Binding flex is one of those things most riders don’t think about... until their setup feels weird. Maybe your board feels floppy. Maybe it’s stiff and lifeless. Either way, your bindings might be the problem.
The flex you choose has a huge effect on how your board rides, so if you’ve ever thought, “Why does this feel off?” — you’re in the right place...
TL;DR – Quick Binding Flex Guide
- Soft (1–3): Good for beginners, park laps, and playful riding.
- Medium (4–6): Great all-rounder for groomers, side hits, and all-mountain.
- Stiff (7–10): Best for fast carving, big lines, and aggressive riding.
Match your bindings to your boots and how you ride. It’s not about chasing numbers — it’s about feel. Go with whatever feels good.
What Is Binding Flex?
Binding flex is how soft or stiff your bindings feel when you're strapped in. Most brands rate it from 1 to 10, but don’t take those numbers too seriously. A 5 from one brand might feel like a 3 or a 7 from another. Still, they help you get a general idea of what you’re buying.
Softer bindings are looser and more forgiving. Stiffer ones are snappier and more precise. You’ll feel it when you turn, carve, land, or ride at speed.
Binding Flex Categories
Soft Flex (1–3)
- Best for: Park riders, beginners, mellow cruising
- Feels like: Loose and surfy — easy to press and tweak
- Why ride it: Comfy, forgiving, and chill
- Downside: Not the most stable at high speed or on steeps
Medium Flex (4–6)
- Best for: All-mountain riders, intermediates, anyone who rides a bit of everything
- Feels like: Balanced and versatile
- Why ride it: Works everywhere without locking you into one style
- Downside: Not as playful as soft or as powerful as stiff
Stiff Flex (7–10)
- Best for: Freeriders, speed freaks, and people who love edge hold
- Feels like: Tight and responsive
- Why ride it: Max control at speed, steep terrain, or technical lines
- Downside: Can feel harsh and twitchy if you're not used to it
Which Flex Suits Your Style?
Freestyle / Park
You’re hitting rails, jumps, and side hits. Go soft. You want flexibility and freedom of movement, not a setup that fights back when pressing or spinning.
All-Mountain
You ride everything and don’t want to swap gear for every condition. Medium flex is where it’s at. Enough response to carve, enough play to have fun.
Freeride / Carving
You like speed, steep lines, and feeling glued to your edge. Go stiff. It gives you power and precision when things get real.
Quick Flex Table
| Riding Style | Flex Range | Feel |
|---|---|---|
| Freestyle / Park | 1–3 (Soft) | Loose, playful, forgiving |
| All-Mountain | 4–6 (Medium) | Balanced, stable, adaptable |
| Freeride / Carving | 7–10 (Stiff) | Precise, powerful, responsive |
Other Stuff That Affects Flex
Weight
If you're on the heavier side, a stiffer setup will feel more stable. Lighter riders can get the flex they need from softer bindings without them feeling squishy.
Boot Flex
Try to keep your boots and bindings in the same range. If you mix stiff boots with soft bindings (or the other way around), your setup can feel awkward or unpredictable.
Skill Level
New riders should stick to soft or medium setups. They're easier to control and won’t punish small mistakes. Advanced riders? Go as stiff as you want.
Real-Life Setups That Work
Park Rider
Soft boots (3), soft bindings (2), twin board. Feels fun, forgiving, and perfect for freestyle laps.
All-Mountain Cruiser
Medium boots (5), medium bindings (5), directional twin. One board, one setup, all kinds of terrain.
Big Mountain / Freeride
Stiff boots (8), stiff bindings (9), stiff directional board. Feels locked-in when speed, edge control, and response matter most.
Final Tips
- If you're not sure, go medium flex — it’s the most versatile.
- Try gear if you can. Flex feels different for everyone.
- Don’t go stiff unless you’re riding fast or steep — it's not fun to learn on.
- Ignore the marketing. Focus on feel, not hype.
Bonus: My Top Binding Picks by Flex
Soft Flex
Burton Freestyle – Chill and comfy for park or casual resort laps.
Union Flite Pro – Super light, playful, and beginner-friendly.
Salomon Rhythm – Solid budget pick with all the essentials.
Medium Flex
Burton Cartel – A reliable all-mountain choice that works for almost everyone.
Union Strata – Smooth flex and great board feel across varied terrain.
Rome Katana – Premium feel with lots of adjustability and response.
Stiff Flex
Burton X EST – Locked-in support for carving and high-speed lines.
Union Atlas Pro – Built for aggressive riders who need serious response.
NOW Drive – Stiff, stable, and great for charging big terrain.
