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Burton Malavita Bindings Review

Burton Malavita snowboard bindings top pick

Last Updated May 7, 2024 by Nate 60 Comments

Burton Malavita snowboard bindings top pick

Hello and welcome to my Burton Malavita bindings review.

In this review I will take a look at the Malavitas as freestyle snowboard bindings.

These are bindings you can use for riding all-mountain too, they are very versatile – but this review rates them as freestyle bindings.

As per tradition here at SnowboardingProfiles.com I will give the Malavitas a score out of 100 (based on several factors) and see how they compare with other all-mountain bindings.

NOTE: This review has only been updated to the 2024 model, as it was discontinued after the 2024 model. It had appeared on its way out prior to that, but some 2024 models were made available (though were just carry overs from the 2023 model). Now they seem to have officially bowed out. 

Overall Rating

Bindings: Burton Malavita

Price: $359 (USD recommended retail)

Style: Freestyle/Park

Other Uses: All-Mountain/All-Mountain-Freestyle

Flex Rating: Medium

Flex Feel: Medium (5.5/10)

Rating Score: 90.0/100

Compared to other All-Mountain Bindings

Out of the 16 men’s freestyle bindings that I rated:

  • The average score was 81.2/100
  • The highest score was 90.5/100
  • The lowest score was 70.0/100
  • The average price was $258
  • The Malavita ranked 2nd out of 16

The Malavita in More Detail

Check out the tables for the Malavita’s specs and available sizes.

Specs

Style:

Freestyle

Price: 

$359 - BUYING OPTIONS

Ability Level: 

Ability Level Intermediate to Expert

Flex: 

Flex 5 half

Edge-to-edge: 

Medium

Weight: 

Normal

Mounts to: 

2 x 4 | 4 x 4 | 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 are the Malavitas Most Suited To?

The Malavitas are best for anyone who likes to ride a mixture of all-mountain and park. Or anyone who likes to use the whole mountain like a park.

They’ve got enough response for reasonably quick edge-to-edge transitions but are also flexible enough for tweaking and flex really well with the board making them great for butters/presses.

They’re also great for larger features in the park, where you want a bit more stiffness than you’d get out of a more medium-soft freestyle binding.

Pretty versatile with the range of boards they match with, due to the way they naturally flex with the board, but ideal range is between a 4/10 and 6/10 flex.

Too stiff for beginners (and the price-point is probably a bit high for beginners) but certainly intermediate riders would be fine with these. Plus anyone advanced to expert that wants to use them for riding freestyle/all-mtn-freestyle.


The Malavita in More Detail

O.k. let’s take a more detailed look at what the Malavita bindings are capable of.

Demo Info

Bindings: Burton Malavita 2018 & 2019, 2022, M

Date: I own these bindings and I use them as my testing "control" bindings. i.e. when I'm testing boards I ride these bindings, first on my board, then on the board I'm testing. 

And when I'm testing bindings I first ride these on my board, then the bindings I'm testing on my board. 

So suffice to say I've ridden A LOT in these bindings!

Conditions: Various

Bindings angles: mostly +15/-15

Burton Malavita Bindings review

Flex & Response

Out of the Burton Cartel, the Burton Genesis and the Burton Malavita I would say that, when riding, the Malavitas feel about half way between the Genesis and Cartel – around 5.5/10, with the Cartels feeling slightly stiffer – around 6/10 and the Genesis more like 5/10. 

The Malavitas have a relatively stiff highback, but a softer baseplate. Stiffer highback than the Genesis and the Cartel too.

They respond just a little better than medium. But they strike a really good balance between response at higher speeds and maneuverability at slower speeds. 

Butterability/Board Feel

Super easy to butter/press. These bindings are made for this and this is one area where they excel.

They flex really well with the board – both the Re:Flex and the EST versions – but the EST versions slightly more so – but the Re:Flex flex so well with the board that there’s more than enough board feel there – and I’m fussy on board feel!

Adjustability

Like most Burton bindings, the Malavitas have plenty of adjustability – high back lean, high back rotation, ankle strap, toe strap etc – and it’s all easy to use and mostly tool-less. The only downside with the Re:Flex model is that you can’t really micro-adjust your stance width – you have to adjust by 2cm at a time (on 4 x 2 insert patterns). This is because you can’t run the disc horizontally – only vertically.

Shock Absorption

These bindings have great shock absorption, which helps to make them seriously good for freestyle type stuff in or out of the park – landing those large kickers all day is less taxing with all the padding in there – and it’s great for absorbing chatter from cruddy snow too.

Entry/Exit

Nice smooth ratchets and typically easy to get in and out of.

Has the flex slider on the ankle strap that Burton bindings have had for the last couple of years. This isn’t a biggie for me because I think it’s just as easy with other brands to bend the ankle strap in behind the high back when strapping in – but it’s not a bad thing either.

