If you’re a beginner looking for bindings, check out my top 5 women’s snowboard bindings for beginners list below for some great options.
This list has been updated for the 2020-21 season.
These bindings are great if you’re just starting out you want a binding that will help you to learn and progress as quickly and as easily as possible.
All the bindings in this list are great for beginners, forgiving of errors and makes snowboarding more fun and easier for beginners.
Some Brief Stats for this List
Of the 21 different women’s bindings that I rated for suitability as beginner bindings:
O.K. let’s get going with the top 5!
WOMEN'S BEGINNER BINDING #5
Bindings: Arbor Acacia
- CANADA
Smart rating score: 87.6/100
Flex: Medium-Soft (3/10)
Starting off the list in #5 is the Arbor Acacia. The Acacia is a new offering from Arbor for 2021.
A nice forgiving mid-soft flex helps the Acacia provide a nice easy going binding, that will help you to progress.
It comes at a nice friendly price-point too.
Learn more about the Acacia in the Video below
Score Breakdown for the Acacia
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
FLEX | 5.0 | 25/25 |
PRICE | 5.0 | 20/20 |
COMFORT | 4.0 | 12/15 |
ADJUSTABILITY | 3.0 | 6/10 |
ANKLE SUPPORT | 3.0 | 6/10 |
ENTRY/EXIT | 3.0 | 6/10 |
BOARD FEEL | 3.0 | 3/5 |
SHOCK ABSORPTION | 3.5 | 3.5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 87.6/100 |
WOMEN'S BEGINNER BINDING #4
Bindings: Flux GU
- CANADA
Smart rating score: 90.9/100
Flex: Medium-Soft (3/10)
Coming in at #4 is the Flux GU.
The GU’s are the most expensive on this list, but are by no means expensive for bindings in general (still around the same as the average price for all the bindings I rated for this category).
And they are otherwise almost perfect beginner bindings, with a great forgiving medium-soft flex, super comfortable, easy to get in and out of, easy to adjust and offer great ankle support.
These are great choice for beginners who want to progress quickly but who also feel they need a bit more support for their ankles.
Score Breakdown for the GU
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
FLEX | 5.0 | 25/25 |
PRICE | 4.0 | 16/20 |
COMFORT | 4.0 | 12/15 |
ADJUSTABILITY | 4.0 | 8/10 |
ANKLE SUPPORT | 4.5 | 9/10 |
ENTRY/EXIT | 4.0 | 8/10 |
BOARD FEEL | 4.0 | 4/5 |
SHOCK ABSORPTION | 2.5 | 2.5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 90.9/100 |
WOMEN'S BEGINNER BINDING #3
Bindings: Ride CL-2
- CANADA
Smart rating score: 91.9/100
Flex: Soft (2/10)
In at #3 we have Ride’s CL-2 bindings.
Ride has completely revamped their binding line up for the 2020-21 season. The CL-2 is the softest and lowest priced option in the women's line.
It's a nice forgiving entry level binding that makes it easy to progress and matches well with soft flexing boards. The CL-4 is another option from the line if you're more of a high-end beginner and have a slightly bigger budget.
Score Breakdown for the CL-2
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
FLEX | 5.0 | 25/25 |
PRICE | 5.0 | 20/20 |
COMFORT | 4.0 | 12/15 |
ADJUSTABILITY | 3.5 | 7/10 |
ANKLE SUPPORT | 3.0 | 6/10 |
ENTRY/EXIT | 4.0 | 8/10 |
BOARD FEEL | 3.5 | 3.5/5 |
SHOCK ABSORPTION | 4.0 | 4/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 91.9/100 |
WOMEN'S BEGINNER BINDING #2
Bindings: Burton Citizen
- CANADA
- UK/EUROPE
Smart rating score: 91.9/100
Flex: Soft (2/10)
If you are on a tight budget the Burton Citizen is one of the best beginner binding options (that or the Rosa at #1 below or the #3 above). They come with a very friendly price tag and with great specs for the beginner.
Super forgiving and easy to control at slow speeds but at the same time comfortable, easy to use, easy to adjust and with a really consistent, predictable response.
Check out the video for more on the Citizen’s
Score Breakdown for the Citizen's
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
FLEX | 5.0 | 25/25 |
PRICE | 5.0 | 20/20 |
COMFORT | 3.5 | 10.5/15 |
ADJUSTABILITY | 4.0 | 8/10 |
ANKLE SUPPORT | 3.0 | 6/10 |
ENTRY/EXIT | 4.0 | 8/10 |
BOARD FEEL | 4.0 | 4/5 |
SHOCK ABSORPTION | 4.0 | 4/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 91.9/100 |
WOMEN'S BEGINNER BINDING #1
Bindings: Union Rosa
- US
- UK/EUROPE
Price: View More Info and Current Price Here (CANADA)
Smart rating score: 91.9/100
Flex: Medium-Soft (3/10)
And finally at #1, we have the Union Rosa bindings.
