Forward lean is the amount of “forward angle” on a binding highback; the more forward lean, the further forward your calves are pushed, which makes you bend at the knees and adds power and precision to heelside turns. Standard strap snowboard bindings feature a mechanism on the back of the highback for adjusting forward lean. It’s okay to run at ‘0’ if that’s where you’re most comfortable and heelside turns aren’t a problem; forward lean isn’t for everyone.
An example of the Flux Premium Binding’s forward lean mechanism
A little goes a long way, so experiment with micro adjustments, starting at ‘0’ and go up from there. Give it a couple runs—if you are being forced by the highbacks to bend too much at the knees and feel off balance, reduce the amount of forward lean. If you can’t seem to carve a tight heelside turn and need some help riding in a more athletic stance, ratchet it up a notch or two. Everyone’s comfort zone with forward lean is different, so take the time to dial it in to best fit your riding style. -MH
An example of one of Burton’s forward lean adjustment mechanism’s on the Burton P1 Bindings
thanks for the advice I just bought new bindings and I can’t wait to try.
Thanks for the info, I was trying to figure out the effects.
when I increase the forward lean and squeeze my boot all the way into the heel of the binding it feels perfect; however, when i unstrap my binding and step out, my boot becomes stuck in the binding. Is this something I can fix by playing around with the sizing of the binding or is it something that just happens and i have to live with. ( I have 2015 Burton high-line boa sz 10 boots and Union 2016 flite pro sz M/L bindings) ****Also, they fit fine with forward lean up to about the 4th level of it.