Comfort

I like bindings with a canted footbed and the Malavitas have an autocant in their footbed – so that gets a tick from me. What this does is align your hips, ankles and knees in a more natural way which reduces fatigue over time.

The ankle straps are also really comfortable and I’ve never noticed any pressure points anytime I’ve ridden them (which is a lot as these are the bindings that I use for all my snowboard testing) – they conform really well around the boot.

All that shock absorption also makes these bindings feel really comfortable. 

Ankle Support

There is a nice firm feeling of support when strapping these bindings in. They don’t feel as tightly locked in as some bindings – but they’re more than medium. And to be honest I don’t think I’d want them any more locked down for the type of riding that these bindings are best suited to. Also, you can adjust the ankle strap position for more support if you have it on the higher setting. I mostly keep in on the lower setting.


Score Breakdown and Final Verdict

Check out the breakdown of the score in the table below.

RATING
(out of 5)

SCORE WEIGHTING

BOARD FEEL

4.5

22.5/25

SHOCK ABSORPTION

4.5

22.5/25

CARVING

3.5

7/10

SLOW SPEED RESPONSE

4.0

8/10

ADJUSTABILITY

4.0

12/15

COMFORT

4.5

9/10

ENTRY/EXIT

4.5

4.5/5

TOTAL after normalizing

90.0/100

Overall the Malavita are great freestyle or all-mountain freestyle bindings. They have great board feel and are super comfy and shock absorbing. 

They are really versatile too and can be ridden on a wide range of different boards - from 3/10 flex to 8/10 flex (but ideal on 4/10 to 6/10 flex boards). Which makes them great as my testing bindings. 

They have been very consistent for me 100+ days riding them so far.

If you're looking at Malavita ESTs, check out my Malavita EST Review.


More Info, Current Prices and Where to Buy Online

If you want to learn more about the Malavitas, are ready to buy or want to research pricing and availability, check out the links below.

  • US
  • CA
  • UK/EU

>>Burton Malavita Re:Flex at evo.com

>>Burton Malavita Re:Flex at burton.com

>>Burton Malavita Re:Flex at buckmans.com

>>Burton Malavita Re:Flex at Burton Canada

>>Burton Malavita Re:Flex at Burton UK

Burton Malavita 2024

If you want to check out other freestyle options or want to see how the Malavitas compared to other options, check out the next link.

My Top 5 Men's Freestyle Bindings

PAST REVIEWS OF THE Malavita

Burton Malavita BindingsHello and welcome to my Burton Malavita bindings review.

In this review I will take a look at the Malavitas as all-mountain snowboard bindings.

As per tradition here at SnowboardingProfiles.com I will give the Malavitas a score out of 100 (based on several factors) and see how they compare with other all-mountain bindings.

Overall Rating

Bindings: Burton Malavita 2017 Snowboard Bindings

Price: $319 (USD recommended retail)

Style: All-Mountain-Freestyle

Other Uses: Freestyle/Park

Flex: Medium (5/10)

Rating Score: 85/100

Compared to other All-Mountain Bindings

Out of the 25 men’s all-mountain bindings that I rated:

  • The average price was $258 (USD)
  • The average score was 76.7/100
  • The highest score was 90.5/100
  • The lowest score was 56.5/100

Sizing

Check out the table below for the available sizes for the Malavitas.

SizeFits Men’s US Boot SizesEuro Boot SizesUK Boot Sizes
S6.0 – 8.038.0 – 41.05.0 – 7.0
M8.0 – 11.041.0 – 44.07.0 – 10.0
L10.0 & up43.0 & up9.0 & up

Who are the Malavitas Most Suited to?


burton-malavita-snowboard-bindings-2017-grey-colorway-from front
Malavita in Grey Colorway from front

The Malavitas are best for anyone who likes to ride a mixture of all-mountain and park. Or anyone who likes to use the whole mountain like a park.

They’ve got enough response for reasonably quick edge-to-edge transitions but are also flexible enough for tweaking and flex really well with the board making them great for butters/presses.

Maybe ever so slightly too stiff for beginners (and the price-point is probably a bit high for beginners) but certainly high end beginners/low level intermediates would be fine with these. Plus anyone advanced to expert that wants to use them for riding all-mountain/freestyle.


The Malavitas in More Detail


O.k. let’s take a more detailed look at what the Malavita bindings are capable of.

Demo Info

burton-malavita-snowboard-bindings-2017-wino-colorway
Burton Malavita Wino Colorway

Bindings: Burton Malavita 2017, M

Date: January 22nd, 2017

Conditions: Reasonably hard conditions early morning, with some icy patches in places. Puked snow midday and quickly became nice and soft. Visibility stayed decent even whilst it was snowing.

Bindings angles: +15/-15

Flex & Response

Out of the Burton Cartel, the Burton Genesis and the Burton Malavita I would say that, when riding, the Genesis and the Malavitas feel about the same in terms of flex – around 5/10 – with the Cartels feeling slightly stiffer – around 6/10.

