How to Mount and Adjust Snowboard Bindings (Video)
Quick answer: Decide if you ride regular (left foot forward) or goofy (right foot forward). Start with the board's reference stance width, centered. A good beginner duck stance is about +12° front and -6° back. Set the disc angle, then hand-tighten the four screws in an X pattern with a #3 Phillips screwdriver, and finish with an extra quarter turn. Skip power tools.
Mounting bindings on a new snowboard is easier than it seems and only takes basic hand tools. You do need to pay attention to stance, binding angle and stance width. In this video, Curran from Next Adventure walks through the whole setup.
Step 1: Regular or goofy?
If you ride with your left foot forward, you're regular; right foot forward is goofy. Your dominant foot is typically in the back.
Step 2: Lay out the parts
Your binding box includes two bindings, eight screws and washers, and two base plates (discs). Flip up the baseplate cover if there is one, and move the straps out of the way.
Step 3: Choose stance width and angles
For a first setup, start centered at the board's reference stance, usually marked with an X or logo. For angles, beginners do well with the front foot at about +12° and the back foot at about -6°. The disc has marks around a zero point; each mark is typically 3°.
Step 4: Attach and tighten
Slide each screw into the concave side of its washer, set them in the inserts, and hand-tighten firmly in an X pattern so the binding seats evenly. Then go back over each screw with one more quarter turn so nothing loosens while you ride.
Avoid power tools. It's easy to over-tighten, which can damage inserts or even push through and warp the base.
Step 5: Fine-tune your stance over time
As you progress, experiment. A narrower stance with more angle (Curran rides +18°/-15°) is quick edge to edge and lets you stand tall for carving. A wider stance gives a bigger footprint, more stability and torque, and helps balance on rails and jibs.
Shop snowboard bindings
- Union STR Binding Medium-flex all-mountain
- Union Flite Pro Binding Light and responsive
- Arbor Spruce Binding All-mountain comfort
- Arbor Acacia Binding Women's all-mountain
- Salomon Rhythm Binding Easy-to-adjust
Want it done for you? Bring your board to our Grand Avenue store in Portland and we'll mount your bindings and help you find your stance. See also: How to buy snowboard bindings.
Binding setup FAQ
What binding angles should a beginner use?
A mild duck stance of about +12 degrees on the front foot and -6 degrees on the back foot is a comfortable starting point.
How do I know if I'm regular or goofy?
Regular riders lead with the left foot, goofy riders with the right. Your back foot is usually your dominant foot.
How wide should my snowboard stance be?
Start at the board's reference stance, which roughly matches shoulder width for most riders, then adjust to taste.
Can I use a drill to mount snowboard bindings?
It's not recommended. Power tools make it easy to over-tighten and damage the board. Use a screwdriver.