These are the equal lowest priced binding in this list – and that’s great for a beginner, but it’s not the only thing that’s important. What got the Rosa’s on this list was their ability to make the learning process easy and fun.
The Rosa’s have a nice medium-soft, forgiving flex for easy turning at and the ability to help control your board at slow speeds. They are also smooth and consistent and really comfortable and straight forward to adjust and setup.
Learn more about the Rosa’s in the Video Below
Score Breakdown for the Rosa
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
FLEX | 5.0 | 25/25 |
PRICE | 5.0 | 20/20 |
COMFORT | 3.5 | 10.5/15 |
ADJUSTABILITY | 4.0 | 8/10 |
ANKLE SUPPORT | 3.0 | 6/10 |
ENTRY/EXIT | 4.0 | 8/10 |
BOARD FEEL | 4.0 | 4/5 |
SHOCK ABSORPTION | 4.0 | 4/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 91.9/100 |
Thanks for Reading
There you have it – that’s my top 5 women’s beginner snowboard bindings for the 2020-21 season.
I hope this has helped you find some great options if you’re looking for beginner bindings.
Even though all of these bindings are reasonably priced, if you’re looking to get an even better deal check out the 2020 model of each binding as you’ll be able to get them cheaper, if they’re not all sold out.
For the latest model check out the links under each binding above. For past year’s models check out the links below to see if they still have any left.
hi! i’m a totally new snowboarder and am in the process of buying all my gear. i got the capita space metal fantasy 2021 and i’m now working on bindings + boots. i see what you said about about softer being better and i want to get the union trilogy (admittedly purely bc of aesthetics), so i was wondering if you would really caution against getting the trilogy’s instead of the rosa’s. thank you so much! your guides have been SUPER helpful navigating what’s been kind of an extremely overwhelming experience trying to shop for everything.
Hi Ashley
Thanks for your message.
Yeah Trilogy is a bit too stiff for a beginner setup, IMO and not going to be the best match to the board either. The Rosa would definitely work, but if you wanted to upgrade from that a bit, and if you preferred the Milan aesthetically to the Rosa, then I would look at the Milan, which would also be a good match to the Space Metal Fantasy and a good option as a beginner binding. And of course plenty of other binding options in a softer flex, but looking at Union, I would go Milan over Trilogy if you really didn’t like the Rosa.
Hope this helps
Hi! Thank you a lot for your great work with so important information, especially for beginners.
I have just ordered my snowboard, it is Yes emoticon, according your recommendations. Could you, please, give me your advise which bindings will be better? Now I choosed Arbor Sequoia 20/21.
Hi Marta
Thanks for your message.
The Sequoia could work. I think they work fine with the Emoticon. Only thing is that they’re slightly stiffer than ideal for beginners – more of a 5/10 flex. But it’s not that far off. If you wanted to stick with those, then I think they’ll work, but if you wanted to go a little softer, then something from this list or if you wanted to get that perfect match (4/10 flex) to the board, then something like the Union Milan, Salomon Nova or K2 Meridian would also work.
Hope this helps
Thank you for your help! Your website is great, thanks to your guides, I changed my initial willing to choose the board by picture to choosing the board by parameters 😁
You’re very welcome Marta. And I’m glad you’re choosing by parameters now 🙂 Happy riding!
Hi Nate!
The 2020-2021 Season is my first year snowboarding! Thus far I have been riding with rental gear at our local mountain! My husband wants to buy gear for me for the 2021-2022 season.
What are your thoughts on the burton step on’s for beginners? I will most likely only ride groomed beginner trails at our local resort. I am intrigued by these bindings because I have a tendency to step on my loose binding when getting off the lift. and I fall enough so if I can click in standing up that is also exciting!
Hi Nichole
Thanks for your message.
I still haven’t had the chance to ride step-ons. Still trying to get a pair this winter to test, so I can’t give you any first hand experience on them.
My only concern would be that there’s not really a beginner set-up in step-ons. Nothing less than a medium in terms of flex. It wouldn’t be way off for a second season, depending on how quickly you’ve progressed and how often you’ve gone in your first season, but not ideal, if you’re still a beginner. If you were to go Step On, I would say go with the Limelight Step On as it will be the most beginner friendly setup.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate! I’m a beginner looking for bindings to pair with the Burton Yeasayer Flat Top. I have the Ride CL-2 on the way, but now I’m wondering if they’ll be a bit too soft for the Yeasayer’s flex rating. I see sites giving it a flex rating anywhere from a 2-5. Should I change it up for the CL-4? What are the differences there besides the flex rating?