However, out of the 3 I found the Genesis the most responsive, the Cartels the next most responsive and the Malavitas 3rd in terms of responsiveness. Now that’s not to say that I noticed that much difference but there was a little bit.

So, not super responsive but not un-responsive either.

Butterability

Super easy to butter/press. These bindings are made for this and this is where they excel the most.

Adjustability

Like most Burton bindings, the Malavitas have plenty of adjustability – high back lean, high back rotation, ankle strap, toe strap etc – and it’s all easy to use and mostly tool-less.

Shock Absorption

These bindings have great shock absorption, which helps to make them seriously good for freestyle type stuff in or out of the park.

Entry/Exit

Nice smooth ratchets and typically easy to get in and out of.

Has the flex slider on the ankle strap that Burton bindings have had for the last couple of years. This isn’t a biggie for me because I think it’s just as easy with other brands to bend the ankle strap in behind the high back when strapping in – but it’s not a bad thing either.

 

Comfort

I like bindings with a canted footbed and the Malavitas have an autocant in their footbed – so that gets a tick from me. What this does is align your hips, ankles and knees in a more natural way which reduces fatigue over time.

The ankle straps are also really comfortable and there were no pressure points when I tested them – they conform really well around the boot.

All that shock absorption also makes these bindings feel really comfortable.

Boot Support

There is a nice firm feeling of support when strapping these bindings in. They don’t feel as tightly locked in as some bindings – but they’re more than medium. And to be honest I don’t think I’d want them any more locked down for the type of riding that these bindings are best suited to.


Score Breakdown and Final Verdict


Check out the breakdown of the score in the tables below.

Re:flex Version

FACTORRATING (OUT OF 5)CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE
Flex:5.015/15
Responsiveness:3.09/15
Adjustability:4.513.5/15
Boot Support:4.012/15
Shock Absorption:4.513.5/15
Comfort:4.08/10
Butterability:5.010/10
Entry/Exit:4.04/5
TOTAL 85.0/100

EST Version

FACTORRATING (OUT OF 5)CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE
Flex:5.015/15
Responsiveness:3.09/15
Adjustability:4.513.5/15
Boot Support:4.012/15
Shock Absorption:4.012/15
Comfort:4.08/10
Butterability:5.010/10
Entry/Exit:4.04/5
TOTAL 83.5/100

Overall the Malavita are great all-mountain freestyle bindings. They are leaning more towards the freestyle type riding more so than all-mountain and more so towards freestyle/park riding than the Cartels and the Genesis.


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Category Links: 2017 Snowboard Binding Reviews| 2018 Snowboard Binding Reviews| 2019 Snowboard Binding Reviews| 2020 Snowboard Binding Reviews| 2021 Snowboard Binding Reviews| 2022 Snowboard Binding Reviews| 2023 Snowboard Binding Reviews| 2024 Snowboard Binding Reviews| Burton| Men's Freestyle Binding reviews Tags: Burton Malavita bindings 2018| Burton Malavita bindings 2022-2023| Burton Malavita bindings 2023-2024| Burton Malavita ReFlex| Burton Malavita review

About Nate

Nate is passionate about and loves learning new things everyday about snowboarding, particularly the technical aspects of snowboarding gear. That, and becoming a better rider and just enjoying and getting the most out of life.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Phil says

    September 18, 2023 at 8:21 pm

    Hey Nate,

    I have the opportunity to get a great deal on a Burton custom x with malavitas. I loved my old custom x but am wondering if the malavitas will be to soft to really get the most out of the board. Also, I wear k2 thraxis boots in size 10. Would you recommend medium or large malavitas?

    Thanks!

    Reply
    • Nate says

      September 19, 2023 at 1:46 pm

      Hey Phil

      Thanks for your message. I would preferably put stiffer bindings on the Custom X. I mean you can ride it with them on – I’ve ridden it with Malavitas – but preferably I would get stiffer bindings. If you got it and sold the Malavitas and bought new bindings after that, if you’re willing to put that effort in. That’s what I would do, to get a more optimal binding setup on it. In terms of size for Malavitas or other Burton bindings, with the Thraxis 10, I would go medium. You would likely fit in the large OK, but I feel the fit will be better in the medium (I’ve ridden the Thraxis in medium Malavitas and they fit well for me).

      Hope this helps

      Reply
  2. Colin says

    September 5, 2023 at 8:27 am

    Hey Nate,

    Jumping in with the age old question of Malavitas or Cartels. I live in the midwest so when I’m riding here I spend a good amount of time in the park. When I take trips out west I spend most of my time above the tree line or in the trees. My main board is my old Burton Farm (directional twin, camber, medium flex [i’ve seen it rated 4/10 but it feels stiffer to me]) and my powder burton is the Lib Tech Orca. Still riding my ’09 Burton Triad bindings but they are starting to fall apart so looking to finally upgrade.

    Any advice is appreciated.

