Porters Product Review Blog

2009 BURTON THE HERO SNOWBOARD

2008-10-24T10:57:00.000-07:00

The hero was voted best board under $400 by Transworld magazine because for a fraction of the price of some rockered boards it gives you total all mountain performance. From butters and boxes in the park to epic pow days the hero will truly handle anything the mountain throws at you. Different from other rockered boards in its design it features the "V" rocker similar to a 3 stage wakeboard and burtons exclusive channel mounting system. Compared with other rockered boards we have tested it excelled in the jumping department because of the increased stiffness in the tip and tail that helped us stand up landings. Its still plenty soft between your feet for Tarquin Robbins style butters that will leave your friends wondering in you just sawed the tip and tail off your Avalanche and brought it like it was 1992. If you haven't yet had the experience of riding a rockered board in powder then treat yourself this winter and give it a try, you will never go back to a cambered board again. All in all this was one of the most versatile and fun boards we tested and coming in at under $400 bucks means you still have enough money to get a hot dog halfway through out the day.

-Kyle

Transworld 2009 Good Wood Board Test

2008-08-15T10:25:00.000-07:00

Here is the Transworld 2009 Good Wood Board Test results.

Top Ten Men's Boards over $400

1. K2 Believer $439
2. Nitro Wiig $529
3. Burton Uninc $549
4. Nitro Team $419
5. Ride DH $449
6. Lib Tech Skate Banana Series $469
7 Salomon Official $549
8. DC MLF $450
9. Gnu Riders Choice BTX $519
10. Rome Mod $550

Top Ten Men's Boards Under $400

1. Burton Hero $399
2. Gnu Carbon Beam MTX $399
3. K2 Darkstar $399
4. Capita Stairmaster $319
5. Nitro T1 $389
6. Stepchild Powder Sucks $359
7. Forum Substance $390
8. Salomon Drift $349
9. Technine Team Gooner $349
10. Rossignol Retox $349

Top Five Men's Pipe Boards

1. Burton Vapor $999
2. Gnu Danny Kass BTX $529
3. Capita FCG $369
4. Forum Seeker $500
5. Flow WX $599

Top Ten Women's Boards Over $400

1. Gnu B-Pro BTX $519
2. Rossignol Diva Mag $400
3. Rome Lo-Fi $430
4. Roxy Eminence BTX $509
5. K2 Fling $400
6. Forum Craft $400
7. Lib Tech TRS BTX $539
8. Burton Stria $599
9. Ride Canvas $499
10. Flow Myriad $419

Top Ten Womens Boards Under $400

1. Technine Womens Jib $309
2. Forum Spinster $359
3. Capita Saturnia $319
4. Roxy Ollie Pop $379
5. Gnu B-Nice MTX $399
6. K2 VaVaVoom Rocker $359
7. Atomic Fallen Angel $359
8. Burton Blender $399
9. Salomon Lily $399
10. Rome Detail $360

2009 LINE PROPHET 90 SKI

2008-08-14T15:33:00.000-07:00

While filming the product videos at Alpine this spring, I skied the Prophet 90 on a day where the snow was quickly turning from crust to corn. Its versatile waist width excelled on the icy groomers in the morning, and on the corned up steeps in the afternoon. The 90 skis just as well as the 100, and even better on firmer snow. Whether it’s slalom turns or cliffs, trees or bowls, high or low speeds, the 90 does it all. I would recommend the Prophet 90 to anyone who is looking for one freeride ski that will excel at everything, especially in firmer snow conditions.

2009 LINE CHRONIC SKI

2008-08-14T15:30:00.001-07:00

I ski the Chronic when I know it’s going to be firm out. That’s not to say the Chronic doesn’t excel in slush and mank–its stiff freestyle flex kills it. But, at 85 underfoot, the chronic gives me the quickness edge to edge to boost a halfpipe or rip slalom turns down a groomer. The narrow width also makes this ski a lightweight technical monster. Whether you are learning your first 360 or pretzeling out of a handrail, the Chronics got it down. I’d recommend this ski to anyone who is looking for a narrow, damp, lightweight all mountain freestyle ski.

