of bindings; however, special boots are required for each specific type of binding. Soft Bindings are the traditional binding. They are comfortable and offer the truest sensation in snowboarding. The soft binding enables you to feel the flex of the board and have the greatest range of motion when riding. They are compatible with any brand of Soft Boot as long as the two correlate in size. Soft Bindings are comparable in weight to the other two types of bindings available. They are almost as convenient as a Step In binding with advances that have been made in the past several years. Finally, Soft Bindings are the most easily manipulated as far as customizing comfort and fit. They are strongly recommended for anyone from entry level to the advanced. The one major drawback of soft bindings is that you have to sit down in order to strap your feet in. This is a major inconvenience when in a hurry to hit the slopes. Step-In Bindings are a bit more convenient and are fast to get into. Step-In bindings are a little more finicky as far as compatibility with boots. A Step-In boot, which is compatible with the Step-In binding selected, must be purchased. All binding and boot compatibility’s are clearly noted in their features and benefits. Step-In bindings lack the ankle support that is available with the Soft bindings. Plate Bindings are to be used with hard boots. A Hard Boot is comparable to the traditional Hard Boot of skiing, but customized for the flex patterns of snowboarding. Hard boots offer the ultimate in support and positive energy transfer from person to board. Yet, they lack the freedom that is traditionally associated with freestyle snowboarding. Hard boots are generally used with Alpine Snowboards. These boards are very stiff and narrow carving machines. Ultimately, a Hard Binding/Boot combination on an alpine board is something that the entry-level rider would not want. They are unforgiving to the unbalanc...
