About this Review: This review is my honest opinion of the snowboard bindings, which I purchased with my own money in December of 2019.

My take

The Burton Step On Re:Flex Bindings are one of my best snowboarding investments. They’re extremely responsive, lightweight, simple, and have a fast entry and exit. The only difference between my 2020 model and the 2023 model is the addition of the Toe Hook 2.0, which makes for easier entry and exit, as well as reducing clicking noise associated with the binding.

About the bindings I own

• Model: 2020 Burton Step On Re:Flex Bindings
• Size: Medium
• Burton channel compatible: Yes
• Mini disc: No

About me

• Height: 6’0”
• Weight: 160lbs
• Experience: 15+ years of snowboarding

Test conditions

• When I bought these: December 2019
• Days tested: 60+
• Board: 2020 Jones Flagship
• Boot: 2020 Burton Photon & 2021 Burton Photon
• Where I’ve used it: VT, NH, ME, CA, CO
• Terrain: Backcountry & Resort (Groomers, park, powder, trees, chutes, and snowfields)

How they perform

What I was looking for

I previously owned FLOW bindings (rear entry) which, sadly, had a major mechanical failure after some years of heavy use. I didn't want to go back to traditional bindings due to the time it takes to strap in and out, and the Burton Step Ons offered an extremely efficient system.

Why I chose this gear

I chose this product primarily due to its time-saving nature. I am typically the only snowboarder in my ‘skiing’ group, and with Step Ons, I’m just as fast, if not faster, than my buddies on skis when it comes to getting ready off the lift. Burton has three main options when it comes to Step Ons. I chose the Re:Flex bindings (mid-range option) because it's a good compromise between price and quality.

What I love about them

• Binding adjustability in boots: The bindings have the ability to adjust the lean angle, but after the first adjustment, I never mess with it anymore. There is really no other binding adjustability for this model, besides the lean. The majority of the tweaks are performed on one’s boots.
• Comfort: These bindings are very comfortable. As long as one sizes their boot correctly, these bindings distribute one’s weight evenly, locking in at the heel and toe hooks.
• Shock absorption: They have a rubber sole for shock absorption. I’ve landed some unintentional sends to flat and these help a lot with taking the force.
• Responsiveness: As soon as I give the slightest lean forward or back, the bindings transfer this to the board. It’s great for carving and turn initiation.
• Durability: I’m on my second pair of boots and second board, but still have the same bindings. With 60 + days of riding in a variety of conditions ranging from over two feet of powder to icy moguls, these have handled it all.
• Weight: These bindings are dense, but lightweight. Due to the nature of the design, they need to be strong in areas such as the toe hooks and highback (heel lock). However, the biggest weight savings come from the absence of straps/buckles.
• Stance adjustability: They have a circular puck that has 360 degrees of rotation: highly adjustable. In order to access the pucks to change my stance, I need to peel back the rubber absorption sole. I don't change my stance much, but it's just an extra step that one typically doesn’t have to perform on traditional bindings.

Issues I’ve encountered

• Buttering: These bindings are rather stiff. So when it comes to buttering, I really have to put my weight into the nose/tail.

Favorite moment with this gear

After some practice, I am able to step into my bindings as I’m cruising off the lift. And I love to see the looks from jealous snowboarders and confused skiers—thinking that they had an advantage. Further, when conditions take a turn for the worst as I'm backcountry bootpacking up a 55-degree slope, there is no room for error. After chiseling a small step for my board into the snow, these bindings made it extremely easy to step and lock into my board. Although this is a highly specific case, I would have been unable to lean/bend over to adjust straps and buckles on a traditional binding without losing my footing.

Value for the money vs. other options

Due to the fact that one will need to buy both Step On boots and bindings for this setup, it is a rather large initial investment. However, in terms of quality and durability, this will be my third season with these bindings and I have had no issues yet. The Re:Flex bindings are stiff, but with the right amount of commitment, can be rather playful. In terms of Burton’s Step On line-up, these are the mid-range binding in just about all fields; price, quality, stiffness, and responsiveness. The last pair of snowboard bindings that I owned were a pair of rear-entry FLOW bindings. Although these were a great option for their time (several years ago), there were a few mechanical failures that caused me to switch. In one instance, the rear-entry locking mechanism broke, releasing the highback while I was riding. While the Step On system is simple, it is ultimately more efficient and durable.

Final verdict

For vertical hounds trying to beat their friends for tracked season totals, these bindings could mean the difference between a skier and the top of the leaderboards. Unlock more time on the mountain rather than wasting time buckling up.