2009 LINE PROPHET 100 SKI

2008-08-14T15:26:00.000-07:00

The Prophet 100 was my ski of choice almost every day last year. It is probably the single most versatile freeride ski on the market today. I skied this ski in every type of condition imaginable, and it was always a ton of fun. The 100 is stable at speed due to its metal matrix construction, floats great in powder due to its width, and excels on a groomer due to its one of a kind sidecut. The editors of every ski magazine in America are right about this one–the 100 is a winner. I’d recommend the Prophet 100 to anyone who is looking for that one freeride ski that does everything–and does it extremely well.

Full Tilt Ski Boots 101

2008-08-13T13:20:00.000-07:00

2009 LINE INVADER SKI

2008-08-12T15:23:00.000-07:00

I skied the Invader while at the Porters shoot at Alpine. This ski turned the mini park and flatland into a playground. Every feature, big or small, became something to butter, press, or carve off of due to the invader’s innovative symmetric shape, flex, butter zone, and ollieband. The Invader was built from the ground up to ski the park, unlike almost every other ski out there today. It was really quick edge to edge due to its narrow waist width early in the morning when the snow was frozen. The Invader is a great choice for anyone who wants to slay the park in firmer snow conditions.

2009 LINE SIR FRANCIS BACON SKI

2008-08-12T09:39:00.000-07:00

Last season I took the Line Sir Francis Bacon out at Squaw two days after a storm. The snow was funky, cut up, and firm in places, but there was still a bit of soft stuff to be found. The early taper made these skis super predictable in the weird snow conditions. I never caught an edge. There was enough sidecut to make quick turns in the powder in some thick woods below the treeline, and when I headed up to the upper mountain, the ski was stiff enough for some choppy straightlines. I even took a couple of laps through the park on it, which was surprisingly fun for a ski this wide. At the end of the day, I skied the entire way down to the base switch with ease. I’d recommend the Bacons to anyone looking for a wider all mountain ski with a freestyle focus.

2009 LINE ERIC POLLARD PRO SKI

2008-08-11T09:01:00.000-07:00

I skied the EP Pro last season during a serious storm day in January. This ski turned what could have otherwise been a painful day into something so fun I literally couldn’t stop smiling. The early rise tip and tail, early taper, symmetric and soft flex made virtually any type of soft snow a playground. Normally, I find skiing switch in powder extremely challenging. With the EP Pro, it was laughably easy. 180s off of cliffs, tree bonks, and butters in soft snow were so much fun. I would highly recommend this ski to anyone who is looking for a fun, freestyle powder machine.

2009 K2 VA VA VOOM ROCKER SNOWBOARD

2008-08-11T08:58:00.000-07:00

2009 K2 Va Va Voom Rocker

VVVVVVVa VVVVVVVa Voooooooom! This board is flat out FUN! With K2's Jib Rocker Technology you will have no problem getting your butter on or nose pressing the rainbow box. The 2009 K2 Va Va Voom rocker has K2's Jib Tip design that gives the board a longer effective edge but a shorter tip and tail that allows you to drop down 5cm in board length with out loosing stability. I love this board and I can't wait for it to snow. The Rhythm Core lightens this board up and allows for you to spin this board effortlessly on to rails, boxes and of of some jumps. If you are a jib-tastic girl then make sure to get one of these... you won't be disappointed.

2009 LINE CELEBRITY SKI

2008-08-10T11:45:00.000-07:00

2009 Line Celebrity

The 2009 Line Celebrity with its 90mm waist is a great women's all mountain
ski. I have skied the Line Celebrity over the years in a variety of conditions
from powder to slush to hard pack and it handles all these conditions well.
This year luckily I got to ski the Line Celebrity in spring conditions all over the mountain.
I think the Line Celebrity is quick edge to edge and is super nimble, it is easy to
ski in the bumps. The price on this ski is great too, at $399- its tough to beat.
The Line Celebrity would be a great ski for any woman who likes to charge all over the mountain.

