Hello and welcome to my Burton Genesis binding review.
As with all the reviews on SnowboardingProfiles.com the Genesis will be rated specifically as a particular type of binding – in this case all mountain bindings – and will be given a total score out of 100.
Overall
Bindings: Burton Genesis Re:Flex
Price: $379
Style: All Mountain
Other Uses: Freestyle
Flex: Medium (5 out of 10)
Smart rating score: 91.4/100
Compared to other Men’s All Mountain Bindings
Out of the 25 men’s all mountain bindings that I rated:
Overview of the Genesis' Specs
Check out the tables for the Genesis’ specs and available sizes.
Specs
Style: | All-Mountain |
Price: | $379 |
Ability Level: |  |
Flex: |  |
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 Genesis Most Suited To?
The Genesis are prefect for anyone who wants one set of bindings that can do everything. Whether that be for jumps, butters, jibs, riding at speed, steeps, trees, bombing bowls, you name it – and whether you’re hitting the park, the groomers or the backcountry, but mostly suited to park and groomers.
The Genesis are also particularly versatile across a broad range of different boards. The way they flex with the board makes them compatible with more boards than your typical binding. Best suited to boards with a 4/10, 5/10 or 6/10 flex but works for anything between 3/10 and 7/10.
So if you have more than one board but want just one pair of bindings that will work well for each board, then the Genesis are a great choice for that, so long as you don't have anything super stiff in your quiver.
The Genesis in More Detail
O.k. let’s take a more detailed look at what the Genesis are capable of.
Demo Info
Bindings: Burton Genesis 2017, Medium
Date: April 9th, 2016 – and since then the Genesis EST and the Re:Flex a couple of other times (January 22, 2017 & April 15, 2018).
Conditions: Hard packed in the morning with some icy spots. Turned to slush in the afternoon
Bindings angles: +18/-6
Flex
The Genesis’ have a flex rating of 5 out of 10. This is a nice middling flex which is great for the all mountain rider that likes to do a bit of everything on the mountain.
And whether you go with the Re:Flex or EST version you should get great board feel so you can really feel the flex of the board too.
I rode the Genesis with a medium-soft flexing board and a medium-stiff flexing board and they were great with both.
As a rule of thumb it’s a good idea to match the flex of your bindings pretty closely with the flex of your board.
However, with the Genesis there is a bit more leeway with this – depending on your style you could match them with a softer flexing or stiffer flexing board and still be good. Which makes this a really versatile binding to use if you want one set of bindings to be used on 2 or more boards.
Adjustability
As is typically the case with Burton bindings, the Genesis are highly adjustable so you can get the fit just right for you. You can rotate the highback (so that’s it’s in line with the board’s edge), which not all bindings do, and easily adjust the forward lean of the highback.
The ankle and toe straps also have plenty of position options, so you can make sure you have them centered over your boots and in the position you want them.
A majority of the adjustments are tool-less too so you can make adjustments on the fly to tweak them for the perfect fit. I found the adjustments easy to make.
Let’s Break this text up with a video
The Genesis comes in at around 5:46
Entry Exit
As with most Burton bindings these days the ratchet systems are really smooth making it easy to strap in and to release the straps when exiting.
Shock Absorption
These bad boys are loaded with foam and gel shock absorption. So if you do plenty of jumps or ride a lot in rough snow then the Genesis should treat you well.
This also means they are a bit easier on the body making them more comfortable, particularly if you are doing a fair bit of park riding.
Board Feel/Butterability
The Genesis have great board feel and are super easy to butter with. This is, in part, due to the way these bindings flex with the board (as mentioned in the flex section above).
Comfort
I found the Genesis to be super comfortable. There isn’t much bad to say about these bindings really - they seem to have everything - which is what all-mountain bindings tend to aim for, but usually come up short in one or two areas.
The comfort of these bindings comes down to a few things. Check out the video earlier in this post for more.
- They have a canted footbed which allows your body to have better alignment through your hips, knees and ankles and is nicer on your body. A lot of high-end bindings do have canted footbeds these days - and the Genesis are no exception.
