Binding Angles

Posted by: @slarverjerry

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I've been riding +33 front and +18 rear this season.  Was thinking about moving rear binding to +24.  I was curious what disadvantages that may cause and why James doesn't ride more than +18 in the rear?  Thanks. 

I sometimes ride 21 or 24 in the back foot, on narrow boards (or if I'm trying to get a heelside spiral turn on video).  Steeper is fine for carving, no issues except that above 12 or 15 I like the Canted Risers.  Lots of Asians ride steeper than this with bindings flat.  It helps to have flexibility in the hips.

The disadvantage of steeper angles is that it becomes more difficult to do jump turns, land jumps and ride moguls.  (Yet, some of those same Asians are doing freestyle ground tricks at 45/36, and some riders even do that in hard boots at 60/55).  

There are always trade offs.  Don't be afraid to experiment and see what works for you.  With some practice it'll only take a few minutes to adjust your angles and/or toe bias on the hill with a pocket tool, so try everything!  What works for me is not necessarily what will work for your body and your riding style.

Even after a lifetime of doing this I still change my angles, stance width and toe/heel bias regularly.  What worked at the end of the previous season may not feel right in December.  I have never stopped playing with my stance (though I have settled on a pretty narrow range).

Cool, thanks for the info