Below are what I rate as the Top 5 All-Mountain Freeride snowboard bindings currently on the market. This list has been updated for the 2017-18 season.
See end of post to learn more about what I class as ‘all-mountain-freeride’.
As per usual at SnowboardingProfiles.com, each binding will be given a score out of 100.
Comparison Stats
Of 16 different all-mountain-freeride bindings that I rated:
- The average score was 79.8/100
- The highest score was 94.7/100 (see below)
- The lowest score was 56.4/100
- The average price was $283
O.k. let’s get into the top 5!
All-Mountain-Freeride Binding #5
Bindings: Salomon Defender
Price: View More Info and Current Prices Here
Smart rating score: 81.9/100
Flex: Medium-Stiff (7/10)
The Salomon Defenders are the 2nd most affordable bindings in this list (after #4) and come in at well under the average price for this category of bindings.
But it’s not just price that the Defender bindings have going for them. They also have ample response for quick edge-to-edge transition, and they offer good boot support and are one of the easiest bindings around to adjust to get that perfect fit.
Check Out the Video Below for More Info
Score Breakdown for the Defenders
| FACTOR | RATING (OUT OF 5) | CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE |
|---|---|---|
| Responsiveness: | 4.0 | 20/25 |
| Board Feel: | 3.0 | 9/15 |
| Adjustability: | 4.0 | 12/15 |
| Ankle Support: | 4.0 | 12/15 |
| Shock Absorption: | 3.5 | 7/10 |
| Comfort: | 4.0 | 8/10 |
| Entry/Exit: | 4.0 | 4/5 |
| Flex: | 5.0 | 5/5 |
| TOTAL after normalizing | 81.9/100 |
All-Mountain-Freeride Binding #4
Bindings: Flux TT
Price: View More Info and Current Prices Here
Smart rating score: 84.0/100
Flex: Medium-Stiff (7/10)
The TTs are the cheapest binding on this list and come in well under the average price for this type of binding.
You get great response and an overall decent quality binding for a small price.
If you can handle a bit of a lack of shock absorption but want something with decent response, a low price-tag and something that will provide great ankle support, then the TTs are a great fit.
Check Out the Video Below for More Info
This video is for the 2017 model. The 2018 model features some upgrades, including a new honeycomb strap, which I personally think was a great improvement.
Score Breakdown for the Flux TT
| FACTOR | RATING (OUT OF 5) | CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE |
|---|---|---|
| Responsiveness: | 4.0 | 20/25 |
| Board Feel: | 3.5 | 10.5/15 |
| Adjustability: | 4.5 | 13.5/15 |
| Ankle Support: | 5.0 | 15/15 |
| Shock Absorption: | 2.5 | 5/10 |
| Comfort: | 3.0 | 6/10 |
| Entry/Exit: | 4.0 | 4/5 |
| Flex: | 5.0 | 5/5 |
| TOTAL after normalizing | 84.0/100 |
All-Mountain-Freeride Binding #3
Bindings: Flux TM
Price: View More Info and Current Prices Here
Smart rating score: 92.0/100
Flex: Medium-Stiff (7/10)
Flux are just good at making responsive bindings, IMO. And the TMs are no different. They might be a bit heavier and slightly softer flexing than their older brothers, the XF and XV, but the TMs are almost as responsive – and have that same board feel.
They are the top responding bindings on this list (along with #2 below).
If shock absorption is a big deal to you, and you don’t have high shock absorbing boots to compensate, then they may not be perfect for you, but otherwise these are a great choice for all-mountain freeride style riding.
Check Out the Video Below for More Info
This video is for the 2017 model, but most of it is still relevant. The 2018 model does have a new waffle strap in place of the honeycomb strap though.
Score Breakdown for the Flux TM
| FACTOR | RATING (OUT OF 5) | CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE |
|---|---|---|
| Responsiveness: | 5.0 | 25/25 |
| Board Feel: | 4.0 | 12/15 |
| Adjustability: | 4.5 | 13.5/15 |
| Ankle Support: | 5.0 | 15/15 |
| Shock Absorption: | 2.5 | 5/10 |
| Comfort: | 3.5 | 7/10 |
| Entry/Exit: | 4.0 | 4/5 |
| Flex: | 5.0 | 5/5 |
| TOTAL after normalizing | 92.0/100 |
All-Mountain-Freeride Binding #2
Bindings: Union Falcor
Price: View More Info and Current Prices Here
Smart rating score: 93.6/100
Flex: Medium-Stiff (7/10)
The Falcor are the replacement in the Union line for the old T Rice. But they’re not just a name change – they’ve completely redesigned this binding.
