Why is Step On EST the next step in snowboarding?

Burton Snowboards continues to innovate every year, which is why we at The Old Man are big fans of the market leader in snowboarding.

The most important addition to the range this season is the Burton Step On Genesis - EST binding. As far as we are concerned, this addition is the next step in the evolution of snowboarding .

Re:flex

Before we can explain this properly, we first need to tell you something about the mounting system of the standard Burton Step On binding.

At Burton there are 2 systems to mount bindings to snowboards. These systems are called “Re:flex” and “EST”. The standard Burton Step On binding is mounted to the board via the Re:flex system.

The Re:flex system was originally designed to allow the binding to flex more with your snowboard than their previous bindings, or bindings from other brands. With this system, the screws that attach the binding to the snowboard go directly through the baseplate of the binding.

If you look at the bottom of the Re:flex binding, you will see that it is actually cut in 2 parts lengthwise. There is also a bend in the disk where the screws go through. In addition, you have a soft footbed of EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate) at your heel and toes. This provides more flex and comfort.

The Re:flex system ensures that the binding absorbs vibrations better while snowboarding. This in turn ensures that you can enjoy snowboarding for longer because you get tired less quickly, because your muscles have to process less vibrations.

There have been several studies into the effect of the Re:flex system. The numbers are not always absolute , but it is stated that you will have 21% more energy left.

Another advantage of the Re:flex system is that it can be used on all types of snowboards. So snowboards with a channel mount, but also on snowboards with a 4x4 mount.

EST

Burton also has a binding mounting system called EST.

EST stands for Extra Sensory Technology. Essentially, EST means that the screws that connect your binding to the snowboard do not go through the binding, but instead connect to the snowboard on either side of the binding.

The new Burton Step On Genesis - EST binding is mounted to the board via the EST system.

The advantages of EST are, for example, that you can keep the entire footbed softer and more flexible, as it is made entirely of EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate). This ensures that the bottom flexes better with your board. In addition, a softer footbed absorbs vibrations much better.

With the Re:Flex system you still need a hard disk under your foot, because screws have to go through it. A hard plastic disk will vibrate, and your muscles have to process all those vibrations.

Also with the EST system there have been several studies done on the effect. The figures are again not always absolute, but it is stated that you have 30% more energy left than with bindings with a normal hard baseplate. That means that you can simply enjoy snowboarding for longer.

A side note of EST is that this mounting system is only suitable for snowboards with the Burton Channel System. A channel mount means that there are two slots in the board, where screw inserts can be placed. These can slide freely over the entire slot. This does mean that you can adjust EST bindings continuously and precisely.

Step On Bindings vs Standard Bindings

Due to the construction of the normal Step On system you have more feeling with your board than with traditional strap bindings. This is because your reaction goes from your foot, directly through the material of the boot, to your baseplate and then to your snowboard.

And with what we call "the old binding" or strap binding, the energy of your reaction must first flow through the material of the binding straps to reach your board.

Conclusion

EST is not a new invention. And Burton Step On has been on the market for a few years now. But the combination of the comfortable EST system and the Burton Step On binding is new this year. That is why we consider it the next step in snowboarding.

Our manager has tested the binding extensively. Here is what he thinks about it.

Harry de Weijer: "I was skeptical at first because the binding felt a bit soft, but that was gone after the first few turns. What an incredible amount of feeling, control and comfort. As if you are one with the snowboard."

Do you think Step On EST is something for you? Or do you want more advice? Then come to our snowboard specialty store The Old Man South, Rijnstraat 205, Amsterdam. We can give you personal advice about Step On and all kinds of snowboard products.