The Details:

At that price you might think the Burton Socialite is for entry-level riders only. Anyone making their first turns on this flat-based, twin-shaped board will no doubt be off to a good start, but no matter how good you are this is worth a peep.

A major upgrade this year is the application of Burton’s ‘Squeezebox’ tech in the core. Put simply, the core has slightly stiffer sections located on either side of the bindings, but is thinner and softer under the feet.

So it’ll be stable when you’re redlining it, but bendy enough for effortless freestyle at slower speeds. Given that the core is a little thinner than average to start with, it makes for a flexible board that can still hold up to the trials and tribulations of all-round riding.

The Squeezebox sections are also angled to compliment the difference between the heel and toe edges; the ‘Frostbite’ protrusions that provide extra grip have been placed at different points on the heel and toe edge, to better match the different forces that you naturally apply to each. It’ll feel the same riding regular or switch, of course, but whichever way you point it the Socialite is equipped to give you great edge hold.

Given that it’s towards the softer end of the spectrum, Alaskan faces aren’t really on the agenda. However, for those who like to dabble in all three P’s – park, piste, and powder – the Socialite may be the answer.