My name is Chas; and time spent in the mountains, rivers, lakes and sea; is time well spent.
I thought I would gather useful information, from our experts, for those who like outdoor activities such as water sports, snow sports, walking, climbing etc. Having 'had a go' at many of the sports, myself, I see things from the customer's perspective!
I trust the articles help, enjoy!
As a water sports enthusiast you may have heard about London Jump Night which includes the worlds best in Water Ski Jumping. You’ll not only be amazement at size of the jump but the speed at which they hit the ramp. Unlike slalom and trick skiing the main aim of jump skiing is to spend the longest period ‘out of the water’ in trying to achieve the maximum distance possible from the ramp.
For maximum stability whilst on the water/ramp, ski jumping involves two long skis which are both wide and equipped with tail fins. As to achieving the longest distance you might think why not just increase the speed but to ensure fairness a rule has been written stating a maximum speed for each competitive division (age/gender) so is solely based on the skier’s individual performance.
To help increase the speed many jumpers have varying degrees of ‘cut in’ from the slowest single, to three quarter and the fastest being double cut. Utilising this technique a male jumper can achieve speeds of more than 60mph at the ramps base with a jump more than 240ft off a 6ft ramp whereas women jumpers can jump over 170ft from a 5ft ramp.
If, like me, you open water swim to keep fit; it can be difficult to justify purchasing an open water/triathlon specific wetsuit. They are specifically designed for the competitive swimmer or triathlete with long distances swimming in-mind. Consequently they are not as hard wearing as a traditional wetsuit, and therefore not really suitable for anything else.
I wanted a wetsuit I could use for open water swimming, and the odd surfing holiday off the Cornish coast (and more), so I jumped in at the chance to try the O’Neill Hyperfreak full wetsuit. I knew it would be good for surfing etc, but would it be good for open water swimming because I have entered Swim Rutland in August?
The main features of the wetsuit are:
TechnoButter neoprene
Glued and blind stitch seam construction
Contortionist seamless shoulder
FUZE entry system
I will not go into the technical details of O’Neill’s TechnoButter neoprene, I shall leave that to the boffins at O’Neill, but importantly its lighter and super stretchy than the normal neoprene. The glued and blind stitch seams complement the TechnoButter and with the seamless shoulder design contributed to a well fitting wetsuit with plenty of movement; which did not hinder my swim stroke.
The neoprene thickness is 3mm and 2mm, which gave me enough buoyancy, that I felt confident in the water; and even though I need to work on my swim technique, I had a good swim.
Open water swimming in the O’Neill Hyperfreak wetsuit. lovely!
The FUZE entry system isn’t as easy as a back zip; but it does make a good seal, so I had no ‘flushing’ of the wetsuit, keeping me comfortably warm. However if you do elect to enter a triathlon this wetsuit will add time to your transition – however I’d see that as a much needed rest!
So, if like me, you want a multi-disciplined wetsuit; then take a look at the O’Neill Hyperfreak FUZE 3mm 2mm Full Wetsuit and you will have a wetsuit for all occasions, including open water swimming, when the water temperature is a little chilly.
New to the scene or been in the water sport game for years its more than likely you’ve heard the term rashie aka rash guard or rash vest! No matter the term this is a vital piece of kit worth adding to your water sports gear.
Rash vests are normally worn under your wetsuit to help prevent chaffing. O’Neill rash vests have been specially designed to achieve this through the use of numerous materials and flat loc stitch construction which helps provide a softer, lower profile seam erasing any possibility of rashes occurring.
Ever worried about your sun cream washing off? Wearing a rash vest will give you that peace of mind and protection against harmful UV rays that you know won’t wash off! Don’t risk it! Most O’Neill rash vests have a 50+ UV rating or above perfect for those extremely sunny days out on the water. Even if it’s too warm for a wetsuit O’Neill rash vests are so versatile they can be worn either on their own or under other clothing, but still give amazing protection.
When it comes to water sports you don’t want to be worried about your top rising up during a high impact crash so O’Neill have added a feature known as the board short connector allowing any board short to be securely attached to your rash vest preventing any unwanted embarrassment.
O’Neill Team surfer wearing a rashie, rash vest or rash guard!
