This article is brought to you by ActiveJunky.com. They like our snow forecasts, and we like their knowledge of gear. So we work together to bring you details on the best stuff you can buy, and they help you earn cash back on purchases. Win-win-win-win, or something like that!

Brush snow from your baseplate. Crank down your ankle straps. Tighten the cap strap over your toe. Prepare to drop in on whatever run you choose, knowing that your boots and board are securely melded as one, thanks to trustworthy bindings. 

Our friends at Active Junky have put together a list of 5 solid bindings, ranging from affordable beginner models to expensive carbon-based picks. Read up and strap in to shred with confidence this season:

Burton Freestyle: Beginner’s Luck

You can’t find a better bargain than this bomber from Burton. Always a classic, Freestyle is the one favorite pros probably started out with as tail-grabbing toddlers. Simple, functional and cheaper than almost anything out there, Freestyle is a great choice for those tired of renting gear or newbies eager to get their feet wet.

Best for: Chopping up your “frequent customer” card from the rental shop

MSRP: $130.00

Features: Medium flex, Re:Flex FullBED Cushioning System, Asym Lushstrap

Earn 10% cash back on the Burton Freestyle from Backcountry.com

Ride EX: Unbind Your Budget

Looking to strap in for under $200? Ride’s got you covered with the EX, a medium-stiff offering ideal for beginners and intermediate riders ready to take it to the next level – without taking out a second mortgage. An aluminum chassis, weight-minimizing ComfortFlex highback and comfortable strap configuration secure this design as a heavy hitter in its weight class.

Best For: Progressing without stressing

MSRP: $180.00

Features: Medium flex, ThinGrip Toe Strap, AstroGlyde OG Ratchets, ComfortFlex Highbacks 

Earn 10% cash back on the Ride EX from Backcountry.com

Flux RL: Park Assassin

Flexible yet durable, the RL is Flux’s superlative park binding. Landings are dampened by a cushioned baseplate while grabs are encouraged by the resilient, lithe Freestyle highback. The soft, stark overall construction boosts both your airtime and style as you jib and spin into history books and snowboard magazines alike.

Best For: Killing the park, one trick at a time

MSRP: $230.00

Features: Medium-soft flex, Ultima Freestyle Highback, lightweight

Earn 10% cash back on the Flux RL from Backcountry.com

Rome Targa: Big Mountain Burly

The Targa is Bjorn Leines’ pro model, a rider with a style and strength respected by his peers. Rome’s burly binding is built for riders like Bjorn, those who attack a variety of features sans fear. AntiShock highbacks mitigate chatter and three-level canted footbeds allow binding customization. Versatile toe straps, stiff flex and tool-less forward lean and strap adjustments cap off this brawny design.

Best For: Going big, going fast and only going home when you’re good and ready

MSRP: $290.00

Features: Powerful flex, AntiShock Highback, Tool-less Adjustment

Earn 10% cash back on the Rome Targa from Backcountry.com

Salomon Quantum: All-Mountain, All-Day, All-Season 

When a binding meets all-around legend Bode Merrill’s specifications, you know you’re onto something. Salomon’s latest, the Quantum, delivers from inner-city handrails to remote backcountry spines. The carbon highback is stiff and responsive, meriting an 8/10 on the flex scale. EVA baseplate padding absorbs shock from flat landings and reduces juddering from straight-lining “The Art of Flight” worthy peaks.

Best For: Complementing your dream board, getting the most out of your setup

MSRP: $350.00

Features: Stiff flex, Quantum Carbon Highback, UL PowerGlide ratchet

Earn 10% cash back on the Salomon Quantum from Backcountry.com