Highback Rotation-

I recently read this: 

Can I do this with any pair of bindings? I have Union DLXs.

Originally posted by thisisjoebro Can I do this with any pair of bindings? I have Union DLXs.

Originally posted by spenser most bindings will allow adjustment there.  with union, you need to remove bolt bolts from each side of the binding, and each bolt will move into a new hole out of the 3 holes union has in their highbacks.  then you reattach the highback and straps and you're good.. just make sure you rotate them the right way, and that you move both bolts and not just one.  union only has one option for rotating, and it seems to be ideal when your binding is at either 12 or 15 degrees, but it will be fine outside of that range.  i ride between 18/-12 and 24/-6 depending on the board i'm on and union's rotation works fine for me. the point is for response.  you lean straight back when you turn heelside.. if you are doing that without rotated highbacks, you are pressing into them at an angle, which allows them to flex.  if you rotate them, you are pressing straight into them where they are stiffest (at least most highbacks, anyway). also, un-rotated, the inner-side of each highback is rotating in towards the board and can get in the way of the A that your legs make when strapped in.  rotating them gets them out of the way in that respect.

I adjusted them earlier today, messing around on the carpet pressing feels good.

I've always rotated my burton bindings to be parallel with my heelside edge and thought it made a difference, but I'd never really knew since that was just how I always road.  It's super easy with the burton bindings, of course.  In the last few years of riding my splitboards I think I've confirmed that highback rotation does make a difference, because it's not something you can do with splitter highbacks since most of the time you're touring (and you need them to be straight when you're hiking).  It definitely seems strange to me to strap in with my binders that way and I think I lose some response on heelside turns, and it seems like it changes the way the board flexes when I bow or squeeze my knees, if that makes any sense. 

interesting proposal. I will have to give this a whorl whenever it is the snow comes

thanks

Originally posted by julius77 I was lucky to have friends that knew and had boarded for years when I first started out. I've never had my highbacks any other way.

This is a def must do!  And like Stomp said "makes it feel better especially when you have a decent amount of duck to your stance".
It really gives you much more control and no weird pressure pts.
This tip should be included in the instructions w/ the bindings.

Thanks for the tip, I'll make adjustments and see the results when winter comes.

Yes, do this!  It does make a difference.

Originally posted by haiv143 WHAT?? I never heard of this before! then again, 'im not good either. gonna try on my carpet right now! i'll get back with results.

I had never heard of this either I think I'll have to adjust mine a little

I'm at my maximum highback rotation right now and it's just barely enough to meet parallel with the board edge. I think some of the softer highbacks (Union Contact) will have less benefit from rotation because they are so compliant.

Yeah I did this a few years ago after reading it on here and it made a big difference for me for linking turns quicker. It also made a little difference in tweaking indy or melon for me, though that seems to be more binding angle itself...and a lot of practicing/messing around with your own body positioning while you're in the air.

if you can't tell the difference, you're not snowboarding very well... or you'r highbacks have backward lean and never come into play while riding.

Interesting. I've been working in a ski/snowboard tuning shop for just about 10yrs and I don't think I've heard of this. Makes complete sense though.

cooool, thanks for the information! I'm going to try this, hope it works well!

It may just be me but when I did this it also seemed to take some of the pressure off of my leg and feet while on the chairlift.

Originally posted by MathiasM Idk what the problem is but i can NOT get my high backs to do this. I tried last season and they just refused to line up. I have the Ride EX which are aluminium (i hate it) so maybe they are too stiff along the heelcup. Any ideas?

I have a pair of Ride bindings myself, also with aluminum base plates. I was able to align the high-backs with the back edge, but I remember that I really had to push the plastic hard to get the screws to go through the hole again. Point is, it can be done, but it requires some strong arms. I believe I got someone to help me. That way one of you can pull the plastic in the right direction while the other person slides the screw in.

Oh also, I think my boyfriend has the EX's and we were able to adjust the high-backs for him this past winter. Good luck!

Originally posted by namsapalooza Originally posted by MathiasM Idk what the problem is but i can NOT get my high backs to do this. I tried last season and they just refused to line up. I have the Ride EX which are aluminium (i hate it) so maybe they are too stiff along the heelcup. Any ideas? I have a pair of Ride bindings myself, also with aluminum base plates. I was able to align the high-backs with the back edge, but I remember that I really had to push the plastic hard to get the screws to go through the hole again. Point is, it can be done, but it requires some strong arms. I believe I got someone to help me. That way one of you can pull the plastic in the right direction while the other person slides the screw in. Oh also, I think my boyfriend has the EX's and we were able to adjust the high-backs for him this past winter. Good luck!

Switchback bindings will not allow for rotation because there is only one position to insert the highback. Though I reckon most Switchback buyers will simply not use highbacks, altogether.

I am amazed that i haven't heard of this/tried this yet. Ill definitley be giving it a go....as soon as the snow returns next season. Thanks for the advice!