- The ankle straps are designed to minimize the chances for any pressure points and they did a great job for me. They molded well to my boots and I could hardly notice them there, but at the same time there was a nice firm fit.
- As a whole the Genesis are super light weight which is nice, particularly whilst you’re riding the lifts.
- Also, all of that padding, as mentioned in the shock absorption above, adds to the comfort.
Responsivenes & Boot Support
In a lot of ways you could mistake these bindings for freestyle bindings with all that shock absorption and great butterability - and they make awesome freestyle bindings if that's what you're looking for. These bindings were awesome when going through the park or doing other tricks around the resort.
But they also have some decent response, which you need in a true all-mountain binding. They're not like ultra-responsive, but they hold their own, especially with boards around a 4/10 to 6/10 flex.
This response is in part helped by the ‘hammock’ that sits in front of the highback. This hammock grips your boots to add to response, particularly on toe-side turns.
The ankle and toe straps also grip and mold well to your boots and that also helps with responsiveness and boot support.
Overall, the have a mid level responsiveness. However, like I mentioned earlier - these bindings will respond depending on the response of the board - which is always the case, but even more so with the Genesis.
So you’re responsiveness is more dependent on the board you choose than it would be with a lot of other bindings. Which, again, makes these a great versatile binding and especially good if you only want one set of bindings for multiple boards.
Score Breakdown and Final Verdict
Check out the breakdown of the score in the table below.
RATING | Contribution to Final Score | |
|---|---|---|
RESPONSE | 3.5 | 14/20 |
BOARD FEEL | 4.5 | 18/20 |
SHOCK ABSORPTION | 4.5 | 13.5/15 |
ADJUSTABILITY | 4.0 | 12/15 |
COMFORT | 5.0 | 15/15 |
ANKLE SUPPORT | 4.0 | 8/10 |
ENTRY/EXIT | 4.5 | 4.5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 91.4/100 |
The Genesis are high end bindings and they do come with a high end price. But in my opinion you definitely get what you pay for, and then some!
They're not the most responsive bindings, if that's your main thing, but otherwise they are nigh on perfect.
More Info, Current Prices and Where to Buy Online
If you want to learn more about the Genesis, 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 Genesis to other all mountain bindings check out the next link.
Hey Nate,
I’ve got an Amplid Singular 162W. Currently running an old set of Burton Genisis from around 2015. They work fine, but I want to explore something more responsive. I like going fast and carving hard. Mostly stick to groomers now, but I’m the goal is to venture out into the deeps more and more. Also, I love getting off the ground.
Hey Chester
I haven’t ridden the Singular, so not sure how stiff it feels, but what I know about the board, I think it would benefit from stiffer bindings than the Genesis. From what I can tell it’s a mid-stiff board, so I would look at going at least 7/10 flex and anything up to 9/10 flex, if you wanted to go a good bit stiffer. Again, not knowing exactly how stiff it feels, this is guessing a bit, but I would say it would benefit from going at least 7/10. Some options worth checking out:
>>Top 5 All-Mountain-Freeride Bindings
>>Top 5 Freeride Bindings
Hope this helps
HI Nate, I’m looking for a binding that I can use on both the Salomon Dancehaul and Ride Shadowban. Both are pretty soft flexing, though they both have a good amount of camber in them.
I’m leaning towards the Genesis Re:Flex, but I also am considering the Rome Vice, Bataleon Blaster due to the ability to change the ankle strap position. I think the Strata would be perfect but had the 2023 version and the buckle popped off mid mountain and Union has struggled with that for too long and it freaked me out.
Finally, do you know if these boards have the slamback inserts that would cause problems with a mini disc?
Thanks for everything.
Alex
Hi Alex
Thanks for your message.
Firstly, neither of those boards have any extra setback inserts or anything, so you’d have no issues with using mini discs on these boards.
The Genesis Re:Flex would be a good match, IMO, based on what I know of those boards and based on specs (we haven’t tested either board yet).
