Hello and welcome to my Burton Genesis X review.
In this review I will take a look at the Genesis X as all-mountain-freeride snowboard bindings.
As per tradition here at SnowboardingProfiles.com I will give the Genesis X a score out of 100 (based on several factors) and see how they compare with other all-mountain-freeride bindings.
NOTE: The 2020 model was the last model of the Genesis X, so this review will no longer be updated.
Overall Rating
Bindings: Burton Genesis X
Price: $449 (USD recommended retail)
Style: All-Mountain-Freeride
Other Uses: All–Mountain, Freeride
Flex Rating: Medium-Stiff
Flex Feel: Medium-Stiff (7/10)
Rating Score: 88.8/100
Compared to other All-Mountain-Freeride Bindings
Out of the 14 all-mountain-freeride bindings that I rated:
Overview of the Genesis X’s Specs
Check out the tables for the Genesis X’s specs and available sizes.
Specs
Style: | All-Mountain-Freeride |
Price: | $449 |
Ability Level: |  |
Flex: |  |
Edge-to-edge: | Medium-Fast |
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 X Most Suited to?
The Genesis X are best suited to anyone looking for a binding that’s a bit stiffer than medium but still want something that’s super comfortable and that has great board feel.
The Genesis X take the comfort and board feel of the Genesis but have a stiffer high-back and base plate, which helps to produce better response. So, they’re great for anyone that wants more response and a binding that can match with boards medium to medium-stiff in flex, but don’t want to sacrifice comfort or board feel to get that.
Not for beginners – too stiff for that.
Not for the budget conscious either.
The Genesis X in More Detail
O.k. let’s take a more detailed look at what the Genesis X are capable of.
Demo Info
Bindings: Burton Genesis X
Size: M
Date: April 16, 2017
Conditions: Sunshine! And plenty of it. Snow conditions were a great mix of hard spots and soft-pack on the groomers and plenty of powder to be found off groomer, making it the perfect conditions for demoing – a bit of everything. Quite cold in the morning but got quite warm in the afternoon (it was spring after all, but you’d never have known it with the amount of snow around and the cold morning!)
Bindings angles: +15/-15
Flex
Whilst Burton rate them medium, they also say they have a stiffer high-back than the Genesis, which they also rate medium. And the baseplate in the Gensis X is a Carbon Fibre/Nylon blend vs the Short Glass/Nylon blend in the Genesis.
O.k. so maybe they rate the Genesis around a 5/10 and the Genesis X a 6/10. To me, the Genesis X felt more like a 7/10. They feel a little stiffer than the Cartels (which I would rate a 6/10).
Also, the fact that they rated the 2017 model “stiff” makes me think their rating for the 2018 & 2019 models as “medium” might also be a typo, given that nothing obvious has changed.
Responsiveness
Whilst they aren’t the most responsive bindings I’ve ridden, they are nice and responsive.
A step up in terms of response from the Cartels, Genesis & Malavita.
Board Feel/Butterability
Even though they’re a bit stiffer, they don’t sacrifice any board feel. And this is something I really liked about them. I’m a sucker for board feel and that can often be lost in a stiffer bindings, so when I find a stiffer binding that still has good board feel, then I get excited about them.
Adjustability
Like most Burton bindings, there is almost endless adjustability and a lot of that adjustability is tool-less. The biggest downside where adjustability is concerned is that you can only adjust your stance width in quite wide adjustments due to the re:flex disc which can only be used vertically and not horizontally.
Shock Absorption
The EST version still isn’t as cush, IMO, as the Re:Flex version but still has decent cushioning. The Re:Flex has decent shock absorption. Not as much as the Genesis (non-x) but still pretty good.
Entry/Exit
Super easy to get in and out of. The Flex slider isn’t something that I’m amazed by – it’s ok, but not revolutionary in my opinion – but it’s the smoothness of the ratchets and how easy and fast they are to crank down and to release.
Let’s Break up this text with a Video
Comfort
Apart from a lack of canting in the footbed, these bindings are super comfortable. I found the straps to be super nice and conform to my foot well, the hammock (kickback hammock) in front of the high-back, like on the Genesis, feels amazing and that shock absorption helps to make them feel super comfy. The new toe strap on the 2019 model is a welcome improvement.
Ankle Support
There are 2 ankle strap positions on the Genesis X, like most Burton bindings. The higher position gives more ankle support and the lower position a looser, surfier feel. Overall, the ankle support felt good.
Price
They aren’t the cheapest bindings on the market by any stretch of the imagination. So, if you’ve got a small budget, then maybe not for you, but if cost isn’t an issue, these things are nice to ride.
Changes from the 2019 Model
Looks like they've added Carbon into the material for the highback for the 2020 model and a higher percentage of short glass (30% vs 18% in the 2019 model). Everything looks to be the same as far as I can tell.