    Reply
    • Nate says

      September 5, 2023 at 11:59 am

      Hi Colin

      Thanks for your message. I would be leaning Malavita. I prefer them for park stuff and I don’t find you lose anything elsewhere. The Cartel maybe a little more responsive but it’s pretty minimal, IMO. The Malavita have a stiffer highback than the Cartel, but I assume the Cartel’s baseplate is stiffer, by the way they feel vs each other. But yeah, I’d personally go Malavita, but they’d both certainly work for what you’re describing. Even if your board is a 4/10 flex, they’re still a good match for their flex, IMO. Overall flex for both Cartel and Malavita feels pretty similar to me, just stiffer/softer in different parts of the binding. If you’re board is more like a 5/10 or 6/10 flex, still a good match with either binding.

      Note that if the board was stiffer than 6/10, then I’d probably be leaning Cartel, I think it works a little better on stiffer boards than the Malavita, but that said, if was stiffer than a 6, then I’d move to the Cartel X.

      Hope this gives you more to go off for your decision

      Reply
      • Colin says

        September 5, 2023 at 2:01 pm

        Thanks Nate! Appreciate the tips. My main goal is to buy one binding that will work well enough for both of my boards. The Orca is pretty stiff, but I only see myself riding it on trips as we don’t really get powder here in the midwest. For me that’s unfortunately only like 3 days a year. Keeping that in mind would you still suggest Malavita?

        **correction on a typo in my original post, meant to say “my powder board is the Lib Tech Orca”

        Also, this site is awesome. Thanks for gathering all of this knowledge!

        Reply
        • Nate says

          September 6, 2023 at 10:12 am

          Hey Colin

          It’s a really close call, as I feel the Cartel would likely go a little better on the Orca, but it would be a subtle difference and I think you’d get more out of the Malavita on your non-powder days. And given there will be more of those, I’d still be leaning Malalvita.

          Reply
  3. Dave says

    May 4, 2023 at 2:17 pm

    Hi Nate,

    First off, many thanks for the work you do. You don’t know how many times I’ve visited this site and recommended it to others!

    So I’m finally sorting out my snowboard gear and had a question regarding bindings.

    I rode the Weston Backwoods with a Burton Genesis Step On (Burton Photon) and loved how it responded carving. However I’m looking at going with a standard rear entry binding just for versatility.

    I’m looking at the Cartel X ReFlex or the Malavita ReFlex. Ideally I’d like one binding that works for both the Backwoods (7/10 flex) and the Ride Shadowban (5/10 flex) with my Burton Ion boot. Is there one you’d recommend over the other? I do love the how the Genesis Step on felt on the Weston Backwoods with its edge to edge speed and responsiveness carving on groomers but at the same time would like to have something a bit more playful to ride switch, side hits, etc on certain days. I’m definitely not huge on park but like doing small 360s, butters etc so in ideal world Malavita’s seem great if they’re enough to drive the Backwoods board.

    Any ideas? Thanks!

    Reply
    • Nate says

      May 5, 2023 at 11:30 am

      Hi Dave

      Thanks for your message. I think the Malavita would be doable on the Backwoods (not a board I’ve ridden, so just based off that 7/10 flex) but not ideal. The Cartel X would do a better job with it, IMO. And still should work fine with the Shadowban. The Malavita does provide a little more in terms of playfulness, board feel, buttering etc, but the Cartel X is still pretty good for that stuff, despite being stiffer. Certainly more board feel/butterability than the Genesis/Photon Step On setup, IMO. I don’t think the Malavita would be wrong and not a bad choice or anything, but I’d be leaning Cartel X, just because I think the reduction in playfullness/board feel is going to be less noticeably than the carving ability difference, when on the Backwoods.

      On the other hand, if you were to leave the Step On setup on the Backwoods and your other bindings on the Shadowban, then I would be leaning Malavita.

      Hope this helps with your decision

      Reply
  4. Billy says

    March 3, 2023 at 1:33 pm

    Hey man I was wondering if these binding would go well with a capita doa. Thanks for you help!

    Reply
    • Nate says

      March 4, 2023 at 10:36 am

      Hi Billy

      Thanks for your message.

      The Malavita work with the DOA, IMO. I use Malavitas as my test bindings, so I’ve ridden the DOA with Malavitas several times and it’s always worked well. I have also ridden the DOA with stiffer bindings and I did feel I preferred it with slightly stiffer bindings on it. So, I think ideally I would go a touch stiffer, but that’s getting pretty fussy and the Malavitas do a really good job with it, IMO.

      Hope this helps

      Reply
  5. james cederquist says

    February 12, 2023 at 9:28 am

    Hey Nate looking at Burton Malavita! I’m running size 11 K2 Thraxis and a YES standard 159. What size should I grab in these. Medium or Large? Your input is spot on bud! Thanks

    Reply
    • Nate says

      February 13, 2023 at 1:48 pm

      Hey James

      I would be looking at the L. You might squeeze into the M, but could be pushing it with the Thraxis. And I think you should get really good boot to binding fit with the L – and the L will give you a little more leverage on the board with the longer baseplate. I think you’d probably get away with the M, but I would go L in this case.

