Share

Gear

Burton Snowboards – 40 Years Forward

A closer look at some of the big B's most iconic snowboard gear

As anniversaries in snowboarding go, 40 years is about as big as it gets. In our sport’s relatively short life, no company can claim to have had as profound and lasting an impact as Burton Snowboards. The Vermont-based brand has been refining their gear since 1977, pushing the tech boundaries wherever and whenever possible (these days in their purpose-built R&D facility, Craig’s).

All the while they’ve resisted the temptation to innovate for its own sake; when something works, the focus is on evolution rather than revolution. That’s why some of their wares have become straight-up iconic, as well-known in the snowboarding world as any pro rider.

The Snowboard Asylum has had a front-row seat throughout; they’ve been stocking the B since it first appeared on these shores, and have watched it grow from a smalltown supplier into the biggest snowboard brand on the planet. Here they pick out a few key products that have played a massive part in Burton’s history, and will most likely do the same for its future. Take a look:

Burton Custom X Snowboard – £530

This is the board on which Christian Haller broke the world record for highest air off a hip, which should go some way to explaining its performance credentials. If it’s a precision instrument you’re after that delivers unparalleled control even at face-melting speeds, look no further.

The Custom X has all the elements that make the Custom so popular (classic camber profile, directional shape with twin flex, sintered base), and also some supercharged upgrades. The core is even lighter, thanks to the use of specially-selected wood that is stronger than average without requiring extra weight. There’s also a layer of carbon fibre throughout, and extra carbon placed at the outside of your feet which works with the stiffer sections of the core to deliver extra response and pop.

It all adds up to a deck that’s stiff, powerful and reactive to your every whim; a bona-fide modern classic.

Buy the Burton Custom X here

https://www.snowboard-asylum.com/products/burton-ion-20162017-snowboard-boots/821614

Burton Ion Snowboard Boot – £280

In a similar vein, the Burton Ion is a snowboard boot for confident riders who are after something stiff, sturdy and supportive.

Whether you like to feel the G’s on the piste or stomp big tricks in the park, the Ion has you covered. The low-profile outsole gives you plenty of boardfeel, while the B3 gel and ReBounce cushioning ensures your feet don’t get rattled when you’re blasting over uneven terrain.

There’s no sacrifice of comfort, though – in fact, it’s as big a part of the Ion’s longevity as its hard-charging performance. This year it features the new Life Liner which is light and cosy, with moisture-wicking properties to boot.

The Speed Zone lacing system is a piece of cake to use, and allows you to customise your fit around both the upper and lower zones of the boot. You can set it and forget it, knowing that it’ll hold its position all day, and getting in and out of the boot takes mere seconds.

Buy the Burton Ion here

Burton Lexa Women’s Snowboard Binding – £205

The Lexa’s colourway options are usually pretty eye-catching, and this year’s snow Leopard variant is no exception. However, there’s much more to this ever-popular women’s binding than a pretty graphic.

It’s stiff enough for high-speed burning, but at the same time it doesn’t rule out mellower riding. Whether it’s mini- or mega-shred that you’re into, this will do the job. You can even swap around the asymmetrical ankle straps to customise the amount of support they provide, a process that’s easy to do on the fly.

Thanks to a dual-density EVA footbed you’ll be able to drop bombs all day without the risk of foot fatigue, plus the super-quick ratchets and stap hinges mean that it’s never been easier to get cranked down and ready to shred.

If your board features the Channel system then the EST version offers a boost in adjustability and natural board flex, but there’s also the Re:Flex version that can be mounted using traditional discs.

Buy the Burton Lexa here

 

Burton [ak] Cyclic Snowboard Jacket – £295

Burton’s [ak] outerwear is named after Alaska, home of the world’s gnarliest terrain and harshest winter conditions. Only the toughest, most durable jackets and pants make it into the B’s premium line.

Gore-Tex remains the benchmark for waterproofing and breathability in snowboard outerwear, and the [ak] Cyclic jacket features a two-layer shell that’ll keep the elements at bay whilst preventing the build-up of sweat (which can be just as bad as any blizzard).

It’s got fully taped seams and the zips are waterproof too, so it’ll keep you locked up like Fort Knox when it’s dumping. Features include a removable powder skirt and fully adjustable hood.

Buy the Burton [ak] Cyclic here

 

Burton Chopper & Burton Chicklet Youth Snowboards – £120

As healthy a past as Burton have to look back on, they’re still just as focused on the future. The Chopper gives young male shredders the perfect platform on which to start out, and the Chicklet does the same for the girls.

It goes without saying that there are some significant differences between these and snowboards for adults. Both the Chopper and the Chicklet have a flat, bevelled base that makes nasty edge-catches much less likely and turns easier to master. They’re also super soft, so you can manipulate them with minimal input required.

Most groms want to step up to freestyle as soon as they’re able, and the twin shape and flex of these boards ensures they can. There’s no need to hold back thanks to the all-wood core and extruded base, and the warranty’s there for extra peace of mind.

Buy the Burton Chopper here

Buy the Burton Chicklet here

 

Sponsored by
Newsletter Terms & Conditions

Please enter your email so we can keep you updated with news, features and the latest offers. If you are not interested you can unsubscribe at any time. We will never sell your data and you'll only get messages from us and our partners whose products and services we think you'll enjoy.

Read our full Privacy Policy as well as Terms & Conditions.

production