Binding Review: 11-12 Burton Lexa EST

Location: Winter Park, CO

Snow Conditions: Hardpacked to softpacked to icy groomers.

Setup: I rode the Burton Lexa EST’s on the Burton Easy Living with my Vans Veil Boots size 8.

Time to set up the binding: Took time tracking down the bindings at the burton demo but once we found them, the set up was quick and easy to the board.

Fit: My boot can fit in both the medium and large women’s burton bindings but I prefer the large bindings for fit to my boots which feel more comfortable and still spot on for fit.

First Impression: I’ve said a lot about the Lexa’s but they are the Burton women’s binding I would ride all the time and first impression is always like coming back to a binding that works, hands down, just works.

Appearance: I ended up with the black Lexa EST’s at the on-snow demo but they also come in purple speck and white/black speck.  I personally know the black is the safe bet, the popular color choice but I would have liked to try the purple specks because I just enjoy some good looking purple bindings every now and then.  The lexa’s kept with the clean minimalist design look that fits in the box which is a bit disappointing.

Comfort: The Burton Lexa’s have always been that go-to comfortable binding from Burton for the ladies.  The baseplate has the same B3 gel cushioning system for a comfortable absorbing ride down the mountain but this time it is a removable autocant sensorybed.  The ankle strap was supportive and molded good around my boot.  The highback had padding to help cushion the ride.

Functionality: The Lexa’s are a very functional binding.  They feature the EST system which allows them to work on the Burton ICS snowboards.  They are a truefit design which means they’ve been designed and engineered for the way women ride.  I’m really happy to see the zero forward lean hiback for obvious reasons of having the choice to forward lean or not, the heel hammock seems like a good idea but I can’t imagine riding with my straps looser to try it, the straps are both comfortable and work for the binding.  The buckles worked fine with no sticking issues.  The removable autocant sensorybed seems like a good improvement to have the option.

Flex: Continues to be middle of the range for binding flex, the Lexas in my opinion aren’t stiff nor soft.  If anything they are slightly on the above medium towards stiffer flex scale. Good lateral flex that’s a bit stiffer so you feel supported and grounded in the binding.  The highback gives you enough response but not overbearing.

Response: The Lexa is a middle of the road binding for response meaning it’s not overly aggressive but it’s not soft and lacking response.  It gives you exactly what you need and want which is a forgiving and comfortable ride.  The new heel hammock I didn’t test to the full capacity, I should have rode with the straps a bit looser to see if the response was still there (as described) but I didn’t think to ride with my straps looser (um for obvious reasons).

Toe Strap: The 10-11 lexa featured the gettagrip capstrap and this year it remained the same for the capstrap so once adjusted it molded great to my boot and very secure on the mountain.  I rocked it centered over the toe cap with no issues.

Overall Impression: The Lexa EST are that all mountain binding for every type of riding you can throw at them.  New on the Lexa this year is the hi-back changes from dual component canted living hinge hiback to single component canted living hinge zero lean hiback with FLAD and heel hammock and the fullbed cushioning is now removable autocant sensorybed cushioning system with B3 gel cushioning.  In terms of noticeable differences, I didn’t notice anything major on the binding changes and it still rode very similar to last year’s.

Shay’s Honesty Box: I’ve ridden the Lexa’s for years and definitely am happy this binding is on the market, it serves a purpose.  I wish they’d step outside the box on the appearance of the binding and make it less boring.

Ready to buy? Head over to evo for the Burton Lexa EST or shop their full line of Burton Bindings now.

On Snow Photos

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Burton Lexa EST Description

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Review Disclosure: I rode this binding at the SIA on-snow.  Please be aware bindings may change, this review was done in February 2011.