      Reply
  6. dd says

    February 4, 2022 at 6:50 pm

    Thank you Nate. Enjoy the rest of the season!

    Reply
    • Nate says

      February 5, 2022 at 2:14 pm

      Thanks dd – you too!

      Reply
  7. dd says

    February 3, 2022 at 12:22 pm

    Hi Nate – thank you for your continued great contributions to the snowboarding community, you’re such a great resource! Quick question please….do you think the malavitas would pair well with a rossi sashimi? I don’t believe you’ve reviewed the sashimi but perhaps you’ve ridden one? If not, rossi rates the flex at 7, but I think that might be overstated a bit, as they rate the rossi XV a 9 or 10, and when I rode my son’s it didn’t feel that stiff (stiff for sure, but not 9-10). At any rate, I’m looking for a surfy type binding to go with my new sashimi and since I’m not a bomber but more cruising the blues and blacks (both groomers and powder) I’m wondering is the malavitas would be fine? Thanks in advance!

    Reply
    • Nate says

      February 4, 2022 at 3:28 pm

      Hi dd

      Hope you’re doing well.

      I haven’t ridden the Sashimi, so couldn’t say for sure, but I agree that Rossi tend to overstate their flex, typically. E.g. the One is rated 7, but more of a 6 by my feel and the XV a 9 but more of an 8 by my feel. By deduction, the Sashimi is likely a 6/10 flex. Not necessarily though – hard to say having not ridden it, so no guarantees, but that’s what I would expect. If that is the case, then I think the Malavita could work on it for sure.

      Reply
  8. Ben Rice says

    November 17, 2021 at 2:00 pm

    Would you recommend the Maltivas for a Capita Doa board? I have done some research and have been looking between these and the Cartels or Cartel X’s.

    Reply
    • Nate says

      November 18, 2021 at 11:05 am

      Hi Ben

      Thanks for your message.

      The Malavita’s definitely work with the DOA. My experience riding the DOA though, I have preferred slightly stiffer bindings on it. I rate the DOA a 6/10 flex – and typically for a 6/10 flex, anything from 5/10 to 7/10 flex for the bindings will work well. For the DOA, I’ve preferred it when I’ve had bindings on the stiffer end of that scale, so I would be leaning Cartel X, in this case. Both the Malavita and Cartel would still work fine, but if I had the choice, I’d personally go Cartel X on the DOA.

      Hope this helps with your decision

      Reply
  9. Tim says

    August 27, 2021 at 5:06 pm

    Hi Nate, did you find these were a good match for the yes hybrid? I’ve been using cartel x on mine. Been great only complaint is since it’s missing the canting I’m getting cramps in my foot which I was getting from other non canted bindings, just wondering if I could get away with something like malavita on the board. Like not too much drop in response and carving? trying to find some 2020 cartels but seems to be all sold out here in my size.
    Once again cheers nate!

    Tim

    Reply
    • Nate says

      August 28, 2021 at 10:34 am

      Hi Tim

      I think you get away with the Malavitas on the Hybrid, for sure. I rode it with the Hybrid and really enjoyed the board. I think they’re a pretty good flex match. I think for carving you would get a bit of a drop. When I tested the Cartel X, I did notice it helped for carving a little harder versus the Malavitas (though that was the Cartel X EST versus Malavita Re:Flex). But yeah, the Malavita’s definitely worked for me for this board, but do expect some drop in carving.

      If you were open to other brands you could also check out the Union Force, Atlas, Strata or Falcor (depending on flex/board feel you were after) or K2 Lien AT or Salomon Highlander (which all have canted footbeds)

      Reply
      • Tim says

        August 28, 2021 at 2:03 pm

        Hmm, I think I’ll keep eye out for 2020 cartels. I have had malavitas on a optimistic and it was not ideal. Although very different boards. The malavita colour way would have been perfect for the hybrid uninc. Have you tried the now select pro? They are releasing a now x yes uninc select pro that would likely suit and it canted.
        I have atlas kazu and Stratas so I can use them til something pops up

        Reply
        • Nate says

          August 30, 2021 at 11:08 am

          Hi Tim

          I haven’t tried the Select Pro – have tried most NOW bindings but not that one. As far as I know it’s the only NOW binding with canting. Apart from the Graphic, the YES collab Select Pro looks to be the same as the regular Select Pro.

          I think the Atlas and Strata should work well on the Hybrid.

          Reply
  10. M says

    January 19, 2021 at 10:31 am

    Hi Nate, love the site and reviews. I have two new boards, a gnu riders choice, and a lib dynamo. I am currently riding burton malavitas on both of them but want to have two sets of bindings to not have to move them, considering going malavita again, but also considering the cartel x since i used to ride the old cartels (on many old boards, don’t like the new base model cartels). love the new malavitas but wondering if the cartel x would be a better fit for one of these boards. I ride them both the same, all mountain freeride and all mountain freestyle. dynamo is more my deeper snow and hard charger go to vs the riders choice. so cartel x vs malavita better for either of those boards? Thanks!

