Snowboard Bindings

Often but not always, it depends on your board's mounting system. Most snowboards use a standard 2x4 insert pattern, and most bindings ship with a universal disc that fits these, so the majority of bindings and boards are compatible. Burton boards specifically use a channel mounting system, which needs a compatible Burton binding or an adapter disc for other binding brands. If you're mixing brands, it's worth double checking compatibility first, or asking our team before you buy.

Check the insert pattern on the base of your board near the centre and match it against the disc supplied with your bindings. Most modern bindings include a universal disc covering 4x4 and 2x4 patterns, which fits the vast majority of board brands. If you have a Burton board with a channel system, you'll need a Burton-compatible binding or the correct adapter disc. If you're ever unsure, bring your board (or a photo of it) into our Queenstown store and we'll check it before you buy.

It depends what you're after. Pricier bindings are typically built with lighter, stiffer materials, more adjustability and straps designed to hold up to heavier use. An advanced or aggressive rider will often feel that difference in response and durability. For a beginner, or someone riding a handful of days a season, a mid-range binding often performs just as well day to day. It's less about "expensive is better" and more about matching the binding to how you ride.

Bindings cover a wide price range, from entry-level options through to premium bindings with advanced materials and features, plus pricing shifts from season to season. Typically adult sizes range between $400 to $800 NZD. Browse the range on this page for current prices, or getting in touch with our team, who can point you toward bindings that suit your budget.

Beginners generally do well with a softer flex, a shorter highback, and a stance set close to shoulder width apart, often with a small positive angle on the front foot and a flatter or slightly negative angle on the back. That said, everyone's comfort is a little different, and small adjustments can make a big difference to control. We'd always recommend having a beginner's stance and bindings set up in-store. Our Queenstown team can measure and adjust everything properly before you hit the mountain.

There isn't a single "best" binding, it depends on your riding style, your board, your ability and your budget. Burton and Union are the two biggest names in bindings worldwide and both make fantastic options across all-mountain, freestyle and freeriding, with Nitro and Salomon offering really good alternatives too. The right binding is one that fits your board, suits how you ride, and works for your budget, and our team can help you narrow that down in-store.

All current standard Union bindings come with a disc compatible with Burton’s channel mounting system, so the answer is generally yes! The exception is Union splitboard bindings, which aren’t compatible with Burton’s Channel Split system. Also, don’t confuse the channel system with Burton’s older 3D insert pattern, which has more limited compatibility. If you are still unsure, message us or come in-store.

Generally, yes. Most current Burton bindings come with, or can use, a universal disc that fits standard 4x4 and 2x4 insert patterns, which covers most non-Burton boards. If you have Channel-specific Burton bindings and a board with standard inserts, you may need the correct adapter disc. As with any mixed setup, it's worth confirming compatibility with our team first.

"Regular" means riding with your left foot forward, and "goofy" means riding with your right foot forward. A quick way to work out which feels natural: think about which foot you'd put forward sliding across a polished floor in socks. Most people find one just feels right. If you're still not sure, our team can help you work it out in-store, and it's easy to try both when you're just starting out.

Stance width mostly comes down to personal comfort, but shoulder width apart is a common, comfortable starting point. From there, freestyle and park riders often widen their stance slightly for stability doing tricks, while all-mountain and freeride riders often keep it closer to shoulder width for balanced, everyday control. Height and board length play a part too. If you're not sure where to start, our team can set your stance width for you in-store.

It depends on how you ride, there's no single correct angle for everyone. A common starting point is a slight positive angle on the front foot with the back foot set flatter or slightly negative, sometimes called a duck stance. Freestyle riders often prefer a more symmetrical duck stance for riding switch, while all-mountain and freeride riders often lean toward a more forward-facing setup. Angles are easy to adjust as you get more comfortable, so treat your first setup as a starting point rather than a permanent choice, and ask our team in-store if you'd like a hand dialling it in.