The Burton Channel System: Compatibility and More
The Burton Channel system (or just The Channel™) is a snowboard binding mounting system that provides a simple, reliable, and infinitely more adjustable alternative to traditional hole pattern binding mounting systems. The Channel is backward-compatible with all Burton snowboard bindings, and with the proper mounting discs and hardware can accommodate nearly any snowboard binding from any manufacturer—while delivering the performance riders expect from Burton.
We sat down with Burton’s engineers to compile everything you need to know about the Burton Channel system, including the history, benefits, and compatibility details.
- What is the Burton Channel System?
- A Brief History of the Burton Channel System
- How does the Burton Channel system work?
- The Channel and EST Bindings
- Benefits and Advantages of The Channel
- Will my snowboard bindings work with The Channel?
What is the Burton Channel system?
The Burton Channel system is a revolutionary mounting interface that allows for almost any binding to be mounted in a greatly expanded range of stance combinations. The Channel delivers faster binding installation with less hardware, increased binding-to-board connection strength, and improved performance when paired with Burton EST snowboard bindings.
A Brief History of The Burton Channel System
Most Burton hardgoods innovations have an interesting back story, and the Burton Channel System is a great example.
Back in the mid-1990s, during the time when the 3D mounting system was Burton’s gold-standard, the engineering team was experimenting with a new “2x” binding mounting interface on the Un-Inc line of snowboards. Their goal was to develop a system that offered just as many mounting options, but with fewer inserts. But they also wanted to move the binding mounting hardware out from under the foot to make way for a more cushioned footbed while delivering better flex underfoot.
Looking to the sport of windsurfing, which features a channel interface, and Rev snowboards, which featured the “freedom groove" mounting system, the idea for The Channel was discussed at length in Jake’s barn.
The first Burton Channel interface debuted on the 2007 Late Season Jeremy Jones pro model snowboard. The Channel inserts on this board were shorter than modern Channel inserts. The following year, 2008, the Jeremy Jones pro model snowboard showcased the new, full-length Channel mounting interface, and EST bindings also made their debut.
How does The Channel work?
The Channel mounting system consists of a pair of aircraft-grade aluminum channels that are embedded within the structural layer of a Burton snowboard. The two slots are located along the center line of the snowboard and run parallel to the edges (like a typical series of mounting holes). Snowboard bindings are secured to The Channel using sliding Channel inserts and compatible M6 hardware.
Using just two screws per binding (instead of four), the Burton Channel system makes it possible to adjust stance width, angle, centering, and setback to a nearly-infinite range of settings. This is achieved through the magic of geometry and the increased variety of angles that are inherent in a two-screw mounting system.
The Channel Mounting System & Burton EST Snowboard Bindings
The Channel paved the way for Burton’s EST (Extra Sensory Technology) bindings. Burton EST snowboard bindings moved the mounting hardware that was previously located under the rider’s foot to the outer edges of the binding. This results in an enhanced board feel, with a more cushioned footbed, and natural flex. EST bindings also eliminated some of the dead spots riders had been accustomed to with underfoot disc-based mounting interfaces.
Benefits and Advantages of the Burton Channel System
The Channel mounting system is found on every modern Burton snowboard because it is the most versatile and simple solution for mounting snowboard bindings. But The Channel offers other advantages over traditional mounting patterns.
- A more natural ride: The hardware from traditional snowboard mounting patterns is located directly underneath the foot, creating two stiff dead spots that don’t flex naturally. However, when Burton EST bindings are paired with the Burton Channel System, those dead spots are eliminated, providing a much more natural flex across the entire deck. The result is a more predictable ride, with an increase in board feel and cushioning.
- Maximum adjustability: The Channel allows for an almost unlimited range of stance combinations of width, angle, centering, and setback. For most riders, EST bindings mounted to The Channel will provide more than enough personalization. However, riders who prefer more extreme stances (like alpine racers who ride beyond positive 25 and negative 10) should consider pairing Burton Re:Flex bindings with The Channel.
- Fast and easy mounting (and re-mounting): When paired with EST bindings, The Channel mounting system only requires two M6 screws per binding. That makes mounting bindings twice as fast as traditional fixed-hole mounting systems. And when you (inevitably) need to make a small tweak to your stance on the hill, adjustments are quicker and easier as well. You only need to loosen (not remove) the two screws, which is much faster, easier, and less risky than a complete binding removal in the snow.
- Industry-leading strength: Thanks to The Channel’s aircraft-grade aluminum construction, Burton’s binding to board retention strength regularly exceeds industry standards.
- A lighter kit: The Channel mounting system eliminates the need for mandatory snowboard core heights that are required for traditional mounting inserts. What the heckin’ heck does that mean? The Channel allows us to build our snowboards thinner (read: lighter), while also allowing us to experiment with unique variable core-thickness snowboard layups like the Squeezebox and Filet-O-Flex.
Will my snowboard bindings work with The Channel?
If The Channel mounting system sounds revolutionary (spoiler alert, it is), and you want to give it a try, you might be wondering if the snowboard bindings you already have are compatible. The short answer is yes. But there’s some additional information you should know.
Burton Snowboard Bindings & The Channel
All modern Burton snowboard bindings are compatible with The Channel mounting system, including EST and Re:Flex styles, however, additional mounting hardware and discs may be required for installation, depending on the age of the bindings.
The Burton Channel System: M5 and M6 Hardware Compatibility
Mounting any snowboard bindings on a pre-2010 Channel snowboard requires M5 Channel hardware to fit the M5 Channel, which is slightly narrower than the modern M6 Channel. Burton does not manufacture or stock M5 hardware any more, and while you may be able to find M5 Channel hardware online, it can be expensive. Keep this in mind if you are shopping for used snowboards with the M5 Channel.
Post-2010 Channel snowboards utilize the wider M6 Channel, and require M6 Channel hardware to mount your bindings of choice. Despite online discussion of modifying the M5 Channel to accept M6 hardware, Burton strongly discourages modification of ANY snowboard binding mounting systems as this can compromise equipment strength, endangering riders.
Snowboard Bindings from Other Manufacturers & The Channel
Nearly every snowboard binding from every other major manufacturer is compatible with the Burton Channel system. Using the appropriate adapter disc, non-Burton bindings can be properly mounted to a Burton snowboard and deliver peak performance. We recommend contacting the binding manufacturer to confirm the availability of adapter discs before making a purchase.
Pro tip: If you’re not sure what mounting discs are or just want to brush up on your knowledge of snowboard binding parts, read A Comprehensive Overview of Snowboard Binding Parts.
Should I ride The Channel?
The question of whether you should ride The Channel ultimately depends on what you are looking for in your binding mounting interface. While the 4x2 snowboard binding mounting pattern has withstood the test of time and will satisfy a lot of riders, The Channel delivers an improved experience in almost every way. The Channel is compatible with almost every binding on the market, allows for a nearly limitless range of stance options, with less hardware, quicker installation and adjustment, and a stronger binding-to-board connection.
In our effort to push the sport of snowboarding forward, the Burton R&D team did their homework, and we think they’ve built the best binding mounting interface on the market. Want to experience The Channel and decide for yourself? Drop into a Burton store and demo The Channel to experience it first-hand.
