How Good is the Burton Infinite Channel System (ICS)?

I have been riding the Burton ICS since the start of the season. I have tried it on a range of Burton snowboards with both EST and 3D bindings and in many varied conditions. I will not be going back.

Using a channel system to attach bindings to a snowboard is not a brand new idea. But the way Burton has implemented it is and that is what I think makes the Burton ICS worth a very good look.

Before you go ahead and purchase a Burton ICS board there are a few things you should know.

1. If you have Burton 3D bindings you can attach them to your board with new binding plates which are free from Burton
2. If you do not have Burton bindings check with your dealer to see if new binding plates are available from your binding company. At the time of writing there were no alternative plates available for most of the better known brands.
3. The future is ICS so if you are going to purchase 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 infinite. With traditional systems you are bound by fixed positions on the board and on the plates. With ICS you can move the bindings fractionally in all directions to achieve your perfect stance width and foot position. Angles and widths are easily set by the new angle / reference viewing window. If you carry a tool when riding it is very easy to make changes by loosening the two screws on each binding. You do not need to lift the binding off the board to adjust the plate position or angles... this is a major plus point.

To accompany the channel system Burton have produced a new range of bindings which are referred to as EST. In addition to the two point fixings Burton have improved the foot bed and the most obvious difference to me is the comfort of the cushioning.

If you already have Burton 3D bindings you can fix them to the new ICS system but you do not get the same level of flexibility when setting up. If you have any concerns with regards to using your old Burton bindings let me allay them... they work and they work well... but my advice is to go all the way and get a EST bindings.