AJHXXXIII

I need some advice picking out new bindings for my board. I am just getting back into snowboarding from about 8 years ago. I have 2012 burton custom restricted. It rated at a 5 for the flex. I currently have some 2012 forum faction bindings on it and as I have been getting better at boarding they seem to be a little softer than what I would like and I want to take advantage of my ICS capabilities. Im stuck between three bindings the Cartel EST, Cartel Restricted EST, and the Malavita EST. I know that malavita has very slightly softer flex than the cartels, and it has the asym strap which I think is pretty comfy, although i have rarely had problems with normal straps. So I am kind of stuck on the choices I can pick up some cartel EST for about 150ish, some cartel restricteds for about 200ish, and the malavitas for about 270ish. I ride all mountain currently but as I get better I may start to do some park stuff but most likely nothing to extreme just some rails and boxes and maybe try the half pipe and some jumps. Like I said though mostly I'll be doing all mountain. I've done research and am kind of leaning towards the cartels because of price, but is the asym strap on the restricted worth the extra cost? And what would you guys recommend of those three? If I forgot some pertinent info just ask me and I'll add it but I think i got most of what you'd need to know. Thanks for any help.

rdot84

The malavitas, although my personal choice, are going to be a softer flex for more of a freestyle approach to the mountain. If you're going for a more all mountain freeride i would go with the cartel resticted.

--Edit--
After reading the wall of text again i see you are going to get into some park riding. I would go with the malavitas.

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-Its not how fast you ride...Its how you ride fast

SimonB

The Cartel Restricted also have the asym strap. I demo'ed the regular Cartel and the Malavita and I largely preferred the Cartel. The asym strap really did not do it for me. HUGE pressure point. Maybe it was only the adjustment... From my experience, I'd try them both on with boots before buying.

I found the Cartel much more responsive while still be good for some park.

Rufus

I really like my 2012 EST Missions on my Custom Flying V. I have the 2012 Cartels on a K2 Parkstar and like them also, I've tried the Malavitas but prefer the Cartels.

AJHXXXIII

Thanks for the replies so far.

NoahO

For 150ish the Cartels are a goood buy. Those are the bindings I've been using for all mountain and I think they're great. Can't really go wrong with the Cartels for that price.

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Board - 2012 Burton Restricted Easy Livin' Flying V 158
Bindings - 2012 Burton Cartels

AJHXXXIII

Looks like I'll be giving these Cartels a try. http://www.snowboardingforum.com/buy...est-large.html