So you know you want stap bindings, but what's the diference between all the manufactures and models?  This guide will help you narrow your choices and get you into the right fit. 

Be sure to try your boots on with your bindings before you leave the store to ensure a good fit. Lookout for pinching from the strap, toe drag (toe overhang), and heal lift. Bear in mind too that fewer parts mean fewer things to break. So look out for bindings that have extra screws and joints that could cause future inconveniences. 

The Parts

Here is a break down of all the parts that go into a binding and what to be aware of.

Drake F50

Straps.  Advancements have been made recently in materials and design to make increasingly comfortable and supportive bindings. If you can't try on the bindings on the slopes, at least try them on in the shop (with your new boots) and look for pressure points.

It takes two pounds to cut off the circulation in your foot. So keep this in mind when your are cranking down on those straps.

Ratchets.  There are a couple kinds of ratchets being used today. Find ones that are easy to use with gloves. Metal ratchets will generally last longer.

Heelcups.  Look for textured, rubberized heel cups that will help hold your heel into the binding.

High Backs.  Make sure the high back is lower than the top of you boot. Most high backs come with an adjustable forward lean, which is important, and some have lateral adjustments. For a comfortable ride, you'll want plenty of padding where the boot hits the high back.

Some bindings are offering lateral adjustment now. If this is the case, make the high back parallel to the edge of the board.

Height: Higher high backs will be better for all mountain riding because of their extra support while lower high backs allow the extra mobility for freestyle riding.

Base Plates.  For a comfortable ride, most good bindings come with rubber padding on both the top and the underside of the base plate.

You'll want the best fit into the binding without it being too snug. The loser the fit is the more cranking you'll need to secure your foot which will add to discomfort.

Ramps.  Ramp (or gas pedals) give extra leverage for your feet, especially for big ones. The best ones are adjustable.

Materials.  There's an ever increasing assortment of binding materials to choose from these days. Here are the most common choices:

Plastic.  Better for freestyle
   + More flexible
   - Wears out faster

Plastic baseplate/ metal healcup.  Good all around
   +Flexible and rigid where it's needed
   -Typically a little expensive

Metal.  More for freeride
   +Extra rigid, light weight
   -Too rigid for some

Carbon high back.  More for freeride.
   +Extra light weight and responsive
   -Very expensive, perhaps too rigid, less durable