The following are what I consider to be the best all mountain snowboard bindings for men for the 2016/17 season.
In order to be a great all mountain binding the binding needs to be able to handle everything that the all mountain style rider can throw at them.
So they need to be able to do some freestyle and some freeriding. They need to be able to ride the groomers, the park and the backcountry.
OK let’s get straight into the top 5.
All Mountain Binding #5
Bindings: Flux DS
Price (USD): $275
Smart rating score: 81/100
Flex: Medium (5/10)
Kicking off the list at number 5 are Flux’s DS bindings.
The DS’s have the butterability of a softer flexing bindings but also manage to have the response of a stiffer flexing binding – so you really can ride freestyle without compromising too much on responsiveness for when your bombing the steeps or riding the backcountry.
These bindings, typical of Flux bindings also have awesome adjustability and it’s all tool-less (apart from the base plate disc) so you can adjust just about everything on the fly.
Check out the video below for more
These are the bindings that I rode the most last season (after buying a pair) and they’ve stood up to everything I could throw at them. So in terms of durability they are tough too.
Flux’s DS bindings rating
| FACTOR | RATING (OUT OF 5) | CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE |
|---|---|---|
| Flex: | 5.0 | 15/15 |
| Responsiveness: | 4.0 | 12/15 |
| Adjustability: | 4.5 | 13.5/15 |
| Boot Support: | 4.5 | 13.5/15 |
| Shock Absorption: | 2.0 | 6/15 |
| Comfort: | 4.5 | 9/10 |
| Butterability: | 4.0 | 8/10 |
| Entry/Exit: | 4.0 | 4/5 |
| TOTAL | 81/100 |
All Mountain Binding #4
Bindings: Union Ultra
Price (USD): $419
Smart rating score: 83.5/100
Flex: Medium (5/10)
At number 4 we have the Union Ultra FC.
These certainly aren’t the cheapest going around – but they are some of the lightest (just 740 grams) and strongest and are made with forged carbon.
They actually have quite a stiff flexing highback which helps to give them extra response – the most responsive on this list. But the base-plate flex is more medium (5/10).
Whilst they’re super-responsive, they’re also really easy to butter – thanks in no small part to the mini-disc system which minimizes the deadspot on the board and helps the board to flex more how it should naturally under your feet.
If you’re familiar with the Contact Pro – these are like the Contact Pros but on steroids!
The Ultra FC’s are compatible with 4 x 2 systems and the channel system right out of the box.
Check out the video below for more on the Ultra FC
The score
| FACTOR | RATING (OUT OF 5) | CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE |
|---|---|---|
| Flex: | 5.0 | 15/15 |
| Responsiveness: | 4.0 | 12/15 |
| Adjustability: | 3.5 | 10.5/15 |
| Boot Support: | 3.0 | 9/15 |
| Shock Absorption: | 5.0 | 15/15 |
| Comfort: | 4.0 | 8/10 |
| Butterability: | 5.0 | 10/10 |
| Entry/Exit: | 4.0 | 4/5 |
| TOTAL | 83.5/100 |
All Mountain Binding #3
Bindings: Burton Cartel
Price (USD): $279
Price (Australia): View More Info and Current Prices Here
Price (New Zealand): View More Info and Current Prices Here
Smart rating score: 86/100
Flex: Medium (6 out of 10)
And coming in at number 3 we have Burton’s Cartel bindings.
These bad boys will serve you well if your style of riding is all-mountain. They have a nice flex to allow you to still ride the park if you want to but won’t stop you from exploring the backcountry either – and will be perfect on the groomers.
The Cartels, like most Burton bindings have a wide range of adjustability so you can tweak them until they’re set up just right for you. They also have a firm fit around the foot to help you feel locked-in and have great shock absorption for when those jumps are calling.
The 2016-17 models feature new ankle and toe straps.
Check out the video below for more on the Cartel’s
They come in Burton’s Re:Flex (which fits Burton’s 3D snowboard mounting system and the standard 4 hole system) and in an EST version, which fits Burton’s Channel System. Both systems provide great board feel.
How the Cartel’s scored
Cartel Re:Flex
| FACTOR | RATING (OUT OF 5) | CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE |
|---|---|---|
| Flex: | 5.0 | 15/15 |
| Responsiveness: | 3.0 | 9/15 |
| Adjustability: | 4.5 | 13.5/15 |
| Boot Support: | 4.5 | 13.5/15 |
| Shock Absorption: | 4.5 | 13.5/15 |
| Comfort: | 4.5 | 9/10 |
| Butterability: | 4.0 | 8/10 |
| Entry/Exit: | 4.0 | 4/5 |
| TOTAL | 85.5/100 |
Cartel EST
| FACTOR | RATING (OUT OF 5) | CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE |
|---|---|---|
| Flex: | 5.0 | 15/15 |
| Responsiveness: | 3.0 | 9/15 |
| Adjustability: | 4.5 | 13.5/15 |
| Boot Support: | 4.5 | 13.5/15 |
| Shock Absorption: | 4.0 | 12/15 |
| Comfort: | 4.5 | 9/10 |
| Butterability: | 5.0 | 10/10 |
| Entry/Exit: | 4.0 | 4/5 |
| TOTAL | 86/100 |
All Mountain Binding #2
Bindings: K2 Lien AT
Price (USD): $269
Smart rating score: 87.5/100
Flex: Medium (6 out of 10)
Next on the list at number 2 we have K2’s Lien ATs.