One of the major upgrades, which makes this binding a step above the old T Rice, IMO – is that it has Union’s mini-disc. This improves the board feel of the Falcor over the T Rice and over other Union offerings for this category like the Atlas.
I’m big on board feel so that’s a big tick in my books – but even more importantly for this category, the Falcor’s have the best response (equal with the TM) on this list.
So, if you’re looking for bindings that have a good bit of stiffness, are super light, have great response and still have good board feel, then these are a great option.
Check Out the Video Below for More Info
Score Breakdown for the Falcor
| FACTOR | RATING (OUT OF 5) | CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE |
|---|---|---|
| Responsiveness: | 5.0 | 25/25 |
| Board Feel: | 5.0 | 15/15 |
| Adjustability: | 4.0 | 12/15 |
| Ankle Support: | 3.0 | 9/15 |
| Shock Absorption: | 5.0 | 10/10 |
| Comfort: | 4.0 | 8/10 |
| Entry/Exit: | 4.0 | 4/5 |
| Flex: | 5.0 | 5/5 |
| TOTAL after normalizing | 93.6/100 |
All-Mountain-Freeride Binding #1
Bindings: Burton Genesis X
Price: View More Info and Current Prices Here
Smart rating score: 94.7/100
Flex: Medium-Stiff (7/10)
The Genesis (the version without the X) also made my list of the top all mountain bindings. So it’s no surprise that it’s bigger, better older brother tops this list.
With more response than the Genesis but all else being just as high quality, the Genesis X scores well in every area that I rated.
They’re not the most responsive bindings on this list – but they’re still really responsive and they don’t have a single weakness that I could detect.
As with most Burton bindings, you can get the Genesis X in both a Re:Flex model and an EST model.
Check Out the Video Below for More Info
Score Breakdown for the Genesis X
Genesis X Re:Flex
| FACTOR | RATING (OUT OF 5) | CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE |
|---|---|---|
| Responsiveness: | 4.0 | 20/25 |
| Board Feel: | 5.0 | 15/15 |
| Adjustability: | 4.5 | 13.5/15 |
| Ankle Support: | 4.0 | 12/15 |
| Shock Absorption: | 4.5 | 9/10 |
| Comfort: | 5.0 | 10/10 |
| Entry/Exit: | 4.5 | 4.5/5 |
| Flex: | 5.0 | 5/5 |
| TOTAL after normalizing | 94.7/100 |
Genesis X EST
| FACTOR | RATING (OUT OF 5) | CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE |
|---|---|---|
| Responsiveness: | 4.0 | 20/25 |
| Board Feel: | 5.0 | 15/15 |
| Adjustability: | 4.5 | 13.5/15 |
| Ankle Support: | 4.0 | 12/15 |
| Shock Absorption: | 3.5 | 7/10 |
| Comfort: | 4.5 | 9/10 |
| Entry/Exit: | 4.5 | 4.5/5 |
| Flex: | 5.0 | 5/5 |
| TOTAL after normalizing | 91.5/100 |
Over To You
Thanks for reading and I hope this has narrowed down some great all-mountain-freeride binding options for you.
If you want to learn more about any of these bindings or want to check out current prices, check out the links at the top of each binding description above.
Hi Nate
I would like to seek your opinion on two bindings that I’ve got my eyes on. Before that, just a little about myself. I will count myself as still being new to snowboarding since I only began last december. Based on your snowboarding levels, I am at intermediate level 4, trying to go to level 5. I ride a yes basic and jones mountain twin (purchased recently) with union contact pro bindings. So far, I have only been riding on-piste. Currently, I am looking for a more responsive binding and also hope to try out off-piste and hence the mountain twin purchase. I am looking for one that can last me for a long time, in terms of advancement in level and product life, considering that I have already spent a bomb in just 4 months.
