | 4.0 | 24/30 |
BOARD FEEL | 3.5 | 10.5/15 |
ADJUSTABILITY | 4.5 | 13.5/15 |
ANKLE SUPPORT | 4.0 | 12/15 |
SHOCK ABSORPTION | 4.0 | 8/10 |
COMFORT | 4.0 | 8/10 |
ENTRY/EXIT | 4.5 | 4.5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 85.6/100 |
ALL-MOUNTAIN-FREERIDE BINDING #3
Bindings: Burton Cartel X
- CAN
- UK
Smart rating score: 87.8/100
Flex: Medium-Stiff (7/10)
Coming in at #3, we have the Cartel X, the bigger brother of the longstanding Cartel.
It's got some good upgrades from the Cartel, the most important, for this list, being that it's stiffer and harder charging.
All round just a really good binding.
Like all higher end Burton bindings, the Cartel X comes in both a Re:Flex and an EST version. I have included scores for both below. I have included the Re:Flex model as the main entry to this list, because the EST is only compatible with Channel boards, but (IMO), the EST version is the best bet, if you do have a channel board.
Check Out the Video Below for More Info
Score Breakdown for the Cartel X Re:Flex
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
RESPONSE | 4.0 | 24/30 |
BOARD FEEL | 4.0 | 12/15 |
ADJUSTABILITY | 4.0 | 12/15 |
ANKLE SUPPORT | 4.0 | 12/15 |
SHOCK ABSORPTION | 4.5 | 9/10 |
COMFORT | 4.5 | 9/10 |
ENTRY/EXIT | 4.5 | 4.5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 87.8/100 |
Score Breakdown for the Cartel X EST
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
RESPONSE | 4.5 | 27/30 |
BOARD FEEL | 5.0 | 15/15 |
ADJUSTABILITY | 4.0 | 12/15 |
ANKLE SUPPORT | 3.5 | 10.5/15 |
SHOCK ABSORPTION | 4.0 | 8/10 |
COMFORT | 4.0 | 8/10 |
ENTRY/EXIT | 4.5 | 4.5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 90.4/100 |
ALL-MOUNTAIN-FREERIDE BINDING #2
Bindings: Union Falcor
- CAN
- UK
Smart rating score: 92.0/100
Flex: Medium-Stiff (7.5/10)
In at #2, we have the Union Falcor.
I’m big on board feel and the Falcor has awesome board feel – but even more importantly for this category, the Falcor’s have great response. And that response is explosive and lively.
So, if you’re looking for bindings that have a reasonable amount of stiffness, are nice and light, highly shock absorbing, have great response and still have awesome board feel (and score well in all the other important factors too), then these are a great option.
Check Out the Video Below for More Info
Score Breakdown for the Falcor
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
RESPONSE | 4.5 | 27/30 |
BOARD FEEL | 4.5 | 13.5/15 |
ADJUSTABILITY | 4.0 | 12/15 |
ANKLE SUPPORT | 4.0 | 12/15 |
SHOCK ABSORPTION | 4.5 | 9/10 |
COMFORT | 4.5 | 9/10 |
ENTRY/EXIT | 4.0 | 4/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 92.0/100 |
ALL-MOUNTAIN-FREERIDE BINDING #1
Bindings: Flux XF
- CAN
Smart rating score: 93.1/100
Flex: Medium-Stiff (7/10)
Taking over the # 1 spot this year, we have the Flux XF.
The XF are one of the best bindings out there, IMO.
The XFs achieve that elusive balance of being super responsive, but without being unforgivingly stiff and still easy to manage at slower speeds. They also provide great board feel, great ankle support and are highly adjustable.
They give up a bit of shock absorption but apart from that they are about the perfect all-mountain-freeride binding.
Score Breakdown for the XF
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
RESPONSE | 5.0 | 30/30 |
BOARD FEEL | 4.0 | 12/15 |
ADJUSTABILITY | 4.5 | 13.5/15 |
ANKLE SUPPORT | 5.0 | 15/15 |
SHOCK ABSORPTION | 2.5 | 5/10 |
COMFORT | 4.0 | 8/10 |
ENTRY/EXIT | 4.0 | 4/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 93.1/100 |
Over To You
Thanks for reading and I hope this has narrowed down some great all-mountain-freeride binding options for you.
If you want to learn more about any of these bindings or want to check out current prices, check out the links at the top of each binding description above.
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