2009 LINE SHADOW SKI

2008-08-10T11:39:00.000-07:00

Line Shadow

The Line Shadow is a new woman's park ski. Since I am not a park skier I was really surprised at how well this ski was as an all mountain ski. I took the Line Shadow on and off the groomed in the bumps and the slush and then a quick run thru the park it handled all of these conditions great. The Line Shadow has an 83mm waist which makes it really quick edge to edge and the ski itself is super lively. the line shadow is also a great ski for someone on a budget at $299 and the Line Shadow wouldn't break your bank adding a great park ski to your quiver.

2009 BURTON T6 SNOWBOARD

2008-08-03T13:19:00.000-07:00

I rode the 2009 BURTON T6 SNOWBOARD at Alpine Meadows this past year and all I can say is "fun". I took the T6 through Hotwheels Gully over and over and each time had a grin on my face. It rode the moguls as well as it carved the steeps. My only slight regret is how directional the board is but don't think you can't ride switch at all, it just takes a little getting used to but it still can be done. The best part of the board is the "Smooth Ride Technology". This board rides super well through everything I could throw at it, buy a Burton T6 Snowboard and enjoy eating up everything.

Drake Snowboard Bindings- Compatible with All Snowboards

2008-08-01T23:50:00.001-07:00

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE - Drake proudly announces that it now makes two discs that are compatible with all board mounting patterns. Snowboarders now have the option to ride Drake bindings on any brand snowboard, to include Burton channel boards.

The new disc is designed to accommodate the channel board two screw, sliding pattern. All shops and authorized dealers will have the disc available for free with any Drake binding purchase. A set of Drake universal discs, with the original 3 and 4 hole pattern option, will also be packaged inside each box. The two discs will allow you to affix your bindings to any other snowboard brand, and are especially ideal with the new Drake Snowboards line- out this fall!

Drake Performance Advantage snowboard bindings are constructed with aluminum and composite, providing the perfect combo for greater dampening and superior power transmission.

Drake Snowboard Binding Team is:
Seth Huot
Alexis Waite
Matt Beardmore
Matty Ryan
Patrick McCarthy
Hans Ahlund

K2 MISSDEMEANOR SKI 2009

2008-07-29T08:11:00.000-07:00

2009 K2 Misdemeanor

So when I first skied the K2 Misdemeanor 3 years ago I loved it and when I skied the 2009 K2 Misdemeanor this year it continued to make me smile. The day I took it out this time it was firm in the shade and soft in the sun...perfect spring conditions.The 2009 K2 Misdemeanor is so fun all over the mountain. Its got great pop and turns on a dime. The Misdemeanor was great everywhere I took it, park, off trail and moguls too. Like most twin tips this ski is softer in the tip and tail which makes it easy to turn but stiffer under foot which gives it the stability you need. The 2009 K2 Misdemeanor is a great all mountain ski at a great price.

2009 BURTON ESCAPADE BINDINGS

2008-07-28T13:54:00.000-07:00

2009 BURTON ESCAPADE BINDINGS

2009 Burton Escapade Bindings-

So I have always ridden men's bindings because I like a higher back and also I come from a time in snowboarding when women specific products did exist. So sad I know. But times have changed and Burton is doing it right. Check out my post on the 2009 Burton Lexa EST. With a new base plate for 2009 the Escapade is more responsive than ever. The womens specific fit in the Burton bindings makes me lean more and more to a new binding purchase this year. The new Living Hinge mixed with the Real Mesh Hi back make for a responsive ride without the pressure of the high back pressing on your leg. That makes for a good day! With fun color ways this year you are sure to find the 2009 Burton Escapade that is right for you.