The two bindings I am looking at are the union t.rice and now drive. Having used the contact pros, I would say union makes pretty good bindings. The only gripe that I have about it is that the toe straps are rather small and do not feel as secure. Hence, I tend to tighten them up which would cause the buckle to create a pressure point on my toe. Other than that, the contact pros have been great. As for the now drive, it was recommended by one of the sales guys at my local snowboarding shop. I have not been able to find much reviews of it online.
May I know your opinions on these two bindings (hopefully you had tried the now bindings before – keeping my fingers crossed on this since you don’t seem to review the brand). Also, are there any other bindings that you would recommend?
Thanks!
P.s. I am looking at purchasing the bindings soon because of the end of season sale. And also because I live in London, so I have been told that prices for the upcoming year’s model would increase because of the sterling. However, I would only get to ride mountains again only in december.
Hi Chris
Thanks for your message.
Unfortunately I haven’t tried the NOW Drives. The only NOWs I have tried are the IPOs. It’s not a brand I usually demo. I thought the IPOs were decent bindings – good quality and all round solid – but they didn’t blow me away in terms of response. Or in terms of board feel. The Drives from what I can tell are a bit more responsive than the IPOs though.
Definitely not something you’d regret getting I don’t think. But I think the T.Rice would deliver more.
My only concern with a binding like this is that they might be too stiff for an intermediate rider. The other thing you could consider, if you could find them would be a Union Ultra (non-FC version) or a K2 Lien FS. The other option could be a Union Atlas. It’s a little softer flexing than the T.Rice but more than the others I just mentioned.
I think the T.Rice would be something that would certainly last you in terms of performance but it’s a couple of rungs up in terms of flex from the Contact Pros. You do get some performance jumps in terms of response but they would take a little while to get used to. If you’re ok with that then go T.Rice. Otherwise something like the Atlas or the Ultra or K2 Lien FS, would work well.
I hope this helps with your decision.
Hi Nate
Thanks for your input!
It seems that the T.Rice bindings just went out of stock recently. I will try to look for the other models that you recommend and see whether I can demo them before buying.
I have a couple more questions. Apologies for bombarding you with so many questions.
1) How does baseplate stiffness differ from highback stiffness? Ultimately, how do they affect responsiveness? I checked that the union ultra has a stiffer highback but less stiff baseplate that the atlas. So what does this translate to?
2) Would i get more responsiveness from changing my bindings or boots? I am currently using the Burton Moto. Comfortable boots, but I am having issues with the speed zone lacing. The locking mechanism for the upper zone on my left boots (the small catch thingy that locks the lace in place after pulling and tightening the boots) seems to be spoiled. It no longer works properly and does not lock the upper zone, causing it to come loose, even without any movement. So imagine how loose the boots is while riding. Any boots that you can recommend for my situation stated in the earlier post (either BOA or traditional lacing)? Would you recommend a medium or medium-stiff? I am looking at the burton concord and ride lasso. However, reviews for ride boots seem to state that they are not very durable.
3) On the topic of boots, how important is it for a pair of boots to be low profile. From your posts, it seems that mainly adidas, ride and burton make low profile boots. That narrows down my choices if I were to go the low profile route. Adding on, adidas boots tend to be on the more expensive side, while the mid range burton boots tend to using speed lacing (not preferred by me given my experience) and ride boots don’t seem to be very durable (base on many reviews that i read). That doesn’t leave me with much options. To put things into context, I ride a 155cm yes basic and 157cm jones mountain twin with US10.5 burton boots. And my setup is +18/-18, if that helps. Given this, would I need low profile boots or any boots will do? And back to the qus in point 2, what would you recommend then?
Thanks so much Nate!
Hi Chris
You’re very welcome.
This would be my take on your questions.
1. Really good question. Union is the only company I can think of, offhand, that publishes separate highback and baseplate ratings. That’s not to say that others don’t have them, and I assume they do – but most don’t publish this. They just give an overall rating. In addition to this the Ultras seem to have the largest difference in baseplate and highback flex. To start with, the Ultras, to me, felt like they had a medium flex overall. So this would make me think that the “feel” of stiffness comes largely from the baseplate. But also, I feel like the 9/10 rating on the highback of the ultra is probably overstating it a little bit. It didn’t feel quite that stiff to me. But twisting the highback it does feel stiffer than medium for sure probably 8/10. Just that when you’re actually riding them it feels like medium overall – if this makes sense.
