Hello and welcome to my Burton Cartel bindings review.
This review will assess the Cartel’s for their performance as all-mountain bindings.
As per tradition here at SnowboardingProfiles.com they will receive a rating out of 100 based on a number of different factors.
Overall
Bindings: Burton Cartel Reflex
Price: $279
Style: All-Mountain
Flex: Medium (6 out of 10)
Smart rating score: 87.1/100
Compared to other Men’s All Mountain Bindings
Out of the 19 men’s all mountain bindings that I rated:
- The average score was 77.7/100
- The highest score was 93.0/100
- The lowest score was 57.0/100
- The average price was $246
- The Cartels ranked 4th out of 19
Sizing
Check out the table below for the available sizes for the Cartels.
| Size | Fits Men’s US Boot Sizes | Euro Boot Sizes | UK Boot Sizes |
|---|---|---|---|
| S | 6.0 - 8.0 | 38.0 - 41.0 | 5.0 - 7.0 |
| M | 8.0 - 11.0 | 41.0 - 44.0 | 7.0 - 10.0 |
| L | 10.0 & up | 43.0 & up | 9.0 & up |
Who are the CartelsMost Suited to?
The Cartels are great for anyone wanting that one pair of bindings that can do a bit of everything.
The ReFlex tech in the Reflex version and the EST tech in the EST version, mean that these binding flex well with the board they are on. For this reason, and because of their medium flex, they are a great choice if you want just one pair of bindings but have multiple boards. These are great for any board ranging from a medium-soft to a medium-stiff flexing board. Best for boards with a 5/10 or 6/10 flex but work with a range from 4/10 to 7/10.
They are at a mid-range price point, so if you’ve got a reasonable budget but not a huge one, then the Cartels are a great choice if you want that all-mountain style binding with great performance, but still with a reasonable price-tag.
The Cartels in More Detail
O.k. let’s take a more detailed look at what the Cartels are capable of.
Demo Info
Bindings: Burton Cartel 2017, Medium
Date: April 9th, 2016
Conditions: Hard packed in the morning with some icy spots in shady areas. Turned to slush in the afternoon
Bindings angles: +18/+3
Flex
The Cartel’s have a flex on the stiffer side of medium (6/10).
This is just right for the all mountain rider that wants to do a bit of everything on the mountain.
They felt good in the park but also when you leaned into a carve or for more casual riding too on the groomers.
Adjustability
Burton bindings have a reputation for having great adjustability in their bindings. And the Cartel’s are no exception.
You can tweak these bad boys every which way to get the perfect fit.
There are 3 settings on the ankle straps so that you can have them wrapping really high around the ankle or drop them down for a freer feel. It’s totally up to you.
The toe strap also has 2 settings so they can also be tailored to suit.
It’s also super easy to adjust the highback lean and you can adjust the highback rotation so that you can line up the highback to be perpendicular to the board no matter what stance angle you go with.
Entry/Exit
The Cartels, like most Burton bindings to be fair, are easy to get on and off. Typical of Burton they have a great, smooth ratchet system and that’s easy to ratchet up and undo the straps.
They also added a feature to the 2015 model that allows the ankle strap to open right out and stay open (the flex slider), rather than bouncing up as most ankle straps do. This is designed so that you can get your foot in nice and quickly without the risk of standing on the strap.
This feature is still available on the 2018 & 2019 models. It’s not a can’t-live-without feature but it’s a nice-to-have.
Shock Absorption
This is mostly important for landing jumps and hitting jibs in my opinion. Yes a bit of extra padding can help when riding through rougher snow or over ice, and to help with comfort, but you really notice it on landings.
The Cartel’s don’t disappoint here, with plenty of padding in the base plate, which really highlights why they are so great as an all rounder.
Check out the Video Below for more info
Board Feel/Butterability
The Cartels have good board feel. Their at that flex level, where you can start to loose some board feel with some bindings – but the Cartels have good board feel and are easy to butter on. This is partly to do with the Re:Flex tech that helps the binding get the most out of the flex from the board – just the way it flexes with the board.
The EST version has even better butterability – also due to the way it connects the binding with the board in the channel system.
Comfort
A couple of things make these really comfortable bindings.
- The ankle strap delivers nice even pressure – and the degree of adjustability means you can get just the right fit with no pressure points. It’s also nice and soft and light and contours well to your boots.
- It has a cantered foot bed (autocant) which has a harder surface for the outside of the foot and a softer surface for the inside of the foot. This automatically positions you in a way that aligns your body in a way that makes it a bit easier on your body for a more comfortable ride.
