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Can the New Burton Freeride Board Handle the Biggest Powder Days?
If you love snowboarding, you know that there are few things more thrilling than riding deep powder, especially on a big mountain. However, to fully enjoy this experience, you need a board that can float and carve through the snow with ease and stability. In recent years, many snowboard brands have released specialized powder boards that claim to enhance your performance in this terrain. One of the most anticipated models for this season is the new Burton Freeride board. But can it live up to the hype and handle the biggest powder days? Let’s find out.
Introducing the Burton Freeride Board
The Burton Freeride board is a directional shape snowboard that is designed for all-mountain freeride and powder riding. The board is available in three sizes: 156, 160, and 164 cm, and has a medium-stiff flex rating of 7 out of 10. The Freeride board features a classic camber profile with a rocker nose and tail, which provides a floaty and responsive ride in powder while maintaining pop, edge hold, and stability on hardpack and groomers. The board also has a setback stance and a tapered swallowtail shape, which helps to distribute weight and support the backfoot while enabling quick and agile turns. The Freeride board’s construction includes a lightweight and durable core made of FSC certified wood and carbon I-beams that increase power and control while reducing vibrations and chatter. The board’s topsheet and base materials are both made of eco-friendly and colorful elements that enhance its visual appeal and durability.
Testing the Burton Freeride Board on Powder Days
To assess the performance of the Burton Freeride board on some of the biggest powder days at popular ski resorts, we contacted several experienced snowboarders who had purchased or rented the board and asked them to share their opinions and feedback. Here are some of the most common points that they mentioned:
1. The Burton Freeride board is an excellent powder runner that floats well and allows riders to stay atop the snow with minimal effort. Several riders remarked that the board was one of the best they had tried in deep powder, and that they could move around freely, turn quickly, and carve smoothly regardless of the snow conditions.
2. The Burton Freeride board is also versatile enough to handle variable and mixed terrain, including trees, cliffs, chutes, and groomers, without feeling too sluggish or cumbersome. Riders noted that the board’s camber profile and tapered tail helped to maintain stability and speed on straight lines, while the rocker nose and softer front flex allowed them to initiate turns and pivot easily.
3. The Burton Freeride board feels responsive and powerful underfoot, providing a reassuring and confident platform for more aggressive riders who want to charge hard and land jumps in powder. Some riders commented that the board had a bit of a “poppy” feel, which made it easier to launch off natural features or lips without sacrificing stability or balance.
4. Some riders mentioned that the Burton Freeride board could feel a bit stiff and demanding in certain situations, particularly when trying to brake or slow down on steep or icy terrain. They suggested that beginners or intermediate riders might find the board challenging to manage or control in such conditions, and that it required a certain level of skill and confidence to fully exploit its potential.
Overall, the Burton Freeride board seems to be a great option for advanced snowboarders who want a board that can excel in deep powder and provide a solid and agile ride. The board’s extensive rocker profile, tapered tail, and lightweight construction make it suitable for both backcountry and resort riding, while the classic camber profile and medium-stiff flex ensure that it can handle speed and power when needed. However, the board may not be the best choice for those who are still learning or developing their techniques, as it requires a certain level of finesse and adaptability to get the most out of it.
Tips for Riding the Burton Freeride Board on Powder Days
If you want to maximize your fun and performance on the Burton Freeride board on the biggest powder days, here are some tips that you may find helpful:
1. Adjust your stance and bindings according to your preferences and riding style. The Burton Freeride board has a setback stance that favors the backfoot, so you may want to shift your bindings slightly towards the tail to balance your weight and allow for better control. You may also adjust your highbacks and straps to match the terrain and speed you are riding, and experiment with different angles and widths to find the sweet spot.
2. Use your body and feet to steer and maneuver the board in powder. Instead of relying solely on your edges or the board’s shape, try to use your body movements and weight shifts to guide the board in the direction you want to go. For example, if you want to turn left, lean your upper body and head to the left while pushing down with your toes and pulling up with your heels. If you want to stop, press down with both feet and bend your knees to absorb the impact.
3. Stay relaxed and centered on the board. Although riding powder can be exhilarating, it can also be tiring and demanding on your legs and core. To prevent fatigue and injury, try to keep your body relaxed and fluid, and maintain a strong but flexible posture that allows you to react to changes in the snow and terrain. Keep your eyes and head up, and focus on the path ahead rather than the obstacles or distractions around you.
4. Practice and have fun. Riding powder is a skill that requires practice, patience, and perseverance. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t get it right the first time, or if you fall or stumble. Keep trying, and experiment with different approaches and techniques until you feel confident and comfortable on the Burton Freeride board. Remember to smile and enjoy the ride, and share your stoke with your fellow riders and friends.
Conclusion
The Burton Freeride board is a promising addition to the snowboard market, offering a versatile and high-performing option for advanced riders who want to explore deep powder and all-mountain terrain. While the board may not suit everyone’s skill level or riding style, it has received positive feedback from many riders who have tested it on some of the biggest powder days. If you’re looking for a board that can help you take your snowboarding to the next level, the Burton Freeride board may be worth considering. As with any gear, however, make sure to demo or rent the board before buying, and seek advice from experienced snowboarders or professionals if you have any doubts or questions. Happy shredding!
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