But that’s in terms of feel – in terms of responsiveness I think the highback might have just as much influence. And the reason that I say that is because the Union Contact Pro (which is a quite similar binding to the Ultra) has the same baseplate flex (5/10) but a softer highback (5/10) and I definitely felt like the Ultra is more responsive than the Contact Pro. Also to keep in mind that the Contact Pro, to me feels softer overall than the Ultra – I would rate it a medium soft (4/10) overall. So, given that Union rate both as having a 5/10 baseplate and I felt that the Contact Pros are overall a 4/10 flex and the Ultras more of a 5/10 pushing 6/10 – that the highback does make a difference to the overall flex – and certainly to the overall responsiveness.
What I would say too is that I think that baseplate stiffness probably contributes to board feel too – i.e. I think you probably get a bit more board feel from a softer flex but a little less response. The Ultras with the mini-disc and that really soft footbed and the softer flexing baseplate really make for some amazing board feel – like it feels like there aren’t any deadspots underfoot. The Atlas matches the Ultra in terms of responsiveness, in my opinion but doesn’t have as good a board feel. So if board feel isn’t too important for you, then the Atlas are the better choice (because they are a good bit cheaper). I hope this articulated my thoughts ok and wasn’t too confusing!
2. I want to say bindings make a bigger difference to response – but boots do make a considerable difference so I’m not sure I could choose. I think the response in this case becomes the strength of the weakest link in some ways. If you have really responsive bindings and unresponsive boots you’re going to get more response than if you had unresponsive both and visa versa if you have responsive boots and unresponsive bindings it’s going to give you more response than unresponsive both. But the response of the responsive element will be limited by the unresponsive element. If they are both responsive then you maximize the response of both.So I think you get a total that’s greater than the sum of the parts when you get both that are at the kind of response level that you are aiming for. Again, I hope this makes sense!
I think medium or medium-stiff would be ok for you. I’d normally encourage medium for an intermediate rider over medium-stiff – but it does sound like you are progressing quickly, and you do sound like you have a desire for extra response and longevity in terms of advancement. Just know that snowboard boots don’t last as long as you think, if you are riding 40+ days, then typically I find 2 seasons is a typical lifetime. If you’re riding less days then obviously they last longer.
Check out the links below to see some medium flex and medium-stiff options.
>>My Top All Mountain (medium-stiff) Snowboard Boots
>>My Top Freestyle (medium) Snowboard Boots
There are a good few boa and traditional lacing options in there.
I think the 32 Binary Boa would be a good pick from the second list – still medium flex but you get a little more response out of it than a typical medium flexing boot, IMO.
Also to add to the medium-stiff list you could add the Burton Photon Boa (rated 6th in that list and is a non speed lace Burton option).
In terms of durability, that’s one thing I never comment on. The reason being is that I am never on gear long enough to determine whether or not its durable. So I’ll leave that one up to your judgement.
3. In my opinion low profile boots are only necessary for those that have longer feet but want to fit on regular width boards. Or for those with 10s – 11s kinds of sizes wanting to fit on a shorter board with a narrower width. And of course there’s no disadvantage to having them if you don’t them – but you don’t have to go for them if you don’t need them.
In your case with 10.5s I’d say you’ll be fine on the 157cm Mountain Twin (253mm waist). The 155cm Basic (251mm) would be cutting it a little finer (I know only 2mm but you’ve got to draw the line somewhere!). But, especially given you have +18/-18 angles, I’d say you’d be fine without really low profile boots so I wouldn’t restrict your search to those 3. Normally I’d say if you wanted to go under 252mm with 10.5s that you should go low profile but I think you’d be ok on your basic still without them.
I would say this order for reduced footrpint in terms of the brands that I look at:
Really Good: Adidas, Burton, Ride
Good: Thirty Two, DC
Average: K2, Salomon, Vans, Rome
Hope this answers all your questions – and that you understand my answers!
