the BMB

What is better for an ICS board? A lower end EST binding or a higher end binding with the conversion plate? Why?

well, as far as cushioning, est has the sensory bed and is baseless = more padding. also, est has more angle options, but that really doesnt matter that much

on the other hand, the regular bindings have the full bed padding now, but still have a baseplate.

They both work perfectly fine on an ICS board, pick the binding that you like more.

Oh and a higher end regular binding isnt that much cheeper, the exile est is 229, and the exile is 209, not much of a price difference, and its pretty much the same for a lot of bindings.

its all preference.  it snot like EST makes the binding better.

a lower end binding is lower end, period.  lower end parts, etc.  that is all preference, as is EST vs regular baseplates.

whats a conversion plate? ics boards come with a disc that lets you use any burton binding. you don't have to convert anything

the best binding for you is the one you like the best and fits your riding style the most. let us know what that is when you find it.

EST is just a bunch of marketing and its justa crock of sh!t. like honestly EST isnt going to make you a better rider, and thats what people want;to ride better while putting forth the least amount tof effort possible.its the same thing with all those gimmicky diets and workout machines that provide "instant" results and you dont even have to work for it. your success on the hill is 90-95% rider and 5-10% equipment.

if something is "marketing" because its not going to make you a better rider, then everything is just marketing, because the only thing that makes you a better rider is yourself.

its not about making you better, its just a different thing, and some people prefer it.  i personally prefer normal bindings, and non-burton at that, but i dont think EST is just a "gimmick."

all im saying is that i dont see other posts around here debating whether or not they should get the new board with the omega super special sidewalls vs the board with the mega awesome sidewalls. people are putting too much hype into EST as if it were as important enough to make you better snowboarder and i dont see people debating over things that really matter like core materials and base materials. all you hear about is friggin EST!

ok i have ridden est equipped boards as well as ics boards with conventional bindings. now the most important part of choosing gear is personal preference and while taking in what other people say you really have to think for yourself. Get out there and ride you are never going to know what you will like until you ride it.

now as far as est goes, i dont think it is really marketed as making you a better snowboarder. it does however give better board feel and eliminates dead zones under your feet that you get with full baseplate bindings you can actually feel the board flexing beneath your feet, both the binding and the channel are quite flexible. also you get limitless stance options you can center your boot perfectly with ease you also get every single degree on binding rotation which lets you really dial in your stance.

if you stop and think back a bit to how snowboards used to be you might remember baseless bindings the concept as far as board feel is the same. all burton did was to put a *** ton of money into an old idea and i think it paid of.

so in answer to your question get est bindings. if youre going to drop money on high performance regular bindings you might as well just get a set of cartel ests or if your really worried about price get the mission est and buy a set of superbeds if you want more cushioning. if you want to save some money find em on ebay or better yet try and find a shop that has some old ones pick up the phone and call around, dont buy on line. for starters you dont get a warranty. second, support your local shop, in the long run it pays off once you get in with the guys at a shop you can usally score some pretty nice hookups.