Materials
Rash vests, what makes them so comfortable? The materials are generally a combination of specially selected lightweight materials such as nylon, spandex and polyester producing what’s known as lycra to you and I. This lycra material is around 0.5mm thick and comes in a variety of stretch; 2 way, 4 way and 6 way stretch giving you different levels to suit any environment. (Link to board short blog)
Fit
With any clothes or shoes the correct fit is important, rash vests are no different! Being a super stretchy material allows the rash vest to perfectly mould to your body shape ensuring all areas are protected.
However, with more people wearing them as UV protection a loose t-shirt style rash vest is available.
Typically a rash vest is worn as a tight fitting garment but even if you don’t like tight, body hugging clothing as long as you’re comfortable with your rash vest it will still give you that protection required. Including the figure hugging compression rash guard for long distance endurance sports.
Thermal Rash Vest
Nobody wants to cut their session short due to getting cold. A thermal rash vest does exactly what it says on the tin; provides a thermal layer for added warmth yet still gives protection against UV rays. O’Neill thermal rash vests come in a variety of styles from hooded to sleeveless vests so you’re covered for all conditions.
If you are involved with water sports it generally means you will need a wetsuit at some point. This however is seen as a daunting prospect with the wide variety of wetsuit types available. Whether you fancy a dip during the brisk winter months or the height of summer, this guide will give you all the information needed to match your needs to that perfect wetsuit.
Wetsuits provide a perfect blend of thermal insulation, abrasion resistance and buoyancy through the use of numerous high tech materials developed by companies such as O’Neill. One such material to hit the market by storm was O’Neill’s Techno Butter technology which is now 20% lighter and 30% less absorbent than traditional wetsuits.
But many ask the question how do wetsuits really work? In water your body looses heat up to 25 times faster than in air so getting the right insulation is important. It’s the air trapped inside the neoprene itself which creates an insulator against the cold, and the more air you can pack in the warmer the suit will be.
To ensure ‘the warmth’ is not flushed out by any cold water, its crucial the wetsuit fits correctly, so please follow our size guide or give us a call and speak to an experienced member of staff. Or pop in!
Full Wetsuit
A full wetsuit sometimes known as a ‘steamer’ suit covers your whole body and provides a high level of protection. It is available as a summer or winter suit with varying thicknesses from 3/2mm for highly active sports all the way to 7mm which incorporates a hood suitable for cold water scuba diving.
O’Neill Hyperfreak is a full wetsuit with 3mm and 2mm neoprene.
Short Arm Steamer
Do you find your paddling is affected with full wetsuits? Short arm steamers have been designed to still provide warmth and protection for your torso and legs but helps increase flexibility with thinner neoprene and strategic paddle zones when kayaking and SUPing.
Spring/Shorty Wetsuit
A spring/shorty wetsuit either has full length arms and short legs or short arms and short legs. This design gives much more flexibility and movement generally used when body boarding or surfing when torso protection is important but it’s too warm for a full suit.
O’Neill Reactor is a women’s shorty wetsuit made from 2mm reprehend.
Short John Wetsuit
This bib style suit features no sleeves and short legs which gives your core warmth with the increased upper body flexibility key for highly active upper body sports during warmer summer months such as rowing and SUPing.
Long John Wetsuit
This again is a bib style suit with no sleeves but gives added warmth and protection through full length legs. This is perfect for the warmer months and highly active upper body sports such as competitive sailing, where bumps and abrasion from the boat hull and trapeze harness is a regular occurrence.
Wetsuit Top/Vest
Generally made from a thinner neoprene so not to reduce flexibility, a wetsuit top/vest is perfect for extra protection and thermal insulation to be worn over swimwear when a normal rash guard is not enough. A wetsuit top/vest ranges from 0.5-1.5mm thick.
Wetsuit Shorts
Made from a thinner neoprene wetsuit shorts are perfect for those situations when you want little warmth but added protection for your upper legs, great when combined with a rash vest and buoyancy aid.
Dry Suits
Designed to be fully waterproof dry suits are used in extreme cold water during dives and water rescues offering the highest level of protection. Dry suits are a one piece design with water tight gaskets around the neck, wrists and ankles. These suits generally fall into 2 categories:
Neoprene Dry Suit – Similar to semi dry suits but with higher grade more robust water tight seals, with base layers worn for added warmth on longer dives.
Membrane Dry Suit – Constructed with layered waterproof materials i.e. nylon or rubber and unlike a neoprene dry suit does not provide any insulation or floatation so thick base layers must be worn.
