Hello and welcome to my Burton Cartel X EST review.
In this review, I will take a look at the Cartel X EST as all-mountain snowboard bindings.
As per tradition here at SnowboardingProfiles.com I will give the Cartel X EST a score out of 100 (based on several factors) and see how they compare with other all-mountain bindings.
Overall Rating
Binding: Burton Cartel X EST
Price: $349
Style: All-mountain/Aggressive All-Mountain/Freeride
Flex Rating: Medium-Stiff
Flex Feel on Snow: Medium-Stiff (7/10)
Rating Score: 90.9/100
Compared to other Men’s All-Mountain Bindings
Of the 30 current model all-mountain bindings that we tested:
❄️ The Cartel X ranked 2nd out of 30
Overview of the Cartel X EST’s Specs
Check out the tables for the Cartel X EST’s specs and available sizes.
Specs
Style: | All-mountain/Aggressive All-Mountain/Freeride |
Price: | $349 - BUYING OPTIONS |
Ability Level: |  |
Flex: |  |
Weight: | Normal |
Mounts to: | Channel |
Sizing
SIZE | US BOOT SIZE | EURO BOOT SIZE | UK BOOT SIZE |
|---|---|---|---|
S | 6-8 | 38-41 | 5-7 |
M | 8-11 | 41-44 | 7-10 |
L | 10+ | 43+ | 9+ |
Who is the Cartel X EST Most Suited To?
The Cartel X EST is best suited to anyone looking for a binding with a stiffer than medium flex, but nothing that's ultra stiff. Someone who wants to drive a board a little harder on carves and at speed, but still wants some forgiveness.
And if you're looking for that in a binding with decent shock absorption and great board feel, then this might tick your boxes.
Note that the EST version (which is being reviewed here) is only compatible with the Channel system for mounting bindings. It also comes in a Re:Flex version which is compatible with the Channel, 2 x 4 and 4 x 4.
Best matched with boards with a 6/10 to 8/10 flex.
The Cartel X EST in More Detail
O.k. let’s take a more detailed look at what the Cartel X EST are capable of.
Demo Info
Binding: Burton Cartel X EST 2022, M
Date: February 16, 2021
Conditions: Cloudy with some sunny spells. Cold enough when suns not there but certainly not ultra cold. Quite warm when suns out.
-3°C (27°F), with wind -9°C (16°F).
24 hour snow: 0cm (0")
48 hour snow: 18cm (7")
7 day snow: 34cm (13.4")
On groomer: Medium to medium firm. Some small icy patches.
Off groomer: Crunchy in places and a little softer in others with some icy patches on steeper sections
Bindings angles: +15/-15
Stance width: 560mm (22″)
Board tested with: Burton Daily Driver 155
Boots tested with: Adidas Tactical ADV, size US9.5
Footbed Length: 24.5cm (9.65”)*
*measured on the top side of the footbed - a little bit of angle down to underside of baseplate - around 24cm at bottom of baseplate.
Footbed fully extended: Roughly 25.5cm (10”)
Highback Height: 19.8cm (7.8")*
* from bottom of heel cup to top of highback
Height from top of footbed to top of highback: 27cm (10.6")
Weight: 900g (2lb 0oz)
* for one binding, including screws and disc. The average weight of a small sample size of around 45 bindings (2019, 2020, 2021 & 2022 models) I weighed, was 890 grams. The lightest was 680 grams and the heaviest was 1,160grams. So the Cartel X EST are pretty close to right on average.
Responsiveness
I rode the Cartel X on the Burton Daily Driver, which is not my typical testing board - my testing board isn't Channel, so I couldn't mount these bindings on it. But I first rode the Daily Driver with my Burton Malavita Re:Flex (my test bindings), so be able to provide the comparison against my test bindings.
The Cartel X EST gave the Daily Driver more liveliness versus the Malavita and was significantly better for hard carves and felt just as good at slow speeds.
Board Feel/Butterability
The Cartel X provided even better board feel than the Malavita, which are themselves really good on that front (though not super surprising given that every EST binding I've tested in the past has given great board feel).
They made the board feel more buttery too.
Pop/Ollie Power
They provided good pop/ollie power. But felt the same in this respect to the Malavita.
