Binding Review: 10-11 Burton Cobrashark

Location: Mammoth, California

Snow Conditions: Hardpacked to icy groomers.

Setup: I rode the Burton Cobrashark bindings on the Burton Sherlock with my Vans Veil Boots size 8.

Time to set up the binding: The cobrasharks were the first binding of the day and quick to get set up.  I almost didn’t go with them but was open to trying something new and glad I did.

Fit: I got into the medium cobrashark bindings which fit my vans size 8’s fine.  The binding to boot width was fine and comfortable with no extra gaps.  The straps were adjusted to fit my boots and were fine with my boots.

First Impression: A binding with the name cobrashark wins me over every time.

Appearance: I think these are my favorite binding design from Burton with the appearance and graphics.  The cobrasharks feature artwork from Jay Howell.  It’s kind of eclectic with the red lumberjack pattern on the straps and then the highback and writing over the bindings but somehow the mesh of it all works for me.

Comfort: Just like the men’s malavita bindings, a very cushy ankle strap with comfortable support on my boot.  Good padding on the baseplate and highback that helped absorb the terrain and keep it a comfortable ride.

Functionality: The cobrasharks are a normal Burton binding.  I rode them on the Sherlock board but they do not feature the EST system.  The cobrashark’s feature a asym superstrap for the ankle strap so just like the malavita’s but with the primo capstrap.  The highback is the winged highback design, eva baseplate cushioning, re-ground materials in the baseplate and highback to reduce waste.   The bindings are tool-less adjustments so easy to adjust the toe and ankle strap on the fly.

Flex: A noticeably softer binding than the malavita’s and less cushioning so you felt more of the terrain when riding. The larger ankle strap gave good lateral flex to the binding, the baseplate had more give and flex to it and the highback helped support on heelside turns with the wings but with good flex to it.  Overall softer flexing binding.

Response: Not your most responsive binding and definitely less response than the malavita’s that I rode, they were still comfortable but just a laid back binding for a mellow ride.  The highback was comfortable for me and the wings held you on heelside turns when you wanted to get on edge also fun for pressing.

Toe Strap: I tried the primo capstraps on the women’s scribes and they were the same.  In fact when comparing pics side by side, the capstraps for both men and women’s primo look the same on my boot.  The primo capstrap gripped and curved to my Vans boots toebox, centered and comfortable.

Overall Impression: The  cobrasharks are that fun softer binding perfect for park laps.  It’s not an EST binding so you can rock it on any other brand and it offers up a comfortable ride with winged highbacks and wider ankle strap.

Shay’s Honesty Box: I like funny bindings and the cobrasharks were just fun.  They are on the softer side and I enjoyed riding them but I like something a bit more responsive for the rest of the mountain.

Ready to buy? Head over to evo for the Burton Cobrashark or shop their full line of Burton snowboard bindings

On Snow Photos

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Burton Cobrashark Description

Review Disclosure: I rode these bindings at a Burton demo day.