Hi PC
Thanks for your message.
For the Yeasayer Flat Top I would say it’s more like 4/10 flex, so I think the CL-4 would be a better match for it than the CL-2. As far as I can tell the only real difference between the CL-2 and CL-4 is the flex.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate!
Thanks a lot for the help with the snowboard choose. ^_^
But I’m also keep thinking about bindings. What can you say about Now Brigada? Or they will be to much for my Gnu chromatic?
Sincerely,
Elena
Hi Elena
I would say the Brigada aren’t ideal for the Chromatic, but would definitely work. Going with a slightly stiffer binding is usually OK, as long as it’s not way stiffer. I don’t like to go the other way around though – i.e. a stiffer board with a softer binding. So yeah, I don’t think it would be ideal, but I think it would work. In terms of ability level, I think it the Brigada would be good for an intermediate level and up. So depending on where you see yourself there.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate!
Thanks a lot, now I finally decide to get Flux Gu bindings without hesitation.
So, Now brigada bindings may be the option for the future.
Sincerely,
Elena
You’re very welcome Elena. If you think of it at the time, let me know how you get on with your new setup, once you’ve had a chance to get it on snow. Happy riding!
Hi Nate! I finally received my board and mount bindings on it. Looks stunning! And I would like to share a photo of the setup with you ’cause I’m very pleased with your help 🙂
Hope I will be able to try it on snow this week and will write about my experience.
Hi Elena
Awesome that your board has arrived!
If you want to send me a message via the contact page (scroll to the footer and you should see a link to the contact page). Once I reply to that message, you should be able to email me the pic or link to drive or whatever.
Looking forward to hearing how you get on on snow!
Hi Nate,
Once again, thanks for all the great info. I just recently sent you a question about the ranger snowboard for my wife, now Im back to pick your brain on bindings haha. I’ve got a couple in mind and The escapade looks awesome but it’s price point has kind of ruled it out for me.
I can pick up the Union Rosa at a great price but I’m also quite drawn to the bent metal metta binding. From what I’ve read, bent metal seems quite good. The price difference is Quite minimal between the two And I just wondered if you’ve had much experience with BM and why you might favour one over the other.
Thanks in advance.
Nelson
Or even the Bent metal upshot could be an option as well
Hi Nelson
I have ridden the Bent Metal Transfer a couple of times, but it was a few years back, so I don’t have a lot of experience with Bent Metal unfortunately. Not one that I regularly test. But I did like the Transfer’s – nothing that I found particularly outstanding, but a no nonsense binding that functions well.
The Upshot and Metta, on paper, both look like they would work with the Ranger and for your wife’s ability level.
If I had to choose between the two, I’d probably be leaning towards the upshot, just as it’s a more pure flex match with the Ranger. But that’s really nitpicking and both are definitely good flex matches for the Ranger, IMO, assuming their flex rating is fairly accurate.
Thanks Nate! I was thinking the same thing.
Much appreciated.
You’re very welcome Nelson
Hello
I am a beginner snowboarder. I have had lots of lessons and I have just bought a bataleon feel better snowboard )flex 4). I am currently riding in thirty two ft Zephyr boots (flex 4). I find them way too soft and very uncomfortable, they make my feet go numb. I recently tried the Burton Flex double boa and prefer the stiffness of the boot and general comfort level. The salesman suggested I purchase the complimentary Burton clip in bindings. I was wondering, in your opinion, if these bindings are good for beginners or whether the salesman is ripping off a naive beginner. Also, would they be too stiff for a board with a flex of 4.
Thank you
Carly
Hi Carly
Thanks for your message.
All feet are different – so comfort is certainly subjective – but yeah if you are more comfortable in them, then that’s a good call.
If you bought Felix Step On boots, then as far as I know, you can only pair them with Step On bindings. I haven’t tried the Step On system before, so I don’t know for sure, but from what I gather, they go together. If you bought the normal Felix, then they won’t work with the Step On bindings – so it really depends on which Felix you are buying/have bought.
In any case, ideally you would flex match, but if you’re going to have anything stiffer, I personally prefer to go stiffer with boots/bindings vs board – i.e. I would prefer to have 6/10 flex boots and bindings with a 4/10 flex board than I would have a 6/10 flex board with 4/10 flex boots and bindings. So, I think you’re fine there. In terms of the Step On bindings – from what I know they around a medium flex – so I don’t think they’re too far off in that sense. But yeah, it really depends on which boots you have/go for. If you get Step On, then I think you pretty much have to go Step On bindings. If you go for non-Step On Felix, then you can’t go for the Step On bindings. I’m surprised that the salesman didn’t make this clear.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate,
Can you please let me know what would be the best option for me in terms of bindings?
