Burton C60 EST Snowboard Binding - 09/10 - 2009 BCS

just picked these up about a month ago and just got the opportunity to use them in Japan for a few weeks. I''l compare them to my previous bindings (i believe they were c60s also circa 2004-5, when the highback was full carbon instead of the holy one that it has now, and it had a lamborghini like yellow marquis on the highback as well) that these replaced.

Besides the fact that the old c60s didn't have the new EST channel system is what takes the cake. It really is one of the most innovative technical ideas to come through since the sport began. The channel actually makes it much easier to adjust your stance on the fly, and makes things much more precise and hassle free when you're up next in the park. The one thing I have to say is that I can see where the channel might have limitations, because you don't have the ability to set your stance really far back. Sometimes in the deep powder it was a pain in the ass for me to keep my custom x up in the deep powders of japan, and i would have liked the ability to move my front binding much further back so that it would be comfortable on my back leg as well. Other than that though, the channel system is pretty rockin, and i have a separate backcountry board anyways, so i was just being a complainer.

Like the previous c60s, these are super stiff and have great power transfer from feet to bindings to board. I've used these in the park as well as back country and they are really great performers, with the dial up angle on the back, you can adjust for super icy conditions, or just when you need better edge grip for lazy days. The only performance difference i can remember from my old models is that it had a "gas pedal" hinge on the front end of the baseplate which not only added a bit more flexibility for hard turns but also gave a bit more cushioning. I do ride with palmer pls lifters along with all of my boards, so i can really tell when the padding is substantially different. The only complaint I have is the use of the CF, i mean come on Jake Burton and company, you're loyal customers are and remain so because we expect the products to live up to the brand name as it has been established, and i realize it's expensive, but if my old c60s cost the same amount, and seem to have better build quality, something is missing from the equation on your end. Same money, less Carbon Fiber? hmmmm. Well shape up soon, cause the loyalists can only take so much before the brand leaves a sour taste in our mouths.

So overall, an excellent riding and technically innovative set of bindings if you're willing to drop the cash. But maybe you should buy them this year, cause next season, the CF may be limited to the burton logo......HA HA HA. easy riding dudes!