Burton Snowboard Binding Overview
Possibly the most underrated part of your snowboard set up. Snowboard bindings don't just keep you connected to your board; they allow you to direct and transfer energy into the board. For the best on-snow experience, you need to match your snowboard bindings to your ability level, riding style and board/boots - nobody does this better than Burton. Burton is known for its innovative approach to product design, and their bindings are no exception. Their exclusive EST® bindings coupled with the Channel® Board Mount is designed to give you near limitless stance options whilst offering flex, feel, and adjustability unmatched by the competition. Over the years, EST® is just one of Burton's many innovations introduced into their binding range. It is this innovation that makes Burton the leaders in snowboard bindings. All this technology means picking out the proper binding can get confusing, so the team at Trojan Wake Ski Snow have done the hard work for you by putting all the information you need about Burton bindings into this blog. Below we will breakdown some key features incorporated into their bindings and some of the standout models in the range. And for those wanting to look the part, we'll show you some of the colours that will make you stand out from the crowd.
Binding Technology and Features
Burton is a leader in the binding business because they incorporate some of the most advanced technology, design and manufacturing into their range of bindings. It's not just their high-end bindings; you can find many of their innovative features on the complete range of Burton bindings. Some of the standard things you can expect from every pair of burton bindings include
- Lifetime Warranty on All Baseplates
- Lifetime Warranty on All Flex Sliders
- Anatomical Left and Right Baseplates
- Engineered Composite Baseplates and Hi‐Backs
- Progressive Flexing Hi‐Backs
- Hi‐Back Rotation*#
- Forward Lean Adjustment#
- Telescoping Straps*
EST® or RE:FLEXTM
The first thing you need to consider before purchasing a pair of Burton bindings is the mounting system on your snowboard (current or future). Burton has two different baseplate constructions, you need to get the correct style for your board.
Burton designed their exclusive EST® bindings to have no plastic disc under your foot. Traditional bindings have a solid plastic baseplate under the foot used for connection to the board. The ridged plastic below your foot restricts the board's ability to flex under your bindings, affecting the board's feel and creating a dead spot. The EST® system, coupled with the Channel® Board Mount delivers the "True" flex of the board, allowing for the ultimate feel and flex when riding. EST® bindings are only compatible with Burton boards with the Channel® Board Mount system.
For those wanting a more traditional style binding mounting system or if you'd like to mount your Burton bindings on a board form another manufacturer, Burton has developed the Re:FlexTM baseplate. This mounting system is compatible with all modern mounting styles, including the Channel®, 4x4 and 3D. Re:FlexTM bindings incorporate Living HingeTM disc technology which allows for more flex underfoot than a traditional baseplate, delivering a more natural feeling ride and allowing for more flex under your feet.
Burton Men's Snowboard Bindings
Burton Cartel X (Trojan Favourite)
Burton Cartel Men's snowboard bindings (see below) are probably the most iconic and most used bindings ever made. In 2021 Burton stepped it up with the Cartel X, featuring a stiffer and lighter construction than the Cartel. The Cartel X has an upgraded high back compared to the Cartel, which includes a rubbery heel hammock that wraps around your boot heel, providing heel hold and fast response. The Cartel X is a true one binding quiver killer for the more aggressive rider wanting all the versatility and features of the Cartel in a more responsive package. The Burton Cartel X is available at Trojan in both the EST® and Re:FlexTM style baseplate mounting systems and various colours to suit everyone.
Riding Style: All-Mountain/All-Terrain
Flex: Stiff
Snowboard Recommendations: Pair with The Custom X for a responsive all-mountain setup or with the Deep Thinker for an aggressive freestyle setup.
Burton Cartel X Est® Snowboard Binding
Burton Cartel X Re:Flex Snowboard Binding
Burton Malavita Snowboard Binding (Trojan Favourite)
The Burton Malavita Men's snowboard binding has quickly become a team favourite. With a seamless boot to binding fit, it is a comfortable binding with features you won't see on other bindings. Looking closely at the hi-back, you will notice the Burton malavitas have a flexible second layer in front of a traditional-looking high back - this is what Burton call their Heel Hammock. The Heel Hammock helps the high back form around your boot's heel, locking your heel down and reducing pressure spots along the high back. Combined with a low profile Asym Hammockstrap and toe cap, this high back means you don't need to crank down your straps as tight yet still feel locked down at the heel. The binding of choice form many freestyle riders but equally suits an all-mountain rider looking for a more surfy/relaxed feel or someone who has calf-bite issues with traditional high backs. As an upgrade over the Custom and Custom X, the Malavita includes Double Take buckles allowing for quicker engagement and fewer cranks to lock your boot in.
