About this Review: This review is my honest opinion of the snowboard bindings, which I purchased with my own money in December of 2021.

My take

The Burton Malavitas are durable bindings with a fantastic response along with a great-fitting feel ideal for the intermediate to advanced rider.

About the bindings I own

• Model: 2021/22 Burton Malavita EST
• Size: Medium
• Burton channel compatible: Yes, specifically for the channel system with EST
• Mini disc: No

About me

• Height: 6’2”
• Weight: 195 lbs
• Experience: 25+ years of snowboarding

Test conditions

• When I bought these: December 2021
• Days used: 10
• Board: Burton Custom Camber
• Boot: Thirtytwo Double Lashed
• Where I’ve used it: Afton Alps, MN, and Wolf Creek, CO
• Terrain: Groomers, park, tree runs, pow stashes off the groomers

How they perform

What I was looking for

I was really looking to see what Burton Bindings were all about. I wanted to know if they were up to snuff with the rest of the bindings I have been on, like the Now Pilot, Jones Mercury, and Now Drive.

Why I chose this gear

I went with the Malavitas because they are a highly rated binding. I ride pretty much anywhere at the resort, including smaller jumps and side hits, so I wanted a durable, not-too-flexy binding. I thought about going with the Step On bindings, but they were sold out, and I also wanted to try the EST system to see what it felt like.

What I love about them

• Binding adjustability in boots: These bindings have a great ASYM heel strap that has great hold and comfort, plus more of a toe cap, which I prefer for the toe strap. The buckles are easy to ratchet and adjust.
• Stance adjustability: With the EST system, these are very easy to adjust with just the two EST bolts and wings. They are actually a lot easier than the traditional four-bolt system on most base plates.
• Comfort: Comfort is really great with a wider heel strap and the hammock back on the heel.
• Shock absorption: The shock absorption is good, nothing out of the ordinary, but not bad either. When going over moguls and jumps, I feel well supported and don’t notice any harsh feeling underfoot.
• Buttering: Buttering is pretty good on these bindings. I don’t struggle to butter, and they hold my boots very securely.
• Straps: The straps hold my boots well and are really comfortable, like a warm blanket.
• Buckles: The buckles feel high quality and durable, and they are easy to use.
• Durability: I didn’t get to ride these much more than 10 days due to the weather, but there are no signs of unusual wear or tear, and nothing indicates that they won't last for many seasons.

Issues I’ve encountered

• Responsiveness: These are not super stiff bindings, which I knew when I bought them, and are not intended to be super responsive. This results in not quite as quick turn initiation when cutting in and out of trees on steep lines since there is a mid-level flex to these bindings.
• Carving: Carving is good, but if one wants something more responsive, they should go with a stiffer binding.
• Weight: These bindings are average for weight and do not noticeably affect my riding positively or negatively. My NOW carbon bindings are naturally lighter, but these aren’t heavy by any means.

Favorite moment with this gear

I was able to go back to where I learned to ride, the Rockies and, more specifically, Wolf Creek. Unfortunately, they didn’t have any fresh snow, so everything was corduroy except the deep tree pockets of pow. My friend and I went searching for the white gold, and these bindings on my Burton Custom camber were fantastic and just shredded the tight lines between the trees.

Value for the money vs. other options

I would say these bindings are worth the money. They are priced similarly to the Now Pilot and the Jones Mercury, and I think I would ride the Malavitas over those two options just because of how comfortable the straps were and how well the buckles adjusted.

Final verdict

This binding just performs really well and is very comfortable. I like the ease of the adjustability for the EST with the Burton board. I was apprehensive before trying it but pleasantly surprised by how well it all worked out.