Let's Break this Text Up with a Video
Adjustability
Overall really good adjustability, like all EST bindings. The biggest issue with them is that they have to mounted to the channel - not an issue if you only ride boards with the channel.
Also, whilst there is unlimited binding angle adjustability, which is nice, but it's quite hard to get those angles exactly where you want them - hard to get it accurate in the position you want it. Takes a bit of time to make sure you've got it right.
Heel Cup: No, BUT…. Since it’s EST, you can move the bindings up and down the width of the board as much as you like, so there’s no need for heel cup adjustment.
Stance Width: Infinite stance width basically with EST bindings.
Highback Lean: Adjustable, tool-less
Ankle Strap Position: no
Toe Strap Position: no
Ankle and toe strap length: Yes, tool-less
Gas pedal/toe ramp extension: Yes
Highback Rotation: Yes
Compatible with: Channel
Shock Absorption
Overall just less than my Malavitas, but still really decent shock absorption.
Not super thick padding but some nice feeling squishy, yet bouncy gel in the heel.
Entry/Exit
Nice smooth ratchets. No double take buckles like on the Malavita's, but still smooth enough.
Comfort
Ankle Strap: Nice and comfortable. Don't even notice it when you're riding (which is a good thing)
Toe Strap: Felt like I couldn't crank it as much as I would have liked to. But had no issues with it coming off or anything and no pressure points or anything, so worked as it should.
Canted Footbed: No
Padded Footbed: 1.6cm of padding, with some nice bouncy gel in the heel.
Highback: Has this nice padded almost springy hammock like around where the heel cup is. It's not all the way up the highback, but just at the bottom. It's kind of like floating padding. All in all, the highback was comfortable - I didn't experience any discomfort or calf-bite or anything from it.
Ankle Support
It's got decent ankle support. There isn't a second position you can move the ankle strap to, like on the Malavita's, which is a downside, but if you're happy with the position of the ankle strap where it is, it's not an issue. I was happy with the position, so was all good with me.
Score Breakdown and Final Verdict
Check out the breakdown of the score in the table below.
| Factor | Rating (/5) | Weighted |
|---|---|---|
| Carving | 4.5 | 18/20 |
| Slow Speed Response | 4 | 16/20 |
| Board Feel | 5 | 15/15 |
| Shock Absorption | 4 | 8/10 |
| Adjustability | 4 | 8/10 |
| Comfort | 4 | 8/10 |
| Ankle Support | 3.5 | 7/10 |
| Entry/Exit | 4.5 | 4.5/5 |
| TOTAL (after normalizing): | 90.9/100 |
The Cartel X EST gave the board noticeably more spring/response versus my test bindings (Burton Malavita) and noticeably more utterability too (typical of EST versus Re:Flex, in my experience).
Really nice bindings - and if I had a board with the Channel in the right flex range for these bindings, these are what I would go with for sure.
More Info, Current Prices and Where to Buy Online
If you want to learn more about the Cartel X EST, or if you are ready to buy, or if you just want to research prices and availability, check out the links below.
If you want to check out some other all-mountain binding options, or if you want to compare how the Cartel X EST compares to other all-mountain bindings, then check out the next link.
Great gear breakdowns Nate! How do the highback stiffness of the Burton Cartel X, Malavita, Union Force, and Strata compare to each other? I’m rocking 2012 Malavitas and thinking about getting something new.
Hi Malavita Lover, thanks for your message!
Cartel X – while the overall flex of this one is stiffer than the Malavita, the highback is a little softer. Not by a huge amount, but a little. The Strata also has a fairly stiff highback, particularly relative to its overall flex feel, but not as stiff as the Malavita. Similar to the Cartel X. The Force’s highback is the softest flexing of them. Not by a massive amount less than the Strata, but noticeably. It’s also a little softer feeling than the Force Classic (or 2023 and prior Union Force).
Hope this helps
Hey man,
Stuck between Cartel and X for the new models. Current board is a 2010 Custom VRocker with Malavitas(which I really
enjoy) from 2012(?). Picking up a new Capita Merc and stuck between the 2, the glass% of the Cartel is similiar to Malavita and the X being a little stiffer. Like the feeling of the Malavitas but want something to match the Merc well
Hi Doug, thanks for your message.