    Reply
    • Nate says

      January 19, 2021 at 11:39 am

      Hi M

      Thanks for your message.

      I would try the Cartel X on the Dynamo, to give you something different there and to give you a bit more of a hard charging binding and Malavita on your Rider’s Choice for that more freestyle ride. I think that would be the best match-up. You could certainly go Malavita on the Dynamo too, but I think the Cartel X would be a slightly better option and more suited to the style of riding you’re doing on the Dynamo.

      Hope this helps

      Reply
  11. Jodi Yocum says

    January 8, 2021 at 11:53 am

    Hi Nate,

    I am a 50 years old 5’9, 160 woman who finally bought a new snowboard, a 2020 Lady West 156. I have demo’d about 4 different bindings: a medium Union Juliet, medium Burton Cartel, a small Cartel X, and a small Now Vetta.

    The Vettas were too soft. The Cartels were awesome and playful, but too big. The Cartel Xs were perfectly sized and the most comfortable but maybe lacked in board feel. And the Juliets were okay.

    I want to know more about the Malavitas. I am a solid intermediate rider who wants to progress into trees and some all mountain fun. It is unlikely in the next year that I will do any sort of big mountain riding. I want to progress as a rider…

    Which binding would you suggest. Please feel free to ask any qualifying questions. Thank you, Jodi

    Also, I have some loyalty to the local shop near me and they have a small malavita in stock.

    Reply
    • Nate says

      January 9, 2021 at 1:54 pm

      Hi Jodi

      Thanks for your message.

      If you liked the Cartel’s, then I think you’ll like the Malavitas. To me they have a little more board feel than the Cartel’s, so you shouldn’t lack board feel, and if the S fit you well in the Cartel X, then the S should be a good fit in the Malavita, most likely. I think the Malavita would be a good match for the Lady West too. But you should also consider the S Cartel, given that you liked it, but it just wasn’t in the right size.

      Note that the base plate on the Malavita is softer than the Cartel, but the high back is stiffer, so it’s pretty similar overall flex, but a slightly different feel.

      Hope this helps

      Reply
  12. David says

    December 20, 2020 at 6:53 pm

    FYI burton makes a reflex disk that allows micro nose-to-tail adjustment. If you contact customer service they’ll send them for free. I forget what they’re called specifically. Micro disk maybe?

    If the customer service person doesn’t know what they are then hang up and call back until you reach someone that does. I had one person there ship me the basic 4×4 disk which was a waste of time and airplane fuel.

    Happy shredding.

    Reply
    • Nate says

      December 22, 2020 at 1:28 pm

      Hi David

      Thanks for the info. I was unaware of that disc. Will have to look into it. Appreciate the FYI.

      Reply
  13. Ameer Chowdhury says

    November 18, 2020 at 9:42 pm

    Hey. I love your website and use it all the time. Keep it up. I have a yes jackpot for park and and messing around and a endeavor scout for powder and groomers. I have 2017 genesis reflex and 2021 malavita. Which binding should go with which board. I do plan to upgrade the toe straps on the genesis this year

    Reply
    • Nate says

      November 19, 2020 at 12:55 pm

      Hi Ameer

      Thanks for your message.

      I really good question – and a close call. Both bindings work with both boards well. But I would personally put the Malavita on the Jackpot and the Genesis on the Scout. The Malavita have a softer base plate and stiffer highback – so you get that toe to heel response but a more buttery feel side to side – and just a bit more in terms of ollie power, IMO. Both bindings have great board feel though and would both suit the Jackpot, but I would be leaning Malavita for Jackpot. The Genesis is a bit more of a smoother feel and would feel subtly surfier in powder, IMO, so that’s why I’d lean towards that for the Scout. Again, both suit both and these are very subtle differences, but that’s the way I would go.

      Hope this helps

      Reply
  14. Vip says

    October 3, 2020 at 6:34 pm

    Hey Nate

    I got Endeavor Pioneer 2021 (all mtn – park) board and ThirtyTwo TM3 boots. What will be good binding to go with Pioneer? Looking at Burton Malavita EST (may be with Wingback 2020 model) or Genesis EST. I am mostly on the mountain (groomed trails).

    Thanks
    Vip

    Reply
    • Nate says

      October 5, 2020 at 10:35 am

      Hi Vip

      Thanks for your message.

      Neither would be a bad choice for that setup, IMO.

      I would say the Genesis EST is just that little bit more comfortable – but that’s getting pretty picky as both bindings are very comfortable. With the Malavita EST having just that little bit more response, but again very subtly. The Malavita has a stiffer highback. I would say Malavita baseplate is mid flexing – like a 5/10, but with a slightly stiffer highback – more like a 7/10 flexing highback. The Genesis on the other hand is more like a 5/10 base plate and a 5/10 highback.