- The high level of shock absorption also helps to make the Cartel’s more comfortable
Let’s Break this Text Up for another Video
Responsiveness
The Cartel’s have that mid-level responsiveness that you would expect from of a medium flexing binding.
Ankle Support
Again, going back to the great adjustability of these bindings you can pretty much get whatever kind of boot support/ankle support you want out of these bindings, without getting pressure points. I was able to really crank these down and get a nice firm fit – but you could leave them a bit looser or lower on the ankle if you wanted a freer feel.
Changes for the 2019 Model
As far as I can tell the 2019 models are essentially the same as the 2018 models. Maybe some tweaks were made but certainly nothing major.
Changes for 2018 Model
Very little has changed for the 2018 models – just a couple of tweaks.
- Gettagrip Capstrap™ in place of the Supergrip toe strap on the 2017 model
- Some tweaks to the buckles
There were more significant changes for the 2017 model and the 2018 model is essentially the same binding – which is a good thing in this case.
Changes for 2017 Model
There have been a few changes for the Cartels for the 2017 model.
- New injection molded hammock ankle strap
- Double take buckles
- Slightly softer flexing but not by much – the 2016 model was rated as a 7/10 and the 2017s are rated as a 6/10. I didn’t notice any difference but maybe you’d have to ride them side by side to tell the difference, if any.
I love the strap on Burton’s Genesis bindings – and now the Cartel’s have it – great upgrade for the 2017 model.
Score Breakdown
Alright let’s check out how the Cartel’s scored overall in the table below.
Cartel Re:Flex
| FACTOR | RATING (OUT OF 5) | CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE |
|---|---|---|
| Responsiveness: | 3.5 | 14/20 |
| Board Feel/Butterability: | 4.0 | 16/20 |
| Shock Absorption: | 4.5 | 13.5/15 |
| Adjustability: | 4.0 | 12/15 |
| Comfort: | 4.5 | 13.5/15 |
| Ankle Support: | 4.0 | 8/10 |
| Entry/Exit: | 4.0 | 4/5 |
| TOTAL after normalizing | 87.1/100 |
Cartel EST
| FACTOR | RATING (OUT OF 5) | CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE |
|---|---|---|
| Responsiveness: | 3.5 | 14/20 |
| Board Feel/Butterability: | 4.5 | 18/20 |
| Shock Absorption: | 3.5 | 10.5/15 |
| Adjustability: | 4.5 | 13.5/15 |
| Comfort: | 4.0 | 12/15 |
| Ankle Support: | 4.0 | 8/10 |
| Entry/Exit: | 4.0 | 4/5 |
| TOTAL after normalizing | 86.0/100 |
So, all round, just awesome all-mountain bindings that you’d expect a higher price for, given their quality.
More Info, Current Price and Where to Buy
If you want to learn more about the Cartel, or are ready to buy or want to research availability and prices, check out the links below.
If you want to check out some other all mountain binding options or compare the Cartel to other all mountain bindings check out the next link.
>>Snowboarding Profiles’ Top 5 All Mountain Bindings
Hi,
I consider buying Cartels (reflex 2018) or Union Atlas (2018) bindings. I ride Yes The Greats board and 32 Binary Boa boots. I need AM bindings, mostly on-piste riding, but also some sidehits, ollies, butters, flat tricks, smaller kickers, boxes. What would you recommend for good boot hold and responsiveness but also offering some flex for more freestyle?
One issue is the thickness of Gettagrip Capstrap in 2018 Cartels. After switching from Burton Rulers (reduced footprint) to 32 boots I’ve noticed some toe drag when riding on some wet, dump snow. The capstream seams to be thicker then the one in Unions. What you think? I wonder if it would cause any problems? Maybe it’s not exactly toe drag but ‘tip of the sole’ drag and the capstrap isn’t the issue.
Another issue is the foldable ankle strap- does it get in the way when riding with rear foot outside the binding (off the chairlift or on t-bar)?
Hi Marboc
Thanks for your message.
Personally, from what you’re describing, I would go with the Cartels. They have better board feel than the Atlas and I think you’ll appreciate that for the freestyle aspect of your riding. The Atlas are a little more responsive, so that’s something to consider, but for that board and the style you’re describing, I would recommend the Cartels.