We haven’t tested the Vide or Blaster, but based on specs and experience with other Rome bindings, I think they would match fine. The Blaster looks to be a touch softer flexing than the Vice and might be a slightly more pure flex match. Though hard to say for sure, having not tested them. But the Vice still likely in a good flex range for those boards.
Hope this helps with your decision
Thanks so much, Nate! We’ve got to get you on some of these boards and bindings … they’re EPIC and we all would love to know your thoughts too!
You’re very welcome Alex.
I have already been looking to line up all 3 of those for this winter (Dancehaul, Shadowban and Vice), so fingers crossed I can get on them soon.
Awesome!
One last question: of the two bindings that you have ridden: K2 Lien and Union Strata. Which would you pick for my board setup? Shadowban for all mountain stuff, I ride a 160W, and hit jumps, the park sometimes, but mostly groomers, side hits, rollers, riding switch, etc. The Dancehaul , in a 152, for trees, POW, some park but mostly playfulness all over the mountain in a short size.
I have a pair of Genesis now, and I like them, but really liked the Stratas before the buckle popped off. Is this a Union-thing? ( I read that it is), but I’m just not sure. Anyway, let me know thoughts when you have a second. Thanks again!
Hi Alex
I haven’t had that issues with Union bindings before personally. I’m not sure if it’s generally a thing.
Overall I personally like the Genesis a little more than the Lien AT, but there’s not much in it. Both very good bindings, IMO. The Strata I found to give a little more response vs the Genesis, the Lien At about the same as the Genesis, though I would say the Lien AT just a little more responsive – somewhere in between the Genesis Re:Flex and Strata. I would be happy sticking with the Genesis. You might see some response upside with the Lien AT but would be minimal at best, IMO. But you wouldn’t really be losing anything either, if you did want to give Lien AT a try (I didn’t find their ratchets as smooth and not as comfortable as Genesis but those are small things). Board feel is probably actually a little better in the Lien AT. Similar feeling to the Strata board-feel wise, with both gaining that board feel through the mini-disc.
Thanks again for everything. I think I’m landing somewhere between the Strata and the Ultras but I really do want canting and an adjustable forward lean, so I think it’s Stratas then.
Thanks and have fun!
You’re very welcome Alex. Happy riding!
Hi Nate
Would these work with a Salomon dancehaul?
Thanks
Hi Simon
Thanks for your message.
I think they would. I haven’t ridden the Dancehaul, so I don’t know for sure how I would feel it flex-wise, but given the flex rating that Salomon gives it and what I’ve heard of how the board feels, I think the Genesis Re:Flex would work with it.
thanks for your answer Nate, but in terms of highback flex is it still the same ?
thank you
Hi Same
Maybe very subtly stiffer if anything, but not really noticeably, no.
Hi Nate,
if you tried can you tell me the differences between gensis 2022 and gensis 2023?
I noticed that the highback has changed…
Thank you
Hi Same
Thanks for your message.
Yes, the highback has changed a little. I felt like it gained a subtle improvement in response. And by that I felt like I could lean a little deeper into carves for a little longer than with previous Genesis models, without loosing any low speed maneuverability. Note that I didn’t test the Re:Flex model though – just the EST model, but both models got the new high back.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate, thanks for this review.
What do you think about this Genesis for a Ride Peace Seeker? My Bent Mental Solution binding cracked the carbon highback, and I was already really looking for a less stiff feel since that highback was biting my calf all the time and shredding my knees. I was looking for some comfort but without giving up too much responsiveness. I ride west Canadian Rockies and mostly carving down groomers with the eventual tree runs and side hits. Thanks
Hi Juca
Thanks for your message.