I’m a beginner, looking to buy Nitro Lectra 146 as my first board. My boot size is 7 (Burton Mint) and I’m 165 with 54 kg.
Do not know which is best for me Union Rosa or Flux Gu? Do not know which one is better, weighs less, is more comfortable and suitable for a beginner? Is Flux’s higher price worth it over Unions in terms of quality?
Thank you,
Georgiana
Hi Georgiana
You can’t go wrong with either, IMO. Both very good options as beginner bindings. I would say that the GU is a little more comfortable overall and offers more ankle support. I haven’t weighed the GU, but I would guess that the Rosa is a little lighter, just based on other Flux and Union bindings I have weighed. Union is almost always lighter. I don’t test for durability, so it’s possible that the GU would last longer, but that’s just a guess – and bindings tend to, in my experience, last a long time anyway. If you’re looking to save money the Rosa is great value for the price, IMO.
Hi Nate,
I have a size 7 boot and am strongly considering getting the Rossignol Gala board (142 cm). What bindings would you recommend to go with this? Thanks!
Hi Sarah
Thanks for your message.
The 142 would be a good width for 7s, IMO. In terms of the length, if you need a recommendation I would need your height and weight as well. But if you’re happy that’s the right length for you, then yeah, the width is good too.
In terms of bindings, anything from this list would be a great option. If you’d like more options, let me know and I can expand the list a bit more for you.
Size-wise for bindings, it depends on brands. For some brands you’ll be a Small and for others a Medium or S/M. Check out the following to see the sizings for a number of different binding brands.
>>Snowboard Binding Sizing
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi Nate,
Enjoy the thoroughness of your reviews and your website as a whole. I had a quick question ;
a friend of mine is completely new to snowboarding and picked up a K2 First Lite for her first board. She has an opportunity to get the correct sized K2 Hue bindings for cheap. Will she be slowing her progresss, in your opinion, if she goes with the Freestyle K2 Hues instead of a more beginner focused binding? Thanks for your thoughts, keep up the superb reviews!
Hi James
Thanks for your message.
Whilst the Hues are great freestyle bindings, they are also suitable for beginners, IMO. They are soft enough flexing. I’d say a 4/10. Probably a little stiffer than the First Lite (2/10) – as much as you can compare flex between boards and bindings – but still close enough to match. I’d say the Hues are the next best K2 bindings for beginners after the Yeah Yeah and the Charm. Maybe not quite as beginner suitable as those 2, but still doable. And the plus would be that she would have higher quality bindings that would last her a little longer through her progression.
In terms of slowing her progression it’s hard to say for sure. Maybe not ideal but I don’t think it would have too much effect – not like the effect that something super stiff would have, IMO.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate, based on your reviews, I think I’m going to go with the Flux GU bindings. Just one observation – evo.com rated these bindings as being suitable for intermediate to advance snowboarders. Why do you think they have done so especially since they have a soft flex? Just curious. Your views are appreciated. Thanks!
Hi Anjelica
Thanks for your message.
The only reason I can think of for them rating them as intermediate is that they cost a little more than some beginner bindings – but they’re not overly pricey (about the average price of the beginner bindings I looked at) and in my opinion, price shouldn’t be considered when deciding whether something is suitable for a beginner – but that’s the only thing I can think of. Unless they decide that anything up to 3/10 is beginner and that they consider a 4/10 flex intermediate? I’m not sure. In any case I would consider these to be a little softer than 4/10 anyway (more like 3/10) but 4/10, IMO, is fine for a beginner anyway.
So that’s all I can think of but not sure – it could also be a typo.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate
Any chance you have already reviewed the women’s beginner snowboards and binding for 2018? I’m about to buy a set and I’m a beginner. Also should I just buy 2017 version or wait for 2018? Thank you
Hi Non
Thanks for your message.
Everything is tested for 2018 but I haven’t put everything together yet.
But there’s no problem with going for the 2017 models. There are usually only small tweaks from year to year on most boards. If you can find the 2017 model in the size that best suits you, then I’d go for that. But if you can’t find the right board in the right size, then it’s worth waiting for the 2018 models to come out so you don’t have to compromise.
Hi Nate,
Thank you for your response on my previous comment, I’m now sure I will buy a Yes Emoticon board. Now, bindings! Some of the bindings on your list are not easily available in France except the Burton ones.
