Medium vs Large Snowboard Bindings

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When it comes to snowboarding sizes, the differences in length and width drastically change the performance of the board. 

The size of the binding can only work with appropriate fitting widths of snowboards. These may not seem that important until you begin to experiment with the different widths. 

Medium-sized bindings are made for boot sizes between eight and size ten, and the larger bindings will be for any size bigger than that. Keep this in mind when shopping, but the price tags for large pieces of equipment undoubtedly will cost more in most situations and stores. 

 

What are the Similarities?

The most common similarity will be the fact that size ten boots will fit in either set of bindings. Medium sets will provide a snug fit, while the larger bindings will have a looser fitting setup. 

Beyond that, there will not be many similarities between these two sizes of snowboard boot bindings. 

Both of these binding sizes will require wider snowboards than those smaller boot binding setups. There are going to be these size-types across the market:

 

• Medium
• Medium/Large
• Large
• Large/X-Large

 

What are the Differences?

There will be many more differences that there will be similarities between these two sets of snowboarding bindings, first off, the size of boots that fit in each set. Medium is limited to three sizes, which leads to extra-large sizes, which cover the bigger folks. 

Another difference will be the types of boards these two-sized people can ride. Larger snowboarders will need to find wider boards and will want to avoid terrain parks and thin track slopes. 

Medium-sized riders sit right about in the middle of it all. Generic sizes attune these people making it easier for most to find an appropriate fitting snowboard. 

 

Pros and Cons: Medium and Large Snowboard bindings

The pro for having a medium-sized boot is that those medium-sized bindings will fit with most snowboards, including the smaller trick boards. 

The cons will be that there is still an advantage for the smaller footer person when it comes to performing tricks and having the ability to slim down your snowboard for better speed ratings. 

Large snowboard bindings will struggle to find boards that find these sized boots and people, which limits selections to wider and longer snowboards. 

The pro will be the ability to have wider snowboards that can coast and float atop most of the powdery and untouched snowfields. 

 

Which Ones are More Beginner Friendly?

There really is no difference when it comes to using these two sizes of bindings. If you are able to wear medium bootstrap setups, this will be the better place to start. 

This will allow you to learn the basics before moving up to the coast and larger board setups needed for certain terrains and runs. 

If you are in doubt, the best part about most ski resorts is the presence of equipment managers and pros. So start renting your equipment, getting guidance from those who know boots, bindings, and boards the best. 

 

Which One is More Versatile?

The larger boards are limited in the places and terrains they can be useful for, making the medium bindings and boots more versatile. 

The smaller setups will have an easier time going through terrain parks, especially those with trees, but also be able to reach faster speeds without worrying about lifting off the slopes too much. 

One Olympic use for the wider boards will be the big air events, needing to have more surface area to ride the air currents the best an athlete can. This, however, does not tip the scales enough for larger bindings to be more versatile. 

 

Final Thoughts on Medium vs Large Snowboard Bindings

When you are shopping for a snowboard, there will also be the need for boots and bindings. 

There are going to be many different kinds of bindings, step-in clips, and strap-in method styles, but the best place to start will be renting from the resort until learning enough to be confident with your own equipment. 

If you can wear the smaller sizes, it comes with advantages when on the slopes and riding down certain types of runs. The wider boards will have their uses but will be geared for powder days and getting big air off of jumps.