Riding Style: Freestyle/All-Mountain
Flex: Medium
Snowboard Recommendations: Pair with the Custom for a smooth yet responsive all-mountain set up or the Process for an all-mountain board you can ride through the park.
Burton Malavita Est® Snowboard Binding
Burton Malavita Re:Flex Snowboard Binding
Burton Cartel
Powder laps in the morning, sidecountry kickers at lunch, lapping the terrain park in the afternoon and fully railing a few carves on the groomers as you make your way off the mountain – sounds like the perfect day to me. If you're the type of rider that likes to do it all, then you'll need a binding that can keep up - the Burton Cartel binding is the perfect choice when it comes to all-terrain riders. Key features include the low-profile Hammockstrap 2.0 ankle strap, which gives instant response and control. The true zero forward lean hi-back coupled with the DialFLAD system for adjustment means you can change from a relaxed, playful feel to a refined and responsive ride with a few turns of a dial. Available at Trojan in both EST® or RE:FLEXTM, the Burton Cartel is an excellent option for the all-round rider. The Custom is also sporting a newly designed high back for the 2021 season onwards.
Riding Style: All-Mountain/All-Terrain
Flex: Medium
Snowboard Recommendations: Just about anything. But if we had to choose, pair with the Custom for a one board quiver. Or, for a two board quiver, pair this binding with the Free Thinker/ Process for park/resort days and the Family Tree Hometown Hero for when it gets steep and deep.
Burton Cartel Est® Snowboard Binding
Burton Cartel Re:Flex Snowboard Binding
Burton Genesis Re:Flex Snowboard Binding
The Genesis takes the "hammock" style high back mentioned for the Malavita above to a new level with the Kickback Hammock hi-back. This high back incorporates three layers, a traditional outer, an internal spring-tension system and a full-height moulded hammock. The hammock helps reduce vibration and lock your heel into the binding for a comfortable and responsive ride. If you have ever experienced calf bite in your bindings, this is the binding for you.
Riding Style: Freestyle
Flex: Medium
Snowboard Recommendations: Pair with the Blossom/Kilroy Twin for an excellent freestyle setup or the Process for a freestyle focussed all-mountain ride.
Burton Genesis Est® Snowboard Binding
Burton Genesis Re:Flex Snowboard Binding
Burton Mission Re:Flex Snowboard Binding
Burton describes the Mission as the "workhorse" of their binding lineup, and at a lower price point, the Mission offers excellent value for money. However, it is still a feature-packed binding as technology from their high-end bindings often finds its way into the Mission. Burton is so far ahead of the game with their binding technology that the Mission is better than most of the competition's high-end offerings, even at this price point.
Riding Style: Freestyle/All Mountain
Flex: Medium
Snowboard Recommendations: Pair with the Kilroy Twin for a low budget high performing freestyle setup.
Burton Freestyle Re:Flex Snowboard Binding
Rounding out our men's Burton binding offering is the Freestyle. a great entry level binding for first timers or park rats looking for a no-fuss softer jib binding.
Riding Style: Freestyle/Beginners
Flex: Soft
Burton Women's Bindings
Burton Lexa Re:Flex Women's Binding (Trojan Favourite)
For women, our top pick is the Lexa women's snowboard bindings. The Lexa is an all-terrain workhorse fine-tuned for an anatomical women's specific fit. The Lexa is the women's version of the classic Custom. The Lexa can ride the whole mountain, so if you're the type of rider looking for an all-around binding, this is a great option. With a flex and highback shape fine-tuned for the ladies.
Riding Style: All-Mountain/All-Terrain
Flex: Medium/Stiff
Snowboard Recommendations: Just about anything. But if we had to choose the Feelgood for a one board quiver. For a two board quiver, pair this binding with the Talent Scout for park days and cruising around the resort and the Story Board when it gets steep and deep.
Burton Escapade Re:Flex Snowboard Binding
This robust and lightweight binding has been built to perform on any terrain. It is softer and more playful than the Lexa, offering a comfortable ride in a high-end package. The Escapade includes a women's specific Kickback Hammock high back similar to that found on the men's Genesis. This high back wraps around the heel of your boot, keeping you locked down without the need to crank down on the ankle straps. The Double Take buckles offer precise and quick engagement, so you spend less time cranking your bindings. Zero forward lean hi-backs with DialFLAD system means you can go from a playful freestyle feel to a more responsive ride in a few turns of the dial.