Changes from the 2018 Model
The 2019 model is pretty much the same as the 2018 model, except for a new toe strap. A nicely improved toe strap as well.
Changes from the 2017 Model
As far as I can tell the 2018 model is the same as the 2017 model.
Score Breakdown and Final Verdict
Check out the breakdown of the score in the table below.
RATING | Contribution to Final Score | |
|---|---|---|
RESPONSE | 4.0 | 24/30 |
BOARD FEEL | 5.0 | 15/15 |
ADJUSTABILITY | 4.0 | 12/15 |
ANKLE SUPPORT | 4.0 | 12/15 |
SHOCK ABSORPTION | 4.0 | 8/10 |
COMFORT | 4.0 | 8/10 |
ENTRY/EXIT | 4.5 | 4.5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 88.8/100 |
Overall the Genesis X strike that perfect balance between being relatively stiff & responsive but also super comfortable and allowing for great board feel. A great combination that they nail really well.
Not the cheapest option, but if money is no obstacle and they otherwise sound like what you’re looking for then they would be a good buy, IMO.
More Info, Current Prices and Where to Buy Online
If you’re interested in learning more about the Genesis X, are ready to buy or want to research current prices and sizing availability, check out the links below.
If you want to see how the Genesis X compared to other all-mountain-freeride bindings, or want to check out some other options, check out the link below.
Hello sir. Can you give me your advice to chose right bindings to my lib tech cold brew 2022. I cant fight the right bindings. I try chose between atlas, atlas pro or maybe falcor and burton genesis, genesis X, cartel X or malavita. Can you give me your top3 for all mountain riding. Thanks for you answer.
Hi Egor
Thanks for your message.
We haven’t tested the Cold Brew, so can’t say for sure, but based on specs and what I know of it, it’s a mid-flexing board. So, I would try to match it with something mid-flex. So I’d be leaning Genesis or Malavita. You could go as stiff as 7/10 if you wanted though. In which case the Genesis X or the Atlas would be good bets, if you wanted to err a little stiffer. The Falcor (7.5/10 by my feel) and the Atlas Pro (8/10 flex by my feel) are probably a little too stiff, IMO.
Note: The Genesis X is no longer being produced. You might be able to find a used one, but they don’t make them anymore.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi Nate, your website is hands down the best source of information I found and has been very helpful. Thanks.
I just bought a Burton Flight Attendant (159W). I have K2 Maysis boots. My thinking is to buy either Genesis X EST or Union Atlas bindings. Based on your reviews, both options seem about the right style and stiffness for the Flight Attendant. Do you have an opinion on the best fit for the board, including compatibility with the Burton channel system? Or maybe there is another binding altogether you would recommend.
I ride in the Alberta Rockies. I like to carve groomers hard and fast, chase down powder in the trees, and occasionally hike to find some deeper snow. That said I end up going a little slower with my family/kids often as well. I am probably an intermediate going on advanced rider.
Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks in advance!
Simon
Hi Simon
Thanks for your message.
I agree that both bindings will work well on the Flight Attendant. I would be leaning towards the Genesis X EST (if you can find one – or the Cartel X EST, which is also a great match, if you can’t find an old Genesis X). If it was between Genesis X Re:Flex and Atlas, then it would be closer to 50/50 (though I’d probably still be just leaning Genesis X), but the way EST works with the Channel, I think that’s your best match (so long as you don’t need the bindings to work on other boards).
The Atlas comes compatible with the Channel, so you’d have no issues with compatibility if you did decide to go with the Atlas. And the Atlas certainly wouldn’t be a wrong choice or anything.
Other options would be the Flux XF (as long as it’s a 2021 or more recent version comes compatible with the channel. If an older model, then you’d need to get a separate disc to make them compatible), Union Falcor and Salomon Highlander would all be good matches for the board and for what you’re describing (and the Cartel X EST as mentioned above).
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi Nate, thanks for your advice, that’s very helpful. I admit I didn’t know that Burton was not coming out with a Genesis X model this year. After some searching it looks like it will be pretty hard to find a 2021 Genesis X EST. I take it that the 2022 regular Genesis EST is not an equivalent binding, but is a bit softer and probably not as good a fit for the Flight Attendant? Thanks again!
Hi Simon
Yeah, the regular Genesis EST is a little too soft, IMO, for the Flight Attendant. Yeah probably pretty hard to find the Genesis X now – the last model was the 2020 model. The Cartel X EST would work really well though, IMO.
Hi Nate, love your thoughtful responses and methodical reviews. It feels more like the advice from a trusted friend vs an anonymous reviewer.
For the 2020 Jones Mountain Twin, which would you say is a better match between the Burton Genesis X (or non-x) and Union Atlas?
My riding style is mostly groomers + carving, occasional tree run, and like to jump off things in and outside the park. Split my time between West coast pow and East coast ice. Skill level I would say is intermediate-advance-ish
Hi Dan
Thanks for your message.
