All about skiboard bindings:
We get a lot of questions about skiboard bindings, so we put together this quick guide to break down the pros and cons of each option and clear up some common misconceptions about skiboard bindings.
There are four main types of bindings used on skiboards (also known as snowblades, skiblades, skiboards, or short skis — though the official term is skiboards).
Non-Release Skiboard Bindings:
Non-release skiboard bindings stay locked in if you fall, which also means they won’t accidentally release while riding. They are a simpler design and lower cost compared to release ski bindings.
These bindings adjust to fit a range of ski boot sizes, but performance and durability vary by construction. Higher-end non-release bindings use aluminum or steel and mount with a standard 40 mm x 40 mm pattern into the stainless steel inserts preinstalled in all Summit Skiboards for maximum strength and reliability.
Composite non-release bindings offer a lighter, more affordable option. They mount directly into the skiboard with screws rather than inserts and are commonly found on entry-level setups. While they reduce weight and cost, they are less durable than metal bindings and offer less performance.
All ski resorts require leashes with non-release bindings — one per leg — to prevent runaway skiboards on the mountain.
Myth: Non-release bindings mounted in a 4 hole insert pattern allow for the best flex of skiboards.
False. Both 4-hole and 8-hole mounting patterns create a flat spot under the binding, limiting how much the skiboard can naturally flex.
Major ski brands like Elan, Atomic, Head / Tyrolia, Salomon, and Rossignol design their release ski bindings to allow smoother tip-to-tail flex. These systems let the skiboard flex more naturally for better performance and feel. Engineers spent years refining these bindings specifically to improve flex and responsiveness, whether the bindings use adjustable or custom-fit setups.
Ski Release Bindings:
Release bindings release during a fall, in multiple directions, to help reduce the risk of injury. These bindings mount directly to the skiboards with an 8-screw pattern similar to traditional ski bindings while still allowing the skiboards to flex naturally.
The main drawback comes down to cost since the added safety features increase the price. In return, release bindings create one of the safest snow riding setups on the mountain compared to skis, snowboards, or telemark skis.
Release bindings also eliminate the need for leashes. Built-in brakes deploy automatically when the bindings release, stopping the skiboards from sliding away. Riders also benefit from true step-in convenience. Click in and go, unlike non-release bindings that require more time and bending over to put on and take off.
Release bindings can come in a model that adjusts to many different boot sizes, such as the Atomic M10, Strive 11 and Tyrolia bindings as well as others. Adjustable bindings usually use a rail to slide the toe and heel piece easily to fit your ski boots. There are also release bindings that are just a toe and heel piece with brakes that are fitted exactly to your boot size and don't adjust.
Depending on the width of the skiboards, sometimes wider brakes are necessary so they can clear the skiboard and work like they are supposed to. SummitSkiboards.com provides these brakes at no additional charge.
Release bindings are adjusted based on your ability level, size of boots and weight. Certified technicians need to adjust the "DIN" to make sure they release when they are supposed to. This takes about a minute at most ski shops or resorts.
Myth : It is necessary to use release bindings mounted on a riser plate that fits the 4 hole standard mounting pattern (fits into the 4 inserts).
This states that in order to maintain proper flex of the skiboards this is necessary.
An example is the Spruce Riser plate and bindings. This is a myth and simply not true. Worse, these can be dangerous. None of the major ski binding manufacturers endorse modifications to how their bindings are mounted to either skiboards or skis. Their comment is that there is no way to tell if these bindings will release when they are supposed to, as the riser introduces a foreign element into the equation. In addition you lose the convenience of step in and go, as you have to still use leashes, as brakes don't work due to the additional height. We will not sell these.
What improves carving ability is the design of the skiboards you use, as well as their inner construction. Higher performance skiboards carve more aggressively. The deeper, parabolic sidecut allows for aggressive carving and of course the ability to lean so your edges will do the job they were designed for. This lean is natural and feels simply like "riding the edges". A riser is not required to improve the carving ability of true high performance skiboards.
The only exception is for snowboard bindings as these will require a riser to perform properly and not catch edges. The Summit Snowboard Binding Riser Kit offers a platform with round carving disc that allows for precision carving without inhibiting flex.
Snowboard Bindings:
These bindings will screw directly into any skiboards with the 4 hole mounting pattern (4 inserts). As these bindings are often wider than the skiboards, the bindings may catch on the ground when doing deep lay over carves. Thus, snowboard bindings will need riser plates to lift them up enough to be off the ground. We now offer a special riser plate that mounts to any
skiboards with 4 hole mounts (inserts) and any snowboard binding can then be mounted to the riser plate. As most snowboard bindings are not made for carving side-to-side, it is easier to ride skiboards off the back tails. It is also recommended to add an additional retention strap towards the top to achieve maximum power transfer to the edges in side-to-side carving such as the Booster Extreme Straps. This helps distribute the weight better. We do offer the Technine Custom Pro DS Snowboard Binding made exclusively for skiboards to allow best performance.
AT Bindings:
Skiboards can also be mounted with AT bindings, meaning bindings that will allow for climbing uphill with a lever that allows for freeing your heels to make climbing easier. They can then be locked down when coming downhill like a normal ski binding. Most use these bindings for backcountry riding. An example of this kind of binding is the Atomic N Tracker bindings which we offer. They are more expensive, but also the most versatile of all bindings. These are adjustable to a range of ski boots sizes and the DIN can be set just like other release bindings.
Myth: Skiboards are dangerous no matter what the bindings.
This is definitely untrue and usually something someone not knowledgable about skiboards would say. We do hear this all the time. The truth is skis are way more dangerous than skiboards. Let's see - you rarely cross tips, or ever, can turn fast, stop fast, get through anything and don't usually need lessons with skiboards. This is the biggest myth of all, especially if you consider using release bindings.
You can view skiboarding videos on our website to see the differences between release and non-release bindings to show you how to get in and out of them so you can make an informed decision. However, shorter skiboards mean even less chance of getting into a predicament so you just get back up when you fall like on skates. The shortest skiboards we offer with full ski release bindings start at 79cm and go up from there.
With Skiboards you can learn to ski in one day - Read More.