Hi Nate
Thanks for taking your time to answer so many questions of mine! Really appreciate it!
Right now I am deciding whether to upgrade my bindings or boots first. Can’t do them both at the same time because of the cost.
Looking at your boot recommendation, I really like the burton photon. Not really a fan of the 32 binary because of the lack of traction due to the sole. I like boots with good traction or I’m gonna have problem getting off the chairlift. Lol! Sadly, the burtons seem to be out of stock for my size here in the UK. So I might probably go with getting a new binding first, and also hopefully getting my current boots fixed.
Once again, thank you for you advice!
Hi Chris
You’re very welcome.
I agree with your thinking – if the boots you want aren’t available at the moment, go with the bindings first. I think the Burton Photon Boa would be a good option for you – especially given that you currently have Burton boots which sound like they fit you well and are comfortable. Typically fit across a brand is similar – so you could be confident of a similar fit but in a more responsive boot.
Hi Nate!
I’m living in Russia, so I apologise for any mistakes in my English.
I will count myself as Intermediate-Advanced and I want to add more freeride/powder into my typical riding – groomers and buttering, so I’ve ordered GNU Zoid for this purpose. And I need a bindings =)
I’ve found not good reviews about Ride Capo’s mini disc, Burton Genesis X and Union Ultra FC are too expensive and I can’t find right size near me, so I choose from Union T.Rice and Salomon Defender.
Could you please give me your opinion about these two bindings for my purpose?
Hi Veresk
Thanks for your message. Both would be suitable for the GNU Zoid. I would say that the Union T Rice is slightly better than the Salomon Defender – in my opinion – but the Defender is cheaper, so if you wanted to save money that is the cheaper option.
Hope this helps
Thank you for your answer!
Hi Nate,
Love all your hard work and reviews!
I recently purchased a 161W Jones ultra mountain twin. Now I’m trying to decide what boots and bindings to add to it. I generally board in Japan and spend most of my times in the trees in powder. I’ve been thinking about the genesis X for bindings and either the Adidas tactical ADVs or Blauvelt as boot options (I have size 12 feet). I was wondering what you thought of this potential set up? And whether there may be any better alternatives? I’ve also read on a couple of other reviews sites that the Blauvelts tend to break down quite quickly compared to the tactical ADVs this ring true to your experience using them at all? Thanks
Hi Alex
Yeah, that setup sounds great to me! And I think it’s probably a good idea to go with something from Adidas/Burton/Ride for your boots because of their low profile nature. You’d probably be fine on the 260mm waist of the 161W Mountain Twin on any boots, but no harm to be really sure by having low profile boots – and all those brands make quality boots, IMO.
In terms of the breaking down of the Blauvelts vs the ADVs, I can’t really comment on that. Apart from gear that I own myself, I don’t have gear long enough to be able to tell how durable it is or long things take to loose their shape etc.
And can’t go wrong with the Genesis X, IMO. Just make sure you get the Re:Flex model, as the EST model won’t be compatible with the Mountain Twin.
Hi Nate!
Awesome list here! Huge fan of your reviews.
I have recently done a bit of upgrading in my gear as I start to hit more advanced riding.
I have made the trek from the yes Basic to the yes Standard, the 32 Chris Bradshaw to the Burton ION 2017 and during the time I was riding over the weekend, I have felt much more comfortable and confident.
Currently, I am considering selling my 2015 Nitro Zero bindings and upgrading to the Genesis X. My goal is for more off piste and more comfort in my rides. One of the gripes I have with my Nitro Zeroes is how if I crank the toe really tight, it starts to pinch my little toes and it gets very uncomfortable very quickly. However, Burton Genesis X is not something I have physically seen in store so I would have to buy them blind and test them out. Do you think the binding purchase would complement and complete my set up? Happy to hear any other suggestions as well.
Cheers mate
Hi Peter
I think that the Genesis X would work well with your current setup.
I haven’t ridden any Nitro bindings so I couldn’t say for sure how they would compare with the Genesis X but just from what I know about the Zeros, I would say that you’re likely to get a more comfortable ride out the Genesis X – certainly a bit more shock absorption I would imagine (just because Burton bindings tend to be market leaders where shock absorption is concerned) and I’ve never had any toe discomfort with Burton toe straps – certainly not with the Genesis X.
