Burton Malavita Bindings Review – Complete Buyers Guide for 2021!

Even though Burton made splashes with the release of their new step-in snowboard bindings, they still produce one of the highest quality traditional and rear-entry models out there. The Burton Malavita snowboard bindings are perhaps one of the best all-mountain models out there thanks to the different patented technologies used throughout them and the consistent feel and response they have in all types of conditions. In this review, we will see some of their main features, find out what makes them unique, and see where they fall behind the competition.

My  Verdict: If you are looking for state-of-the-art all-mountain bindings, then look no further. The Burton Malavitas are one of the most well-rounded models this season and are coming with a price tag that reflects that. Everything from the baseplate to the highback is made out of quality patented materials and features a unique design. The double take buckles and supergrip straps also add to the stability and comfort of the bindings. If you aren’t on a tight budget, I highly recommend these.

For more of my thoughts on some of the best all-mountain snowboard bindings visit my full Buyer’s Guide!

Overview & Features of Burton Malavita

Right off the bat, I am going to say something rather important. If you are just now starting to get into snowboarding, getting such expensive bindings won’t really prove its worth. What I mean is that there are a lot of features here which cater to the more advanced snowboarders, even though the beginner’s comfort here will without a doubt make you feel great. Still, some models out there like the 5th element Stealth 3 snowboard bindings will offer similar comfort and a decent amount of all-mountain capabilities at a fraction of the cost, so keep that in mind.

Flex & Response

The flex here is definitely mid-range which shows us immediately that these bindings are mostly freestyle-focused. The response is a bit fluid which isn’t ideal for people that are after a more direct control over their board but is excellent for park riders that are looking for a little bit of play in their movements. The forward lean and highback rotations can be adjusted independently of one another thanks to the Canted living hinge technology in place here.

The highback provides a good amount of lateral response and wraps around your boot a little more than regular highbacks. It also features a heel hammock and a dialFlad 3D printed core structure.

Baseplate

The baseplate features a single-component construction which provides a consistent feeling from heel to toe adding to the freestyle capabilities of these bindings. They are made out of a glass/nylon composite and re-flex padding. They do an alright job at eliminating the major bumps on your board but keep your feet close to the action at the same time giving you a good amount of feel and control. The overall surface isn’t too big either which helps with board flex.

Straps

The ankle strap is Burton’s patented Asym hammockstrap which is wider than usual and I love it for that. Narrow ankle straps tend to get uncomfortable over time while this one stays flat on your boots and keeps your feet tucked in without any looseness. The front strap is a supergrip cap strap that also doubles as a toe strap if you are into that kind of thing. This is, in fact, the upgraded 2.0 version of their supergrip capstrap which is a bit bigger and harder than before.

The buckles here are double-take buckles which, combined with the helix pattern, eliminates any possibility of them loosening up while you’re going downhill.

Materials

The materials here paint a pretty good picture of simultaneous cushioning and support. The Re-Flex FullBED cushioning system combined with the AutoCant FullBED and B3 Gel create a ride quality worthy of the price tag. Everything else feels solid and well put together, as most other Burton products are.

To prove they mean business, Burton is putting a lifetime warranty on their baseplates and the straps and highbacks are backed by a 1-year full warranty.

Compatibility

As with most other Burton bindings, these are compatible with all major mounting systems, including 2×4, 4×4, Burton’s 3D bolt patterns and the Channel.

A few other things worth mentioning are the colors and sizes these bindings come in. Most other models offer 3 sizes and typically one color option, while the Burton Malavitas offer you 3 sizes and 4 color options. In terms of colors, you can get them in Brackish (black), Dark Grey, Frost, and my favorite – Spicy Salmon. Size-wise, they come in Small (boot sizes 6-8), Medium (boot sizes 8-11) and Large (boot sizes above 10).

Advantages & Disadvantages of Burton Malavita Snowboard

Pros

Cons

Taking care of your bindings is rather easy as they seldom come in contact with elements from your surroundings. Your board, however, will need any help it can get. Waxing it regularly will help you prolong its life and make it perform better in any type of conditions. Click here to learn more about the whole process!

Conclusion & Rating of Burton Malavita

Our Rating: (4.5/5)

Even though these findings aren’t going to be the cheapest part of your snowboard gear, they have one of the most finely tuned responses out there, mainly due to the unity of their materials and the lack of segmentation across the binding. What that means is that the baseplate is a single solid piece which equalizes the feel and control you have over your board in various conditions. The straps also have a good wrapping feel about them that just makes you feel better connected with your board. As a whole, the Burton Malavita snowboard bindings are a great investment for anyone looking for a solid all-rounder but are also quite expensive. The bottom line is that if you are a beginner I’d recommend getting something cheaper for starters until you learn your way around the slopes. These bindings get a four and a half out of five stars rating.