Binding Review: 12-13 GNU B-Free

Location: Winter Park, CO

Snow Conditions: Hardpacked to softpacked groomers.

Setup: I rode the GNU B-Free bindings on the GNU Ladies Choice with my Vans Ferra Boots size 8.

Time to set up the binding: Normal time to set up the bindings and adjust them to my boots.

Fit: I tried the GNU B-Free bindings in the Medium/Large size which worked great for my size 8 women’s boots.

First Impression: Super comfortable, easy to ride and good for all around riding.

Appearance: They come in black and copper. I ended up trying the black version of the bindings which was fine by me, very simple in design and appearance with only the GNU and B-Free wording standing out in kind of 60’s hippie style.

Comfort: Good padding on the baseplate to help absorb bumps and terrain while riding. The ankle strap was comfortable and the toe strap was basic, not much to it but gripping and molding to the boot design.

Functionality: The GNU B-Free binding features an ultra light aluminum baseplate, full EVA footbed with base butter, micro buckle 2, single panel inverse seam ankle strap and a thin fit toe strap. The toe strap does a good job of molding to the boot without being too much padding/material. The baseplate padding is really good with the full EVA footbed for absorption on the mountain.

Flex: I’ve ridden more responsive bindings from GNU like the B-Famous but the B-Free is a bit more easy going on the flex scale. It’s the middle of the road for flex, good support and decent response but it’s not as stiff or quick as the other Famous binding.

Response: Not the most responsive binding but a good choice for someone wanting something with more ease. Once you initiated a turn, it wasn’t as quick and aggressive as it could be but it was meant for more easy going, easy let you into each turn riding. It’s consistent and supportive in the response.

Toe Strap: The toe strap didn’t have much to it but it did a great job of really cupping and gripping the toe of my Vans boots I was wearing. Very snug fit and supportive so it complimented the binding to boot combination very well.

Overall Impression: The B-Free bindings are a great choice for the female all mountain rider who doesn’t want something that’ll throw them off. It’s a good consistent, supportive binding that makes strapping in super easy.

Shay’s Honesty Box: I ended up riding these bindings with the GNU Ladies Choice and the bindings held up even though the board was more aggressive than them. They were capable of riding fast and hard but without throwing you off the mountain at times.

Review Disclosure: I demoed this binding at the SIA On-Snow Demo at Winter Park, CO.