Burton Cartel X EST Snowboard Binding Review

Burton Cartel X EST Written Review Review by The Good Ride

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Here is the Burton Cartel X EST Snowboard Binding Review from an average rider with extensive snowboard gear experience but an exceptionally objective perspective.

Update 2024: The 2023 Cartel X EST binding we reviewed is the same as the 2024 and there were no real changes. Most development has been focused on Step On.

Ethics Statement: We don’t get paid by the manufacturer to write these reviews.  We do make money from the “Where To Buy” links, but this is our best attempt at an honest and objective review from an average riders’ perspective.

A Breakdown of How it rides and who it is for

How This Review Happened:  Borrowed this for an extended demo and sent it back.
Days: 8+
Conditions: Everything from hard snow to powder with the help of my Drift Boards & Union Rovers
Riders: James (Size 9, 5’10” 185-190lbs)

Boots: Burton Kendo, Burton Tourist,
Boards: Burton Forager, Burton Territory Manager, First Cut and a few others.
Insoles: F.I.T. Gamechangers
Similar Bindings: Union Atlas, Union Force, Union Strata, Burton Cartel, Burton Malavita, Salomon Highlander, Salomon Hologram, Nitro Team Pro, Nitro Team, Nitro Phantom Carver, Rome Cleaver, Rome Katana, Rome Vice, Rome DOD, Rome 390 Boss
Jacket: Burton AK Gore-Tex Pro 3L Tusk Jacket, Volcom Guide Jacket, Burton Gore-Tex 3L Treeline Jacket, Jones Peak Bagger Jacket. Burton AK Helitak Gore-Tex Jacket
Pant: Burton AK Gore-Tex Pro 3L Hover Pant, Burton AK Gore-Tex 2L Swash Pant, Burton Gore-Tex Ballast Pant
Helmet: Smith Maze
Goggle: Smith 4D Mag
Gloves: Burton AK Clutch Mitt, Burton AK Clutch Glove, Burton AK Tech Leather Glove, CG Habitats Work Glove, Drop Tahoma Mitt,

How It Was Tested

I rode these bindings on their own with one board but also in same day samplers.

Weight

2.0Lbs with discs and screws in.

Highback Flex

The Burton Cartel X EST is pretty stiff but not ultra stiff. There is reasonable twist but with the excellent high back rotation it’s easier to avoid calf bite.

Flex Underfoot

You can’t use these bindings with most boards but you can’t do much better than Burton Cartel X EST when it comes to having a very natural flex underfoot. If you have a mediumish board it will flex really easy underfoot.

Turn Initiation/Response

So the response of the Burton Cartel X EST varies from board to board. You put these on a board that has a mediumish flex or less the response will be pretty fast. However I found that the stiffer the board gets, like with the Burton First Cut or Forager, you don’t feel like you have as much response.

Shock Absorption

With the Burton Cartel X EST you don’t have as much dampness as some but you have a lot of shock absorption. It’s on par with the Burton Cartel X Re:Flex.

Boot Support

I personally really like the Burton Cartel X EST ankle strap but as much the Toe Strap. Even with Burton boots I never feel like I’m getting a good connection over the toe.

Ratchets

The Burton Cartel X EST ratchets are smooth but don’t like it if you try to crank em down. They pop back which is great for those that over crank your ankle but it isn’t ideal for the toe where there are no pressure points. I’d like to crank it down there.

Adjustability

Everything works with the Burton Cartel X EST to get you pretty dialed. You can fit the boot well but not perfectly in the binding but you have long channels on each side to get it centered on board. The Re:Flex Burton Cartel X works with almost any board but the Burton Cartel X EST has all the adjustability.

Conclusion

So the Burton Cartel X EST has a questionable toe strap and it only works with Burton channel compatible boards but it really shines with Burton boards. No one brand can give you everything you want or need. So unless you are 100% committed to Burton or their 3-4 other brands that license the Channel system, just get the Cartel X Re:Flex.

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