How to Mount Snowboard Bindings

Salty old snowboarders may claim that mounting snowboard bindings is as much an art as it is a science, and there's truth to that. But don't let it intimidate you. Mounting snowboard bindings is straightforward, and anyone can do it, even someone who's never ridden a snowboard before. Plus, having a solid understanding of snowboard/binding compatibility and knowing how to mount snowboard bindings will let you refine your own setup for optimal performance and fun.

This step-by-step guide covers everything you need to know.

Pro tip: You'll need some basic tools to mount snowboard bindings. A #3 Phillips screwdriver will work for most setups. Also, having a compact snowboard multi-tool that includes Allen keys will allow you to make on-mountain adjustments when the need arises.

Quick Navigation

• Snowboard Mounting Patterns & Binding Formats
• How to Determine Your Lead Foot (Regular or Goofy)
• How to Identify Left vs. Right Bindings
• How to Mount Snowboard Bindings: Step-by-step Instructions
• Adjusting Snowboard Bindings for Different Terrain

Snowboard Mounting Patterns & Binding Formats

Before getting into the details of mounting bindings, it's important to know that there are a variety of different snowboard hole patterns and binding formats. So whether you are buying a whole new setup, or upgrading board/bindings, you'll want to ensure that you choose equipment that is compatible. Currently, the two most common mounting patterns you will see are the 4x2 hole pattern (non Burton snowboards), and The Channel™ (developed by Burton - found on all post-2014 Burton snowboards).

Snowboard Mounting Patterns

When we say snowboard mounting patterns, which are also known as hole patterns, we're referring to the metal inserts that you see embedded in the top of snowboard decks.

Deep knowledge: Pow surfing snowboards are an exception. They don't have mounting inserts because they aren't designed to be used with bindings. Instead, they have grippy textured-surfaces or studs to help the rider balance on top of the deck, just like a skateboard.

Common snowboard mounting patterns, include:

• 4x2: A very common snowboard hole pattern consisting of two rows of holes, with each row being 4cm apart and each hole in the row being 2cm apart. Four screws are used to mount each snowboard binding. Typically, there are 6-8 sets of holes for each binding. As of 2021, the 4x2 pattern is the most common mounting option for non-Burton snowboards.
• The Channel®: This mounting system, which consists of two aluminum channels, allows nearly infinite binding mounting options. Using two screws per binding, The Channel allows riders to adjust stance width, angle, centering, and setback to nearly any setting without the constraints of a four-screw pattern.
• 3D: A pattern consisting of holes arranged in overlapping triangles, with 8 holes on each end of the snowboard. Three screws are used to mount each binding (in a triangle). The 3D pattern was common on Burton boards manufactured prior to 2014, after which time we switched to The Channel. Note: Burton is the only snowboard manufacturer that utilized the 3D hole pattern.
• 4x4: An old mounting pattern consisting of two rows of holes, with each row being 4cm apart and each hole in the row being 4cm apart. Four screws are used to mount each binding. The 4x4 system was popular at one point in snowboarding but has mostly been phased out (it can sometimes still be found on youth or specialty snowboards).

Pro tip: If you're looking to adapt modern bindings to an old Burton snowboard with the 3D hole pattern, check out our 3D disc adaptors.

Snowboard Binding Formats

Similar to the different snowboard hole patterns, there are a couple different snowboard binding formats.

• Re:Flex® (Disc): A removable disc in the center of the binding's baseplate is mounted using 2, 3, or 4 screws per binding, depending on the snowboard mounting pattern. Discs are available in various formats to match 4x2, 4x4, 3D, or Channel snowboards. Discs may vary in diameter from one manufacturer to the next, so it's important to use a disc that was designed specifically for your bindings.
• EST®: EST stands for Extra Sensory Technology and is a binding format that Burton developed to unlock the full potential of The Channel mounting system. Instead of using a disc, EST bindings have two outboard mounting points, eliminating underfoot hardware. EST bindings ONLY work with The Channel and are not compatible with 4x2, 4x4, or 3D hole patterns. To learn more about the advantages of The Channel, read The Burton Channel System: Compatibility and More.

Pro tip: Re:Flex bindings from Burton are a "universal" disc format binding, allowing them to be mounted on 3D, 4x2, or Channel format snowboards, when paired with the correct discs. Burton Step On® bindings come is both Re:Flex (disc), and EST versions.

A Note About Board & Binding Compatibility

Nearly all binding manufacturers offer baseplate adapter discs, allowing their bindings to mount up to other manufacturers' snowboards. If you want to ride a Burton binding with a non-Burton snowboard, your best bet is to purchase Re:Flex format bindings: they're compatible with everything. Alternatively, if you have a non-Burton binding that you love, it's highly likely that there's a Channel disc adapter that will let you mount your bindings to a Burton Channel format snowboard.

How to Determine Your Lead Foot (Regular or Goofy)

Before we get to mounting snowboard bindings, it's important to know whether you ride regular or goofy so you can install your bindings correctly. Regular refers to riders who lead with the left foot, while goofy refers to riders who lead with the right foot. Here are a couple of different methods for determining if you are regular or goofy.

1. Kick the Ball

Place a ball on the ground, take a few steps back, and kick it with whichever foot feels most natural. Do this a few times. The foot you instinctively kick with is generally your front foot for snowboarding. Left foot kick means regular stance, right foot kick means goofy.

2. The Floor Slide

This method requires a hardwood floor and socks. Find an open section of floor with some room to run, take a few quick steps, and slide. Do this a few times, taking note of which foot you naturally lead with. That foot is generally the one you'll want at the front of your snowboard. Left foot forward means regular stance, right foot forward means goofy.

