Positives

  • Cush/Shock Absorbent Ride
  • Great Ankle Strap
  • Smooth Mid Level Response
  • Excellent High Back Rotation

Negatives

  • Below Average Boot To Binding Adjustability
  • No Stance Width Adjustability Outside EST Boards
  • Toe Strap Doesn't tighten well

Summary

The Burton Cartel X Re:Flex might have some toe strap ratchet issues, but even so, it has a really good feel underfoot at a price much better than the Genesis. With the Burton Genesis X now gone, the Cartel X Re:Flex takes its place at a much more reasonable price. If you want a little more response compared to the new, re-designed Cartel but still want that easy flex underfoot, then this is a great choice.

Update 2024: The Cartel X Re:Flex has not changed since we initially reviewed it.

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Riding Level Intermediate - Expert
Quick Release No
Manufactured in
Canted Footbed No
Burton Channel Compatible Yes
Mini disc No
Approx. Weight
Flex

Medium/Stiff

Boot Support

Firm

Turn Initiation

Medium

Buttering

Very Easy

Binding Adjustability Average
Stance Adjustability Poor
Comfort Great
Ratchet System Average
Shock Absorption Great

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Burton Cartel X Re:Flex 2021-2024 Written Review Review by The Good Ride

Welcome to the Burton Cartel X Re:Flex Snowboard Binding Review from average riders with extensive binding knowledge. Peter can also dive catch these as well. 

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 rider’s perspective.

A Breakdown of How it rides and who it is for

Burton Cartel X Snowboard Binding Review

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How This Review Happened:  We used this a few times at a few of the demos we attended.

Days: 2
Riders:  James (Size 9, 5’10” 180-190lbs), Peter (Size 8, 5’11” 185lbs),Grant (Size 11 6’ 160lbs),  Jimbo (Size 11, 5’11” 160lbs),
Boots: Adidas Tactical ADV
Insoles: Sandsole Custom Insoles, Footprint Insole Technology Gamechangers, Footprint Insole Technology Gameghangers Low Profile
Boards: Burton Family Tree Daily Driver (review coming)

Similar (but not the same) Bindings: Union Atlas, Union Strata, Union Force, Burton Genesis XSalomon Hologram, Salomon District, Nitro Team Pro, Nitro TeamNow O-Drive, Now Drive, Now Pilot

Approximate Weight

We didn’t get the Burton Cartel X Re:Flex on the scale, but it seems pretty light, like all higher-end Burton bindings.

Highback Flex

Much stiffer than the Cartel 2021 and past models as well. The Burton Cartel X Re:Flex Highback is stiffer than the Cartel but not quite as stiff as the X. It is great for those who want minimal flex and twist out of their high backs.

Binding to Boot Adjustability

There are a lot of cool adjustability features with the Burton Cartel X Re:Flex. You can center the boot pretty well in the binding by using the disc inserts and the adjustable gas pedal. It is not the best if you are in between sizes, but it works well enough for the other boot sizes. The highback rotation is exceptional and it makes it easier for even featured to big calve guys like yours truly to ride. It also lines up better with the heel side edge for a more symmetrical response. Straps have a hybrid screw/tooless adjustability, so you can adjust either way.

Stance Width Adjustability

If you ride with a channel system board, it is infinite but non-existent if you ride a board without. Most of us will be riding on a traditional insert pack. If you are, you can’t turn the disc sideways and slide tip to tail like you can with other bindings.

Boot Support

This ankle strap is super comfortable for us and really wraps well around our boots. It makes the Burton Cartel X Re:Flex a very supportive semi-locked in binding. The Toe strap, when it fits well, can really pull your boot into the heel cup, but the ratchets can pop loose.

Ratchet System

The Ankle strap ratchets on the Burton Cartel X Re:Flex was fine. The Toe Strap ratchets were not. They popped back out a lot and came loose easily. We often found our toe strap out of place and not doing its job anymore towards the bottom of the run. It might be a demo issue, but this could lead to production. We’ll have to see. Still, the ankle strap can handle doing all the work if need be, but it isn’t ideal.

Turn Initiation/Response

The Burton Cartel X Re:Flex has a smooth, continuous response that turns a board well. The softer the torsional flex, the faster the Re:Flex tech can turn it. If you are dealing with a really torsionally stiff board, it won’t be as responsive as some of its peers because the Re:Flex tech won’t allow the flex to mellow out underfoot as much. Still, we noticed it was a good bump up from the Cartel, and overall, it is pretty responsive for Burton. It is the best option in their line for responsive binding at a reasonable price point.

Flex Under Foot/Buttering

Burton Re:Flex does such a great job buttering and allowing a board to flex more easily underfoot. It makes most soft to medium-ish boards feel softer and flex easier from tip to tail.

Shock Absorption/Dampness

Very good shock absorption.

So, all in all, the Burton Cartel X Re:Flex is a great option for those who want more response from their Cartels. We liked the Discontinued Genesis X a little better, but the Cartel X Re:Flex is so much cheaper that this is not a bad pick over the two.

If this review helped, we’d appreciate if you:

 
Burton Cartel X Re:Flex Specs

 
Burton Cartel X Re:Flex Images

We try to get as many images of the Burton Cartel X Re:Flex, but forgive us if they're not all there.

2023

Burton Cartel X Re:Flex User Reviews

Burton Cartel X Re:Flex 2021-2024 Snowboard Binding Review SKU UPC Model

Cartel X reflex

Feb 28, 2021 by Mike
Ability Level: Expert • 
Riding Style: Hard charger • 
Days You Ride A Year: 22 • 
Height, Weight And Boot Size (for Boards, Boots & Bindings): 5'10", 200 lbs size 10.5 Wide 

I wanted to love these but had to send them back. Burton's website lists them at the far end of the stiff scale so I expected a stiff binding to replace my Burton CF with the carbon composite high backs. The Cartel X base plates will flex when you are sitting on your but and moving your boot. They introduced a dead zone in my board control going edge to edge. The ratchets only tighten down to a point and then the pop back a notch. Maybe that is tight enough but I'll never know for sure. The forward lean adjustment is difficult and impossible with gloves on. I had the adjustment piece run out of threads and pop out at one end the first time I tried to adjust. I had to get a tool to pry the highback appart enough to get it started again. I realize most people don't charge hard and fast like I do so most may not need a stiffer binding but Burton has no business calling these bindings fully stiff.


3.0 3.0 1 1 I wanted to love these but had to send them back. Burton's website lists them at the far end of the stiff scale so I expected a stiff binding to replace my Burton CF with the carbo Burton Cartel X Re:Flex 2021-2024 Snowboard Binding Review

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