If you’re looking at getting Burton bindings and aren’t sure about which type you should get – EST or Re:Flex, or are confused about the difference, then hopefully this post can clear up that decision for you.
This post is just going to be a quick look at which type you should choose, depending on the snowboard that you have or if you don’t already have a snowboard.
First let’s take a look at the difference between Burton’s Re:Flex and EST bindings, and then we’ll take a look at the different snowboard insert patterns to clear that up too.
Burton Re:Flex vs Burton EST
Burton have two different types of bindings (well 3 if you include their Step Ons but we’re only going to cover EST and Re:Flex here).
Their EST bindings are designed to only fit snowboards that use the “Channel” system, like Burton’s snowboards. EST bindings can’t be mounted on snowboards that don’t use the channel system.
Their Re:Flex bindings can mount on any snowboard with a 2 x 4 or 4 x 4 mounting system as well as the channel system. So, you can mount Re:flex bindings on virtually any snowboard out there, including Burton boards with the channel system.
Which Type of Burton Bindings Should I Get?
So, if you have a board that doesn’t have a channel system, then you will have to get Re:Flex.
You will also need Re:Flex (assuming you’re going with Burton bindings) if you want one pair of bindings to mount to both a Burton board and a non-Burton board.
If you only have a Burton board and don’t see yourself getting a non-Burton board in the near future, then EST bindings become an option. But you could still get Re:Flex if you wanted to. Typically EST bindings have slightly better board feel (though the board feel on Re:Flex bindings is really good to) and Re:Flex bindings have more shock absorbing qualities.
Stance Width Options
Re:Flex bindings on non-channel system boards offer less stance width adjustability than most other bindings. This is because with other bindings’ discs you usually have the option to run the disc holes vertically or horizontally.
If you run them horizontally, then it gives you more stance width options (though less adjustability in terms of getting your boots centered in terms of toe and heel overhang). Re:Flex discs can only be run vertically, so you can only adjust by 2cm increments per binding (on a 2 x 4 board – and only in 4cm increments on a 4 x 4).
So, if you have a 2 x 4 or 4 x 4 board, and you want to be able to have micro-stance width adjustments, you might want to consider another brand.
The Different Mounting Patterns
Snowboards have 3 main mounting patterns these days. If you have an older Burton board, you might have a 3D pattern, but otherwise your board will likely fall under one of these 3.
- 2 x 4
- 4 x 4
- Channel
And even 4 x 4 aren’t that common anymore, particularly not outside of cheaper boards.
2 x 4 Mounting Pattern
This is the most common mounting pattern going around and is characterized by screw holes that are 4cm apart vertically and 2cm apart horizontally.
4 x 4 Mounting Pattern
The 4 x 4 mounting pattern has holes that are 4cm apart vertically and 4cm apart horizontally. This means less micro-adjustable in terms of stance width options. Also bindings with a mini-disc won’t be able to mount to boards with the 4 x 4 pattern.
Channel
The Channel system uses inserts that slide along a track, which the bindings attach too. This system allows almost limitless stance width options.
Summary
Choosing Re:Flex or EST bindings essentially comes down to the board you have or are thinking of getting.
- If you have a board with Channel System, then you can use either Re:Flex and EST. The choice comes down to whether you want more shock absorption or better board feel. You might also take into account whether or not you are likely to buy a non-burton board in the future (and still use the same bindings on it), in which case you might want to go Re:Flex
- If you have a board with a 2 x 4 or 4 x 4 mounting system, that you want to mount your Burton bindings to, then you’ll need to go Re:Flex
I hope this has helped with your decision and cleared up the difference between Burton EST and Burton Re:Flex bindings.
Related: How to Install Burton Reflex Bindings on 2 x 4 Board
Related: How to Install Burton Reflex Bindings on a Channel Board
