Every rider wants to feel connected to the snow and to their snowboard, and choosing the right binding is the best place to start.
Burton products are extremely popular for their long standing innovative designs and reliable durability. Burton stands out from other brands for their thoroughly tested hand made boards and their integrity and sustainable practices,
Here are Burton’s top 5 best bindings.
| Bindings | Rider Level | Flex Rating | Binding Style | Mount Pattern | Price (Evo) |
| Burton Mission | Intermediate – Advanced | Soft – Medium | Strap | 2×4, 4×4, 3D, Channel | $230 |
| Burton Step On | Intermediate – Advanced | Medium | Step on | 2×4, 4×4, 3D, Channel | $300 |
| Burton Freestyle | Beginner – Intermediate | Soft | Strap | 2×4, 4×4, Channel | $180 |
| Burton Cartel | Intermediate – Advanced | Medium – Stiff | Strap | 2×4, 4×4, Channel | $330 |
| Burton Malavita | Intermediate – Advanced | Medium – Stiff | Strap | 2×4, 4×4, 3D, Channel (dependent on EST) | $360 |
See also: How to choose the best Burton snowboard for me
#1: Burton Mission snowboard bindings
The Mission Snowboard Bindings are Burton’s best-selling all-around bindings for quality and response. They perform well in all conditions and styles of riding.
These bindings are a medium flex, giving riders the opportunity to progress. Easy adjustments to the straps and highbacks make these bindings popular among all rider types in any condition.
The straps are universal in fit, with the option to go over the toe or the laces. These are built strong with minimal materials.
The underfoot cushion provides undeniable comfort, and the one-piece highbacks provide a natural feeling fit. More forward lean leads to quicker turns, less forward lean provides playfulness.
The lightweight buckle’s reliability impresses you as snow seasons go by. Smoothly ratchet in and out of these bindings.
Pros of the Burton Mission Snowboard Bindings:
- Durable
- Intermediate – Advanced
- Happy Medium Flex
- Comfortable
- Works with 2×2, 2×4, 3D, and Channel binding mount patterns
Cons of the Burton Mission Snowboard Bindings:
- Men’s specific binding (Ladies will need to size down)
- Lacks color
Check out the Mission bindings on Evo
#2: Burton Step On snowboard bindings
Riders like the Burton Step On bindings for their easy compatibility with Burton’s Step On boots. Simple construction gives you a seamless connection between board and binding.
These medium flex bindings are responsive and comfortable, great for progressive riders. Burton supplies a single mounting baseplate that rips the entire mountain.
The binding system provides a natural flex feel that is lightweight. The highbacks are leaned forward to deliver a snappy turn response, and can be micro-adjusted without tools.
These bindings must be used with the Burton Step On boots. Riders appreciate the control and performance this binding + boot combo offers.
The clip on the highback as well as the two front toe locks secure you in for all-mountain riding. The release lever is simple to pull up and automatically resets itself upon stepping out, ready for the next run.
Pros of the Burton Step on Snowboard Bindings:
- Convenient in and out
- Intermediate – Advanced
- No-tool micro adjustments
- Comfortable
- Works with 2×2, 2×4, 3D, and Channel binding mount patterns
- Available for men, women, and children
Cons of the Burton Step On Snowboard Bindings:
- Toe locking mechanism takes some getting used to
- Not the best in powder
- One color
See the Step On bindings here on Evo
#3: Burton Freestyle snowboard bindings
The Burton Freestyle bindings are popular among park riders and beginners looking to take it up a notch. A soft, playful flex allows smooth transitions and comfortable landings.
Added cushioning to the baseplate lessens the impact upon jumps, rails, and landings. The highbacks are made from a single component construction that can quickly be adjusted to your riding preferences.
The disc bindings are compatible with all mounting systems, but will require a different disc for the Burton’s 3D system which is sold separately.
This forgiving binding includes injected molded ankle and toe straps. They wrap snugly around the ankle and toe for ultimate control.
The ankle strap is also built with a thin piece of plastic where it connects to the binding for stepping in and out frustration-free.
The buckles are durable and deliver smooth in and out transitions.
Pros of the Burton Freestyle Snowboard Bindings:
- Durable design
- Beginner – Intermediate
- No-tool highback adjustment
- Works with 2×2, 2×4, 3D, and Channel binding mount patterns
Cons of the Burton Freestyle Snowboard Bindings:
- Not a super aggressive binding
- Need a different disc for 3D mounting system
Check out the Burton Freestyle bindings on Evo
#4: Burton Cartel snowboard bindings
The Burton Cartel Snowboard bindings gives you aggressive maneuverability to handle whatever terrain you find yourself in. These technical bindings are ready to charge.
More advanced riders can put these bindings to the test as they speedily carve, surf the pow, hone their freestyle skills. This medium-stiff binding is technically advanced.
