Burton: Men's Mission Snowboard Binding

Great for seasoned riders and those completely new to snowboarding, Burton's classic freestyle-oriented Mission Snowboard Binding gives you a seamless fit with minimal hassles--so you can focus on your ride or learning the basics. In the old days snowboard binding designers crafted their stuff with ultra-rigid baseplates made with metals. The metal baseplate approach was pretty unfriendly for beginners, and that's why Burton was one of the first to opt for non-metal binding baseplates because metal tends to be either too inflexible or too likely to bend out of shape. The Mission has a slightly rigid, lightweight baseplate design that features a blend of nylon and short glass fibers. EVA padding along the baseplate helps absorb the jolts and shocks associated with air landings. This season Burton created a modified Team Skyback for the Mission, giving the hi-back a relaxed forward lean that's ideally suited for new riders. The Mission also features a new Primostrap over the ankle that's sort of a hybrid between the contemporary performance Superstrap and the cushy Luxstrap from previous years. The Primostrap features a 3D curved strap design with a triple-axis spine and plenty of EVA padding. Up front you'll find a Primo Capstrap with Grip Fit and a 3D contoured shape that molds to your boot toe, pushing your heel back firmly into the binding while holding the foot down for better response. The Grip Fit element also gives the Mission an extra power and response element that's essential for discerning and competitive riders. Because the Capstrap is ergonomic, you get a great fit without painful pressure points--and that's a big change from the days of cranking down conventional toe straps until your toes turn numb.

• Burton "response" rating: 5 on a scale of 1 to 9
• Newly redesigned Team Skyback with a user-friendly Relaxed Forward Lean device
• New Primo Capstrap with Grip Fit in toe for excellent energy transmission between boot and binding
• New Primostrap over ankle with 3D Curved, Triple Axis spine and EVA padding
• Tool-free strap length adjustment features on straps
• Light and durable short glass fiber/nylon composite baseplate with EVA padding and tool-free adjustable Gas Pedal™ padding
• Easy-fitting, Smooth Glide™ buckles with polished aluminum levers and quick release gates
• Extra EVA baseplate padding for comfort while riding all day