Next up: The ever-present, entry-level classic from Burton, the Burton Freestyle binding. Here, we have the exact opposite of the K2 Cinch. Inexpensive, at about $130 retail (but, you can easily find these on close-out for about $80-$90 bills). Basic, simple, and bulletproof. As the advertising quip from Burton goes: "Entry level?! Try Next Level!" That just about says it all, right there.
The truth is, the Burton Freestyles really do have many of the features and benefits that you'll find in not only Burton's "higher-end" bindings, but in most of the industry's high-end snowboard bindings... but, at a fraction of the price. A light, stiff highback with more forward lean options than you'll ever use. Foam padding everywhere, from the highbacks, to the heels and gas pedals on the baseplates. Fast and easy-to-engage ratchets and ladder bars. A lifetime warranty on baseplate breakage. Very light weight, yet immensely durable. Entirely practical, yet beautiful in their graceful simplicity. The generously padded ankle straps and over-the-toe toe straps are real day-savers for old coots like me: They're so comfortable, you can nearly forget that they're there. But then, I'm old. I can forget damn near anything these days...
In short: These just might be one of the best bangs for your buck, in all of snowboarding. Maybe that's why they're the standard that everyone else is always trying to beat? In any rate, I've spent many a day strapped into a pair of these over the last few years, and every one of them has been a blast. Thanks, Jake. I'll be buying more of these next year.