What do you think about the Drake Jade or Union Juliet in comparison of the Burton Stiletto, in terms of ease to get in and out, support and cushioning?
Thanks!
Hi Anne
I’m not really familiar with Drake bindings so I won’t comment there. I think that the Juliet, based on their specs, would be a decent option as beginner bindings. They will likely be similarly easy to get in and out of, like the Stiletto.
Union Bindings tend to have good cushioning so I imagine the Juliets would be the equals of the Stilettos or at least close where cushioning is concerned.
I think the boot support would also be similar – maybe the Stilettos would have slightly more support but not much in it I don’t think.
Hope this helps
Nate,
If we are not on a tight budget and still a beginner would you still recommend Burton Citizen bindings? I have found Union Juliets and a few other ones that seem to be beginner-progressive bindings and thought I should run them by you first. Thanks!
Hi Sarah
Score is definitely taken into account in this list but the Citizen’s are a pretty good all round binding despite their score. They probably wouldn’t be at the very top of this list if price wasn’t a factor but they’d likely still be there somewhere.
The Juliet’s look like a good beginner option to me. I didn’t rate them for this list but just having a quick look they would be a good choice – and not that costly either. I imagine they would have scored pretty well if I did rate them for this list. From my experience even Union’s low end bindings tend to be decent quality so you can’t really go too wrong with Union.
If you have any others you want to run by me just let me know.
Sorry Nate for the questions. I guess I’m trying to ask what would be your choice for the best beginner binding if we took cost out of the equation? I’m really just wanting a comfortable ride and whatever makes learning the easiest/best. Thanks again!
Sarah
Hi Sarah
Taking price out of the equation, I would say the Flux GU would be the best choice, in my opinion. If you wanted to go one step up then the Flux GS or the Burton Escapade – but I think the Flux GU will still be better to learn on because it is softer flexing than the GS and Escapade. The Citizen is still a great option even taking price out of the equation – but I think the Flux GU would just take it.
The thing with bindings is that softer flexing bindings (also true of boards and boots) tend to be cheaper and softer flexing is better for beginners, so often the best for beginners is of a lower price (a happy coincidence).
Hope this answers your question.
Hi Nate! Based on your reviews I think I will go for the Rossi Myth board. I am still a beginner after 14 years on and off. Hit the slopes once every few years, therefore a true beginner each time. I always rented but now I want to buy. Since I am going with the Rossi Myth should I also get the bindings that are made for it? I see they did not make your top 5 list. I am 5’3-5’4, 146lbs. What size board would u recommend? And do u have some suggestions for the right boots and clothes? I am a freezebaby and want the warmest but least bulky for mobility. One other thing I am also looking to get the gear for my 9-year-old daughter. Do the same beginner specs translate to children?
I am so sorry for the million questions, but I have always wanted to ask these questions but don’t trust the sales persons who might be looking to sell overstock to a newbie and that is probably why I never purchased my own.
Hey Roxanne
I totally get your suspicion of sales staff.
You don’t have to get the Rossi Myth bindings at all. All binding brands will fit the board. Just make sure that you don’t get Burton “EST” bindings. Burton makes two types of bindings “EST” and “Re:Flex” The EST models will only fit on Burton boards. But the Re:flex fit on all other boards. Other than that you don’t have to worry about it. That said, there’s nothing stopping you from getting the Myth bindings. I’m not that familiar with Rossi bindings (I try not to cover every single brand) though.
Size for you for the Myth: I would go with the 149cm.
For clothes make sure that you get pants and jackets that have good waterproofing. Keeping dry is the most important part of keeping warm. Another good thing to do to stay warm is using base layers. Wearing something like a merino or polyprop or that type of base layer is important because they not only keep you warm but they also wick away sweat. If the sweat wasn’t wicked away (like with something like cotton) then you’ll end up wet under your jacket and then you get cold. Since it sounds like you run cold, then getting thermal layer for both your pants and your top would be a good idea. Same goes for socks. You could also get a mid layer to add warmth. Also a facemask or balaclava really helps to keep the face warm when it’s windy on the lifts. You can also get insulated jackets and pants if you wanted to add even another layer of warmth – but you also add a bit of bulk. Check out the posts below for more on clothes.
>>Key specs for snowboard jackets
>>Key specs for snowboard pants
>>How to Dress for Snowboarding
For boots check out the following:
>>Key Specs for Snowboard Boots for Beginners
>>Top 5 Beginner Snowboards
As far as the beginner specs translating to children, I would say so. I don’t have any experience with kids gear so I’m definitely not an expert on the subject but I imagine that same things apply.
Hope this answers all your questions.