I would personally go Cartel X on the Merc, rather than the Cartel. The X are a better flex match for the Merc, IMO. The Cartel are a closer overall flex match to the Malavita, but they’re still quite different feeling bindings. The Cartel has a noticeably softer highback than the Malavita. Baseplate-wise, the Malavita feels to me to be a little more flexible – the way it flexes with the board always feels a little more to me, but on paper, the baseplates are the same material, so there may be something else about them that makes it easier to get that lateral and medial movement from them. The Custom X baseplate is more rigid, but the Torsional flex on the Merc would work better with a stiffer baseplate, IMO.
Hope this helps with your decision
hi nate,
my setup is yes the greats and burton malavita, unfortunately burton malavita is no longer on the market. I don’t like the feeling of the genesis because of the hiback hammock, what’s better to pair it with, cartel or cartel X? Is the cartel X a good match with the greats? I’m an all mountain freestyle rider with 40/50 days on the snow a year.
Hi Gud, thanks for your message.
Personally I’d go Cartel X. The Cartel is a good match for the Greats, and would still do a good job, but I think the Cartel X is the better match.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hey Nate, hope you’re doing well!
I’ve come across with a few reviews on these bindings and a few comments on reddit and snowboard forum saying that the Reflex baseplate corners can (and often will) damage the topsheet of the board.. People mention the pointy corners of the baseplate, both on heel and toe side, to be made of a hard plastic that sits directly on the topsheet with nothing in between as we see in most bindings (EVA foam or some kind of rubber). Since you rode a lot of reflex bindings over the years, did you ever noticed this?
I have been doing a lot of research to buy new bindings and i’ve been thinking of these or the Katana’s for an all-mtn/freestyle setup, but the pictures of boards with nasty dents on them because of reflex bindings is making me doubt if I should go with these..
Thanks! just became a patreon to help support your work a little as you have been a great help the past few months when I need gear advice 🙂
Hey José
Thanks for becoming a Patreon! Much appreciated.
I’ve never had that issue with my Malavita Re:Flex and I’ve used them A LOT and on a lot of different boards. And never on other Re:Flex bindings, though I’ve only had those on boards for short periods of time. (Their EST bindings I’ve only had on boards for short stints as well, but I haven’t noticed this on any of the demo boards I get, which have had ESTs used on them). Can’t say for sure if the Cartel X Re:Flex specifically doesn’t do this as I haven’t had them on a board for longer than a day, but the Malavitas have never done this for me.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hey Nate, I’ve been thinking about getting the cartel x for the free thinker, do u think they could work well together?? Or maybe should I try leanin more towards the malavita or the regular cartel, Ty.
Hey Danny
I think the Cartel X, particularly in the EST, would be a great match to the Free Thinker. That’s the way I’d go. It goes well with the Malavita too – that’s what I rode it with, so that’s definitely an option. But I’d go Cartel X then Malavita then Cartel.
Hi Nate,
I’ve recently picked up a Ride MTNPIG and can’t decide on whether to pair it with the Cartel X, Union Atlas Pro, Rome Cleaver or Rome Katana. My boots are also the Burton Driver X.
Hi Tyson
Thanks for your message.
Having not ridden the MTNPIG, it’s hard to say for sure which would be the best match. Ride only really gives a vague expression of flex (mellow, medium or aggressive), so it’s to say based off specs. The MTNPIG, they consider to have an aggressive flex, but that could mean anywhere from a 7/10 to 10/10. However, given that your rocking Driver Xs, I would be leaning Rome Cleaver or Union Atlas Pro, as they are the stiffer options. Even if the MTNPIG is more around 7/10 flex, those 2 would both be a good flex match (both 8/10 flex, by my feel) and are a closer flex match to your boots. The Cartel X and Katana are likely to work, but particularly if the MTNPIG is a little stiffer than 7/10, they won’t work as well, IMO. I would prefer to have bindings that are slightly stiffer than the board, than the other way around.
Hope this helps with your decision
Thanks so much Nate!
You’re very welcome Tyson.
Nice review. I have a NS Maverix 160 and mostly ride pow, trees, groomers & moguls (yep). My priorities are swift turns through trees and less board chatter.
What would you suggest between Cartel & Cartel X? Thanks in advance.
Hi Jake
Thanks for your message.
