Burton Cartel Restricted EST 2014 - 2012 Review by The Good Ride

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The Burton Cartel Restricted EST is the same binding as the standard Cartel EST but you get the Burton Malavita ankle strap that allows more range of movement and is more freestyle focused.  If you like the idea of the Malavita but want a little more heel-toe response and a softer high back the Restricted Cartel could work for you.

The 2014 Burton Cartel Restricted EST has a nice red paint job and one really big change in the base plate.  It now has the Hinge tech and it makes this one of our favorite EST Burton bindings.  The extra ollie power is welcome with any board.

Ethics Statement: We don’t get paid by the manufacturer to write these reviews.  No one is perfect and we do make money from the “Where To Buy” links below, but this is our best attempt at an honest and objective review from an average riders’ perspective.

Days: 4
Riders: James (Size 9, 5’10” 185-190lbs)

Boots: Burton Ion
Boards: Burton Sherlock and I think the Burton Custom Flying V
Conditions: Soft and perfect one day and really hard and chattery another.

So the Burton Cartel Restricted EST is pretty much the Cartel EST with a different ankle strap that allows more of a freestyle feel to the binding.  If you like a little more freedom of movement around the ankle then this could work for you. We are bigger fans of the Limited EST because you get the Diode base plate with hinge tech and the smooth flexing Cartel high back. which is an amazing combo.  That being said it’s hard to find the Limited model so if you can’t find it this isn’t a bad binding in this price range.

Flex– The Burton Cartel Restricted EST is the same as the regular Cartel EST

Adjustability: Same as the regular Cartel EST. EST is a little work at first but after a little bit of tooling around, you might like it better than a regular disc binding.

Comfort: It could be argued that the Burton Cartel Restricted EST could be more comfortable for some who like more freedom of movement but it’s pretty much the same comfort level as the EST.

Heel-Toe Response: Maybe just a tiny shade less responsive edge to edge because the ankle strap doesn’t have that complete support and there is more lateral movement because of it.

Tip-Tail Response: The Burton Cartel Restricted EST is very good underfoot but the Cartel’s base plate doesn’t compete with the Limited Cartel EST, Genesis EST and Diode EST when it comes to easier flex underfoot. It’s a little bit below but still very amazing how it transforms the boards feel. I’m really splitting hairs into levels of excellence. The hinge tech in the 2014 Cartel Restricted EST really does give you more ollie power and it’s no B.S. gimmick.  All other categories are the same as the 2013 but if you like to ollie then this makes the 2014 hands down the winner.  It makes the younger ollie higher and the older ollie like they are younger.

Boot Support: I touched on this already and it offers up pretty good support but gives you more freedom of movement because of the very asymmetrical ankle strap. I prefer the support of the limited’s ankle strap on the 2013 model but it’s all personal preference between the two now that both have Hinge Tech.

Ratchet System: Same excellent ratchet system that might be one of the best in the industry.  Any model below this price point doesn’t have this ratchet system.

Shock Absorption: The Burton Cartel Restricted EST has the same great shock absorption system as the Cartel EST.  It’s canted and offers an easier ride on your body. If you want more of a skate like a feel then you can buy an additional footbed that is 5mm thick.  It totally changes up the ride by increasing the board feel and making it much less shock absorbing.

So the Burton Cartel Restricted EST is a much better binding in 2014 and much more recommendable for Burton only riders because of the hinge technology.  Extra ollie power goes a long way.