Burton Re:Flex™ Bindings: Everything You Need to Know
Burton Re:Flex™ snowboard bindings deliver the mounting flexibility, comfort, and board feel that riders of all abilities regularly rely on to have as much fun as possible. Not only are Re:Flex bindings compatible with just about every snowboard mounting interface ever made, they are also available in a variety of boot interfaces (including traditional straps and Step On®) and can be personalized with several different stiffness profiles. The bottom line is that there’s guaranteed to be a Re:Flex binding for every rider, every style, and every ability.
Topics Covered in this Guide
- A Brief History of Burton Re:Flex™ Bindings
- Re:Flex Binding Components
- Pros of Re:Flex Bindings
- Cons of Re:Flex Bindings
- Burton Re:Flex Bindings vs. Other Snowboard Bindings
- Burton Re:Flex Bindings FAQs
1: A Brief History of Burton Re:Flex™ Bindings
Burton Re:Flex bindings had a sneaky 2010 debut as the Forum Shaka binding. This innovative product featured a flexible hinged mounting disc with “Good Vibes Technology”. But why develop a new mounting disc, and why launch it under the Forum brand?
The Shaka and Re:Flex were created to toss a proverbial bone to riders still using 3D, 4x4, and 4x2 snowboards. You see, Burton EST snowboard bindings, which launched in 2008, eliminated underfoot mounting hardware and delivered enhanced board feel with help from The Channel. But that was also the challenge – EST was only compatible with the Channel. This meant that you needed to upgrade both your bindings and snowboard to able to use EST.
Burton engineers, being the clever folks that they are, figured they could probably come up with a solution to develop a mounting disc and binding system that delivered EST-style board flex underfoot for those still riding 3D, 4x4, or 4x2 boards. So, they reverse engineered the EST binding, ultimately developing the flexible hinged mounting disc that was launched with the Shaka. This solved the first problem of providing improved flex underfoot and improved board feel, but it wasn’t compatible with Burton’s 3D or Channel mounting interfaces.
The engineers went back to the drawing board and ultimately figured out that by moving from the mechanical hinge of the Forum Shaka to the living hinge of Burton Re:Flex, they could produce a binding with mounting discs that were compatible with 3D, 4x4, 4x2, and The Channel mounting interfaces. Re:Flex essentially allowed riders to increase the board feel of their existing snowboards while being forward compatible with snowboards featuring The Channel too.
Ultimately the decision to launch the hinged disc under the Forum name allowed the engineers at Burton additional time to refine the design before officially launching in 2011 as Burton Re:Flex, which is now a patented Burton technology. The rest, as they say, is history.
Watch Forum’s Shaka Brah video for a blast from the past.
2: Re:Flex Binding Components
At first glance, Burton Re:Flex snowboard bindings may look similar to other modern snowboard bindings, and in many ways, that’s accurate. Re:Flex bindings are the natural evolution of snowboarding’s progression and a perfect example of not trying to reinvent the wheel (well, except for Step On). In general, Re:Flex binding components include:
- Hiback (note that many snowboard binding manufacturers use the term "highback", but at Burton, we call them “hibacks” due to proprietary materials and designs)
- Forward Lean Adjuster (FLAD)
- Toe and ankle straps (or Step On heel and toe hooks)
- Heel cup
- Baseplate
- Footbed
Pro tip: For a thorough overview of all Burton snowboard binding types and their unique components, review A Comprehensive Overview of Snowboard Binding Parts.
3: Pros of Re:Flex Bindings
There are four main pros to Burton Re:Flex snowboard bindings: compatibility, performance, pricing, and board feel.
Not all riders are looking to upgrade or change their bindings, just because they purchased a new snowboard deck. But with mounting interfaces varying from one manufacturer to another, and also evolving over time, it’s easy to feel like your options are limited. That’s one advantage of Re:Flex; with three different mounting discs available that are compatible with 2x4, 4x4, 3D, and The Channel mounting systems, Re:Flex snowboard bindings will fit on pretty much any snowboard out there. So go ahead and build that quiver, because with Re:Flex, you can use one pair of bindings on every snowboard you own.