      Of course, if you really want the wingback, that’s only on the Malavita model.

      With the Pioneer, and on groomed trails predominantly, I would probably lean towards the Genesis, but the Malavita would definitely be a good choice too.

      Hope this helps

      Reply
  15. Dan says

    July 11, 2020 at 1:48 pm

    Actually got the Burton Custom and Malavita re:flex after reading your reviews.
    Ok there are newer boards but I wanted that feel of when I started some 20+ years ago.

    Hope I can get the Burton custom to butter and play a bit. First time I actually spent money on getting top of the line gear so damn excited.
    One of few here at home longing for winter.

    Reply
    • Nate says

      July 12, 2020 at 1:40 pm

      Hi Dan

      Thanks for your message. I’m pining for winter too, especially after the last season was cut short!

      I didn’t find the Custom easy to butter, but it’s also not super hard. Takes a bit of energy to get it to butter, but not un-butterable either, if that makes sense.

      Reply
  16. GONZALO says

    January 28, 2020 at 2:11 am

    Hi Nate, I find the underworld fantastic for super responsive but flexible allmontain freestyle use. for my feedback I don’t agree that the 2019 and 2020 cap strap is better than 2018, with my ruler boot and new imperial the new cap strap does not block the tip of the boot well in the attack, instead with the 2019 cartel and the old cap strap didn’t have these problems. (I tried with all the settings). also visually the new cap strap has less quality and less grip inside the old one. I had to buy the old cap strap seperatamante from burton to solve the problem.
    boots size 11,5 , Malavita size L .

    Reply
    • Nate says

      January 28, 2020 at 1:23 pm

      Hi Gonzalo

      Thanks for your message and input. Interesting that you prefer the old strap. I really prefer the new one. But different boots certainly work differently with bindings. Though I don’t remember any issues with it on the Ruler or Imperial that I tested. But maybe sizing is part of it too. I ride M Malavitas with size 10 boots. Glad you were able to get the old strap and get the fit you were looking for in the end though.

      Reply
  17. James says

    September 16, 2019 at 7:55 pm

    Hi Nate,

    Do you think these would pair well with the Jones Mountain Twin?

    For use in resort general bombing around and on powder days (in resort not backcountry)

    Reply
    • James says

      September 16, 2019 at 8:16 pm

      Also, by way of reference I currently have 2017 union Altas bindings which I like (they are super comfy and pretty responsive) but I want to get back on Burton ReFlex bindings as I used to have cartel’s which had way better board flex under foot.

      Reply
    • Nate says

      September 17, 2019 at 10:42 am

      Hi James

      Yeah, I think the Malavita would pair well with the Mountain Twin – that’s what I rode on the Mountain Twin as Malavitas are my testing bindings. And that go well, IMO. Vs the Atlas, they probably not quite as responsive, but they do definitely have better board feel, and just as comfortable and probably a little more in terms of shock absorption. So yeah, only thing is you loose a touch of response (IMO).

      Reply
      • James says

        September 17, 2019 at 2:22 pm

        Awesome. Thanks Nate

        Reply
        • Nate says

          September 18, 2019 at 1:26 pm

          You’re very welcome

          Reply
          • James says

            September 19, 2019 at 3:36 am

            One more question!

            Leaving price aside, do you think the Union Falcors or the Malavitas would be better suited to the MT?

          • Nate says

            September 19, 2019 at 12:26 pm

            Hi James

            Depends on what you’re going for. If you want a bit more of an aggressive ride – doing deeper carves, bombing etc, then I would go with the Falcors. If you’re looking to incorporate some freestyle stuff, then the Malavitas are better suited. But yeah, certainly more response/power from the Falcors. The MT is a pretty versatile board, so both would work, depending on how you are wanting to ride it.

  18. Denise says

    June 11, 2019 at 4:00 am

    Hey Nate,

    I saw these bindings in a shop in France and I absolutely fell in love with just the feeling of the material of these bindings, specially the straps and foot-bed. My current bindings are in need of an upgrade and it has been annoying that my current ones do not have cushion on the foot bed and after 2-3 hours or riding I can feel the pain in my sole of the foot which usually goes up to my calf. I do not hit the park, I like free-riding, carving and jumps where I can up the mountain. My questions is, are these bindings specifically for men or can a woman use them too? Thank you

    Reply
    • Nate says

      June 11, 2019 at 11:50 am

      Hi Denise

      Thanks for your message.

      I wouldn’t say women can’t use them. But they are designed for men and depending on your specs might not be ideal. You would be better off, IMO, going for the Burton Lexa (closest women’s equivalent to this). That is designed specifically for women and would be more likely to be more comfortable for you. So yeah, I would go Lexa – or Escapade – but from what you’re describing, I think the Lexa would be your best bet.

      https://snowboardingprofiles.com/top-3-freeride-snowboard-bindings-for-women

      Hope this helps with your decision

      Reply
      • Denise says

        June 12, 2019 at 10:57 pm

        Thank you very much for the response, Nate. I will most probably go with the Lexa Re:flex, since I don’t have a Burton board. Once again, thank you and enjoy the summer! Personally, I count the days ’till winter comes again.