I haven’t ridden the Peace Seeker, so couldn’t say for sure. But looking at specs it seems to be on the stiffer side. Probably not the perfect flex-match with the Genesis but given you’re looking to go softer it could work. If the Peace Seeker is roughly a 7/10 flex board, then I’d typically look in the 6/10 to 8/10 flex range. The Genesis is something I felt at a 5/10 bordering on 5.5/10 flex, so it’s borderline. But again, the Peace Seeker might feel a little softer than Ride rates it. I haven’t ridden the Solution either, so I can’t compared the flex of that versus the Genesis.
But the Genesis is really comfortable. No guarantees but I’d be very surprised if you got any calf-bite from it, unless you had pretty excessive high back lean on it. The biggest question mark is whether it would be stiff enough to drive the Peace Seeker. And having not ridden the Peace Seeker, can’t say based on experience.
Hope this somewhat helps
hi Nate.
I would like to buy new bidings.
I saw that this year the highback changed to the genesis model. I would like to know if the highback genesis 2023 is softer than the genesis 2022 model or does it remain the same flex?
thank you
Hi Raul
Thanks for your message.
I tested the 2023 Genesis EST and to me that had the same highback flex that it’s always had. Overall I find the EST model a touch stiffer than the ReFlex model, but the highback, even on the EST model, has a decent amount of flex to it. And yeah, I wouldn’t say it’s softer or stiffer than previous models, from what I felt. Can’t say for sure if that translates exactly to the ReFlex model, but I think it will be the same or very similar in terms of flex. The changing of the highback was done predominantly, as is my understanding to align them with the look of the Genesis Step On bindings and to change the way the kickback hammock connected with the highback. It used to be done with rivets, which caused some issues – the way it’s done now is supposed to be more durable.
Hope this helps
Hope this helps
Hey Nate,
What are your thoughts about this bindings paired with a Custom Flying V (158W)?
Been looking at the Malavita also – not sure which one goes best with my new board.
Thanks for your feedback.
Hi Tony
Thanks for your message.
I think these are pretty much the perfect match for the Process Flying V. That said, Malavita would also work. Unless you have to use the bindings for a non-channel board as well, I’d go EST. It works the best on the Channel.
Hope this helps
Awesome, thanks for your reply!
You’re very welcome Tony. Hope you have an awesome season!
Hi Nate. I posted a Malavita question a few weeks back (thank you for the response), but I haven’t pulled the trigger on any binding yet. To catch you up I was looking for a surfy type binding to match up with a new Rossi Sashimi. Although the bloard is rated 7 in flex by Rossi, I was curious if the Malas would work and based on the past flex ratings by Rossi of leaning toward the stiffer than reality side. Assuming that 7 rating is a bit high, you thought the Malas could work. So my question now is do you think the Genesis would match better? I see you give only a 5 flex rating to the Genesis but mention they can stretch to match a wide range. Thank you and hope you had a great season!
Hi dd
Hard to say for sure, having not ridden the Sashimi, but assuming that it’s flex is more like 6/10, than 7/10, then I think you would be fine with the Genesis – and they should help to give a slightly more surfy feeling than something like the Malavita. Not going to be worlds different – but I think you’d get a bit more of that. But again, that’s on the assumption that it’s a 6/10 flex in reality on the Sushimi. The Genesis would still work even on 7/10 though, so they wouldn’t be wrong, even if that was the case, but more optimal if the board was 6/10. I don’t like to make assumptions, but the Rossi One is rated 7/10 flex and it’s definitely not, IMO. But that’s not to say the Sushimi would necessarily follow that same pattern.
Thanks so much for the great information Nate!
You’re very welcome, as always, dd
Hi Nate,
Very much appreciate these reviews you’ve been doing.
Managed to get my hands on a 163W Yes Typo 2022 with a pair of Adidas Tactical Lexicon ADVs (12 US). I was just wondering if you think these bindings would suit?
In that late beginner-early intermediate phase so don’t really have a specific type of boarding I’d like to do so went with an All-mountain kind of vibe.
Was first thinking of getting a pair of Union Stratas or Contact Pros but noticed that their minidisc won’t work with 4x4s so thinking the Genesis is the next go-to?
Hi Leon
Thanks for your message.
