Snowboard Binding Angles & Stance Explained

Snowboard binding angles, or stance angles, refer to the orientation of a snowboard’s bindings relative to the center line of the board. Many riders like to "set it and forget it", but adjusting your stance based on conditions and the board you are riding can reward you with enhanced performance and comfort.

Snowboard stance angles are measured in degrees, like the circular dial of a compass, with 0 (otherwise known as neutral) referencing your bindings being perfectly perpendicular to your snowboard. Bindings can be set to negative, neutral, or positive angles. If this sounds confusing, just remember that most riders should experiment a bit, and then select the snowboard binding angles or stance that feels best to them.

In this overview of snowboard binding angles and stances, the Burton Guides outline everything you need to know about common binding orientations, what each stance is best for, and when you should consider making adjustments.

• 3 Common Snowboard Binding Angle Combinations
• Snowboard Stance Angles for Different Types of Snowboards
• Adjusting Snowboard Binding Angles for Different Terrain & Conditions

3 Common Snowboard Binding Angle Combinations

All snowboard binding angles, or stances, can be categorized as either: Positive/Zero, Positive/Positive, or Positive/Negative. These descriptions refer to the orientation of the bindings in this format - Front Binding/Rear Binding. It's important to point out that whether you have a regular or goofy stance, the principles of stance angle adjustment apply just the same.

Positive/Zero (+/0): A positive/zero snowboard stance (+/0) has the front binding pointed towards the nose, and no angle for the rear binding (0 degrees). A positive/zero riding stance works for many riders because it is comfortable and natural while providing solid power distribution across the width of the board for easy turn initiation.

Positive/Positive (+/+): A positive/positive snowboard stance (+/+) has the front and rear binding both angled towards the nose of the snowboard. A positive/positive snowboard stance is great for experienced riders who want to reduce toe drag and focus on carving deep turns. However, positive/positive can make riding switch more difficult.

Positive/Negative (+/-): A positive/negative snowboarding stance (+/-), otherwise known as a duck stance, has the front binding angled towards the nose, and the rear binding angled towards the tail. Oftentimes riders who ride a duck stance will choose similar but opposite angles for the bindings, such as +8 and -8. A duck stance is great for freestyle and riding switch and can make it easier to land tricks.

Snowboard Stance Angles for Different Types of Snowboards

Snowboard binding angles and stances can be chosen based on the type of snowboard you ride, like freeride vs. all mountain vs. freestyle vs. powder, but it's important to note that this is a generalized starting point rather than a statement about what is correct. The correct stance is ultimately the one that is comfortable and lets you ride the way you want.

• All Mountain: All mountain snowboards are a bit more versatile and can work with a (+/0), (+/+), or (+/-) stance, depending on your riding style.
• Freestyle: Freestyle snowboards can be ridden with any stance, but to take advantage of their twin shape, a (+/-) stance will provide the most versatility for maneuvers and riding switch.
• Powder: Powder snowboards are generally ridden with either a (+/0) or (+/+) stance, although they can be ridden with a duck stance too – it's all about personal preference.

Pro tip: When trying out a new snowboard stance, make a note of the specific angles of your front and rear bindings along with some reflections from your day of riding in a snowboarding journal. Keeping track of your experiences during the winter season may help you narrow in on your favorite snowboard stances with less guess work.

Adjusting Snowboard Binding Angles for Different Terrain & Snow Conditions

Adjusting snowboard binding angles for different types of terrain and snow conditions is a very common practice, and it can make a huge difference in terms of your perceived riding effort and fun. This applies more to riders who own a single snowboard versus those who have a quiver (more than one).

Powder: On deep riding days, a (+/0) or (+/+) stance combined with shifting both bindings towards the tail, (behind the reference stance locators of your snowboard) can help with floatation and control.

Groomers: If you’re exclusively riding groomed terrain, and won’t be dropping into the park, a (+/0) or (+/+) stance can let you really dig in, fully engaging your edges for deep carves.

Park: If the park is your primary destination, consider a duck stance (+/-) for easier switch riding as well stomping landings.

Backcountry: If you are heading out for a backcountry tour, choose whichever stance provides you with the most confidence and control so that you can have fun while staying safe.

Pro tip: In addition to snowboard stance angle, binding setback should also be considered, especially when riding powder. Read Goofy vs. Regular: The Official Guide to Snowboard Stances for a detailed explanation.

Final Thoughts on Snowboard Binding Angles & Riding Stance

Adjusting snowboard binding angles is one of the best ways to dial in your ride to complement your ability, riding style, snow conditions, and terrain. Many snowboarders are happy to settle into one stance and avoid changing things up, but if you've never experimented with different stances, we highly encourage you to give it a try. Also, different snowboard shapes can benefit from different snowboard stances, so if you've recently purchased a new one, open your mind and try something unconventional.

Ultimately, having experience riding a variety of stances will help you to become a more well-rounded snowboarder. So, go ahead and experiment with your snowboard stance in a variety of conditions, and most importantly, have fun with the process.