The Details:
The great thing about being a beginner these days is that even if you’ve never set foot on a snowboard, you won’t be saddled with one catch-all ‘entry-level’ board. Everyone’s first steps are different, and with a bit of research you can find the stick that will best help you take them.
The Burton Ripcord is more directional in its construction than the other boards in Burton’s entry-level range, so would better suit those who aren’t looking to hit the park in the short-to-medium term. The very slight taper will help you get the hang of smooth turns, but won’t get in the way when you’re ready to ride switch.
The flat base is a great option for newbies, as it offers a more predictable ride. Also, the base of the Ripcord is slightly convex from side to side, so the edges are raised just enough to make the dreaded edge-catch even less likely.
The extruded base isn’t as quick as its sintered equivalent, but why would you want that in the early days, especially when it requires more upkeep? In this way, and in many other ways, the Burton Ripcord is tuned to point your progression in the right direction, with no unnecessary frills.