Had never really thought about the toe strap being an issues for drag but now that you mention it, it could make a bit of a difference. I didn’t think about it at the time of demoing those bindings but from memory and looking at pics, I think the Cartel toe strap is a little thicker – but like you say if it’s the sole of the toe that’s dragging for you, then it may not make any difference. If you’re not currently getting heel drag and there’s a way you can adjust your overhang so that there is a little less on the toe side that might help. You don’t want to go too uneven, but I do find if I can’t get the overhang even, or if I can set the bindings up so there’s subtly more overhang on the heel than the toe, then I do.
As far as I’m aware all Burton bindings ankle straps fold towards the center of the board (and as far as I can remember pretty much all bindings do, but I could be wrong?). But even so, I one-foot with my rear foot inside of the rear binding and it’s not a problem with Burton bindings. They fold out flat onto the board when you want them too, but it’s easy just to fold it over the binding and out of the way too.
Hope this helps
Im currently trying to decide between the Cartels and the Union Stratas to go with my Capita mercury (which I bought based of your reviews of all mountain boards last year). From reading through your reviews and some other stuff online it seems that they are very similar in feel. Im looking for a binding that can do a little bit of everything, but probably leaning a little more to just down the mountain and a little less park features. I know in your reviews you say that the strata takes the cake just a little bit over the cartels in your opinion. Knowing what im looking to get out of them, does that change your recommendation at all? With them being so close in performance im leaning a little towards the cartel due to aesthetics but wanna make sure there isnt anything im not thinking about before pulling the trigger. Love the site and the reviews man! Its always my first stop when looking for new gear.
Hey Nate.
Im currently looking for a new pair of bindings to pair with my Capita Mercury (which I bought last year based of your best all mountain board reviews). Im intermediate/ advanced and I do probably 60%/40% regular riding to park riding. Ive got my decision down to the Cartels or the Union Strata. After reading both of your reviews Ive gathered that they are both very similar and both would probably pair very well with my setup. I know you gave the edge to the Strata, but I like the aesthetic of the cartels a lot more. Any advice on which direction I should go based on my board/riding style?
Thanks a bunch for all the work you do on your site! Its always my first stop when im shopping for new gear.
-Joel
Hi Joel
Thanks for your message.
Yeah, there’s very little in it between the two, IMO. I liked the Stratas just a little more – a little more response and a little more board feel, but there’s not much in it and both would work well for the Mercury and style of riding, IMO. If I had to choose I would go Strata, but you wouldn’t be making a bad call if you went with the Cartels at all, IMO.
Hope this helps
Hey Nate,
Finally went for the Capita Kazu 154cm based on your recommendation. Many thanks again!
Question regarding my binding choice:
I also have a Capita DOA with Union Force bindings at home.
I was wondering if I should set the Union Force for the Kazu instead and get a pair of Malavita or Cartel for the DOA. Not too soft?
Thank you!
Jeremy
Hi Jeremy
I think the Union Force would certainly work on the Kazu. I would say roughly, flex-wise:
Kazu – 6.5/10
DOA – 6/10
Force – 6/10
Cartel – 6/10
So the Force would certainly be a match flex-wise. But ideally I would go a little step up to something like the Union Falcor, or Flux XF, or Genesis X – or something from this list, for the Kazu:
>>Top 5 All-Mountain-Freeride Bindings
And keep the Force on the DOA. But certainly the Cartel on the DOA and the Force on the Kazu would certainly work.
Hey Nate,
I just bought a Jones explorer 156. I usually ride side country, bowls, glades, and just a little park to get better at jumps for the above runs.
I’m between the Burton cartels and the union atlas. I demo’ed the cartels on the Jones explorer and really liked the ride. Is there anything atlas has enough to be the clear choice or both really similar?
Hi Rocky
Thanks for your message.
I would say that the Atlas are slightly more responsive, but otherwise I prefer the Cartel (apart from the toe strap, which I prefer on the Atlas). The Cartels have better board feel, IMO, and are a little more comfortable. But if response is your main concern, then the Atlas just pips the Cartel in that respect.
If you’ve had a chance to test the Cartels on the Explorer and liked them, then that’s the safest call, IMO. Both would certainly work with the Explorer but I would be leaning towards Cartel for you.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate! I’m the same Carmine in the comments of the yes jackpot.
I’m considering new bindings for the yes greats 2018 156 I’ve just bought thanks to your precious help.
I have the union factory 2015 but I would like to buy something more mellow and playful since the factories are medium/stiff.