I think the Genesis would work well with that setup – and work well for you as a high-end beginner/early intermediate rider, IMO.
But to note that the Strata and Contact Pro will mount fine to the Typo. Minidiscs still work with 4 x 2, which is what the Typo’s inserts are. There is some confusion out there between 4 x 4 and 2 x 4 and they tend to be used interchangeably, unfortunately (4 hole is sometimes also used). 4 x 4 insert packs are seldom used these days – unless you’re looking at a really budget brand board or a super old board, you’re not likely to get a 4 x 4. The only case where mini-discs aren’t really compatible is with “float pack” or “slam back” “blower stance” inserts. These come with a few different names – but essentially these are boards with an extra set of holes that are 4cm behind the main insert pack. Mini-discs can’t be used to setup on those extra holes. But that’s really the only time they won’t be compatible (and still on those boards you can set up on the normal inserts, just not on those extra inserts – which are designed to be used on powder days). Boards like the YES Standard, Never Summer Peacemaker, Jones Flagship (and there are others, but just from the top of my head) have these extra inserts.
But for the Typo, no issue.
For more details, check this post out.
Hope this helps
Hey Nate. I love reading the reviews of all your boards.
I was wondering what you think about pairing the GENESIS with the YES GREATS. I know the Greats has a 7/10 flex rating, but you said it felt more like a 5.5/10. I’m just wondering if you think that would be a good match up?
Hi Andrew
Thanks for your message.
Yeah, by my feel it’s definitely not a 7/10. I rode the 2022 model, and I’m adjusting the flex to a 6 – but yeah still not a 7/10, by my feel. So yeah, I think the Genesis would work on the Greats. Ideally though, I do think going a little stiffer – like to a 6/10 or 7/10 flex binding is probably the ideal. But the Genesis is still a match, IMO.
Hope this helps
You rode the 2022 model!? How was it?? I ordered it because of how good your review was. Also do you think I should go with the strata’s or the malavita’s with it. Which do you think would best fit the board?
Hi Andrew
Still seriously in love with the Greats! I’ve ridden the 2017, 2019 and 2022 models now, and have loved all of them. Was concerned about the 2019 model, when they changed it so much from the 2017 & 2018 models, but when I rode it, I liked it even more. I own the 2019 model). The 2022 model hasn’t really changed since that 2019 model, but I wanted to ride it again to a. try it in a different size (I rode the 2022 model in the 154) and b. to get a refresher – like to ride a board again if I haven’t for 3 seasons, even if it hasn’t changed. Even though in this case I own it, I still wanted to get a feel – I’d been considering upping the flex to 6 anyway, but wanted to test a less used model, to confirm.
In terms of bindings, I think the Strata’s would be best fit. I ride it with 2019 Falcor’s mostly, but I have of course ridden it with Malavitas, as they’re my test bindings. The Malavitas work really well on it, but I like the extra response from the Falcor. The Strata aren’t quite as stiff as the Falcor, but a touch stiffer than the Malavita and a touch more responsive. I haven’t ridden it with the Strata’s, but that’s the bindings I would ride it with if I had the choice between Malavita and Strata. I’d probably go Strata over the new Falcor’s too. Just because the 2022 Falcor is stiffer than previous models and getting too stiff for the Greats. The 2019 Falcor’s were mellower than the new ones. An older Falcor could work, but I’d be leaning Strata’s.
Hi, Nate. Great site and really helpful reviews! I have a 161 Gnu Mullair with 19/20 Genesis bindings and sz 10.5 Imperial boots. Think I’d notice any appreciable difference between the Genesis and the new 2021 Cartel Xs? Gnu rates the Mullair 161 a 6.5 stiffness so it seems like the Genesis still falls in the range.
I ride aggressive all-mountain/freeride and mainly high speed and carves. I like the side hits and trees, powder when I can get it, and straight hits but no park, pipe or freestyle.
My Genesis are a large and a Burton rep said the Imperials would fit in a M Cartel X binding. Don’t know if the sizing would have any impact on response either.