Whether you want to capture some extreme sports footage or family days out at the beach, a GoPro action camera could suit all of your needs but choosing what package or accessories to accompany your purchase can be a daunting prospect with the wide variety of options available. So what GoPro do I need? This guide will provide you with all the necessary ‘nuts and bolts’ to make an informed decision to pick that perfect package.
There is no right or wrong choice when it comes to choosing a GoPro, ultimately the decision is purely subjective and based on a few bits of key information:
Budget?
What are your performance requirements?
Conditions and Environment mainly used?
This guide will focus on the newest range of GoPros as the new features found in the Hero 4 Black and Silver edition plus the Hero should not to be missed.
Budget ?
As with any new purchase budget is the most important factor. These following GoPros are the newest editions to their existing range and you would think all have a high price tag to match, but no! The new Hero is the most affordable entry level action camera yet. Whereas the Hero 4 Black and Silver feature higher specs so the prices inevitably follow this:
Hero 4 Black – £409.99
Hero 4 Silver – £329.99
Hero – £109.99
What are your performance requirements?
What you want from your camera in regards to image quality and features quickly follows budget, as its important in not only choosing a GoPro that meets your requirements but doesn’t exceed them if not necessary as you could find yourself spending more money than you need to, which could be better spent on accessories.
When it comes to filming or photography would you class yourself as a professional or amateur? The answer to this simple question will help steer you in the right direction to picking that perfect camera.
GoPro Hero
This new entry level camera the ‘Hero’ is perfect for beginners and amateurs who are looking for that step onto the ladder into the action camera world helping people to capture and share their life events around the world.
The mid ranged camera in terms of spec the Hero 4 Silver will appeal to the amateur who wants more from their camera, this year it has much more in common with the Hero 3+ Black and the Hero 4 Black. The Hero 4 Silver has been given upgraded components and numerous new recording features found in the Hero 4 Black.
Not wanting basic features found in the Hero, or don’t need professional quality images the Hero 4 Silver could be the perfect match for you.
GoPro Hero4 Black for the avid enthusiast or professional photographer.
Hero 4 Black
One for your avid enthusiasts or professional photographer, the Hero 4 Black is finally here and features technology that makes this an unbeatable camera for both build and picture quality. The processors now give twice the power of previous editions with the ability to film cinema quality 4K video.
This is certainly the go to action camera if quality and performance is what you seek.
Conditions and Environment mainly used in?
After choosing what model of GoPro you want it’s important to understand what mounts and housing you get with the standard edition. Whether its surfing, skiing, cycling the GoPro is protected by its own sealed housing, which is waterproof to 40m and impact resistant, giving your camera the best protection available perfect for a variety of extreme sports.
For times when a waterproof housing is overkill simply remove your camera (except Hero) and start filming, this gives you better sound quality and reduction in weight ideal for time-lapse photography or for some inside filming around the dinner table, no matter the condition or environment GoPro has you covered.
Mount and protect your GoPro whatever the activity!
Standard Edition Hero 4 Black/Silver/Hero
Ideal for a wide range of applications where specific mounts or housings are not needed, this is a perfect starter bundle to get you filming some amazing footage.
Standard Housing
Skeleton backdoor
Touch backdoor (Only available with Hero 4 Silver)
Rechargeable battery
Curved and flat adhesive mounts
Quick release buckles
3 Way pivot arm (Not available with Hero)
USB cable
Note. For you music lovers, the only addition to not have a waterproof housing as standard is the music edition, but if you find a situation which requires additional equipment you then have the opportunity to kit you new Go Pro out with the vast range of unique and exciting accessories.
GoPro Accessories
The new models of GoPro are so versatile they can be used and mounted in a variety of situations, but certain mounts and accessories don’t come in the bundles. Below is a handpicked list of items we feel are important to get along with your camera especially if you like a mix of action and water sports.
Battery Bacpac
For situations where you need a little extra juice, the Bacpac is a removable battery pack that seamlessly attaches to the rear of your GoPro. The new model now features a 15% increase in battery life perfect for a long days recording.
Pole Mount
For situations when you need to mount your camera to a ski pole, handlebar, kite control bar or seat posts, suitable for a thickness between 1.9cm – 3.5cm. Also comes with a pivoting orientation arm to give you 3-way adjustability.
The chest harness lets you look at things from a different perspective!
