Ahhh, bindings. Without bindings, we wouldn’t be able to lock into our snowboards, and what good would that do us? Past the days of step-ins, we’d hope by now everyone is using a binding with straps, heelcups, baseplates and highbacks. With everyone on the same page, here are some things to consider when spending your bucks on a binding.

Boot-to-binding fit is essential for the binding to work correctly, so make sure before taking a pair home, you test their compatibility. A properly fitted binding will transfer energy most effectively, providing support and response off your edges. The highback itself will also help distribute energy and power throughout the heel edge and give strength to your ever-improving turns. For added force, the highbacks can be rotated in line with your heel edge and forward lean can be adjusted to increase responsiveness.

High-end bindings will typically have padded straps for added comfort, padded baseplate covers to absorb shock from hard landings and toe caps. Toe caps can be worn over the front of the toe or over the top based on preference, and will help hold your boot in place.

For easy on-hill changes, a binding with tool-less adjustment is a must. With this system, strap length and forward lean can be changed whenever necessary without taking a trip to the tool bench.

In terms of gender specifics, women should make sure to purchase a women’s binding in order to reap the rewards of their targeted construction. Women’s models will have a smaller, more rounded highback to account for the size and shape of their calves.

Bindings only work when they fit correctly, so make sure to bring your boots along when you venture out for a new pair this season.