Which bindings???
I have a set of ‘04 Ride EX bindings paired to an ‘04 Burton Custom. While the board is still in good condition the binding straps are on the way out. I replaced one of the straps last year with a generic strap but find it uncomfortable.
I wear Burton Driver X boots and consider myself to be a strong intermediate/ advanced rider.
So I think it’s time to get some new bindings. What would you suggest?
Also any suggestions for the old bindings?
Cheers
Wow I feel inclined to reply as you waited over 3 years for your first post!
Unfortunately I don’t know a whole lot about 04 gear or whether you are a freestyle/freeride or all mountain rider so can’t give you any specific recommendations.
What I can say is so far I’ve been really happy with my new Rome 390 Boss bindings which are generally considered an all mountain binding.
When I was doing my research Burton Cartels/Malavitas, Flux DMCC also came up as contenders. I was tempted to hold out for the “Now” bindings but really didn’t like my K2 bindings and so far I’m glad I made the jump.
Hey Adsman, welcome to the forums. 
The Driver X boots are super stiff. Do you like a stiff setup? Your answer will probably change my suggestion. I’m not sure what originally lead you to buying Driver X boots, but I’m curious to know, and knowing more will help us to recommend suitable bindings for you. Do you intend on keeping these boots for a while? Are you mostly freeriding? What’s your riding style?
Please hit us back with more info and we will be able to help you better.
I’m consider myself to be an all mountain type rider. I ride +21 at the front and -18 at the back.
I went with the Driver X’s as I loved the snug fit. Prior to them I had a pair of DC Boots either the Triax or Judge. Sorry can’t remember which ones, but had the pump system. Yeah I intend to keep the Drivers for awhile. My DC’s were also an ‘04 model and were only replaced end of last year.
Wow 3 years to make my first post, what the hell have i been doing.
I’d suggest you look at bindings on the stiffer side then. Your boots are super responsive so it would made sense to match your bindings accordingly. You don’t need to get something super stiff (unless you want to) but definitely steer clear of the softer bindings. Do you have a budget you’re trying to work within?
The first bindings I’ll suggest are the Burton Cartels. They aren’t too stiff (7/10 stiffness rating) but they are nice and responsive. They are very versatile, comfy and excellent value. One of the best sellers worldwide and always a safe pick.
I’ll back up drc13’s suggestion with the Rome 390s. Also very popular and a great choice for all-round shredding.
Also check out the Flux Bindings range. http://www.flux-bindings.com. Have a look at the DMCC and SF45. Both of these are on the stiff end and offer top performance.
Now that I know you’re after stiff also throw the Rome Targas into the mix, basically a stiffer version of the 390 Boss
Agree with Rider here, go with the Cartel Re:flex. I ride with a Driver X and a Cartel and it’s soooo nice and responsive.
Flux or Union?? for a freestyle /all mountain I have DC Status boots now and planning on keeping them. Union looks like they got it all together when it comes to bindings. I currently have Ride Meastro but they nothing special in my opinion, I mean they are reliable and stiff but other then that reg bindings to me. Was leaning towards NOW bindings but Im having second thoughts any suggestions would be greatly appreciated
What do you mean by “nothing special” and that they are “reg bindings”? Ride make great bindings and if I’m not mistaken the Maestro is one of their top line bindings and made for all mountain freestyle.
What is it exactly you expect from your bindings? It would help to know why they don’t work for you or what you’re looking for if you want suggestions for new bindings.
What do you mean by “nothing special” and that they are “reg bindings”? Ride make great bindings and if I’m not mistaken the Maestro is one of their top line bindings and made for all mountain freestyle.
What is it exactly you expect from your bindings? It would help to know why they don’t work for you or what you’re looking for if you want suggestions for new bindings.
The Ride Meastro are good bindings but I’m looking for something a little lighter, the way I see it is that Union and Flux deal with only bindings and they are throwing a good amount of new tech in there bindings and also improving a lot of the features that’s why I’m inquiring about Union or Flux
Also im going from a stiff board to a mid flex board just wondering if I should be looking into a bit softer bindings or not
I was looking into a pair of bindings that I can ride with no high back on those pow day but the selection is limited on that, I checked out the Switchback bindings but I feel like that are lacking in a few areas like adjustability
hope that clears things up at least a little bit
You could, in reality, ride any bindings without the highbacks on a pow day. Removing highbacks isn’t usually a difficult task. I hear you on the weight issue, ride bindings can be slightly heavier due to the materials they use (which also make them super strong), however I don’t think it’s that substantial enough that you would need to switch bindings over unless you’re doing a lot of jibbing or ground tricks and wanted a softer/lighter binding. I have the Union Contact Pro and wouldn’t say they have any special features over other bindings. I do like the way the heelcup adjusts but that is about it as far as unique tech/features go.
Burton Malavita’s get my vote, great all round binding which are a step above the cartels. Rode mine for 6 months straight with no issues at all and they’re showing little to no signs of wear.
hey lester, if you want to try union or flux, I say just go for it. Bindings last nearly forever, so if there’s some new tech you want to try out, just sell your rides to a friend and get that new ish. keep the stoke going!
oh, burton cartel re:flex for me. or if you have the coin the burton genesis are the most amazing binding ever (but they might be next season for you guys)
Gamblor Ill check em out and if I were to do that I’d sell the others if i ended up liking em, I got one more question about bindings anyone using the rear entry bindings like FLOW, GNU, K2.. I noticed they are really adding some tech to those bindings and they seem to be a whole lot faster entry system and thats always good more time riding less time latching…. Flow NX2-GT and GNU Agro and Mutant look sick
anyone using these bindings with some input here
also are they limited to park? Freeride? or can they hold up all around???
just to add im not trying to be a pain here just exploring my options
thanx guys
be cool, stick with strap bindings