Burton Escapade EST Snowboard Binding Review – By Steph W

Burton Escapade EST 2017 - 2012 Review by The Good Ride

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The Burton Escapade EST is going to offer up the same high back and general ride as the re:flex/disc Escapade. But they do better when it comes to feel underfoot.  This is a Burton board only binding which kind of sucks but it makes a Burton board ride better than it would with other bindings. This doesn’t come with a cant but it’s removable so you can buy a canted footbed to replace this one. 

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 rider’s perspective.

The  Burton Escapade EST is an amazing binding but it has one huge flaw.  It only works with Burton Boards.  The High back has two layers which are pretty unique. It’s supposed to give you a smoother ride and give you a little more comfort with your binding. This also has a lot of nice upgrades making this one of the best Burton Women’s bindings you can get your hands on. Some of this tech isn’t even on the men’s side. So this is an uncommon treat to get it first on the women’s side.

As you can see from the video above there is a new more supportive ankle strap and new foot-bed which allows you to lock in the boot.  The new ratchet system had some issues on the demo models but the production models don’t have any issues. This ratchet system is easier and better than the older system.  I’d just avoid deals on demo models unless you can make sure the ratchets work well.  The only disappointment is no Hinge Tech still and that kind of sucks.

Flex– The flex of the EST Escapade is very similar to the flex of the Re:Flex even though they share different base plates.  The high backs are exactly the same.

Adjustability– Burton doesn’t have a completely tool-less setup but it still has a lot of adjustability that is really easy to dial out.  It’s very easy to make the binding fit your boot and feet.

Comfort– This is a very comfortable binding.  Every foot is different so take this with a grain of salt but this has some of the least pressure points out there as far as bindings go.  It has their highest end straps and a very comfortable high back.

Heel-Toe Response– Very smooth and fluid edge to edge.  Burton is known for its smooth feel and this is one of the smoothest.  If you feel the high back or high backs you would think this might be less responsive but it’s right there in the middle.

Tip-Tail Response– Almost no dead spot under the foot and it’s very easy to flex a board nose to tail.  The hinge tech seems to add ollie power to the ride.  If you combine this with an already poppy board you can get a lot of air.

Boot Support– You would think that the multi-piece high back would lessen support but it seems the same great support that other bindings with this ankle strap have. The 2014 has the most locked in feel of any Burton Binding because of the new foot-bed.  It really holds you in.

Ratchet System– Practically perfect.  Very smooth and cranks down better than almost any other binding we have tried. Very easy on or off.

Shock Absorption– There is a very minimalist foot-bed going on here that wants to get you closer to the board to give you more of a skate like feel. There is another recommendable option for $30 if you want more padding and it also has a cant to it.  The 2014 has about the same shock absorption as before but has a more stable platform.