Also, I think you’ll likely get an increased board feel – Burton’s Re:Flex tech (and make sure you get the Re:Flex model as ESTs won’t be compatible with the YES Standard) provides really good board feel. In saying that, it looks like the Zeros do have a mini-disc so the board feel there is likely to be pretty good too – but I’d say that the Genesis X would still give you a bit more there.
The cheaper option would be the Genesis (without the X) which would also work with your setup – but you’d sacrifice a bit of response if you went that way.
Hope this helps with your decision
Thanks for the great review!
I really liked you going above and beyond reviewing both the Genesis X EST and Re:Flex. Only problem I have is that in the score breakdown sheet both of them are stated as Genesis X Re:Flex. Could you please distinguish which one is the EST?
Thanks
Hi Lawrence
Ooops. You’re right. I have fixed that now. The second rating table is for the ESTs. Thanks for pointing that out.
Hi Nate,
I have a current dilemma choosing which bindings to go with. I’ve bought a Jones Ultra Mountain Twin and love to mainly spend my time off piste in the trees and powder. I really wanted to get the Genesis X bindings but the 2017’s have all sold out in my size and the 2018 is way too expensive right now. However both the 2017 Genesis and the Burton X Base bindings are on sale for $360 and $400 AUD respectively (the 2018 Genesis X is $550). My questions is will the X Base be possibly too stiff for my set up or will the Genesis be too soft? I’m not sure which one to go for, please help!
P.S. I’m planning on paring these with either the Burton Ions or Photons boots too.
Thanks Legend
Hi Alex
Thanks for your message.
I think the Genesis X would probably be the ideal setup there in terms of Burton bindings – but definitely understand that they aren’t cheap if you can’t get last season’s model. But I haven’t tested the Ultra Mountain Twin yet (it keeps alluding my grasp!) – so I couldn’t say for sure. If it was the regular Mountain Twin, then I would say that the Genesis would be the best match over the X Base. I have heard that the Ultra Mountain Twin does feel stiffer than the regular MT. In which case then the Genesis may not be responsive enough to be ideal. You could certainly still pair up the Genesis with that board – and the way that the Genesis flexes with the board, it’s really versatile and can work with slightly stiffer boards.
But the X Base would definitely be responsive enough – but maybe getting too stiff, depending on what you like. If you’re an advanced rider and really want to get that extra response, and you’re not going to spend too much time in the park or anything like that, then these could work. I wouldn’t normally pair anything this stiff with a board like the Ultra Mountain Twin – but these bindings also flex well with the board, so they could work and would certainly increase the response of the board.
But if you’re more intermediate level, and like to cruise a bit more on groomers, or spend a bit of time in the park (which it sounds like you don’t?), then the Genesis are probably a better bet. They’ll allow a bit more maneuverability at slower speeds – but won’t be as responsive at higher speeds. They’re also a bit more comfortable and shock absorbing, though the X Base aren’t bad in those areas.
The Genesis X would be ideal, but hopefully this has given you more to off for your decision if you have to choose between these two.
Hi Nate,
Really enjoy your reviews and everything.
By looking at reviews and other researches, I have narrowed down two binding to choose from Genesis X or Genesis. I understand that the difference is the stiffness in them, and that will really depend on personal skills and preference. I think I am a intermediate level snowboarder and do all mountain riding for most the time.
Right now I am riding a Burton custom Blend form 2016, and NOW IPO, and I am not very happy with the set up. So I am thinking about upgrading to Burton Genesis or the Genesis X but I am not sure which one should I go for? In the future, I am thinking toward a stiffer board with more or free riding style. Will the X be too responsive that I wouldn’t be able to handle?
Hi Robert
I would normally say that the Genesis would be the best match for that board. But since you are looking to go for a stiffer board in the future, then the Genesis X would be a better match there, if you didn’t also want to upgrade your bindings. Genesis would also be better as an intermediate level binding. But if you are going to be moving to a stiffer board, then going Genesis X would mean that you wouldn’t also have to upgrade your bindings. Probably ideally you’d go Genesis now and then get a stiffer binding once you went for a stiffer board. But totally get it that you probably don’t want to have to buy two sets of bindings in a short time.