I would be weighing up between the Genesis X and Atlas. The Genesis (non-x) is just that little bit on the soft side for the Mountain Twin, IMO. Definitely doable and not way off, but between those, I think the Atlas and Gen X are the better matches. Not much between the Gen X and Atlas for the choice, but a couple of things to consider.
1. The Atlas is a slightly better flex match to the MT, just a touch softer flexing than the Gen X.
2. The Gen X has better board feel. The Atlas isn’t too bad in that area, but the Gen X is just a step up.
3. For most other factors, they are fairly even, it’s really the board feel that’s the biggest performance difference. The Atlas is a little more adjustable, but in terms of response, ankle support, shock absorption and comfort, they are very close.
So, I’d say it’s a choice between going with a marginally softer Atlas, which, IMO, is a slightly better flex match – or getting the better board feel of the Gen X. Of course, there’s a decent price difference to consider too.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi Nate, I just bought Yes Greats, I have these bindings currently on Libtech TRS.
Are these bindings ok for Greats or should I get something softer?
Hi Vladimir
Thanks for your message.
I find the Greats and TRS to be very similar flex wise (the Greats maybe softer tip and tail but stiffer in the middle of the board), so if you like the Genesis X on the TRS, then I reckon you’ll like them on the Greats too. I like to ride my Falcor’s on the Greats and they’re similar flex-wise to the Gen X. I also like riding my Malavitas on it, and they’re softer. So you could get slightly softer bindings for it, if you wanted, but if you liked the Gen X on the TRS, then I’d stick with them on the Greats.
Did you go with the 156 in the end?
Thanks Nate, then Ill stick with genesis since i bought them last year.
Hahah I cant believe you remember my question. Yes, actually I have decided on 156. I am working on getting my weight down in a gym, since i think 156 will be ideal for what i want from this board. 159 would probably be slow to turn and less versatile. Maybe good for carving but that’s it.
Cant wait to try Greats, you hyped me quite a bit with your review. 🙂 I read some opposite reviews from some angry *cough* dude 🙂 which says new Greats sux compared to 2018 model. I decide to stick with your opinon, so pretty stoked about new season.
Anyhow, I appreciate you responding 🙂
You’re very welcome Vladimir.
I had to go back and look at old comments, but I recognized your name (my memories not quite so good to remember our actual conversation!), so I knew you had commented before, and I like to go back over old comments to get the full picture before responding.
Hope you enjoy the Greats as much as I do
Hey Nate,
Would the genesis X pair up with the Mercury? Thanks.
Hi Pat
Absolutely. They are a good match, IMO. Mercury around 6.5/10 flex-wise, and the Genesis X 7/10 (by my feels) – which is a great match, in my books.
Hey nate,
I just put some genesis x on lay by as I’ve had to downsize my bindings. I noticed they have auto cant now.
These will match my custom x well?
Also just a update, the stratas work well with the yes ghost! Was a great ride and def a step down in aggressive and Still went hard when I wanted it to. I’m very curious on trying falcors though.
Do you think the falcors would match the yes optimistic and custom x better than the genesis x? The Falcor is a superior ride compared to the genesis x?
Cheers
Tim
Hi Tim
Thanks for the update re the Ghost/Strata setup. Sounds like a great combo to me.
I think the Falcors would work well with the Optimistic and Custom X. But the Genesis X definitely a good match there too. I found the Falcors just that little bit more responsive than the Genesis X, so you might get just a bit more response out of them on those boards. I slightly prefer the Falcor to the Genesis X, because of that slight bit of extra response, but both are really good bindings and there’s not heaps in it, to be fair.
Hi Nate,
First of all I’m really enjoying those reviews.
Secondly, I was wondering if you’d recommend upgrading to the Genesis X from what I have now. I am an aggressive rider. Love to carve on the groomers, I’ll go in the powder if there good snow and love it and I like to go fast. I have a Burton Custom X 2018 and put my Malavita’s EST on it and I just bought the Burton Driver X boots (haven’t riden those yet). I came across an advertisement where I can buy second hand Genesis X bindings. Would you recommend me to buy those and replace my Malavita’s from 2016/2017? How would I feel its different, how does it ride different? And what would be a fair price to pay for it? I can buy them new for €380 (Europe). These bindings have been used for 1 week.
Thank you!
Kind regards,
Ronald
Hi Ronald
Thanks for your message.
I would say you’d get a bit more response out of the Genesis X with your setup. Since you’re riding the Driver X and the Custom X, and like to ride aggressively, I think a stiffer binding than the Malavita would work better (like the Genesis X). Just going to give you a bit more response and bit more.
I don’t usually comment on pricing, so don’t quote me on this, but if they’ve only been ridden for a week, and are in like-new good condition, then I don’t know maybe 80% to 85% of new price? Around €300 to €320 maybe. But I’m not really sure.
Hope this helps with your decision