Thanks!
Hi Gary
Thanks for your message.
Firstly in terms of sizing. I had no issue fitting 10.5 Imperials into my Burton Malavita size M, so I would imagine in the M Cartel X would be no issue. In terms of response, a larger size binding is typically longer and with that extra length can mean more leverage on the edges. But in the case of the Mullair it’s not an overly wide board, so it’s not going to make a big difference. If you were riding a wider board, I would lean towards the L, but for the Mullair it shouldn’t make much/if any difference between the two sizes.
I haven’t ridden the Cartel X, so I don’t know for sure how it feels, but the Cartel, non-X, is already stiffer and a little more responsive than the Genesis, so I would imagine the Cartel X is another step up in flex/response. IMO the Cartel X would be, based on my experience with Burton bindings, and based on the specs, be a better match for the Mullair and certainly a better match for the way you describe your riding. The Genesis isn’t wrong for it and it would do the job for sure, but the Cartel X would be a better match, IMO.
Great, thanks for the advice. I’m going to move into the Cartel Xs in a medium.
I’ve spent hours on your site and find it super informative – even for a guy who’s been riding 32 years!
Thanks Gary, I really appreciate that coming from such an experienced rider. Hope the Cartel X treat you well. If you think of it at the time, let me know how you get on, once you’ve had a chance to get it out on snow
Hey Nate,
Thank you for all the great content and reviews really helped me alot!
I’m gonna buy the 151 warpig, i got a 12us (46 eu) size boot.
i like jumpin side hits butter and carve, which binding do you think will fit best with this style and the warpig? i thought going K2 Lien AT but they don’t have it locally and i’m afraid ordering since i don’t know if i need the L or XL.
Will the genesis fit well with the warpig and my style?
Again thank you for all your work!
Best regards.
Onn
Hey Nate,
Do you have any experience with the Rome Katana, how would it compare to a genesis reflex?
Hi Pat
I don’t currently test Rome gear, so I can’t give you a first hand comparison unfortunately. Based on specs the Katana looks to be a stiffer binding than the Genesis. Likely to also be a little more responsive, because of that. But other than that, I’m not sure.
Hi Nate,
Thanks for the review.
I own a Capita Mercury 53 and the Burton Genesis bindings, both 2020 (Burton photon boots).
I just saw some video and I found that the bindings have an upper extra hole for the ankle strap.
As far as I understand it should make the bindings more responsive.
Is that right?
Will you recommend moving the ankle straps to the upper holes with the Mercury?
Best regards,
Eran.
Hi Eran
I think the biggest difference with that upper setting for the ankle strap is that it gives you more ankle support. But at the same time, I think it does give you just that little bit more response. I would experiment and see how you feel with the higher position. Some like the more secure feeling of it but others like to feel more freedom of movement – so the best way is to try both, IMO.
Thanks Nate, I will try it.
Hi Nate – i ride a Burton Malolo, mostly backcountry/ all mountain(no park).
Cartel or Genesis?
Hi Josh
I haven’t ridden the Malolo, so this is just based on looking at the specs of the Malolo and how you describe your riding. The Malolo looks to be around mid-flex, just on the stiffer side of absolute middle – so in that case, you really could ride either. But given that you’re mostly riding backcountry/all-mountain, then I would be leaning towards the Cartel. If you were riding more freestyle, then the Genesis would come into play more, IMO, but based on what you’re describing I would be leaning towards Cartel, preferably EST, assuming you don’t need them for other boards as well. You could even look at the Genesis X, if you wanted to go for something a little stiffer/more responsive than the Genesis, but keep the good board feel and comfort you get, but otherwise, I would go Cartel
Do you think Burton Genesis EST will work with the Burton Free Thinker?
Not sure of the the flex is to soft for the the medium/stiff Free Thinker.
Thx
Hi Daniel
Thanks for your message.
