About this review This review is my own honest opinion of the bindings, which I bought with my own money in October 2020.

My take

The Burton Lexa Snowboard Bindings are really the perfect binding for any setup from beginner to expert whether one is linking turns or throwing down in the park.

About the gear

• Model: 2021 Burton Lexa Snowboard Bindings
• Size: Medium
• Burton channel compatible: Yes (also available as an EST specific version)
• Mini disc: Yes

About me

• Height: 5’3”
• Weight: 105 lbs
• Experience: 7 years

Test conditions

• When I bought these: October 2020
• Days tested: 10 (I tested prior season models of the Lexa 300+ days)
• Board: Burton Talent Scout and Salomon Gypsy
• Boot: Thirtytwo Women’s TM-2
• Where I’ve used it: Mt. Snow, Vermont
• Terrain: Park, groomers, and trees

How it performs

What I was looking for

I have been riding Lexas since 2015 and thought it was time for the newer model. I knew that I wanted the same consistent response, performance, and durability that I got out of my old bindings (which in total, I have over 300 days on), so getting the Lexas was a no-brainer for me! Time and time again, they've proven to be the best choice.

If you're looking for a stiffer flex binding, the women's Burton Lexa X is similar construction plus gel cushioning, and double-take buckles with insta-click. Geared more towards backcountry freeriders or pro riders. Whichever model you choose, you're guaranteed to find the same smooth ride, immediate response, and all-terrain performance that I've come to love.

Why I chose this gear

At this point, I have accumulated about three pairs of Lexas, but for my initial decision to purchase, the “look” really sold me – when comparing this binding to others with similar technical characteristics, what swayed me to the Lexas was the strong and flexible plastic Burton straps that increase grip, which were not nearly as common on women’s specific bindings at that time (compared to fabric straps). Along with that, the overall flex profile made for a smooth, comfortable connection with my board. They offer enough control for high-speed riding and enough flex for tricks, spins, and effortless maneuverability. Burton does snowboard tech right, and it's more apparent than ever with the innovation of these bindings.

What I love about it

• Stance adjustability: These bindings are incredible for customization even when I am not working with the Burton EST channel, which maximizes customizability. The forward lean angle of the hi-back can be adjusted quickly with the dialFLAD system, which pushes the high back to a forward angle that is great for those deep carves and aggressive lines. It adds outstanding response and the ease of use is unmatched! Of course, fewer cranks on the rotating dial will utilize the zero-forward lean design, giving you a more playful ride. Finding the most comfortable position is simple with a natural flexing spine shape that contours to the natural position of your legs for an ideal stance every time.
• Comfort: These are some of the most comfortable bindings I have ever ridden. I know that I can be pretty picky when it comes to comfort, because something that may pass off as “not a huge deal” can make those long days really challenging to push through. For me, the biggest problem is the pinching feeling from the toe strap over the toe boxes of the boots. With the Burton Lexas, I do not experience this sensation even when I crank the strap down to fit snugly, which is a dream. The hammock ankle strap is another one of the top features as far as comfortability goes. The Re:Flex single-component baseplate construction, complete suspension, and fullbed cushioning system have a super cushy and relaxed feel that helps to eliminate fatigue, allowing you to shred the entire mountain in comfort without sacrificing responsive performance.
• Responsiveness: These bindings have a great blend of responsiveness and flexibility. I noticed an ease of initiating and riding through turns which was great for everything from quick turns to carving to big icy hits. They are responsive enough to handle well in tightly packed trees but not so stiff that I can’t feel floaty and playful. These are not the most responsive bindings I have ever ridden but definitely offer outstanding control which keeps them high on my list, especially when considering the Lexas's other features.
• Straps: I find that these bindings offer a great amount of security without any of those pesky pressure points I might get from other straps. I love these easy-access straps – the asymmetrical hammock strap is a flexible plastic that really conforms to the shape of my boot. I also want to mention that the hinge on the heel strap is a type of reinforced plastic and looks like it might be flimsy, but rest assured that in my experience, it’s basically indestructible with normal use! This strategically stretched hinging zone and ergonomic design add to the rugged attitude and performance of the Lexa. The rubber super grip cap strap fits snugly over the toebox with a low-profile design. Helps to comfortably seat the boot into the heel cup for simpler and quicker control.
• Durability: The nylon composite material bindings with double-take buckles are durable enough to handle anything I throw at them. You might be wondering why I have several pairs of these; it is not because there have been any issues with quality, it’s the opposite in fact! I have put so many turns and landings and falls on these bindings and I have never (knock on wood) had any of the hardware go flying after a particularly hard landing even when breaking my board. As a result, I keep on buying this binding because I want to treat myself to a little update.
• Weight: In my opinion, I found the Lexas to have enough weight to give them a sturdy onboard feel, but not so heavy that I feel weighed down. The single-component hi-back construction keeps things low on weight but will withstand the test of time. I gave weight a star rating of 3 because they are not the lightest binding on the market, but I wouldn’t necessarily consider them to be “heavy.”