2009 BURTON FEELGOOD ES SNOWBOARD

2008-07-28T13:31:00.000-07:00

2009 BURTON FEELGOOD ES SNOWBOARD-

Last spring during our product testing at Alpine Meadows I rode the 2009 Burton Feelgood ES on the pow day we had. I must say this is a great board. I am sure you are asking what makes the Feelgood ES different than the Feelgood? Well first off the construction, the 2009 Feelgood ES has the New Carbon Vaporskin that adds more pop to the board with out making it heavier. Thus making for a superb ride. I would say that the 2009 Feelgood ES is an all mountain destroyer. Even though this board has a direction shape the flex is a twin flex and with the ICS system in place you can set your bindings back with ease for a day of pow riding or center them up for a day in the park. Where as the Feelgood is a directional board with directional flex. If you are looking for a really responsive all mountain board then get your hands on one of 2009 Burton Feelgood ES.

2009 BURTON MALOLO SNOWBOARD

2008-07-28T08:41:00.000-07:00

This past spring we had one of our rare powder days and I was lucky enough to demo the 2009 Burton Malolo Snowboard (with ICS). I had never ridden the Malolo and in my usual pow stick is a 167 Salomon Fastback so transitioning to a much shorter board was a funny feeling at first. Once I started down my first run you couldn't tell the size difference in the stability of the ride and I was able to make much quicker turns as wel. Burton says to "Downsize 2 to 4 cm From Normal Board Length" which is an under statement since I went form a 167 to a 158 but with all this new board technology out there don't fear change. What suprised me most of all was when
I took the board back to the groomer, it was't your average powder board groomer run (we all know how sometimes your old pow stick can be kinda scarey back on the groomers). The Burton Malolo isn't the Burton Fish, but its the Fish's powder freestyle little brother.

2009 BURTON CARTEL EST BINDINGS

2008-07-26T15:44:00.000-07:00

2009 BURTON CARTEL EST BINDINGS

The 2009 Burton Cartel EST Bindings will change the way you ride, feel, eat and sleep snowboarding! I will admit I was very suspicious at first when I hear a baseless binding was coming back into play. It brought back the vision of my old Lamar Baseless binding with super low-backs. Throw that idea out the window and be prepared for as Burton says "the ultimate blend of board feel, cushioning, mobility, and drive". The ICS and EST systems will allow you to have the best of all worlds, unlimited stance widths, angles, and dork tweaking you can imagine. With the new and improved "baseless" approach you "the rider" will feel the snow below like never before. Add the dominance of the Burton Cartel and you will giggle your way through any terrain. The EST ICS system will take a bit of getting used to, but take your time and don't be afraid to change your angles and don't forget to change your stance accross the board. Most riders will slap bindings on and forget that they have a size 12 foot which means you need to set the binding back to center your foot properly on the board. With thew EST binding you can get the perfect fit on the board like never before.

2009 BURTON CUSTOM SNOWBOARD

2008-07-26T15:30:00.000-07:00

The 2009 Burton Custom Snowboard (non ICS) is the same great board Burton has brought to the table year after year. The Custom is labeled as a "all-mountain magic carpet ride" and depending on what size you purchase it also is a decent park board. I would prefer this board as a park specific board rather than an all mountain board do to its softer flex pattern. I rode this board twice, once at the Kirkwood demo under very firm conditions and the other time at Alpine Meadows under much softer spring like conditions. The board performed very well under both firm and soft and I would definately consider this board as a park board for my quiver.

Make sure that you understand the difference between ICS ans non-ICS before you purchase this board. Only EST binding will work with ICS boards any other non-ICS board just needs the good old 3-hole disc that Burton has made for years.

2009 BURTON FEELGOOD ICS SNOWBOARD

2008-07-26T12:56:00.000-07:00

2009 Burton Feelgood ICS-

So again while I was at Mt. Hood I rode the 2009 Burton Feelgood ICS. I rode this board with the 2009 Lexa EST Binding and boy what a combo. If you are looking for a board that you can ride anywhere then check out the 2009 Feelgood ICS. With the SuperFly II core this board is light yet full of pop thanks to the Triax fiberglass. I rode this board on some little jibs as well as making some high speed turns and it was awesome. To be quite honest I would love to ride this board in the pipe but being that I am still healing the pipe was out of the question for me at Hood.