I haven’t ridden the Marverix, so couldn’t say for sure, but based on specs and other reviews of it I’ve seen, I think the Cartel X is probably the better bet. A little more shock absorption, IMO, and a better flex match, from what I can tell, to the Maverix. And it’s not so stiff that becomes hard to turn when riding slower either. I think both would work, but I’d be leaning Cartel X. Of course for your Maverix, you’d want to go with the Re:Flex model.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi Nate,
Thanks for all you amazing reviews!
I’m struggling to decide between the cartel and cartel X. Looking to upgrade my whole setup this year and will be going for a mid flex all mountain board. I’m an intermediate rider that explores the whole mountain including park.
I was able to find both for the same price and wondering if the cartel x is at all suitable for park? Or am I better off with the cartel for all mountain versatility?
Hi Bob
Thanks for your message.
I would be leaning Cartel if you’re going to be riding a mid-flex board and riding park. The Cartel X can do park, but is more suited to bigger jumps than smaller features, IMO. And you could pair it up with a mid-flexing board, but I think the Cartel would be a better match.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi Nate,
What’s the main difference between Cartel EST and Cartel X EST, other than specs, can you explain the feel, ride and response?
Would you recommend Cartel EST, Cartel X EST or Union Atlas on the following decks:
Burton Flight Attendant
Burton Custom
Thanks for all your reviews!
Hi Alex
Thanks for your message.
Main difference for me is that the Cartel X EST gives you more support to drive harder into your carves. You can carve deeper in them and lock that carve in for longer – and feels more supportive at higher speeds. But the Cartel EST feels better when riding at slower speeds. The Cartel X EST is a little more work than the Cartel EST at slower speeds. Which can get fatiguing if you’re riding fairly slow a lot of the day. But it also depends on the board, because the softer Cartel EST won’t be stiff enough for some boards and the Cartel X EST would be too stiff for some. Which of course leads to the part of your comment.
I would go Cartel X on the Flight Attendant for sure. On the Custom you could go with either. For reference I found the Cartel EST to be around a 6/10 flex and the Cartel X EST to be more like a 7/10 flex. And the Flight Attendant a 7/10 flex and the Custom a 6.5/10 flex. For the Custom, I think it would depend on whether you were using it for more freestyle stuff and not necessarily carving as hard or bombing as fast, in which case I think the Cartel EST, but otherwise I’d probably put the Cartel X on it.
The Atlas would pair up with both boards as well, so that would definitely be an option. Even though Union rate the Atlas an 8/10 flex, I felt it more at a 7/10 flex.
Hope this helps
Just bought a 2021-2022 custom camber 156, which bindings would you recommend? I’m 5’11 190 lbs. Based on what you said below looks like cartel x or the malavita? Let me know your opinion thanks
Hi Eric
Thanks for your message.
Yeah, I would say Cartel X is the best match flex-wise, so that’s probably what I’d be leaning towards. But if you’re riding takes on a more freestyle focus, then the Malavita are certainly a good match. Unless you have other boards you’ll have to use the bindings on, I would go with the EST versions in either case. EST on channel boards are better than going with Re:Flex, in my experience.
Hope this helps with your decision
WOuld you suggest Malavitas or Cartel X for a Burton Fish 3D? Thanks!
Hi Nathan
Thanks for your message.
I haven’t ridden the Fish 3D, so I couldn’t say for sure based on experience, but based on it’s specs, particularly it’s flex rating, I would go with Malavita’s. They would be a better flex match, IMO.
Hope this helps
Thanks for so many great reviews.
Just picked up the Lib Tech Dynamo. For a combo of groomers/freeride/powder do you feel that the Cartels or Cartel X would be a better fit? Seem to be right in the middle flex wise from what I’ve seen. About to flip a coin!
Hi Joel
Thanks for your message.
I would be leaning Cartel X, but I can see the debate as both would certainly work and both are a flex-match to the Dynamo, IMO. Main reason I would be leaning Cartel X is that you should get a little more response out of them – and with the riding style I think you’d appreciate that. But there’s not really a bad choice to make there, so if you were to flip a coin, in this case, you wouldn’t end up being wrong either way, IMO. But Cartel X a little more optimal, IMO.
Hope this helps
Much appreciated, thanks.
You’re very welcome Joel. Hope you have an awesome season!
