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any burton junkies out here?

3K views 13 replies 9 participants last post by  cooldocbk 
#1 ·
was looking at the burton cartels as well as the malavitas and had a question for anybody who can answer it.. i played around with both in the store and the malavita actually seemed a tiny bit stiffer than the cartels but the general consensus has always been that cartels are the stiffer of the two.. what are you guys' thoughts on the malavita as an all mtn binding versus the cartel?

p.s. i heard some things about burton reflex bindings in size large being impossible to center.. whats up with that? sounds odd to me.

2nd p.s. can someone fill me in on the functionality of restricted versus regular?
 
#2 ·
Restricted malavita has the winged high back. Restricted custom has an upgraded ankle strap.

http://www.snowboardingforum.com/binding-reviews/51782-malavita-est-vs-cartel-est-vs.html

Good thread on stiffness of the Est version of these bindings above, I would expect similar properties in reflex version. There has been lots of discussion of relative stiffness and how soft the 'vitas are or are not. I haven't ridden them but I see lots of people riding them outside the park.

It's getting late in the season but try to demo to see for yourself.
 
#4 ·
i've said it before and i'll say it again. unless your prostar you're probably not going to be able to tell a huge diff between the 2. They're very close on the scale but the Malavitas are softer. I actually bought the restricted winged malas and when i got home i realized my boa coiler was going to get a lot of pressure on it from wing. It looks pretty slick though and sounds like a good idea
 
#6 ·
I ride the cartels for all-mountain freestyle. I wouldn't call them soft at all, but definitely not stifffffff. I think they are a good match for a middle of the road - leaning more towards mountain or groomer riding. From friends I hear the malavitas fit that same all-mountain freestyle niche, but leaning more to the freestyle side of things. Hope that helps somewhat.
 
#7 ·
I have the 2012 restricted malavita reflex (I.e. not est). Great all mountain and freestyle binding. It's not a super buttery jib binding or an extreme responsive charger but it can handle just about anything. Light binding. The restricted cartels are worth it, IMO, because the ankle strap (taken from the malavita) is so plush and comfy.
 
#8 ·
doesnt the limited cartel have the same baseplate and straps of the mala? going off of that im leaning toward the limited cartels.. only thing slighttlyy stopping me is that i hear vitas are bit stiffer and that would be cool but i also hear its not too significant. also vita owners have said that the hammock tends to wear down after some time of use. so as of now, leaning toward limited cartels. if anybody has any input for me its much appreciated! probably gonna try to buy a set this saturday
 
#9 ·
okay so the shop im getting my bindings from also have the restricted cartel/restricted malavitas..
im torn between the LTD cartels and the restricted of both cartel and vitas..
can anyone help me understand the difference between the LTD cartels and the restricted cartels and also the difference between the restricted vitas and the regular? thanks a bunch!
 
#11 ·
the burton binding kool aid works!

I am sold on Burton bindings. K2s and FLUXs are alright (would be my 2nd and 3rd choices) but bindings are the only product I would give a solid "go-to" for Burton over other brands. I just put like 90 days on a pair of '12 'Vitas that I got from a member here, they are doing great.
 
#12 ·
I have both '13 re:flex Vita and the Cartel. Vita's high back is stiffer but I feel the Cartel is little more responsive overall. I'm not exactly sure why but it may have to do with the heel cup being little tighter (smaller) and the ankle straps being little stiffer.
 
#13 ·
I have the 13 reflex cartels, I was coming from Union Contacts. The Cartels are not too stiff as it's in the middle, I would say around 6 out of 10. It's super responsive.

I was able to center my binding and boot combo to have equal toe and heel on all my boards.
 
#14 ·
thanks guys! as ive never mounted bindings myself.. i tried this time and theres absolutely no toe overhang but the back is pretty behind the board.. is this normal or should i adjust them to be kind of equal? again, it is not the baseplate that is behind the board it is the ring above(dont know the term)..
 
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