Burton 4 ICS discs

The first thing you notice about the Burton 4 ICS Discs is their aesthetic. They've got a clean, modern look that blends well with most boards and boots. Burton has moved away from overly flashy graphics on this model, opting instead for more subtle colorways and design elements. This makes them versatile enough to pair with various board setups.

• 4 ICS Design: The "4 ICS" designation refers to Burtons four-hole mounting system. This is a crucial feature for freestyle riders. It allows you to shift your binding position forward or backward by 22.5 degrees, allowing you to fine-tune your stance for better pop and control critical for hitting jumps and rails. This adaptability makes them suitable not only for dedicated park rats but also for all-mountain riders who enjoy spending time in the terrain park.
• Baseplate: The baseplate itself is constructed from a composite material, which keeps weight down while still providing decent stiffness. Its not as stiff as their high-end bindings (like the Cartel), but it's more than adequate for most freestyle riders.
• Hi-Back: Burton uses their Reactive strapping system on the hi-back of these snowboard bindings. This allows for a bit more flex, aiding in board feel and comfort when riding switch or jibbing.
• Hammock Buckle System: The straps are made from durable nylon webbing and feature Burton's Hammock Buckle system. These buckles provide quick and secure fastening, reducing the need to fumble around in cold weather.

Lets be real freestyle riding isnt gentle on your equipment. Youre going to be landing jumps, grinding rails, and generally putting your bindings through a lot of stress. So how do the Burton 4 ICS Discs hold up under pressure?

• Baseplate Construction: While the baseplate is composite, it's surprisingly robust. It can handle moderate impacts without cracking or deforming. However, keep in mind that repeated severe abuse (like slamming into concrete) will eventually take its toll.
• Hi-Back Durability: The hi-back is also made from a durable plastic compound. The Reactive strapping system has proven to be reasonably durable, although the rubber padding can wear down over time with constant use and exposure to harsh conditions.
• Straps & Buckles: The straps are generally well-constructed and don't fray or break easily. The Hammock buckles are a strong point theyre quick to fasten and have held up exceptionally well in user reports. This is an area where Burton has consistently delivered quality.
• Overall Verdict: These bindings aren't built for the absolute extremes of abuse, but they offer excellent value for their price range when it comes to durability. They should easily last a season or two with proper care and maintenance crucial if youre serious about your snowboarding gear.

Comfort is often overlooked, but it's absolutely essential for enjoying long days on the slopes. The Burton 4 ICS Discs aim to provide a comfortable ride without sacrificing performance.

• Flex: As mentioned earlier, the Reactive hi-back contributes to a more forgiving flex pattern. This makes them comfortable for all-day riding and reduces foot fatigue.
• Straps: The wide-format straps distribute pressure evenly across your foot, minimizing hot spots and discomfort. The padding is adequate but not excessive its enough to provide cushioning without feeling bulky.
• Laces & Adjustment: Fine-tuning the fit is easy thanks to the adjustable hi-back and forward lean adjustment. This allows you to customize the binding's performance and comfort to your liking.

Now for the most important part - how do these bindings ride? The Burton 4 ICS Discs are designed with freestyle riding in mind, and they deliver on that promise.

• Responsiveness: The composite baseplate provides a decent level of responsiveness, allowing you to feel connected to your board. You'll be able to initiate turns quickly and maintain control at high speeds though not as crisply as higher-end bindings.
• Pop & Edge Control: The 4 ICS design allows for stance adjustments that can optimize pop for jumps and rails. The bindings provide adequate edge hold, allowing you to confidently carve on groomed runs or navigate icy conditions when needed.
• Park Performance: This is where the Burton 4 ICS Discs truly shine. The ability to adjust your binding position provides a huge advantage in the park, enabling better board control while landing jumps and grinding rails. They provide enough support for buttering and jibbing without feeling overly stiff. These are excellent best snowboarding bindings for freestyle.
• All-Mountain Versatility: While primarily geared towards freestyle, these bindings can handle all-mountain riding reasonably well. They aren't the ideal choice for aggressive carving or deep powder, but theyre versatile enough to get you down the mountain in most conditions.

