Binding Model: Burton Cartel
Binding Size: Medium
Stance and Angles: Goofy, 21in wide, 15/-3
Board Used: Arbor Clovis
Boot Used: Ride Fuse
Boot Size: 8
Rider Weight: 155lbs
Location: A-Basin
Conditions: Late season after some good snowfall with pockets of untracked snow leftover.
Binding Adjustability: Typical Burton stuff. Tool-less bolts on the straps, forward lean is a spin dial in the highback, two positions to mount the ankle strap to the frame, and two slotted positions for the toe strap in the frame.
Straps: The ankle strap is a stiffer version of their hammock. It only has a single cross band compared to the Genesis with two, but the material the hammock itself is made of feels stiffer. It’s still very comfortable but feels like it offers a little more support. The toe strap goes back to the Gettagrip Cap from the Super Grip. Technically this is a downgrade, but I have never had any issues with the Gettagrip and I have felt like the Super doesn’t really fit any boots out there as seamlessly as the Getta does. So in my opinion this is actually a welcome “downgrade”.
Ratchets: The 2017 Cartel had the Doubletake ratchets that have garnered a love/hate relationship with a lot of riders out there. On one hand they pretty much never strip and offer lots of power, but the mechanism is more prone to icing and the parts are harder to find. Going back to the classic and bombproof ratchets was a smart move in my opinion. The Cartel is the snowboarders binding, and most of us like simple stuff that’s easy to replace if it breaks, and isn’t likely to break in the first place. These ratchets have proven themselves over the last decade or so. I’m happy to have them back honestly.
Highbacks: Classic middle of the road with a bit of torsional give. The type of highback that will never let you down, and is never in the way. Super classic feeling.
Binding Flex: Burton will still claim this is stiffer than the Malavita, I will still firmly deny that. The frame may have a bit more glass in it, but ReFlex and the differing highbacks have a much larger effect on overall stiffness than the slight difference in glass content. ReFlex takes some braking in. Day 1 these will feel stiffer than day 20. It’s a nice ride though and only effects the flex laterally. End of it all, just above middle of the road.
Ride: ReFlex requires there be little to no plastic under the toe and heel so the binding can flex. This also means that you get solid foam/gel from your boot to the board. They ride smooth underfoot. ReFlex does have a noticeable positive effect on the deadspot helping to keep your board flexing less interrupted.
Rider in Mind: Everyone. This is THE CATCH ALL binding.
Personal Thoughts: The Cartel is classic. It’s like the Custom of bindings. If you want new bindings and are just overwhelmed with everything out there and just fed up with all the marketing and nonsense and one shop kid says this binding and the next says that one sucks and you want this one and the third says something entirely different and smells like skunk and probably doesn’t shower and said ‘bro’ 8 times too many and you’re just done, get Cartels.
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This binding was loaned to us for review from Burton Snowboards marketing department.
23 Comments
LOL at personal thoughts. Good reads, so far. Def interested in trying some Transfers at some point.
Back to Gettagrip Caps? AWESOME!
Hi kevin! I want to buy new bindings but there are so many options. I’m looking for something mid/stiff for freeride, responsive but also smooth and comfortable as I ride all year round. I’m btwn these, union atlas, rome 390 boss or bent metal transfer. Is there any one you would recommend more? Thanks for the post man!
If you’re going more Freeride you’ll want to go with the Atlas or Transfers over the Cartels or 390 Boss.
I also read your review about the rome targa, would you consider those over the atlas or transfers? Thanks for the reply angry!
That is another binding that would cover what you’re looking at.
Angry, any chance you’ve tried the new burton step-on bindings?
Not yet, we’re trying to get some for a slightly extended test run end of November.
Great review, thanks for taking the time. Especially enjoyed the personal thoughts…haha. Question: you’re a size 8 boot and I am too. Currently riding K2 Indy’s in a medium. I had cartels way back in the day and they were also size medium, but I’m tempted to go with a small this time around for a more precise fit. Also, K2 medium is smaller than cartel medium. Think it’s the wrong call? Appreciate any feedback. My go-to board this season is the Arbor Westmark camber 150.
You should be fine with the small.
How do these compare to Union Atlas for support & responsiveness? I want similar support/response and maybe a hair softer flex than the Atlas but with more natural flex underfoot
You want Catek freeride pros.
Hi Angry,
I have Travis Rice Pro pointy 164.5 2018 snowboard. Do you think this binding would be stiff enough for this board or would i require stiffer binding.
It’ll definitely work, but if you really want to charge I would bump up to something stiffer.
Thank you,
Do you think Union Atlas or Rome Targa would be stiff enough?
Regards,
M
Yes.
Angry,
For your comment
> Binding Flex: Burton will still claim this is stiffer than the Malavita, I will still firmly deny that.
Does that mean if I want a more edge-to-edge responsive, more suitable for carving binding, I should go with the Malavita, NOT the Cartel?! Both options are ReFlex since I don’t have Channel.
Correct.
Yo cartels or formulas for the rossignol heavy duty. Looking for more butter ability. Respinsiveness for fast carving. I wanna hit medium jumps fast and jib the whole mtn. I think my 6 year old Rome targa may be holding me back due to stiffness possibly.
If you go with the Formula just ask yourself do you want 3 degrees of canting, if you say no, then it’s Cartels. They’re both solid bindings and would match up well.
Hey Angry – appreciate all the work you do. For older Jones Explorer would you suggest Cartel or Union Force? All mtn, no park, but like small natural jumps. Would also like to use these bindings occasionally on a Rossi XV Magtek (if not too much of a mis-match…). Dealer’s choice here or clear winner? Thanks
I’d go Cartel. It’s a work horse of a binding and would work well with either board.
Thanks, appreciate the info.