I’m considering the union contact pro 2019(but I’m worried about the ankle strap and that the boot support would be too loose), the salomon hologram 2017, the burton cartel 2019, the union strata 2019 and the flux ds 2018. I’m us10 (28cm) with northwave decade sl boots. I can buy them all at the same price more or less. Which one would you suggest?
For what concern the burton cartel only the size L is available. Do you think I can have problems centering the boots and with overhang?
I don’t remember how many times I said thank you but thank you again.
Hi Carmine
For the Greats, the Contact Pro might be just on the slightly soft side – not by heaps, certainly doable, but that would be one thing (as well as it is a loose feel and if that’s not what you’re after that’s another thing). The others would all be good options, IMO. I would be leaning towards the Strata, Cartel and DS personally.
For Burton and Union bindings (I’m a US10 also) I prefer medium, for both the fit and I find easier for boot centering. Large for both work with 10s, but I find Medium better for me. For Flux I’ve mostly ridden large, but next time I test them I’m going to try medium to see how it goes. They only state up to 9.5 for Medium, so I’ve always gone large, but I suspect the Medium would fit fine, but to be on the safe side you might want to go Large for those.
If I had to choose one, I would go Medium Strata, since you can only get the Cartel in large. But the Large (and possibly even medium) DS is also a good option.
Hope this helps
I went to the shop to check the stratas but they seem pretty stiff (my factories seem more soft in comparison when I twist them) especially when I pull straight back.
I read your review but.. Do you think the union strata would be good as an all mountain freestyle since the stiffness? I would like bindings that allow me to take the whole mountain as a park (I don’t care too much about powder). Do you have other bindings to suggest for this purpose better than strata in your opinion?
Hi Carmine
A highback that’s stiff to pull straight back doesn’t always feel stiff on the mountain. The baseplate on the Strata is a little softer and lateral flex often has more impact on the feel. THe Malavita is a great example of a freestyle feeling binding with quite a stiff highback.
But I totally get if you would prefer something softer feeling in the highback and some people prefer it for comfort. For something softer in the highback but a similar overall flex feel, you could look at the Union Force – noticeably more twist and bend in the highback. The Cartels are also a little softer in the highback but stiffer in the baseplate and overall a similar flex feel. Overall the DS is a little softer, by my feels. Another option would be the Burton Genesis (but might be a bit more costly).
Or you could try the Contact Pro after all (4/10 flex). If you feel the Strata is too stiff, then the Contact Pro might work – or something like the Ride Rodeo or K2 Lineup, which are also 4/10 flex by my feel. Sorry to give you more options!, but want to make sure you get the right feel for you.
Hei Nate. I have a yes standard board and burton cartel bindings. I’m stuck with the boots … I thing the easy part is the flex I must go with medium flex right ?? Any boot to suggest??
Hi Melanthros
Thanks for your message.
For the Standard/Cartel combo, I would be looking at something either 6/10 or 7/10 in terms of flex. So towards the stiffer side of medium. For some good options in that flex range, check out:
>>My Top All Mountain (medium-stiff flex) Snowboard Boots
If there’s nothing in there that suits you for budget/lacing system etc, then let me know and I can give you some other options for that flex range.
Hope this helps
Yo Nate! I’m digging your reviews! Thanks for being such a great resource. I have a Yes Standard coming and I am trying to decide on bindings for it. I plan on setting it up with a centered symmetrical stance and using it as an all mountain freestyle deck. I have a very playful style when riding all mountain and I’m constantly hitting little side hits and throwing little spins and butters all over the place. I was thinking the Malavita for this deck but the Cartel are tempting too especially at the lower price point, what do you think?
Hi Tavis
Thanks for your message.
I rode the Standard with Malavitas and I really liked that combo, but I think the Cartels would also work well. The Cartels are a touch stiffer overall (though the Malavitas highback is probably stiffer, but the base plate on the Cartels is stiffer), and a touch more responsive I found. The Malavitas a bit more in terms of board feel. Because you like to butter and spin etc,a lot, then I would be leaning toward the Malavita, but the Cartels would certainly be a suitable match for the Standard, IMO.
Hope this helps with your decision
Thanks Nate,
Will be setting up the Standard tomorrow for a day of all mountain/freestyle fun Tuesday! Went with the Malavitas, actually going to throw a set of Cartels on my all mountain/freeride board (a Venture Paragon) so I’ll get to try them both! Thanks again for your help. I love your site
Hi Tavis
You’re very welcome and thanks for the update. Let me know what you think of the Standard, and of the Standard/Malavita combo.