And the plus is that the Genesis X do have good board feel – they flex well with the board. I find that bindings that flex with the board well are more versatile when it comes to flex matching – by that I mean that they can span a wider range of flex levels. So the Genesis X can go on something softer flexing and kind of adapt to the flex of the board. Only to some extent – like you wouldn’t want to put them on something that was super-soft flexing – but since the Custom is mid-flexing and not that soft, the Genesis X will work on it, without totally overpowering it.
Hope that makes sense and helps with your decision
i have a size 10 burton imperial boot from a few years ago. what size binding should i go with. ill be buying the genesis x soon after a lot of research, mostly from your site as well as some forums? is it better to have a tighter fit with a smaller binding ? will my boot be pushing the limit squeezing into a size medium? i think my current malavitas are a size large but i dont know how i can tell. i cant find any markings on it with size. thanks
Hi Phil
Thanks for your message.
I wear size 10s and I prefer Burton bindings in medium. They are snug for sure, but I like that snug feel. You shouldn’t have any problems fitting into the Medium, but some prefer the extra space of the large. I’d personally go medium.
Now that I look at my own Malavita’s I can’t see any markings either. But I can tell you that the base plate is 22cm (8.66″) long when the toe ramp is all the way in. If the length of your base plate is longer than that they’re likely to be large – if it’s the same, then they’ll be mediums.
Hope this helps
I’m also considering the now drive bindings. They have a preset highback angle(10 degrees). I’ve heard good things about them. But I ride with both feet in a positive angle. Will I have issues with not being able to rotate the highback?
Hi Phil
Personally, I don’t worry too much about high back rotation. It’s nice to do if it’s available, but not all bindings have high-back rotation. I don’t see it as too big a deal.
Hi Nate,
Great stuff. I just bought a T. Rice 161.5. I’m 6’2″ 185 with 11.5 boot. Advanced rider who likes to cruise around at high speeds, occasionally hit some jumps, but don’t spend much time in the park. Thinking Burton genesis or X version or Union ultra or falcor. Open to any thoughts/suggestions.
Thanks,
Sloane
Hi Sloane
Thanks for your message.
If going Burton I would go for Genesis X for the T.Rice. I think the Genesis wouldn’t be stiff/responsive enough for the T.Rice. The Genesis X would be a better bet, IMO.
If going Union, either the Ultra or the Falcor would work, but I would be leaning towards the Falcor for the T.Rice Pro.
Hope this helps
Heya Nate…
So ive got a 162cm Endeavour Archetype board for pow days and a Neversummer proto type two board 157cm for all mountain…
Considering Burton Reflex Cartels leather edition…or Union Atlas ….Union Force or Genesis x….want something responsive for moving the wide width of the archetype … im an intermediate rider whos been riding burton cartels …. Rome Katanas …and on freestyle board union contacts….so what bindings will match up well with the Proto type 2 ?
Hi Steve
Thanks for your message.
On the Endeavor Archetype, being stiffer and wider, I would probably go for the Union Atlas out of those. More responsive than the Cartels and a little more responsive than the Force but also Union have a longer baseplate than Burton bindings, so that extra length will work better, leverage-wise on the wider Endeavor. The Atlas over the Force, mainly because they’re a little stiffer, which would better suit the stiffer Archetype. Or better yet the Union Falcor, IMO.
For the Proto Type Two, it’s a softer board, but if you’re going to be doing more freestyle type stuff on it, then something with good board feel would be great. In that case, the Cartel and Genesis X come into play. The Genesis X perhaps is a little too stiff for it, but would still work, IMO, and would certainly be more responsive than the Cartel’s, but the Cartels would be a better match Flex-wise.
But if you’re looking for something to go with both the Archetype and the Proto Type Two, I would consider the Falcors. They will likely be very responsive on the Proto Type Two but also have great board feel – and they will be responsive and have that leverage of a longer base plate for he wider/stiffer Archetype.
Genesis X would also work as a binding for both board, but my pick would be Falcor.
Hope this helps