Binding Review: 08-09 Burton Escapade EST

Location: Loveland, Colorado

Snow Conditions: Snowing with hardpacked groomers to icy groomers to fresh snow on the runs.

Setup: I rode the Burton Escapade EST on the Burton Love, hero, eco-nico, Uninc, Supermodel and Feelgood with my Vans Omni Focus size 8.

Time to set up the binding: Average time for any binding.

Fit: I rocked both the medium and large escapades during demos…the larges fit better with the adjustments, mediums I had to really adjust to fit and then it wasn’t centered.

First Impression: It’s like my boots are in the comfort chair at the Sharper image…you know the one that massages you and makes you want to sit in the store all day…that is what these bindings are for my boots.

Appearance: I spent most of my time on the greenstreet or black escapades and I like the look of all the different colorways. The only thing I don’t like is the scissors on the straps…I think that’s ugly and it reminds me of getting my hair cut which is like 2nd place to the dentist in blah things I hate getting done.

Comfort: You can’t deny the escapades are pure comfort. From the baseplate padding to the straps it’s just like that massaging chair at Sharper Image….well..without the massaging (I’m sure that could be a design in the future).

Functionality: The Escapade EST rides exclusively with the ICS snowboards. Functionality is always there allowing for unlimited stance options with the ICS system. I had to adjust the toe strap a couple times after I walked away from the demo tent and it was quick and easy to adjust. The only thing I’d complain about is the straps in the way when you are trying to strap in…I’d move the toe strap forward but it was more the ankle strap just being in the way when it’s time to strap in. Nothing serious, just more annoying.

Flex: I didn’t find the escapades that stiff of a flex, definitely stiffer than the lexas but not a stiff binding in my opinion. I made sure the living hinge highback was adjusted for the forward lean I wanted. For the canted highback…I’m still not sure how I feel about them yet, maybe a day of riding on them and feeling the impact would be more noticeable.

Response: Very responsive, press on toes…turn, press on heels….turn. It was quick response paired with good lateral flex to drive into turns. The highback could hold and remain stable in heelside turns. The cushioning in the baseplate specifically on the heel made it easy to absorb varying conditions and didn’t encounter any vibrations when riding.

Toe Strap: The escapade features a new “ultra capstrap” for 08-09. This cap molds off-center over the top of the boot fitting a lot better for non-burton boots. I just had to make sure the toe strap was adjusted before riding in them…when I didn’t, I’d have it slip a little when riding.

Overall Impression: I rode the lexas last year and now the escapades were just that nice step up…bit more responsive and still great comfort in a binding. I’d have a tough time choosing between them but I think for all mountain riding and halfpipe, I’d prefer the escapades more than the lexas.

Shay’s Honesty Box: My only gripe was the straps not moving out of the way when it’s time to strap in…other than that, I liked everything about the binding from the comfort to the response…it’s good that girls have a binding for ICS that is not the unbearable triads.