Chest Harness
Ideal when you need both hands free and no other mounting point such as a helmet is available or you just want a lower view of the action, the chest mount makes it easy to capture footage where ever your turn. Come with a wide range of adjustability to suit all sizes.
Floaty Backdoor
After all you wouldn’t want your new GoPro sinking whilst out on the water so why not attach the Floaty Backdoor. It’s quick and simple to attach coming standard with extra strong 3M adhesive glue.
Anti Fog Inserts
Even though the housings are completely waterproof fogging can sometimes occur in extreme cold or humid environments, by placing an anti fog insert inside your housing this fogging is prevent ensuring hours of uninterrupted filming. Each set lasts 4-5 times and can be dry in an oven.
With the high pressure systems becoming more frequent and the air temperatures warming up it won’t be long till the water temperatures around the UK start to catch up. This can only mean one thing! It’s time to brush off the neoprene cobwebs and prepare for the season ahead. But just remember have you got all areas of your body including your head, hands and feet covered with the right gear?
Due to the lack of warmth over the winter many waters around the country will still be well below 10°C, too cold for just a wetsuit alone. Don’t risk getting cold and cutting your session short with cold hands and feet. Let us give you the knowledge to understand the need and options of different gear for your extremities.
It’s widely known that when you get cold your body’s defence is to divert all heat away from your extremities to your core and vital organs, so just relying on a thick winter wetsuit is not enough in cold water. To give you a better idea of what gloves, boots and hoods you could get it’s important to know what time of year you will be going out in, how much use they will get and your budget.
Hoods & Beanies
Recent research has shown that heat loss through your head of around 45% is a myth and is actually around 10%, never the less it’s extremely important to cover your head in cold water. Despite this myth and lower figure, surfers still regularly wear a hood due to the increased chance of being submerged or covered by a crashing wave. This rapid change in head temperature can lead to brain freeze which no rider wants.
Full Neoprene Hood
Full wetsuit hoods vary in thickness from 2-3mm to provide a perfect balance of warmth and flexibility suited to any condition you may throw yourself into. Most hoods come with a peak this provides two functions; gives extra protection against the crashing waves/spray and gives added protection against the bright sun on those rare days.
O’Neill 3mm Cold Water Wetsuit Hood
Many people ask the question to tuck or not to tuck your hood? The real answer is whatever you feel comfortable with, try both ways and you will soon find out which is best for you and your style of riding.
Neoprene Beanie
When a full hood is over kill a wetsuit beanie could be an excellent alternative, suited to lower impact sports and warmer conditions. The possibility of losing your beanie out in the surf is high so many beanies now come with an attachment strap as standard giving you the confidence to take on some huge waves.
Beanies are generally thinner than full face hoods around 2mm due to being used in warmer water, as a result they have increased comfort and flexibility. For that perfect beanie visit (Link to wetsuit)
Boots
Whether you’re planning on spending hours in the water or having fun on the beach being equipped with the right feet protection is important. As a general rule of thumb if you’re wearing a full wetsuit a neoprene boot is best whereas if you’re walking around the beach visiting rock pools a neoprene reef shoe will be best.
Reef shoes are thinner at around 2mm but have a thicker sole perfect for walking across sharp rocks whilst keeping cool at the same time. For extra protection against the cold a full boot 3-5mm thick would be used in conjunction with your wetsuit providing a perfect seal against any water seeping through.
You wouldn’t get the wrong size shoe and wetsuit boots are no different. Too small they rub and feel uncomfortable whereas too big can cause the boot to fill with water.
Gloves
Head, check. Feet, check. Next is picking the perfect wetsuit glove which can be a daunting prospect with the numerous variations and styles out there! With an item such as gloves facing a lot of punishment, being either single or double skinned is an important aspect. Single skin gloves are generally smoother and repel water more efficiently but less durable whereas double skinned are much more durable and slightly stiffer due to the increased thickness a favourite for many people.
Having a glove that is too small can cause poor circulation and cold hands whereas gloves being too big won’t retain the heat so it’s important you follow our size guide link to help choose the right size for you.
Neoprene Maintenance & Care
As with any neoprene product it is important to clean and store them correctly. To ensure your boots, gloves and hoods stay mould free and last for years rinsing after use in salt water and thoroughly drying is a must! And finally store them in a dry environment out of direct sunlight.
This guide should help you pick all the right gear but if you’re still unsure why not pop into store or give us a call and speak to one of our experienced staff.