Pro tip: For a more thorough explanation of snowboard stances, including a breakdown of stance width, binding angles, and setback, read Burton's Official Guide to Snowboard Stances.

How to Identify Right vs. Left Bindings

Left and right snowboard bindings may look nearly identical, but they are different and must be installed correctly for proper function. Some bindings have a gentle curve to them, just like your shoes do, but if there's no visible curve to the baseplate or footbed, there are other ways to identify left from right.

Strap Bindings: Look at the straps to determine left vs. right. The ladder strap, the part of the strap system without a buckle, featuring a series of ridges, should always be oriented to the outside of your boot.

Step On® Bindings: Look at the release lever to identify left vs. right. Position bindings so the release levers sit on the outside of your boots.

How to Mount Disc Format Snowboard Bindings

Follow these step-by-step instructions to mount disc format snowboard bindings.

IMPORTANT: Only use the hardware that was included with your bindings. Using random screws or bolts is likely to damage your snowboard and is not covered under any manufacturers' warranty.

1. Select the correct disc. Make sure the disc in your binding baseplate is compatible with your snowboard's hole pattern (4x2, 4x4, or 3D). If your bindings came with multiple discs, select the one that matches your board.
2. Set your binding angles. Rotate the disc to your desired angle before mounting. Each tick mark on the disc represents 3 degrees. A good starting point for most riders is +15° on the front binding and -6° on the rear.
3. Adjust your binding straps. Place a laced boot in each binding and adjust the strap length so the center of each strap sits over the center of the boot.
4. Adjust the toe ramp. Some bindings include a toe ramp that extends the footbed to prevent toe drag when making toeside turns. Adjust to the appropriate length using the boot as a guide.
5. Position the bindings on the board. Place each binding over the mounting holes at your desired stance width, and center the binding so there is an equal amount of board in front of the toe as behind the heel.
6. Start the screws by hand. Finger-tighten one screw in each hole before fully committing to the position.
7. Confirm your stance. With all screws loosely in place, check your stance width, angles, and toe/heel centering one final time. Adjust as needed.
8. Tighten the screws. Using a #3 Phillips screwdriver, tighten each screw in a cross pattern to ensure even pressure. Never use power tools to tighten your binding hardware.
9. Retighten after your first run. After your first run, check that all screws are still tight.

How to Mount EST Format Snowboard Bindings

Follow these step-by-step instructions to mount EST format snowboard bindings.

IMPORTANT: Only use the hardware that was included with your bindings. Using random screws or bolts is likely to damage your snowboard and is not covered under any manufacturers' warranty.

1. Confirm your Channel hardware. EST bindings mount using Burton Channel Inserts, which come in two versions: M5 and M6. Post-2010 Burton snowboards use the wider M6 Channel and require M6 Channel Inserts. Pre-2010 boards use the narrower M5 Channel and require M5 Channel Inserts. Burton no longer manufactures M5 hardware, so if you're riding an older board, you may need to source M5 inserts online. Do not attempt to modify the Channel to accept incompatible hardware — this can compromise the strength of your equipment and endanger you as a rider.
2. Insert the Channel Inserts into the Channel. Remove the Channel plugs and slide the front and rear Channel Inserts into the Channel on your snowboard, then replace the Channel plugs.
3. Set your stance width. Place each binding on top of your snowboard deck at your desired stance width, and slide the Channel Inserts under the binding mounting points. A common starting point is shoulder-width apart, measured from the center of each binding.
4. Set your binding angles. Rotate each binding to your desired angle. A good starting point for most riders is +15° on the front binding and -6° on the rear.
5. Adjust your binding straps. Place a laced boot in each binding and adjust the strap length so the center of each strap sits over the center of the boot.
6. Adjust the toe ramp. Some EST bindings include a toe ramp. Adjust to the appropriate length using the boot as a guide.
7. Confirm your stance. Check your stance width, angles, and toe/heel centering before tightening.
8. Tighten the Channel Inserts. Using a #3 Phillips screwdriver, tighten each insert bolt securely. Never use power tools to tighten your binding hardware.
9. Retighten after your first run. After your first run, check that all insert bolts are still tight.

How to Mount Snowboard Bindings for Different Terrain

The type of mounting system and the position of the bindings play a significant role in how a snowboard rides and responds to commands, so we asked some expert riders for some recommendations on their binding preferences so you can try them out.

Mounting Bindings for Freeriding

Freeriding is all about experiencing the mountain and enjoying the terrain. Carving groomers, popping side-hits, and exploring secret stashes are all on the menu. The ideal stance for all three is likely one that’s balanced and comfortable. Start with the board’s reference stance width to keep it centered, then expand wider with a more positive angle on the front binding. Consider medium-stiff Burton Re:Flex bindings for maximum compatibility across your quiver.

Mounting Bindings for Park & Street Riding

Whether you’re lapping the big jump line or hitting handrails downtown, freedom of motion is key when it comes to riding park. Most park and street riders keep their bindings centered on the board and angled outwards in the classic “duck” position. Having the same angles, front-to-back allows you to ride switch (go in whichever direction you want) while enjoying the same feeling riding switch or regular.

Mounting Bindings for All Mountain & Powder Riding

When snowboarding in powder and dropping big lines, a setback stance is almost always the way to go. Starting with the reference stance, shift everything back towards the tail to focus your energy and weight on the back of the board. This approach forces the tail down and lifts the nose of the board up, providing float in deep snow or variable terrain. Consider stiffer EST bindings for maximum response and control.