addi61

Hi all,

I am looking for a new all mountain binding. Literally all mountain, I ride everything from back country, to trees, to parks to groomers. Ideally I would like to have one set of really well fitting, reliable bindings that I can switch between my all-mtn/pow board (Never Summer Heritage) and my park/jib board (Smokin Superpark). Am I asking to much, do I need to buy 2 sets of bindings? I am looking at the Burton Reflex Cartel, Burton Reflex Prophecy and the Union SL. I am leaning towards the Cartels because of their reputation as being a great do-it-binding and I think the true zero-lean highback would be good for the park and then be able to crank it up for all-mtn. I have also heard great things about the Prophecy but they seem like they might be a little too much for park riding? The SLs again look solid too but I am really digging the shape and style of the Burton highbacks. I have checked out the SLs and the Cartels at a local shop and they both fit my boots well. Anybody out there who has experience with any of these bindings that could help me out I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks

addi61

I looked extensively at the Targas because they do seem to be built for exactly what I want but sadly my size 11.5 Celsius boots just dont fit in them. The section of the boot where the ball of my foot sits is too wide for the width of the foot bed of the Targas. I can wedge it in there and strap it down but any weight shifting causes it to jump out of the footbed and on to the part of the base where the toe ladder/strap comes out of. I think this would cause a problem for sure while riding and I really love my boots and don't want to change them this year.

Odine

I found the Targa's lack durability, they didn't even last me an entire season (Michigan, probably 4 decent months of boarding tops). Admittedly I go A LOT, but I had to replace both toe and ankle latches/locls, and the cosmetic damage they've taken is rough as well for such awesome looking bindings.

Maybe I was just a little more reckless year, who knows. But for the price, I expected to get away with a full season at least. The repairs weren't expensive. During real cold weather I found that I couldn't lock in snug enough as well. In their defense, after replacing the latches with what I found to be more stable locks, they could possibly survive this season, but in the market for something else.

Comfort was amazing and customization was fun. Changed it up a lot.

Oh I should have mentioned, my back boot released multiple times out of the binding this year (before putting in the new locks). Very scary lol

doron

Did you try on the Union Atlas as well? Seemed to have a very flexible high back but stiff when you push straight back. I went with the Ride Capo's, but they may be a bit too heavy for jibbing.

ZNT746

I would say Burton Cartels or Malavitas. Malavitas if you do more park because the cartels are a tad bit stiff. Both are really good comfortable all mountain bindings though.

But how do you like that Smokin Superpark? I'm thinking about getting one but I can't really find any reviews.

addi61

I ended up going with the Burton Prophecy Reflex. The 2 materials used in them are the 11% glass filled (what the Malavita is made of) and the 30% glass filled (what the Cartel is made of), so my thinking is that they will ride like a nice combo of both. I have never been a Burton fan but they fit my Celsius boot extremely well and I really like the way they feel strapped in. I will post up a review of them, after riding of course.

Another note for anyone looking to pick up some Unions with the Stage III base plate (Atlas, SL, MC), the base is much larger than the Stage II base plate (Force). The l/xl Forces fit my boots and board very well but the l/xl SLs I tried were much larger and the base of the binding actually hung over the edge of my board by about a 1/4'' so those were automatically eliminated.

ZNT746,
The Smokin Superpark is a really nice board. In the right size it could be a great do anything all-mountain freestyle board. I ride it a bit under sized as my park specific board. The magne-traction is a little more subtle than the Lib Tech version so it grabs well but doest overbite. The flex is nice and smooth with good pop. I have the Clash Rocker (CTX) version which is supposed to be rocker between the feet and camber in the tip and tail. The rocker profile is extremely subtle, after riding it for a couple weeks last year it was basically flat. The board has a lot of good tech, but none of it is overly obtrusive. I felt very comfortable on it from day one, its a very predictable and fun board. Plus its made in the states, has an awesome warranty and its likely that when you email Smokin you get a response directly from the owner (Smokin Jay), I did. I say go for it! If you have any other specific questions let me know.

ZNT746

That should be a good choice with the bindings. I was never a Burton fan either, but IMO they do make the best bindings.

And thanks for the reply on the Superpark. Just one specific question, is it pretty heavy? I know it's a handmade board and usually those are heavier than factory made boards...but does it feel overly heavy, like it's harder to spin or ollie or anything?

Oh and also, you said the CTX rocker is very subtle. So comparing to a regular cambered board, does it still feel less catchy and more forgiving? Or does it not feel much different than a cambered board? Thanks man.

addi61

I didn't put the Superpark on a scale but it did not feel noticeably heavier than any other board I've ridden of the same size. As for the rocker, I don't find it especially less catchy than a cambered board but definitely easier to press and easier to ride in powder.