Weve shared our assessment, but what are real riders saying about the Burton 4 ICS Discs? Here's a summary of common themes from online reviews and forums:

• Pros:
  • Great value for the price.
  • Comfortable for all-day riding.
  • Excellent for freestyle riding, especially in the park.
  • Easy to adjust and customize.
  • Durable enough for recreational riders.
• Cons:
  • Not as stiff as higher-end bindings (which is fine for their intended purpose).
  • Composite baseplate might not last forever with extremely heavy use.
  • Some users have reported issues with the rubber padding on the hi-back wearing down over time.

The Burton 4 ICS Discs are priced competitively, making them an excellent entry point for riders looking to upgrade their bindings without breaking the bank. Prices typically range from $150 - $250 depending on colorway and retailer. This puts them squarely in the mid-range price bracket, offering a compelling balance of performance and affordability. It's easy to buy snowboarding gear online at this price point!

The Burton 4 ICS Discs are a solid choice for freestyle-focused riders who want a comfortable, versatile, and affordable binding. They excel in the terrain park, offering excellent pop, edge control, and stance adjustability thanks to their 4 ICS design. While they might not be as stiff or durable as high-end bindings, they offer exceptional value for their price range. If you're looking to upgrade your snowboard bindings without spending a fortune, the Burton 4 ICS Discs are definitely worth considering. They represent an excellent entry point into the world of freestyle performance and are a great addition to any riders collection of winter sports gear.

Yes, as long as your snowboard uses The Channel or ICS system, these discs will work seamlessly. You can confirm compatibility by checking for the iconic Channel logo on your board's mounting points.

ICS (Independent Mounting System) allows you to position bindings at different angles on a pre-drilled pattern of holes. The Burton Channel system takes this flexibility one step further, offering even greater customization as it eliminates specific hole locations entirely, allowing for micro-adjustments in binding placement with just the twist of an Allen wrench.

Installation is straightforward; simply remove your old mounting discs and attach these new ones using the provided screws. Ensure they are tightened securely before hitting the slopes to avoid any issues during use.

Yes, you can usually reuse most of the hardware that came with your bindings as long as it is compatible with the disc's mounting pattern. However, check compatibility carefully and replace any worn or damaged parts before installation.

With The Channel system, you simply loosen the bolts holding your binding to the disc and slide the binding into the desired position. Then retighten the screws and you're ready to ride! Its a much quicker adjustment process than with traditional hole-based systems.

Yes, these discs are built to last. They are made from high-quality materials designed to withstand the rigors of snowboarding in various conditions. Proper care and maintenance will further extend their lifespan.

Burton typically offers a limited warranty on its products, including hardware like discs. Check the specific details of your purchase for more information regarding coverage and claims procedures.

The main benefit is the flexibility they provide in adjusting binding stance and angles without needing to drill new holes or re-tap existing ones. This allows you to fine-tune your board's performance for optimal comfort and control.

As long as the bindings are compatible with the ICS standard (which most major brands are), they should work without issue. However, it is always a good idea to double-check compatibility before making a purchase.

Regularly wipe them down with a damp cloth after each use to remove dirt and grime. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners that could damage the finish. Inspect for any signs of wear or corrosion periodically, replacing parts as needed.

Generally speaking, these discs are very reliable. However, over time bolts may loosen slightly due to vibrations and impacts on the slopes. Regularly checking and tightening them is crucial for preventing issues during riding.

While most are black, you might find some color variations depending on availability and special editions. Check with your local snowboard shop or online retailer for options.

Burton doesn't officially support using these discs with splitboard bindings. However, some users have reported success by modifying them slightly. This is not recommended as it may void the warranty and could compromise safety.

These discs are designed to minimize their impact on the board's overall flex. They are lightweight and made from materials that dont significantly alter its performance characteristics.

You can purchase them at most major snowboard shops, online retailers like Evo or Backcountry, and directly from Burton's website (burton.com).

Burton is a leader in snowboarding technology, and their discs are known for their quality, durability, and ease of use. They offer a reliable way to customize your board setup without the hassle of drilling new holes or dealing with complicated adjustment mechanisms.

No, they are designed to fit all standard snowboard mounting patterns. The disc itself is universal while the screws may vary slightly depending on the binding you're using.