dice

Thank you much Nivek for prompt and well detailed reply!!!

You think the hammock adds any noticeable advantages to the Malavitas? Like more comfort (not cranking it tight), chatter/vibration absorption, etc.

I ride 6-8 hrs straight! So anything that adds comfort (without sacrificing performance) is a big plus!

Cheers...

dreampow

I ride powder 70% of the time.

Have done a few checks and sadly the NOWs are not looking easy for me to pick up here in Large which is what I need. Next year they will be more available as they are proving popular.

The cartels however are everywhere here in Japan.
The restricted reflex and the regular cartels are pretty easy to get hold of.
I did see some limited cartels as well with the react strap.

Seems like the limited are the ones to get?
They will be going on a proto by the way.

Leo

Question for you Nivek...

So I got some quality time in with my genesis bindings yesterday. I noticed that every time I did a prolonged tail press (I really lean into it), my toe caps would loosen up. Now, to be fair, this happens to me a lot with Burton toe caps during demos.

Do you ever experience this issue?

I was wondering what was causing it and I pinpointed it to the ratchets. When you lean into the press, it slightly lifts the ratchet off the ladder teeth. Burton is known for their buttery releasing ratchets... Perhaps they are too buttery?

Anyway, just wanted your thoughts. I'm gonna see if I can tweak some settings to resolve this issue.

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dice

I mounted the 2013 Cartels on my T.Rice and took 'em out today for a spin!!! I'll post a review later.

But a quick take... they are AMAZING!!! And I wouldn't want them any bit stiffer or softer. If the 2013 Malavitas are more stiff then I wouldn't have liked them given how the Cartels responded at every level!

I seemed to be having great control while carving and chasing, as well as higher jumps and ollies! Very comfortable and responsive (trees, pops) and in control of the board at all times. LOVE 'EM!

Cheers...

dreampow

@Dice do you have the regular or restricted cartels?

How do you like the ankle strap?

dice

I got the Restricted Black (matte grey)! The coating on the entire bindings feels like rubber so it REALLY grips to my boots! Looks like the Malavitas matte, but that one has a gloss. The Cartels matte is sticky (me likes)!

The Restricted straps are SUPER comfy! They are different from the non-restricted. I had to adjust a little (two holes up) but that took like a minute. The strap wraps around very well & was awesome and pain free on a super cold freezing night.

The Toe Strap I'm still trying to figure out how it should fit! I think I got it by days end where to place it on my boots for max grip. I never had an issue with it either way. Just where it should fit on my boots.

GREAT bindings. I'll post a review on it later on today.

Cheers...

dreampow

Yeah those restricted cartels are sweet, had some in my hands a few days ago.

I am torn between them and some limited cartels.

The limited are a little more expensive, but they are lighter (no doubt minimally) and they have the react ankle strap.

Both are black so it really comes down to the ankle strap.

I hear the asym strap is money but the react is even better.

Anyone who has ridden both straps have an opinion.

Am I just drinking Koolaid?

Is the react strap really better?

dice

I think my 2013 Cartel restricted do come with the "Asym React Strap" which is what I experienced! Very comfy. And when you adjust it right it's seamless with your feet; like you don't feel pressure points anywhere!!!!

dreampow

Yes you have the asym react strap the limited have the react strap like on the diodes and genesis.

Cartel Limited Snowboard Binding | Burton Snowboards

As I said there is probably very little difference and both look to be great bindings.

Nivek

i never had any issues with the caps on my Missions last year. Riding Bear as my home mountain that year and nose presses as my go to I pressed a lot. Butters too. I haven't had a Burton ratchet loosen or blow on me since I had '05 Cartels. Sounds like a strange fit issue with your boot I'd say.

I think its better. Same support and more comfort.

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