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Burton Instigator 2021-2022 Snowboard Review

Tested and selected for our top 100 snowboard products of the year: the Burton Instigator

  • Price: €400
  • Category: All-Mountain
  • Sizes: 140, 145, 150, 150W, 155, 155W, 160, 160W, 165W
  • Flex: 2/10
  • Shape: Directional Twin
  • Profile: Camber / Flat
  • 3D: No
  • Base: Extruded

Why we chose the Burton Instigator Snowboard: It’s a beginner snowboard that will last far beyond your first week on the hill.

Progression is key when you’re learning to snowboard, especially if you’re not content to just practice your falling leaf down the bunny hill. The Instigator might not be the flashiest snowboard on the market, but for a consistent learning curve that goes far beyond your first few days on the hill it’s hard to beat, especially when you factor in the modest price tag.

“The Instigator’s versatility could appeal to those who aren’t quite sure where they’re going to be riding the most, so it can do a bit of everything”

MORE INFO:
BURTON.COM

Who Is The Burton Instigator For?

You’re the kind of rider who wants results fast, you love a bit of instant gratification. The Instigator’s versatility could appeal to those who aren’t quite sure where they’re going to be riding the most, so it can do a bit of everything. Sure, there are snowboards that are higher spec, but this will let you dip your toes in the pool without pushing you in the deep end.

Shape, Profile and Sidecut

To really maximise its adaptability, the Instigator runs with a classic directional twin outline. It’s that best of both worlds approach that blends the stability and versatility of directional volume with the playful freestyle threads of twin outline and flex.

All in all, you’ll have a snowboard that rides everything pretty well. Although it may not be a fully directional charger, the Instigator does employ a 5mm taper, which is still pretty mellow but add it to the 25mm setback and you’ll reap the rewards when you pull your bindings right back and head off into deeper snow.

The Instigator comes in two profile options, Pure Pop Camber and Flat Top. Each has its own strengths and drawbacks; the flat option will be a much looser ride, slightly gentler and less likely to throw you with edge catches, whereas the camber option offers more power and aggression with increased stability for riding fast.

“The Instigator comes in two profile options, Pure Pop Camber and Flat Top”

Construction and Materials

As snowboards continue to race towards space age design and tech, there’s something quite comforting about a deck that doesn’t feel the need to bamboozle you with its list of ingredients, plus it’s a lot easier on the wallet.

That’s not to say that the Instigator is basic, it’s still a really good snowboard, especially when you factor in the price. Internally you can find Burton’s Super Fly core with their Dualzone EGD technology to drive power to the heel and toe edge, this is sandwiched by playful biax laminates to allow for mega torsional flex. As such, it might be a little soft for those looking to really charge, but if you’re still learning the ropes or looking for a fun, flexy snowboard then you’ll enjoy the mellow feel underfoot.

“That’s not to say that the Instigator is basic, it’s still a really good snowboard, especially when you factor in the price”

Roundup

All in all, the Instigator probably isn’t going to tick your boxes if you’re an expert, it’s just a little too soft and a little too mellow for those looking for something high performance. But if you’re a newer rider who’s looking to expand their skills not just on piste but in the park and pow then you’ve got a great bang for your buck snowboard that’ll last beyond your first week on snow.

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