I have been riding the Burton ICS since the beginning of the season. I have tested it on a variety of Burton snowboards with EST and 3D bindings and in many varied conditions. I will not come back
Using a channel system to attach bindings to a snowboard is not a new idea. But the way Burton has implemented it is and that’s what I think makes Burton’s ICS worthwhile.
Before you go ahead and buy a Burton ICS board, there are a few things you need to know.
1. If you have Burton 3D bindings, you can attach them to your board with new binding plates that are Burton free.
2. If you do not have Burton bindings, check with your dealer to see if your binding company has new binding plates available. At the time of this writing, alternative boards were not available for most of the more popular brands.
3. The future is ICS, so if you’re buying a new board, don’t compromise because your old bindings don’t fit.
ICS stands for ‘Infinite Channel System’ and when it comes to setting up your board, the key word here is infinity. With traditional systems, you’re locked into fixed positions on the board and at the decks. With ICS you can move the bindings fractionally in all directions to achieve the perfect stance width and foot position. Angles and widths are easily set using the new angle/reference view window. If you’re carrying a tool when you ride, it’s very easy to make changes by loosening the two bolts on each binding. No need to lift the board joint to adjust the position or angles of the board…this is a big plus point.
To go along with the channel system, Burton has produced a new range of bindings called EST. Aside from the two-point bindings, Burton has improved the insole and the most obvious difference to me is the comfort of the cushioning.
If you already have Burton 3D bindings, you can attach them to the new ICS system, but you don’t get the same level of flexibility when setting them up. If you have any doubts regarding the use of your old Burton bindings, let me dispel them…they work and work fine…but my advice is to go all the way and get some EST bindings.