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What’s the Best Burton Board for Riding Pow?
If you’re a snowboarder and you love riding powder, you know how exhilarating and challenging it can be to float on a deep, fluffy, and untracked snowpack. You also know how important it is to have the right gear that can help you stay balanced, stable, and responsive while navigating through variable terrain and changing conditions. One of the most critical pieces of equipment for riding pow is your snowboard, and Burton is one of the most trusted and innovative brands in the industry. But which Burton board is the best for riding pow? Let’s explore some options and features that can help you make an informed decision.
1. Length and Shape
The length and shape of a snowboard can have a significant impact on how well it performs in powder, as well as how easy or challenging it is to ride. Generally, a longer board can provide more float and stability in deep snow, while a shorter board can be more maneuverable and playful. However, the ideal length also depends on your weight, height, and style of riding. Burton offers a range of sizes for each model, so make sure to consult their size chart and recommendations based on your personal stats.
In terms of shape, the most common design for pow boards is the directional shape, which means that the nose is longer, wider, and sometimes tapered than the tail, allowing you to stay on top of the snow and initiate turns more easily. Some pow boards also have a directional rocker or a hybrid camber profile, which combines the benefits of rocker (lift, float, and forgiveness) with camber (pop, edge hold, and control) for a versatile and responsive ride. Burton has several pow-specific shapes and profiles that cater to different levels and preferences. Let’s take a closer look at some of them.
2. Family Tree Series
Burton’s Family Tree series is a collection of pow boards that are designed to “unlock new lines and new experiences” in the backcountry. These boards have a playful and surfy feel, allowing you to slash, spin, and butter your way through deep snow while still providing enough edge hold and stability for steep or technical descents. The Family Tree series includes the following models:
– Flight Attendant: This board has a directional camber profile, a medium flex, and a slightly tapered shape that makes it versatile for all-mountain riding, but especially fun in powder. The Flight Attendant also features Burton’s Balanced Freeride Geometry, which enhances the balance and control between the nose and tail, and Carbon I-Beam technology, which adds pop and response without adding weight. The Flight Attendant comes in sizes ranging from 152 to 166 cm.
– Custom X Flying V: This board has a hybrid camber profile (rocker in the nose and tail, camber underfoot), a stiff flex, and a directional shape that make it a high-performance option for advanced riders who want speed, agility, and power in deep snow. The Custom X Flying V also has a sintered base, which is faster and more durable than extruded bases, and a carbon VapOrized layer that increases the torsional stiffness and energy transfer. The Custom X Flying V comes in sizes ranging from 158 to 166 cm.
– Dump Truck: This board has a directional rocker profile, a medium flex, and a wide waist width that make it ideal for riders with bigger feet who want to avoid toe drag in pow. The Dump Truck also has a tapered shape, a setback stance, and a 12mm taper that give it excellent float and maneuverability in deep snow. The Dump Truck also features Burton’s Super Sap Epoxy, which is a bio-based resin that reduces the carbon footprint of the board-making process. The Dump Truck comes in sizes ranging from 150 to 162 cm.
3. Deep Thinker
The Deep Thinker is a pow board that is designed for freestyle-oriented riders who want to combine creative lines with technical tricks and spins. This board has a directional camber profile, a medium-stiff flex, and a slightly tapered shape that make it versatile for various conditions, but especially fun in powder. The Deep Thinker also features Burton’s Triax Fiberglass, which provides a consistent flex and response, and 45° Carbon Highlights, which places carbon strands at a 45-degree angle for more pop and snap.
The Deep Thinker also has an innovative feature called the “channel mounting system,” which replaces traditional screw inserts with a network of channels that allow you to fine-tune the stance width, angle, and position without affecting the flex or durability of the board. The Deep Thinker comes in sizes ranging from 154 to 160 cm.
4. Fish
The Fish is a pow board that is designed to emulate the feel and performance of surfing on snow. This board has a directional shape, a set-back stance, and a swallowtail shape that make it highly responsive and intuitive in deep snow. The Fish also has a directional camber profile, which combines the benefits of camber (power and edge hold) with the benefits of rocker (lift and forgiveness) for a versatile and playful ride.
The Fish also features Burton’s Balanced Freeride Geometry, which allows you to maintain stability and control even when riding switch or landing jumps. The Fish has a unique bi-color base design that adds style and visibility to the board, and comes in sizes ranging from 151 to 160 cm.
5. Skeleton Key
The Skeleton Key is a pow board that is designed for riders who want a fun and versatile board that can handle powder, groomers, and park laps with ease. This board has a directional shape, a medium flex, and a slightly tapered shape that make it agile and responsive in various conditions, but especially fun in powder. The Skeleton Key also has a directional camber profile, which provides a poppy and stable platform for landing jumps or carving turns.
The Skeleton Key also features Burton’s Squeezebox technology, which adds thickness and stiffness to the board’s core under the bindings for increased energy and control, and reduces thickness and weight in the nose and tail for enhanced float and playfulness. The Skeleton Key comes in sizes ranging from 153 to 162 cm.
6. Honorable Mentions
While the above models are some of Burton’s best pow-specific boards, they are not the only ones that can handle deep snow and steep terrain. Here are some more Burton boards that can be good options for powder riders:
– Custom: This board has a hybrid camber profile, a medium-stiff flex, and a directional shape that make it a versatile and high-performance option for intermediate to advanced riders who want stability and pop in powder and other conditions. The Custom also features Burton’s Frostbite edges, which extend out slightly at the binding points for increased edge hold and grip, and Infinite Ride technology, which allows the board to maintain its flex and feel season after season. The Custom comes in sizes ranging from 150 to 170 cm.
– Free Thinker: This board has a directional camber profile, a medium flex, and a slightly tapered shape that make it nimble and playful in powder and freestyle settings. The Free Thinker also features Burton’s Pro-Tip technology, which tapers the thickness and shape of the nose and tail for reduced swing weight and increased float, and a squeezebox core that allows for efficient energy transfer and pop. The Free Thinker comes in sizes ranging from 150 to 166 cm.
– Process: This board has a hybrid camber profile, a medium-flex, and a twin shape that make it a versatile and forgiving option for intermediate riders who want to progress in various conditions, including powder. The Process also features Burton’s Scoop technology, which adds a subtle concave shape to the base of the board for smoother transitions and less hang-ups, and a Super Fly II 700G core that combines lightweight woods with high-density woods for a snappy and responsive ride. The Process comes in sizes ranging from 147 to 162 cm.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the best Burton board for riding pow depends on several factors, including your weight, height, riding style, skill level, and preferred terrain. While some of the models mentioned above are more pow-specific than others, they are all well-designed and well-tested options that can help you have fun, challenge yourself, and progress as a snowboarder. Make sure to demo or rent different boards before making a purchase, and consult with a knowledgeable salesperson or online resource for more detailed advice. Also, don’t forget to wear appropriate safety gear and follow proper backcountry etiquette when venturing beyond the resort boundaries. Happy shredding!
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