The Burton Genesis X Snowboard Binding offers up a stiffer version of the Genesis.  It’s a binding we didn’t think made sense at first but after riding it we wanted it in our quiver. Making that dual layer high back stiffer really makes the now discontinued Diode feel obsolete.

2017-2018 Burton Genesis X Review

The 2017 Burton Genesis X is almost the same as the 2016 Burton Genesis X except it seems that the Autocant tech has been removed this year.  We liked the Auto-Cant tech from the 2016 model and would like to see it back. There was no change between the 2017 and 2018 Burton Genesis X so the old review still stands.

Days:  50+
Riders: James, Peter, Jimbo, Matt, Jack, 
Boots: Burton Almighty, Adidas Tactical ADV, Burton SLX, Burton Rover, Burton AMB, Burton Imperial
Boards: Rome Powder Division 157,  Yes Optimistic 2016 and 2017, Yes Pick Your Line, Jones Ultra Mountain Twin, Jones Flagship, Jones Hovercraft, Loaded Algernon, Rossignol One Magtek, Rossignol XV, Burton Flight Attendant, Capita Mercury, Capita Spring Break, Gentemstick Stingray, Never Summer West, and many more.

Flex: This flex is stiff in the high back and base plate compared to the Genesis.  It’s a got a stiff feel but that hammock in the high back make it feel like there isn’t a stiff high back biting through your boot into the back of your calve.

Adjustability: Burton does a good job with making a binding conform to your boot.  The only minor issue is the gas pedal is the only part that can adjust for boot size. Another issue is with Re:Flex bindings and normal non-EST/Channel System boards are the Disc only slides one hole from toe to heel.  Most discs allow you to slide more each way but even more importantly it won’t allow you to turn it sideways to slide from tip to tail. That means you can’t dial out your stance width as easy as you would like for boards you would like to center up when riding on groomer days and set back on powder days with your perfect stance width.

Comfort: Super comfortable.

Turn Initiation: Love the smooth but pretty dynamic spring from edge to edge.  The hammock in the high back feels like it makes the ride a little damper but also gives it a little more spring out of the turn. It’s not the fastest edge to edge in the industry but it does make the board feel a little softer underfoot and easier to turn. Still, it’s a nice step up from the Genesis and Cartel.

Buttering: For a binding this stiff The Burton Genesis X is really easy to butter.  It’s just like the Genesis when it comes to this and makes boards underfoot feel a little softer and easier to butter.

Boot Support: So the ankle strap wraps well around the ankle and it’s very supportive.  You can move the ankle strap up one notch to make it sit higher on your ankle giving you better support. The toe strap sticks well and doesn’t come loose like the old straps but it never sits on the toe very well and takes a little time to line up correctly.  Still, it pulls the boot well into the high back. The 2019 Burton Custom X toe strap is the best we feel Burton has made to date and it works really well. It is super easy to line up and fits on the boot really well.

Ratchet System: The Burton Genesis X is very smooth and easy on and off.  It’s one of the best ratchets in the business and it is often what we compare many other ratchets too.

Shock Absorption: It’s got lots of shock absorption in the heel and toe.  Not as much on the arch where the disc is but it’s overall very damp where you need it.  It’s not the dampest out there but it’s near the top of the damp chain for sure.

Regarding sizing.  We feel the Burton Genesis X is best for size 8-10.5 Reduced footprint boots like Burton, Ride, and Adidas. Our friends with a reduced footprint 11’s just barely fit in so generally it’s better to size up to Large bindings.

So overall the Burton Genesis X comes at a high price but if you can open up the wallet and let a lot of cash you have one of the better bindings we have come across.

2016 Burton Genesis X Review

It’s not a bad choice for those that like the response of the Diode but want the Auto Cant tech and like the feel of the hammock in the high back. After about a week of riding the Genesis X and comparing it to the Diode it edged out the Diode as a Good Ride Favorite.  I hope this sticks around in the coming seasons.

Days: 40+
Riders: James
Boots: Burton SLX, Burton Imperial,
Boards: Yes Optimistic, Never Summer West

Flex: Noticeably stiffer than the Genesis and feels slightly less stiff than the Diode.

Adjustability: Same old Burton adjustability that works pretty well for dialing out the boot to the binding and your board.

Comfort: Same great comfort as always and the straps are the same as the Diode and Genesis.

Turn Initiation: Nice smooth but pretty quick turn initiation that gives you a little more speed edge to edge than the Genesis but just a slight bit behind the Diode in my opinion.  Still it’s really close to the Diodes.

Buttering: All three bindings really let the board flex exceptionally well under foot.

Boot Support: Nice supportive straps and I really like the new softer all rubber toe strap.  It holds the boot in place a little better than the older strap.

Ratchet System: Very smooth and easy.

Shock Absorption: Same upper tier shock absorption as you get from the Genesis and Diode.  Love that mellow auto cant as well because it helps your body line up pretty easy to not cause joint pressure.  Well at least it does that for me.