The Burton Lexa is one of the longest-running women's bindings on the market. Burton has made a Lexa since at least 2006. When women ask for a mid-flex binding, riders sometimes name it as the cheaper step below the Burton Escapade.
This review covers how the Lexa rides, how it holds up and the fit problem some riders report.
What It Is: A Mid-Flex Women's Binding
The Lexa is a two-strap binding for all-mountain riding. Mid flex means it is neither soft and loose nor stiff and race-like. It suits most intermediate riders.
It uses Burton's Re:Flex baseplate, a mounting system that fits Burton's Channel boards and most standard 4-hole boards. Under your foot, FullBED cushioning runs the full length of the binding to soften landings and chatter.
The hi-back is canted, which means it tilts slightly to match the natural angle of your legs. Two dials let you change the forward lean (how far the hi-back leans toward your calf) and rotate the hi-back to match your stance, without tools.
On the Hill: A Comfortable All-Mountain Binding
Owners who like the Lexa really like it. One rider who puts in about 70 days a season on all-mountain freeride and carving calls them great. Another rode theirs for 8 years before getting a new setup, and says they never came loose. A third has a 2018 or 2019 pair and says they love them.
Riders use it for a wide range of terrain. An owner of both the Lexa and the Escapade rides each for all-mountain, freeride, carving and even small jumps and boxes. Another rider does mountain runs, trees and side hits on theirs and really likes them. One rider started on the Lexa, tried the softer Escapade, and went back to the Lexa.
Where It Falls Short
The biggest complaint is fit. Several riders say their heel gets stuck in the binding. One rider demoed the Lexa and says it gripped their heel so much that their hip ached by the end of the day from pulling their foot out. Another had the same problem in both size small and medium, while wearing Vans boots, which riders say have a larger shell. A third says the Lexa simply does not fit their boots.
Not every rider likes the build. One rider says the Lexa fit their boots poorly, felt like cheap plastic, and squeaked with small movements. They switched to Union.
The toe straps can wear out. The 70-day-a-season rider broke two toe ratchet straps in about 100 days. They call it normal wear and keep spare parts in their car. Another owner says the toe strap does not fit like a toe cap, which matters if you want a strap that wraps over the front of the boot.
Lexa or Lexa X?
The Lexa X is the stiffer version, made for pipe, big lines and hard charging. Riders tell newer riders who mostly cruise and are starting park to get the regular Lexa, because it is more fun at those speeds.
An experienced rider who has used both the Lexa and the Escapade says the Lexa's hi-back is higher and stiffer, but the overall flex is about the same.
Who Should Buy It
Buy the Burton Lexa if you are an intermediate rider who wants one binding for groomers, trees and small jumps, and you can try it with your boots first.
Look elsewhere if you wear a boot with a large shell, or if you have had your heel catch in Burton bindings before.
Alternatives
The Burton Escapade is the step up riders suggest most often. One experienced rider calls it one of the most comfortable mid-flex bindings.
The Union Legacy is Union's women's all-mountain binding, and some riders who leave the Lexa move to Union.
The Union Trilogy is Union's stiffer women's binding for riders who want more response.
Verdict
The Burton Lexa is a proven mid-flex women's binding that owners ride for years. It suits most all-mountain riding at a lower price than the Escapade. Fit is the risk: some riders' heels catch in it, so try it with your own boots.