        Reply
        • Nate says

          June 13, 2019 at 10:43 am

          Hi Denise

          You’re very welcome. And good call on the Lexa Re:Flex, I reckon. Hope you have a great summer too – I’m counting the days as well!

          Reply
  19. Nelson says

    March 11, 2019 at 1:06 am

    Hey Nate,
    Nelson again, just checking your review as I have these bindings also.
    Like you said, my only issue is the toe strap.
    If you can get your hands on the 2019 tie strap please let me know! I’d love to know where I can get them.

    Reply
    • Nelson says

      March 11, 2019 at 2:08 am

      Just to add, I did email Burton haven’t received a response.

      Reply
      • Nate says

        March 12, 2019 at 2:07 pm

        Hi Nelson

        Not sure where you can get a 2019 toe strap. Burton is your best bet to ask. I find they tend to be pretty good at responding, but at this time of year can be pretty slow at getting back. Would be good if they had somewhere on their website where you could order replacement parts.

        Reply
  20. Remi says

    October 22, 2018 at 12:24 pm

    Hello, is there a very noticeable difference between malavita and cartel? I ride mainly all mountain but no park and got malavitas. But now worry that they might be too soft for my jones mtw and yes standard

    Reply
    • Nate says

      October 23, 2018 at 9:57 am

      Hi Remi

      Thanks for your message.

      I wouldn’t say they’re too soft for the Mountain Twin and Standard. I’ve ridden both boards with the Malavitas and found them fine for that purpose. But even though Jones and YES rate the Mountain Twin and Standard 7/10 for flex, I would say they’re more like 6/10.

      There are some differences between the Cartel and Malavita but they’re not hugely difference flex-wise. The Base Plate on the Cartel is stiffer than the Malavita Base Plate, but the Malavita High Back is stiffer than the Cartel’s High Back. Overall the Cartel rates a little stiffer in my books (6/10) but it’s not a huge difference and the feel of the flex is in different places.

      Hope this helps

      Reply
  21. Keith says

    December 28, 2017 at 10:13 am

    Will these work with the Rossi one mag? I’m intermediate level , no park , like to strictly carve groomers , and want to learn how to ride switch to better my skills . The mountain I’m currently riding has narrow runs and does require quick turning in some parts on some fairly steep blues. My main mountain has not opened their much wider blue groomers due to lack of snow. I’m a fairly older rider 54 years old and really working on surfing the mountain. Will these work for me? Thank you!!!

    Reply
    • Nate says

      December 29, 2017 at 9:53 am

      Hi Keith

      Thanks for your message.

      Funny you should ask this, as I have been riding Malavitas on a Rossi One quite a bit recently! I find they work really well. I do ride park and freestyle a lot and I like them for that, but I like how they work for carving too. I’m finding that I can get fairly quick edge-to-edge on this setup – not the quickest/most responsive setup I’ve ridden but still pretty good – and you get a bit of forgiveness there too – not too stiff and rigid. So definitely a good intermediate level option as well. You can definitely get a surfy feel out of them too, I have found.

      But if you want to check out some other options, also check out the following:

      >>Top 5 All Mountain Bindings

      Hope this helps

      Reply
      • Keith says

        December 29, 2017 at 6:50 pm

        Thank you so very much!!! I appreciate your help. Very informative!!

        Reply
        • Nate says

          December 30, 2017 at 5:37 pm

          You’re very welcome Keith. Hope you have an awesome season!

          Reply
  22. Johany says

    September 7, 2017 at 2:19 am

    Thank you for your answer but regardless the price, do you think the genesis are the best?
    About responsiveness is there a big difference?

    Reply
    • Nate says

      September 7, 2017 at 2:40 pm

      Hi Johany

      Yeah, I would rate the Genesis the best. I feel they are little bit more responsive. It’s only subtle but I just get that bit more of a responsive feel out of them. Perhaps, the Malavitas have marginally better board feel – but overall, I would say that the Genesis are the better binding – but there’s not a huge difference.

      Reply
  23. Johany says

    September 6, 2017 at 8:40 am

    Hello Nate,
    Nice review,
    Is there really a big difference between the malavitas and the genesis?
    I really don’t know which ones choose…
    I don’t realy ride parks but I like to do frestyle in all mountain,
    what is your advice?

    Thanks

    Reply
    • Nate says

      September 6, 2017 at 12:16 pm

      Hi Johany

      They do have a slightly different feel and they are subtly different. But they aren’t hugely different. Unless you ride bindings as much as I do, you may not notice the difference. They’re both really good options for all-mountain-freestyle riding.

      Reply

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