Lightweight and reduced materials in the binding help save your energy and joints over time, so you can shred day in and day out!
The Overview:
When you shred hard—and almost every day— like I do, you want a snowboard binding that enhances the comfort of your boots, is lightweight and also stiff and durable enough to ride your heart out. I found the Burton Escapade EST bindings to be my ideal blend of comfort and performance. Plus it’s extremely versatile, and customizable due to the removable cushy food bed.
The Test:
I first tested the Burton Escapade EST bindings out on Aspen Mountain. We’ve had a relatively dry winter here, thus far, so I ride a lot of hardpack and bumps. So I really need a binding that I crank down, but can also be forgiving since I ride a lot of top to bottoms from bell to bell. I noted right away that the cushioned foot bed was not just über comfortable, but seriously reduced the weight of my set up. Burton removed materials from the base plate and replaced it with a EVA cushioning, making the bindings not just lighter, but also increasing edge control and handling. It’s like a custom foot bed every time you strap in. I also noted that with any sudden impact I felt the heel gel support cushion my feet. Since I’m more of big mountain shredder than a jibber, I also really liked that these bindings are easy to adjust into a more forward stance for stellar edge control. I also noted, while making long, wide turns, that the mesh-lined high-back responds smoothly, with no vibration.
Rating
5 (out of 5)
Design: Burton thinks of everything from how to make a binding lighter and more comfortable to a woman’s natural stance. +1
Style: I’m pretty sure Burton invented snowboarding, so it goes without saying, cool colors will always be present. +1
Durability: Burton’s own chrome-plated aluminum and polycarbonate levers make for buckles that endure year after year. +1
Performance: A lovely harmony of comfort and stiffness, what more can a girl ask for? +1
Comfort: I think we covered this in-depth, but the EVA foot beds make this the binding we’ve all been dreaming about! +1
Buy Burton Escapade EST Binding at $260.