Ideally, I’d go with something a little stiffer for the Free Thinker. The Cartel EST or Genesis X EST would be better choices, IMO. Genesis is doable and it’s a good binding for adapting to the flex of a board, so it wouldn’t be a terrible option, but I think you would get more out of the Free Thinker on the Cartel or Genesis X.
Hope this helps with your decision
Will this binding be good enough for the Capita mercury?
Hi Andrew
Thanks for your message.
In every other way except for flex/response, it would be good enough. And it’s not way off in terms of flex, but I would personally go for something a little stiffer flexing for the Mercury. At least 6/10 flex and ideally around 7/10 flex. You could check out the following for what I would consider being great options.
>>Top 5 All-Mountain-Freeride Bindings
But also something like the Cartels (6/10 flex) or K2 Lien AT (6/10 flex) or Union Strata (6/10) would certainly work too.
Hope this helps
Great binding, just one small inconvenient, if you decided to adjust you highback during the day, you might be in trouble. It catches a a lot of ice and you can do any adjustments, unless you unfreeze the back clip. Also the paint form the binding comes off or gets scratch yeasty Over all great soft binding.
Hi Andrei
Thanks for your input and sharing your experience.
Hi Nate,
I’m a beginner and looking for bindings for a Burton Clash board. I can get my hands on some 2nd hand genesis bindings for 1/2 of the retail price. Should I go for it or do you recommand to go for the burton freeride, burton custom or burton mission…
thanks in advance
Tom
Hi Tom
If you can get the Genesis 1/2 price then I’d say go for it. The Customs would also match the Clash, but the Genesis are nicer bindings. Assuming you’re a high level beginner or above, then I’d go Genesis. If you’re a very beginner, then the Custom’s are going to be an easier ride.
Hope this helps
Hey Nate, I’m an intermediate level rider and have a ns proto which I bought second hand at the end of the season last year (NZ). My question is as an intermediate rider on steeper, icy groomers I want to be able to initiate my turns quickly, so should I go with a stiffer, more responsive bindings or a more forgiving mid flex binding.?
Hi Adam
I would go with something that’s mid flexing. As an intermediate level rider, something that’s too stiff will be hard to control and will be taking you for a ride more than the other way around to an extent. Of course you probably don’t want to go too soft either given the type of riding it sounds like you do, so that mid level flex is a good option.
Also, the Proto (whether you have the old HD version or the Type Two) is mid flexing, so a mid flexing binding will be the best match for the board.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate, great review, thanks also for keeping it up to date as I know you already wrote this up back in 2015.
I have a question, I’m buying a 2017 NS Chairman, would these bindings be good with them or do you have other recommendations? How about the 2017 Cartels, are they comparable in your opinion?
Cheers,
Tom
Hi Tom
Thanks for your message.
The Chairman is a stiffer flexing board. It’s not one that I’ve had the chance to ride but based on the other Never Summer Boards I’ve ridden, their flex ratings tend to be reasonably accurate.
I would say from what I’ve heard of the Chairman that it’s probably an 8/10 flex-wise, roughly speaking. I always prefer to match a stiffer board with a stiffer binding. So, I think the Genesis would be a touch too soft flexing for the board, to be ideal.
The Cartel is a notch stiffer, but not hugely and then there’s the Genesis “X” which is a touch stiffer again, and I think this would be a great match – but that adds to the price tag.
If you want some other options in that mid-stiff to stiff range, check out the following:
>>Top 5 All-Mountain-Freeride Bindings
>>Top 5 Freeride Bindings
Hope this helps
Hi Nate, thanks so much for the advise, it’s much appreciated.
Cheers,
Tom
You’re very welcome Tom. Thanks for visiting the site
Hi Nate,
Great review. I haven’t been snowboarding for long but would say that I’m an intermediate rider.
I’m going to buy a NS Proto Type 2 board and these bindings, can you recommend a boot that would go well with them for initially on piste but with the idea of moving off piste?
Hi Colin
Great choices! That’s going to be an awesome set up!
