Bindings
My only grumble about the Easy Livin is the use of Burton’s Channel technology for the binding track. The Channel is different from the normal four-hole binding pattern in that it is just one track that runs directly parallel to the length of the board. Two inserts rest inside it, with the ability to move closer together or farther out. There are many positives about the system, such as its easy adjustability and endless customization, but it has its flaws.
For instance, the Malavita bindings that I used with the EL are very flexible. On a board with a four-hole pattern, that is not as noticeable. But because the Channel system has only two screws mounted directly in the center of the binding with a flexible base plate, the heel and toes of the binding, when flexed hard enough, will rise off the board. I was able to lean forward while strapped in and get the heel of my bindings to rise a half-inch or more off the top of my board.
While Burton touts the Channel system as providing increased board feel, it also detracts from the response of the binding when transferring weight from edge to edge. I did not notice the rise on the first day of using the board, but soon recognized it while demonstrating the flex of bindings to my campers while coaching. After realizing it, the rise nagged me steadily knowing the gap was there and that my binding could lift.
Overall Impressions
The EL is a powerful, firm, and fast snowboard. It was designed for halfpipe, but also excels at large jumps and all-mountain riding. I had plenty of opportunities to send it on all sizes of jumps ranging from 10-75 feet, as well as in the 22-foot superpipe.
Unfortunately, I did not get the chance to take it out of the park much, as Mt. Hood has very little terrain available during the summer months. Because of how well it performed in diverse conditions this summer, however, I am really looking forward to taking it into powder and the backcountry with me this upcoming season. The same qualities that I look for in a park board—responsiveness, stiffness, and pop—equally apply to the backcountry, and I expect the reverse camber element of Flying V to excel in powder.
Bottom Line
With the EL under my feet, I felt confident every time I dropped in, knowing that the board would be there for me if I landed off center, and that it would hold strong through bumps in the landing. For me, this is the most important aspect of a snowboard: to trust the board and for it to have a consistent response and feel. With the exception of riding rails, I expect this board to be a quiver killer for me this upcoming season, as it excels at large jumps and halfpipe, and has shown serious promise out of the park with the few opportunities I have given it.
I rode the easy living / uninc for a while now and it excels out of the park and in pow well too. I have neve had any binding heel lift with the channel the only problem i have had with the channel was that there were some manufacturing issues on some of the flying v boards with the channel bubbling the base under the channel for some reason but burton warrantied it and it was fine on the next one. Have you tried it with burtons est bindings? that may solve your binding lift problem. good review this is my favorite board for the last few years.
I did not have the chance to try it with EST bindings, although I would like to because they are specifically designed for that system and have extra support from the track running down the side. I imagine that would help. Often times my bindings came loose, and some friends recommended using Loctite to keep them in better. Thanks for checking it out and glad your stoked on the board!
i have had the issue with the loosening screws on the mounting with the new screw system and was able to use the old screws where the male part was on the board that system never came loose. I just went back to the habit of checking my screws everyday after my bindings came loose and shifted slowly to a 28 in stance while riding. I think loctite voids burtons warranty though or it has in the past.
As a newbie, I feel really confortable with the EL. I gave it a 2 months shot in freeride and also in the park and it’s amazing! Can’t really say anything about rails, I only rode 2 and I fell on my face but that’s because I just began with tricks :)