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

Labels: 2009 Burton Snowboards, Burton The Hero

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.

Labels: 2009 Burton Snowboards, 2009 BURTON T6 SNOWBOARD, Alpine Meadows, Product Reviews

2009 BURTON ESCAPADE BINDINGS

2009 BURTON ESCAPADE BINDINGS

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.

Labels: 2009 BURTON ESCAPADE BINDINGS, 2009 Burton Snowboards, Product Reviews

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.

Labels: 2009 Burton Feelgood ES, 2009 Burton Snowboards, Alpine Meadows, Product Reviews

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.

Labels: 2009 BURTON MALOLO SNOWBOARD, 2009 Burton Snowboards, Alpine Meadows, Product Reviews

2009 BURTON CARTEL EST BINDINGS

2009 BURTON CARTEL EST BINDINGS

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.

Labels: 2009 BURTON CARTEL EST BINDINGS, 2009 Burton Snowboards, Product Reviews

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.

Labels: 2009 BURTON CUSTOM SNOWBOARD, 2009 Burton Snowboards, Alpine Meadows, Kirkwood Ski Resort, Product Reviews

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.

Labels: 2009 Burton Feelgood ICS, 2009 Burton Snowboards, Mt. Hood, Product Reviews

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.

Labels: 2009 Burton Custom ICS, 2009 Burton Snowboards, ICS, Product Reviews

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.

Labels: 2009 BURTON FISH SNOWBOARD, 2009 Burton Snowboards, Product Reviews

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.

Labels: 2009 Burton Cartel Bindings, 2009 Burton Snowboards, Product Reviews

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.

Labels: 2009 Burton Snowboards, 2009 BURTON TWIN SNOWBOARD

2009 Burton Sapphire Boot-

I own this boot and being a bit older I tend to opt for a softer boot. I don't mean a mushy boot but a bit softer for the ole' knees. If you are looking for a a boot that fits great out of the box then the 2009 Burton Sapphire is for you!. With an Articulated cuff and Molded Tongue the flex on this boot is perfect for hitting the park. Just because this boot is classified as a park boot don't let that fool you, this boot is responsive in the steep and deep as well as on the groomers. New for this year the 2009 Sapphire comes pre-wired for the Therm-ic heatpack so if your feet get cold try these boots and you will be comfy and warm! Even if you feet get to hot do worry because the Sapphire comes with an Antimicrobial Coating in the liner to keep your boot from getting the funk.

Labels: 2009 Burton Sapphire Boot, 2009 Burton Snowboards, Product Reviews

So you wanna ride that's lightweight, fast and can boost in the halfpipe? Well the 2009 Burton Vapor is right up your alley. On my 1st test run at Mt. Hood, I noticed this boards quick edge to edge performance and snappy feel coming down the run. Once I dropped into the pipe, it locked in and held like a train on rails! You can feel the Alumafly core at work in conjunction with the EST binding setup as there was virtually no vibration and any subtle weight transfer made the board respond. Also, the board is directional with a twin flex so you get the best of both worlds. Straight line performance for freestyle minded riders. This board does have a hefty price-tag, but this is the Porsche of the Burton Mens line. It's no wonder that TTR World Champ Kevin Pearce and Kier Dillon ride this board for all their major competitions.

Labels: 2009 Burton Snowboards, 2009 Burton Vapor, Est Bindngs, halfpipe, Kevin Pearce, kier Dillon, Product Reviews

2009 Burton Lux-

I rode this board last week at Mt. Hood and to be quite honest I was surprised with it. First off I was feeling like this board was going to be too soft for me. However, when I jumped on the 150 2009 Burton Lux and took my first turns on it I was was blown away with the responsiveness. After a few little jibs on the run I can say that this board is a great board for some one that doesn't have deep pockets but still wants a great freestyle twin board. The Super Fly core is awesome in this board and it will help you make those perfect turns. The new High-Density Lightspeed Vison base will keep you moving even if you forgot to wax, you board not your.........legs. Enjoy the ride girls!

Labels: 2009 Burton Lux, 2009 Burton Snowboards, Mt. Hood, Product Reviews

I rode the Burton Custom X snowboard this past season at Alpine Meadows and Kirkwood Ski resort, and why might I have ridden the board at 2 different demos? Just b/c I was surprised at how fun the board was to ride. I had a Palmer Pulse last season and really loved the way the board rode the entire mountain but alas a rock claimed that stick so on to bigger and better. The custom felt a little too soft and the T6 felt a bit to directional for my liking but the Custom X felt just right. Burton added the NEW Carbon Vaporskin™ with Triax™ Response Fiberglass and Carbon I-Beam™. Which just means the board will be more responsive with the I beam and lighter with Vaporskin. Throw in the ICS binding system and your in for a truly fun ride. The ICS will take a little getting used to, with its unlimited binding widths and angles but once you dial bindings and board your in for a great all mountain freestyle machine.

Labels: 2009 Burton Custom X, 2009 Burton Snowboards, Product Reviews

2009 B by Burton Alpha-

I recently rode the B by Burton Alpha at Mt. Hood and I will say that for me this freestyle board would be a fun twin for the pow!. With a scoop pro-tip nose this board maneuvers through the snow magnificently. The tip also helps you get your jib on without feeling like you might catch up and break your neck! The twin shape of the B by Burton Alpha helps you hit jumps and butter with ease and confidence. Check it out today and you might have a new love!

Labels: 2009 B by Burton Alpha, 2009 Burton Snowboards, Mt. Hood, Product Reviews

2009 Burton Lexa EST-

Last week at Mt. Hood I also rode the Lexa EST binding. I do have to say that I like the board feel of the EST system. The canted living hinge Hi-back on the the Lexa EST defiantly helps you power through the turns. I had these bindings set up on a 2009 Feelgood and they felt great, he he he. I usually ride a mens binding because I do like higher backs, but this binding has opened me up to the world of womens bindings. Especially with Burtons women's specific True Fit I think I will be making the move to a gender specific binding.

Labels: 2009 Burton Lexa EST, 2009 Burton Snowboards, Mt. Hood, Product Reviews

2009 Burton Stigma

I just got back from Mt. Hood and while I was there I rode the 2009 Stigma. This board for the price is funtastic. With Rail Ready edges you won't be scared to step up and hit that rail you have been eyeballing. I had a blast on the Stigma and I wished I could have ridden some more park on it. The pro tip and tail make it easier to swing the board around so "getcha" spin on!

Labels: 2009 Burton Snowboards, 2009 Burton Stigma, Mt. Hood, Product Reviews

2009 Burton Fix-

I rode this board last spring at Alpine Meadows. It is not a woman's specific board but it doesn't matter, this board was fun. The Burton Fix has a Scoop convex nose to make buttering, well..... as smooth as butter. The Burton Fix comes Rail Ready with edges that won't catch you up on the kinks. Get a Burton Fix today and get ready for funtastic park shredding!

Labels: 2009 Burton FIx, 2009 Burton Snowboards, Alpine Meadows, Product Reviews