Riding Style: Freestyle/All-Mountain
Flex: Medium
Snowboard Recommendations: This binding will perform well with most boars, pair with Talent Scout for the ultimate freestyle setup. Alternatively, pair with the Yeasayer for an all-mountain ride.
Burton Lexa X Re:Flex Snowboard Binding
New for this season, Burton has introduced the Lexa X women's snowboard binding. Offering all the features, comfort and performance you've come to expect from the Lexa in a more responsive ride. Upgrades over the Lexa include Double Take buckles so you can crank your bindings down with speed and ease, and the rubbery Heel Hammock built into the highback will wrap around your heel for lightning-fast response and superior heel hold. Whilst the zero forward lean highback with DialFLAD system means you can go from a playful freestyle feel to a more responsive ride in a few turns of the dial.
Riding Style: All-Mountain/All-Terrain
Flex: Medium/Stiff
Snowboard Recommendations: pair with the Feelgood for a responsive all-mountain feel or the Story Board for a freeriders dream.
Burton Scribe Re:Flex Binding
This versatile women's binding from Burton offers all-terrain versatility at a more budget-friendly price point. Soft, flexible and responsive - this binding is excellent for any riding style. Reactstrap and cushioned baseplate result in a smooth and surefooted ride. With many features Burton's competitors don't have in their higher-end bindings, this is one excellent value binding.
Riding Style: Freestyle/All-Mountain
Flex: Medium
Snowboard Recommendations: pair with the Yeasayer for an all-mountain ride or the Rewind for a freestyle setup.
Burton Citizen Re:Flex Snowboard Binding
Rounding out the women's bindings, we have the Citizen. This lower cost binding is still stacked full of features and would make an excellent choice for the less experienced riding or someone who enjoys a softer flex. The FullBED cushioning means your feet will be comfortable.
Riding Style: Freestyle/All-Mountain
Flex: Soft
Snowboard Recommendations: pair with the Rewind for a smooth freestyle setup or the Yeasayer for a surfy all-mountain feel.
Binding Size Recommendations
You must get the incorrect binding size for your boot. The table below gives the recommended boot to bindings sizes for burton bindings. As burton has carefully considered the design of their bindings, you can be confident that all burton boots fit perfectly into their bindings. If you have boots from another manufacturer, you can still use the table as a guide. But if you're close by, we recommend stopping by with your boots to check the fit with your new bindings. Also, it is worth mentioning that burton has recommended bindings sizes for each board, so check out the Burton snowboard product pages to ensure your bindings will be a perfect match for your board.
Men's Binding to Snowboard Boot Size Chart
| Binding Size | S | M | L |
| Men's Boot Size | 6-8 | 8-11 | 10+ |
| Women's Boot Size | 5-9 | 9-11 | 11+ |
| EURO Boot Size | 38-41 | 41-44 | 43+ |
| UK Boot Size | 5-7 | 7-10 | 9+ |
| Mondo Boot Size | 24-26 | 26-29 | 28+ |
Note: For Step On size charts please refer to our Burton Step On Guide.
Women's Binding to Snowboard Boot Size Chart
| Binding Size | S | M | L |
| Women's Boot Size | 4-6 | 6-8 | 8+ |
| Men's Boot Size | * | 6-7 | 7-10 |
| EURO Boot Size | 34-36.5 | 36.5-40 | 40+ |
| UK Boot Size | 2.5-4 | 4-6 | 6+ |
| Mondo Boot Size | 21-23 | 23-25 | 25+ |
Note: For Step On size charts please refer to our Burton Step On Guide.
Step Into the Future with Burton Step On
The Burton Step On system has been around for a few years now, and each season has brought refinement and new boots/bindings to the lineup. If you haven't heard about the Burton Step On boot and Burton step on binding system, we highly recommend you check out our Burton Step On Bindings blog And our Burton Step On Review for the latest scoop. The Step On system has a secure yet straightforward one lever release that allows you to step into the binding without any straps, buckles or ratcheting. So if you're tired of bending over or sitting down to do up your buckles, then we highly recommend Burton's Step On boot and binding system.
Learn More
With so many binding features, we can't cover everything in one blog. For detailed information, we recommend you check out the product pages. Links to your favourite colourways can be found by clicking images throughout this blog or you can view or complete range of Burton bindings on our website.
Wanting to know more about the latest Burton products, our range has you covered with everything you need from gloves to snow jackets and pants. for all the latest snowboards from Burton, check out our Burton Snowboard Overview.
For the latest Burton snowboard boots, check out our Burton Snowboard Boot Overview.