The 2009 Burton Feelgood ICS is a directional board meaning that it does not have a centered stance like a twin, thus making it more of an all mountain machine. Many women love this board and we can't keep them on the shelves here. And new this year is the 2009 Burton Feelgood Smalls so now mom and daughter can have the same shred stick and dominate the mountain together.

2009 Burton Custom ICS

2008-07-25T20:37:00.000-07:00

First, I should say that I'm an intermediate snowboarder- but I think there's a lot of us out there, probably looking for some advice. Maybe after this someone who's really good can write another review, from their point of view?

I learned two winters ago riding an old Custom, then last season I rode about 20 days on the '08 Custom, the first year it could come with the ICS system. Long story short, this board was a lot of fun when I was learning, and now that I'm a solid intermediate, I love it and I can actually appreciate it. I understand why it's been so popular for so many different types of riders over the years. It fits a wide variety of people. I ride all over Squaw, though there's still a lot of spots I can't do. I did get about 3 ft. of sweet sweet air in the Belmont park one day- that's about how rad I can get at this moment. But, a few of my friends who are much better riders also have this board, so in other words it's hard to "outgrow" it. Doyle's dropping huge cliffs with his Custom, reminding me that it's not the board, it's actually "talent" and "dedication" and "cajones" and that stuff that counts.

I guess my point is, I'm proof that you can get this board as you're starting out, and like it more an more as you get better. Burton's Infinite Ride tech makes sure the board rides the same after a couple seasons as it did on Day 1.

The Channel is awesome and works great. You can set up whatever stance you want. It's easy to switch it up on the hill, so I was able to figure out what stance I liked as I got better. Good call Burton.

Anyways, a versatile board that fits a wide range of abilities and spots on the hill. Have fun.

2009 BURTON FISH SNOWBOARD

2008-07-25T12:24:00.000-07:00

Slasher! Let your inner surfer out on this bad boy. This powder specific ride will put you at full chub on a Pow day! I got the luxury to ride this sucker on a unexpected April Pow day at Alpine Meadows last Spring. Tapered shape, swallow tail and wide nose really gets this "surfboard" up on top of the pow and floats with ease. Also, Burton put a rockered nose area to traditional camber toward the tail to really give this board a great feel in the Pow & the crud as well. The ICS system in conjunction with the EST bindings really give this board a surfy feel. You can't go wrong with this board on a Pow day. Ride this board 3-4 cm shorter than your regular big Pow board. It rides great and also works well in terrain that is not as steep as your ideal powder runs. We actually ride em and don't flex them in our shop! Footage to be coming soon.

2009 BURTON CARTEL BINDINGS

2008-07-25T12:17:00.000-07:00

2009 BURTON CARTEL BINDINGS	2009 BURTON CARTEL BINDINGS	2009 BURTON CARTEL BINDINGS
2009 BURTON CARTEL BINDINGS

I love my Burton Cartel Bindings!! I bought my first pair three years ago and have never turned back!New to the 2009 Burton cartel is the NEW Ultra Capstrap™ and NEW B3 Gel Heel Cushioning. Both add just that much more support and comfort. Added last year was the living hinge to the team skyback and just as the old saying goes if it ain't broke don't fix it!! I tested the "THAT'S HOT PINK" colorway just b/c pink is so sexy this year! Same great binding year after year and the burton snowboard cartel binding will not let yiou down.

2009 BURTON TWIN SNOWBOARD

2008-07-25T12:14:00.000-07:00

The 2009 Burton Twin is definitely a solid park board. A soft twin flex throughout the board, this board wants to be jibbed and pressed all over the park. Burton does claim this board to be a good all around ride, but after riding this at Mt. Hood, I'd recommend this board for use strictly in the park or for freeriding natural jibs off the groomers. It is a mid wide, so you fellas out there with size 10 feet and up will like it's wider profile. The wider profile will also help with the landings on the jumps where I found this board particularly stable. I highly recommend a set of Burton Cartel Bindings and a pair of Burton Hail Boots to complete this kit.