Burton Cartel vs. ? for NS SL - Snowboarding Forum

woodyak · 10-16-2012, 07:12 AM

So I just picked up a new 11/12 NS SL and now I need some solid bindings. I'm using RIDE RFL's as my boots. I'd label myself as a solid intermediate rider that would rather spend most of my day in the trees and POW but I live in New England so there is a good amount of time spent on groomers with icy/slushy/crappy conditions from time to time. I do have a skateboard background so I enjoy tooling around the park but I tend stick to the smaller things. In the past I've always had issue with foot pain. Especially on those runs where you have to hold an edge for a long time so you don't get stuck walking uphill. I'd love to minimize that if possible.

I'm coming from an older Burton Rippey with some older upper level Ride bindings that were decent so I'm sure anything newer I get will be an improvement. I'm leaning towards the Cartel's based on my research but I'm open to suggestions for bindings just as good,durable,comfortable,light,etc. Also, any major differences between the 11/12 and the 12/13 Cartels? I can save a couple bucks if I go with last year's version.

buggravy · 10-16-2012, 08:37 AM

I've had a few SLs,going back to 08/09, and have used Targas, Forces, SF45s, Atlas, and Cartels. All worked perfectly fine, and it's such a middle of the road board (in a good way) that you kind of can't go wrong with any middle of the road binding. Cartels have become my preference, and are what I'm using now. A lot of people are making noise about this year's having a softer high back than last years. I've got both, though I obviously haven't ridden this year's yet. The new high back feels a bit softer, especially tortionally, but it doesn't seem like a radical difference. If you found a good deal on last years, and you like them, I say go for it.

buggravy · 10-16-2012, 08:50 AM

Since you mention foot pain, I'd also add that the asym strap on last year's Restricted Cartels and Malavitas (another solid choice) is the most comfortable strap I've ever used.

10-16-2012, 07:12 AM	#1 (permalink)
woodyak Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Posts: 5	Burton Cartel vs. ? for NS SL So I just picked up a new 11/12 NS SL and now I need some solid bindings. I'm using RIDE RFL's as my boots. I'd label myself as a solid intermediate rider that would rather spend most of my day in the trees and POW but I live in New England so there is a good amount of time spent on groomers with icy/slushy/crappy conditions from time to time. I do have a skateboard background so I enjoy tooling around the park but I tend stick to the smaller things. In the past I've always had issue with foot pain. Especially on those runs where you have to hold an edge for a long time so you don't get stuck walking uphill. I'd love to minimize that if possible. I'm coming from an older Burton Rippey with some older upper level Ride bindings that were decent so I'm sure anything newer I get will be an improvement. I'm leaning towards the Cartel's based on my research but I'm open to suggestions for bindings just as good,durable,comfortable,light,etc. Also, any major differences between the 11/12 and the 12/13 Cartels? I can save a couple bucks if I go with last year's version.

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10-16-2012, 08:37 AM	#2 (permalink)
buggravy Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Woodland Hills, CA Posts: 422	I've had a few SLs,going back to 08/09, and have used Targas, Forces, SF45s, Atlas, and Cartels. All worked perfectly fine, and it's such a middle of the road board (in a good way) that you kind of can't go wrong with any middle of the road binding. Cartels have become my preference, and are what I'm using now. A lot of people are making noise about this year's having a softer high back than last years. I've got both, though I obviously haven't ridden this year's yet. The new high back feels a bit softer, especially tortionally, but it doesn't seem like a radical difference. If you found a good deal on last years, and you like them, I say go for it.

10-16-2012, 08:50 AM	#3 (permalink)
buggravy Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Woodland Hills, CA Posts: 422	Since you mention foot pain, I'd also add that the asym strap on last year's Restricted Cartels and Malavitas (another solid choice) is the most comfortable strap I've ever used.