Issues I’ve encountered

• Buttering: When it comes to buttering, these bindings are middle of the road. I believe that boards will dictate the buttering experience more than bindings. With that being said, when paired with a softer freestyle board these bindings won’t inhibit the buttering experience and offer really playful response. On the flip side, these aren’t the type of bindings that will make even the stiffest of boards feel buttery smooth. Might not be the #1 choice if you're after a more playful feel.
• Buckles: I have noticed that occasionally, the heel strap buckle and ratchets can get stuck – especially on days when the snow can get trapped in it. This has been very infrequent and only on days where I literally rode for 7 or more hours nonstop without unbuckling my lead foot. In the event that does happen, the straps can be adjusted without a screwdriver, which is a great feature and definitely saved me from having to beg a liftie to let me borrow one! But compared to other bindings I have ridden under similar conditions, it is on par. Just something to keep in mind in the cold temperatures!
• Shock absorption: These bindings have a decent amount of shock absorption, but I’m writing about it here in the issues section, because their shock absorption is nothing to write home about. I would say though that the sensory bed cushioning really helps contribute to the comfort and cushiness of the binding, and is definitely preferable to a more “bare” binding. I have put the Lexas through quite a bit and found solid and consistent performance; pretty comparable to other bindings of this quality. Even if you knuckle jumps as much as I do, I wouldn’t worry about this because it does a pretty good job of minimizing the impact. The Re:Flex fullbed baseplate helps a lot here.

Favorite moment with this gear

My favorite moment with these bindings has to be my first few tree runs of the season. It was right after a heavy snowfall and everything was buried under the snow. I was initially intimidated since I was still getting my legs under me, but as I built up speed and began to float through the powder, I felt as if everything had “clicked.” I was able to obtain a steady rhythm, yet I felt unconstrained. When I slowed down, I realized the extent of the silence as cliche as it sounds, I felt really connected to the mountain. In the past, I haven’t been a huge tree rider, but this experience definitely helped me understand what all the rave is all about. The fast response and total engagement gave me a whole new level of confidence.

Value for the money vs. other options

Alright, let's get real about the cost because at $260 these bindings might not be the most budget-friendly. Why spend all of this money on bindings when there are cheaper options even from reputable brands? That is a completely valid response and it really comes down to what each snowboarder’s specific needs are.

Virtually any binding will guarantee a blast on the hill regardless of the specific model since it is snowboarding after all. The difference I considered is: how much time do I spend shredding? Is comfort a priority? What about progression; even if I were not there yet, do I see myself starting in the park, hitting those bigger features, taking those steeper trails? These are all things to consider and there are no right answers. For me, the Lexas check off all the boxes. I believe they satisfy every need for most all-mountain, park, and beginner riders, as well as riders who don’t really know what their riding style is.

If the initial price tag is still hard to grapple with, I think of it as an investment; so then logically “fun” is the return on the investment and that is basically assured. The Lexas really set a high standard as far as fun goes, in my opinion.

In terms of other options on the market, now that there is such a strong selection of these lighter, more comfortable bindings, I briefly considered changing things up, looking primarily toward the women's Burton Lexa X and Union Trilogy bindings. But I felt that these other bindings really shine for aggressive lines and ultimately, the Lexas are more versatile, and in my opinion, give the most “bang for your buck.” Plus, they include a one-year warranty from the date of purchase in case of any issues.

Final verdict

The Burton Lexa binding is a high-quality mid-flex snowboard binding that offers all-terrain performance in a low-profile design and helps unlock the greatest potential on the mountain and will keep any snowboarder’s feet happy throughout the day.

P.S. Just be sure to factor in board compatibility if you decide to try these out for yourself. If you're on a Burton board that uses Burton's channel system, you'll need to go with the EST model.

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