The baseplates and highbacks are made with one material to deliver consistent feedback from binding to snow.
Burton’s Cartel Binding straps are minimalistic yet anchor you to the highbacks without any gaps. The heel strap also stays out of the way by opening fully, yet is durable.
Pros of the Burton Cartel Snowboard Bindings:
- Extra foam padding under footbed
- Intermediate to advanced
- Technical terrain durability
- Works with 2×2, 2×4, 3D, and Channel binding mount patterns
Cons of the Burton Cartel Snowboard Bindings:
- Not the best choice for newer riders
- Ratchet system can occasionally slip
See the Burton Cartel bindings on Evo
#5: Burton Malavita snowboard bindings
The Burton Malavita are medium-stiff bindings built to provide lasting comfort throughout long riding days.
The buckles have teeth on each side providing extra grip. The straps mold to your foot, locking you down.
You can flip the straps or keep them stock depending on your needs: keeping them set up the stock way delivers more power, while flipping them gives you more playfulness.
The highback is lined with rubber which reduces any slippage of the boot. It’s also easy to adjust the highback without any tools to obtain the best line every time.
Forward lean and highback rotation can be set up separately, which ensures a custom fit.
Softer foam on the inside of the footbed and stiffer foam on the outside allows for a natural stance regardless of how you set up the bindings. This reduces fatigue and increases comfort.
The Malavita binings comes in two baseplate variations. The Burton EST version is only compatible with The Channel mounting system, while the ReFlex is compatible with all mounting systems.
Pros of the Burton Malavita Snowboard Bindings:
- Dynamic foam padding under footbed for a natural stance
- Intermediate to advanced
- High impact durability
- Adjust high back and forward lean individually
- Works with 2×2, 2×4, 3D, and Channel binding mount patterns
Cons of the Burton Malavita Snowboard Bindings:
- Not the best choice for new riders
- EST baseplates are only compatible with The Channel Mounting system
See the Malavita bindings here on Evo.
How to choose the best bindings for you
This section covers some key criteria to consider when choosing the best snowboard bindings for you.
Binding material & construction
The materials and construction of the bindings you pick will be based on your riding style and comfort.
If you’re into freestyle or free riding, look for softer bindings with smooth buckle transitions and foot molding straps.
If you’re into technical all mountain or pow riding, look for stiffer single material constructed bindings that provide immediate response.
Binding flex
If you enjoy park laps, cruising the mountain, or are a beginner – intermediate rider you’ll look for soft-medium flex bindings.
If you are riding advanced terrain, in need of aggressive turn transitions, or high impact landings, you’ll look for medium-stiff flex bindings.
Binding highback
Look for bindings made of a single material construction for immediate response and a canted shape that naturally forms to your leg.
You can find Burton highbacks with tool-less mirror adjustment features for on-the-go precision.
Also, choose highbacks you can crank forward or back. A forward lean will increase control, and a back lean will be more playful.
Mounting system
The binding mounting system you choose will be based on its compatibility with your snowboard.
Burton has a few different mountings variations: 2×4, 4×4, 3D, and The channel.
The 4×4 Mounting System
Compatible with boards that have 2 rows of three holes 4cm apart to mount your bindings to.
The 2×4 Mounting System
Similar to the 4×4, however the two rows of holes are 2cm apart with 6 holes to mount your bindings to.
3D Mounting System
Most new Burton snowboards utilize the 3D binding system. This system includes holes placed in a triangle formation and are mounted with 3 screws.
Burton The Channel Mounting System
Another specific Burton mounting system is the Burton The Channel. The channel is a track that the bindings attach to and slide to your preferred stance.
The Channel mounting system is most compatible with Burton’s EST bindings, but discs can be purchased for other bindings to make this system work.
Boot compatibility
Burton bindings are universally compatible with other brands boots, with one exception. The Burton Step On Bindings require you to own the Burton Step On Boots.
These boots have special mechanisms that connect the boot to the bindings without having to use straps.
Lacing system
Lacing systems include traditional laces or Boa.
Traditional Laces
Laces are great for riders looking for the classic feel of snowboarding. However, be mindful that they may loosen throughout the day.
The Boa Lace System
The Boa Lace system is an easy to adjust circle crank located on the top of the outside of the boot. Some boots have a Boa system by the heel for precise heel adjustment.
This is an easy option for your boots to be snug. Be careful not to over tighten them to avoid foot pain and aches.
Price
Beginner to intermediate riders looking to progress should generally start with affordable bindings, anywhere from $125 – $200.
Intermediate to expert riders might consider purchasing a more expensive binding with higher quality features. These bindings are generally made with more durability in mind for a higher amount of use.
Intermediate to expert riders might expect to pay anywhere from $185 – $300 for bindings. The more you pay, the more advanced features you will be provided with.
That said, Burton is committed to making high quality hard goods that last for years.
See also: are snowboard bindings important?