The Lien ATs (not to be confused with the Lien FS – which are for freestyle riding) feature K2’s tripod base plate technology.
They offer the ideal medium flex for tackling everything the mountain has to offer from the park to the backcountry and have great boot support and adjustability.
I preferred the look of the 2015-16 model, but I prefer the performance of the new 2016-17. The Lien AT made this top 5 last year but it’s bumped up from 4th to 2nd this year from improved performance. Check out the vid below for more on the changes made for the 2017 model.
The Lien ATs are designed to fit any snowboard (4 hole, 3D or Channel).
Check out the video for more on the Lien ATs
So How Did the Lien ATs rate?
| FACTOR | RATING (OUT OF 5) | CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE |
|---|---|---|
| Flex: | 5.0 | 15/15 |
| Responsiveness: | 3.5 | 10.5/15 |
| Adjustability: | 5.0 | 15/15 |
| Boot Support: | 4.5 | 13.5/15 |
| Shock Absorption: | 4.0 | 12/15 |
| Comfort: | 4.0 | 8/10 |
| Butterability: | 5.0 | 10/10 |
| Entry/Exit: | 3.5 | 3.5/5 |
| TOTAL | 87.5/100 |
Pretty darn well if you ask me!
All Mountain Binding #1
Bindings: Burton Genesis
Price (USD): $349
Smart rating score: 90.5/100
Flex: Medium (5/10)
And for the 3rd year running the #1 spot goes to Burton’s Genesis bindings!
A near perfect score only let down by a lower responsiveness score but you’ve got to weigh up with all-mountain bindings between leaning towards more playful or more responsive.
Outside of that the Genesis are near perfect. Easy butterability, great shock absorption and a nice medium flex to aid in freestyle riding matched with snug boot support, Burton’s impressive adjustability and a super comfortable, lightweight ride.
The most unique feature of these is the two piece hammock highback – check out the video below for more info on that.
Check out the video below for more on the Genesis
This video is for the 2015-16 model but there isn’t too much changed on the Genesis this year so it’s all still relevant. Once I find a vid for the 2017 model I’ll stick it up.
Like most Burton bindings they come in an EST version, which fits Burton’s Channel System and the standard version (which fits Burton’s 3D snowboard mounting system and the standard 4 hole system).
How the Genesis Clinched the Top Spot
Burton Genesis Re:Flex
| FACTOR | RATING (OUT OF 5) | CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE |
|---|---|---|
| Flex: | 5.0 | 15/15 |
| Responsiveness: | 3.0 | 9/15 |
| Adjustability: | 4.5 | 13.5/15 |
| Boot Support: | 4.5 | 13.5/15 |
| Shock Absorption: | 5.0 | 15/15 |
| Comfort: | 5.0 | 10/10 |
| Butterability: | 5.0 | 10/10 |
| Entry/Exit: | 4.5 | 4.5/5 |
| TOTAL | 90.5/100 |
Burton Genesis EST
| FACTOR | RATING (OUT OF 5) | CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE |
|---|---|---|
| Flex: | 5.0 | 15/15 |
| Responsiveness: | 3.0 | 9/15 |
| Adjustability: | 4.5 | 13.5/15 |
| Boot Support: | 4.5 | 13.5/15 |
| Shock Absorption: | 4.0 | 12/15 |
| Comfort: | 5.0 | 10/10 |
| Butterability: | 5.0 | 10/10 |
| Entry/Exit: | 4.5 | 4.5/5 |
| TOTAL | 87.5/100 |
Over to You
Thanks for reading and I hope this list has helped you to find the best all mountain bindings for you. If you’re interested in any of the above bindings check out the links under each binding for more info.
UPDATE:
Note that these are what I consider bindings that can do a bit of everything and are more freestyle oriented than freeride bindings. You could almost think of this list as being all-mountain-freestyle bindings.
I have created a new cateogory of all-mountain-freeride bindings, which covers those bindings that are in between these all-mountain bindings and freeride bindings. The all-mountain-freeride category features bindings that are a little bit stiff and are more responsive – but that are slightly more forgiving than super-stiff freeride bindings.
Check out the link below for my top 5 all-mountain-freeride bindings list if you think this is more what you are looking for.
>>My Top 5 All-Mountain Freeride Bindings
Where to Buy, Current Prices and More Info
If you can find these bindings in the 2016-17 model, you should be able to get them at a considerably cheaper price than their MSRP and than the current model.
Check out the links below to see if you can find the bindings you’re after in a past model.
US STORES
CANADA STORES
NEW ZEALAND STORES
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