In terms of boots, you could go with anything in the next 2 lists. The first list I’ve labelled “Freestyle” but they’re probably more “all-mountain-freestyle”. They’re all around that medium flex range – which would be a good match to the Proto Type 2 and Burton Genesis which are also both medium flex.
But some people like to go a little stiffer with their boots too. So, the boots in the second list will also work – they’ll just be a little stiffer/more advanced. The reason I’ve put that link in there too is a. if you’re going to go stiffer with any part of your set up, then boots are probably where most want to do it and b. because these would be a better off piste choice – particularly if you’re doing any hiking missions because they will have better traction. But they’ll also be more expensive on average than the first list.
~ My Top Freestyle Snowboard Boots (all-mountain/freestyle)
~ My Top 5 All-Mountain Snowboard Boots (all-mountain/freeride)
Hope this helps you with some options – if you want more options or if you have any questions about specific boots, let me know and I’ll be happy to try to answer them.
Thanks Nate.
You’re very welcome
Thanks Nate for the details and expertise!
I am looking at these bindings too and really enjoy your review.
I hesitate with the Genesis X, are they a lot more stiff?
Thanks again
Hi Charles
The Genesis X will be a good bit stiffer than the Genesis but maybe not as stiff as it’s labelled 9/10 flex. I’d say more of an 8/10 – but still pretty stiff.
If you like to charge hard then the Genesis X are probably the way to go but if you ride more casually or if you lean towards more towards the freestyle end of all-mountain riding then the Genesis is the better option.
Hope this helps
I just bought and pair and are setting them up. Do you think I move the ankle strap to the higher notch? the Burton Manual says it will give me more power and support. it came already set on the mower notch. Thanks!
Hi Murph
It really depends on the feel you want. If you want a more locked-in supported feel then the higher notch is the way to go. You’ll probably get a bit more response too. But if you like a looser feel then the lower notch is better.
If you’re not sure, I think the best bet is to try them both out and see which you prefer.
Enjoy the bindings and have an awesome season!
Wow. Very detailed review. And for something that’s going to ensure your safety up there, having details is a must! What do you think it would take to make it a 90/100 instead of 87?
Hi Raphael. Thanks for stopping by.
It is difficult for all-mountain bindings to score more than say 85-90/100. This is because in order to be perfect at one thing (say response) that binding will need to be really stiff – but if it’s really stiff then it won’t have the give you want for freestyle riding. So one set of bindings can’t be all things. All-mountain bindings are trying to get a balance of being really good but not excellent at everything. If they were to be perfect at a few things they are likely to sacrifice being really good in other areas.
To get a score of 87 is extremely good and these bindings are almost doing the impossible (which of course could one day become possible) of being perfect in all areas – and as I mentioned in the post the Genesis bindings get the highest score I’ve seen for all-mountain bindings (in this scoring system), so as far as I can tell they don’t come much better than this.
Hope this answered your question – if you have more questions please feel free to ask.
How do these compare to the bindings that are just built into your board and boots, where you just click into them? Which type is safer?
Hi Sarah.
Thanks for the question.
I’ve never heard of bindings being built into a snowboard, but that doesn’t mean they don’t exist – but it would mean you’d never be able to upgrade your bindings, you wouldn’t get your choice of bindings and you couldn’t take your bindings off one board and put them on another – which is nice to be able to do if you have one more board.
I wouldn’t be concerned about safety with your bindings – especially if you are buying them brand new. They aren’t going to detach themselves from the board – the mounting systems used these days are really secure. That being said it pays to make sure your screws are tight every now and then just to be safe – but you can normally feel when something is loose.
Hope that answers your question. Thanks for visiting.
Great detail in this review. I really like your scoring system.
At first glance these do seem expensive, but as you point out they will work well with multiple boards so they could save you money in the long run if you are serious about this sport.
Hey Jim
Yeah they aren’t the cheapest bindings going around but also aren’t the most expensive (bindings can sometimes go for as much as $500!) they are and I’d say they’re one of the best in terms of the performance you get for your money. And like you say if you have more than one board for different types of riding then the Genesis can most likely do the job for both.