Re:Flex strap bindings deliver an exceptional riding experience thanks to a variety of models with different degrees of flexibility, unbeatable underfoot cushioning, smooth-glide buckles, customizable forward lean adjustment, and low-profile straps that just hug your feet. While Re:Flex Step On bindings provide similar features but with the added benefit of an industry-leading boot-to-binding interface that doesn’t rely on traditional straps to secure the boot in place. So, whether you’re into pipe, freeriding, or all-mountain cruising, there’s a Re:Flex binding that will suit your needs.
Re:Flex bindings are available in both premium and wallet-friendly models, so no matter what your budget looks like, we’ve got a Re:Flex snowboard binding that’s priced just for you.
Finally, Burton Re:Flex bindings feature the patented technology behind their flexible mounting disc with its living hinge. While they’re not quite at the level of EST bindings, Re:Flex improves significantly on traditional disc bindings by increasing board feel thanks to added flexibility underfoot.
4: Cons of Re:Flex Bindings
There is one potential downside to Burton Re:Flex snowboard bindings, and that is the use of underfoot mounting hardware. While this does make them compatible with a huge variety of snowboards, it doesn’t deliver the same board feel as EST bindings combined with The Channel.
However, it should be noted that Re:Flex bindings deliver significantly improved board feel versus most manufacturers’ conventional disc bindings – don’t knock ‘em till you try ‘em.
Pro tip: Concerned about reduced “feel” with Re:Flex bindings? Check out Burton EST® snowboard bindings. Unlike Re:Flex, EST bindings move the mounting hardware out from under the foot, to the sides of the bindings. EST bindings are only compatible with The Channel™, but together, they deliver an unparalleled degree of board feel.
5: Burton Re:Flex Bindings vs. Other Snowboard Bindings
Over the years, Burton Re:Flex bindings have been refined through extensive R&D and real-world testing by the best snowboarders on the planet. They’ve also been optimized to work with any snowboard you might want to ride, because you should have the option to mix and match. Re:Flex snowboard bindings are available with either traditional straps or Step On boot retention systems, letting you stick with a time-tested design, or step into the future of binding technology.
6: Frequently Asked Re:Flex Questions
Whether you’re looking for some clarity around compatibility or just doing some research before selecting that perfect pair of snowboard bindings, here are some answers to common Burton Re:Flex snowboard binding questions.
Q: What snowboards are Burton Re:Flex snowboard bindings compatible with?
A: Burton Re:Flex snowboard bindings are compatible with almost every modern snowboard on the market. With the correct Re:Flex mounting discs, you can mount Re:Flex bindings on any 2x4, 4x4, 3D, or Channel snowboard.
Q: Where can I get Burton Re:Flex binding mounting discs?
A: When you purchase Burton Re:Flex snowboard bindings, they will include Re:Flex mounting discs that are compatible with 2x4 and 4x4 mounting patterns. If you intend to mount your Re:Flex bindings on a Burton snowboard with The Channel mounting system, you’ll need to purchase a set of Burton Channel Hinge mounting discs. If you intend to mount your Re:Flex bindings on a Burton snowboard with a 3D mounting pattern, you’ll need to get ahold of a pair of Burton 3D Hinge mounting discs.
Q: Are Burton Re:Flex snowboard bindings compatible with non-Burton snowboards?
A: Yes, Burton Re:Flex bindings will work with most manufacturers’ snowboards, as long as they have a 2x4, 4x4, or The Channel mounting system.
Q: Are Burton Re:Flex snowboard bindings good for beginners?
A: Burton Re:Flex snowboard bindings are a great choice for beginner and pro snowboarders alike. This is because Re:Flex bindings are available in flexible forgiving models that are good for learning your first turns, to high-performance stiff models that can help you maintain carved turns at high speeds.
Q: Should I buy Re:Flex or EST snowboard bindings?
A: It depends. Burton EST snowboard bindings are only compatible with snowboards that feature The Channel, whereas Burton Re:Flex snowboard bindings are compatible with any snowboard mounting interface (including The Channel). Assuming compatibility is not a factor, it all comes down to features, preferences, and price. Please review Burton’s Snowboard Binding Size Chart & Buying Guide to get the perfect pair of bindings.