Liquid Force have produced a series of limited edition wakeboards for 2015. These special boards have been pluck form their vast array of quality boards, and given their own look. The technology and shaping is the same; but the look is unique! Take a look at the video below:
There are selected Liquid Force stores in the USA selling these wakeboards; and only seven stores in the UK have been chosen to stock them. We have gone for the cable specific Liquid Force Peak LTD wakeboard, in all four sizes: 133 137 141 and 145cm.
They are only available in store, no buying online or iver the phone. So if you want to get your hands on a unique wakeboard; pop down to the Pro Shop and grab yourself a ‘stand out’ board – because once they are gone; there gone!
They say “a picture paints a thousand words”. Well this photograph tells you two things. One it’s sensible to wear a snow helmet when you are skiing or snowboarding; and two always regularly check your helmet for damage! I shall explain.
Always check your helmet for damage!
Last season a customer had a fall whilst skiing in France. Nothing horrendous, just a few tumbles, and although they had an achey knee thought nothing more and carried on with their holiday.
As the photograph shows it was a good job they were wearing a helmet. The impact at the back of the helmet, which caused the large crack, most certainly prevented serious, if not life-threatening, injuries from the fall.
However, with such damage sustained by the helmet; another fall could have been catastrophic! If you have a fall, however minor and whether you think you have hit your head or not, always check your helmet for damage.
Alpine ski manufacturer Head has implemented a Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS) in their skis!
For those who follow Formula One you will be familiar with the term KERS; the Kinetic Energy Recovery System that stores the kinetic energy whilst the vehicle is braking to use later when the vehicle is accelerating. And you may have read that the Royal Navy want to use KERS to power laser guns on its warships.
KERS In Skis
So why would you want to have KERS in your skis? To go faster like an F1 car, or blast fellow skiers off the piste with a James Bond-like laser in your ski; I think not! It’s all to do with turning.
The skis have piezoelectric fibres which transform kinetic energy whilst skiing into electrical energy. This electrical energy is stored for when the skier is at the end of their turn, when the ski is at maximum flex, and released to stiffen the tail of the ski. This gives the skier extra ‘pop’ into their next carving turn.
The Head Supershape iTitan skis have KERS, so get motoring!
Since 1977, Burton have been industry leaders in the world of snowboarding producing brand new technology which has revolutionised the way people snowboard and how they can progress in their snowboarding.
Having spent the morning listening to how Burton are still working on their designs and new technology it didn’t take me long to realise that this company truly love snowboarding and are passionate about what they do and how they can share that passion all over the hill.
Burton Snowboards
Looking at the new Burton range you can see that they’ve gone to great lengths to accommodate every rider on the mountain from beginners to guys that shred hard from first lift to last call. The new “CLASH” is the perfect way to discover the freedom of snowboarding and form a solid grounding for your newly formed love of the sport. With its new V-rocker and extruded base this board will allow you to create a solid, but forgiving platform so that you can learn to link your turns without having to worry about catching an edge. By giving this board a beveled edge Burton have produced a product that is a lot softer and easier to use as a ‘newby’ to the sport.
Burton have added a new type of technology they call “CRUISE CONTROL” which allows the board to track on the hill instead of sliding about making the rise of this board very forgiving for anyone just starting to establish a grounding. By making this board directional with a longer,wider nose and a tapered tail it will naturally make the board float across the snow. This unique board shape makes the ride all the more enjoyable and comfortable while making it easier to find the sweet spot where all the components come together.
If you’re looking for a board that will help you to progress from that late beginner stage all the way through intermediate up to advance, trick level, look no further than the “PROCESS”. This is Burton’s best selling board. With its “Flying V” board style and its “twin twin” architecture, this board is perfect for those guys starting to learn 180s and 360s as it can be ridden switch without a problem.
Burton have designed the ‘Process’ board so that even beginners don’t struggle with the basics by incorporating their new ‘Frostbite’ technology. ‘Frostbite’ technology means that the edge of the top sheet is slightly inset from the edge of the base ensuring that the board is more forgiving in the turns and the risk of catching an edge is eliminated. By manufacturing the top sheet this way they have managed to move the edge of the board back, meaning that the board can be put on more of an angle before the edges catch and a turn is initiated. These alterations were made as a result of the boards origins. Designed in Vermont,USA, an area known for its powder and deep snow conditions, Burton altered the ‘Process’ board accordingly. By adding a scooped tip and tail, the board has more float and flow through the powder and deep snow, and seamlessly flows over the top of the powder below.