Hi Nate ,
I have a Yes Pick your line 22/23 , which is your opinion to match this snowboard with the Cartel X bindings?
Any other suggestions will be appreciated!
Thank you
Hi Nick
The Cartel X would be a good match to the PYL, IMO (you would have to go with the Re:Flex version to be able to mount it to the PYL – the EST version isn’t compatible – you may already be aware of this, but I still like to mention it just in case). Ideally, I would pair the PYL with something 7/10 to 8/10 flex. If you want to check out some other possibilities in that flex range also see the following (note that the Cartel X is in the first list):
>>Top 5 All-Mountain-Freeride Bindings
>>Top 5 Freeride Bindings
Hope this helps
How would you think these will do on a 152 Endeavor Ranger? Or would you think that they are too stiff for that board? Maybe the Malavita’s are a better choice?
Hi Matt
Thanks for your message.
Yeah, I would put the Malavitas on the Ranger rather than the Cartel X. I think the Cartel X are a little too stiff for the Ranger.
Hope this helps
Hi! I was wondering if you think this would pair well with a Hometown Hero. I am 5 3, 140 lbs, and size 7.5 boots. Also, do you think the 148 is the right size for me in the Hometown Hero? I am going for an all mountain – powder quiver of one to complement my Headspace/Strata freestyle – all mountain quiver of one. Thanks!
Hi Mark
Thanks for your message.
Yeah, I think the Cartel X would be a great match for the Hometown Hero. In terms of size for the HTH, I’d go 148 for your specs. And yeah, a good compliment to your Headspace/Strata setup too, IMO.
Will these bindings work well with a Burton Process flying V?
Hi Brayden
Thanks for your message.
I would be a little weary to put them on the Process Flying V. Just because I feel they’re a little stiff for it. The Process Flying V to my feel was a 4.5/10 flex – and some feel it even softer than that. Versus the 7/10 flex on the Cartel X, there’s a risk that they make the Process Flying V feel twitchy and it’s a board that, IMO, is prone to feeling twitchy with too stiff a binding on it. From Burton, I think you’d be better going either Genesis, Malavita or Cartel.
Hope this helps
Hello
I got Burton board Flight Attendant and concidering which bindings would work better on it: Cartel X EST or Genesis EST.
Mostly searching for pow days, hower groomers are used as well.
Thanks for any tips
Best!
Hi Igor
Thanks for your message. I would pair the FA with the Cartel X for sure. It’s the better flex match, IMO, and will drive the FA better than the Genesis.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi Nate
Yes, I’m going to buy Cartel X.
Thx once again for your response and reviews which are very useful!
You’re very welcome Igor. Happy riding!
Hello
Just go burton custom 158, now i’m standing in front of picking some bindings, thinking about cartel x either flux xf. I mostly ride on groomers and backcounry. Whats more i’m going to buy burton photon boots.Any thought’s or recommendations ?
Hi Mirek
Thanks for your message.
Both the Cartel X and Flux XF will work well with the Burton Custom, IMO – and the Photon boots are a good fit with everything else too.
Between the Cartel X and the XF, it kind of depends. IMO, you get a little better response out of the XF – and a bit more ankle support. But the Cartel X has better shock absorption. So it depends which of those things you’d prefer to maximize more than the other.
Hope this helps
is it good for burton custom x snowboard?
and i have a small feet , mans 6 wms 7, ruler length 23cm
do u have any suggestion for boots?
Hi Tom
Thanks for your message.
It would work with the Custom X. IMO ideally you’d go a little stiffer for the Custom X – the only thing in the Burton lineup stiffer would be the X EST or possibly the Step On X. But there are of course other brands with bindings that are stiffer than would match the Custom X as well.
For boots, if you’re riding Custom X, I would go with something stiff. The K2 Thraxis looks like it comes in a 6 and I think they’d work well, assuming they’re a good fit for your feet.
Hope this helps
Just got a 2021 Burton Straight Chuter and I’m torn on whether to pair it with Malavita est binders or Cartel X’s…….
Any thoughts or recommendations as you rode both?
Hi Anthony
Thanks for your message. I’d go Cartel X all day over Malavita on the Straight Chuter. A better flex match, IMO. The Malavita too soft for the Straight Chuter, IMO.
Hope this helps with your decision