The ‘Process’ board also has their ‘SQUEEZEBOX’ technology which is their patent pending technology, specifically created to allow for more pop and performance in the park and backcountry. To create this performance and pop, Burton manufactured this product with differing core thickness’. By producing a product this way it allows the rider to ‘energise’ a specific part of the board and create a springboard effect on the board. Further, this added technology makes the board a lot stiffer and more responsive enabling it to react to whatever the rider tells it to do; the board becomes an extension of your body.
When it comes to Burton’s top end Flagship boards the ‘Custom’ is where the pinnacle of technology and performance meet. Dependant on what sort of riding you will be doing there are two board style options available for this all mountain charger: The ‘Flying V’ or the ‘Camber’. Both boards are designed with a sintered WFO base which will allow the board to soak up all the wax and be able to retain that wax which makes this board ideal if you are heading out into the back country and re-waxing is not an option.
The ‘Custom’ has been designed will a full body carbon highlights system, From tip to tail the board has been covered in a matt of carbon strings. Burton are unique in the market by layering the carbon highlights on a 45 degree angle across the board. By doing this it allows any surface pressure from the rider to be spread from the bindings out to the edges and down the board, making the board stiffer and more responsive. This carbon string system also adds a lot of torsional strength and rigidity to the board.
Burton Snowboard Boots
Having a comfortable boot is probably the most important thing on the mountain and this years Burtons boots are certainly comfortable. With their practicality, comfort and supreme performance Burton have left the rest of the market on the beginner slope while they go and shred the powder. With their new 1-1 design feature of all Burtons boots they fit like a glove. This 1-1 technology means that the liner of the boot is the exact same size as the shell or outer layer of the boot ensuring that the boot is more responsive to any adjustments or movements from the rider. The 1-1 system also means that, unlike conventional boots, there is zero slide between the liner and the outer boot.
Burton have been working really hard to make some of the most comfortable boots on the market. All of the Burton boots this season have been designed with a ‘total comfort’ construction and ‘total warmth’ construction. Burton have added extra padding and sections to the boots in specific places to really hold the riders foot into the correct position which makes shredding super comfortable! The total warmth technology is a new development from Burton and the ‘Sleeping Bag’ technology has been added to all of Burtons boots. This new technology is a layer of reflective material that sits just under the inner sole of the boot, so as your foot heats up, the heat doesn’t get wasted and escape from the boot but is stored up and projected back into the boot. What this means is that on those really cold days when all your friends are saying their feet are cold, your ready to send it again.
The Burton Rampant snowboard boot in red and blue.
For a boot that will do it all Burton’s Rampant is the ideal boot. With its lace or speed string options, total warmth and total comfort design this is a great boot that will give you ultimate support and comfort all over the mountain. With its added technology of “carbon stringer” technology across the ankle section, and the “Cross-bone” cuff and power up tongue this boot is really setting the benchmark in technology and fashion out on the slopes.
Burton Snowboard Bindings
The binding is the connection between rider and board, the middle man of snowboarding, so having something that you can rely on to perform day after day is essential. This is where Burton boots come in to their own with a series of bindings that offer everything you’ll want on the hill.
With its range of bindings Burton have really tried to reach out to every rider on the mountain. With the option of EST bindings or “disk” bindings, Burton have made their products available to everyone, whether you have a board with a binding channel or separate fixings the Burton bindings are still going to be a favourite in your search for the perfect binding.
Starting off with the “Mission”, this is Burtons go to binding from beginners to shredders. With its polyurethane high back and gel heel this binding is going to give you that immediate response and support that you’re going to need to push your riding into the next chute and up the next chairlift. It is a binding that with its 0 degree back plate and removed base plate will give you great feedback from the board and also present a really solid and reliable platform to direct the board from.
The Burton Cartel EST snowboard binding in black.
If your looking for a binding that is a little bit higher end and that will give you the professional feel and ride that you want, the Cartel is Burton’s premier binding, with a 90% flex in the back plate and B3 heat padding this binding will really make your riding feel like its being to the next level. The Cartel is very much a tailored binding that offers a stiffer ride style and a higher end quicker response. Not only is the Cartel a great riding binding but it is aesthetically pleasing to look at as well, with its wider straps and great colour scheme the Cartel is defiantly the binding of choice this season.
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