Burton Custom

Ask any longtime snowboarder: chances are they’ve ridden a Burton Custom before, and chances are they loved it, too. In fact, the Custom has been a part of the Burton lineup for over two decades. Since ’96, the Custom’s all-terrain versatility has made the deck a favorite of shredders who want and need one board for every single day on the mountain. The capable directional shape has an almost indiscernible setback stance, equally wide nose and tail, and a twin flex, meaning that the Burton staple can tackle straight lines and still spin and stomp switch in the park. 

Burton offers the Custom in a couple different camber profiles: the classic, traditionally cambered Custom (better edge hold, preferred by euro carvers and hard-charging pros who lay lines in the pipe) and the hybrid, rockered Custom Flying V (more float, more playful, better performance in pow).  Either way you decide to ride, these Burton decks make sweet single-board quivers.

We tested the traditionally cambered Custom—the board of choice for all-mountain slayer, style guru, and Olympian Ben Ferguson—in Crested Butte’s early season powder, icy chunder, tight trees, fresh groomers, and small-to-medium terrain park features.

Pros:

This board kills everything in sight. While there are boards in this buyer’s guide that we prefer in specialized situations, the Custom is one of our top picks for a single-board quiver.

On groomers, the extended grippy Frostbite edges underneath the bindings provide excellent purchase, and that combined with the traditional camber profile allows you to lean into and rail carves. Testers agreed that carving ability was the most attractive aspect of this deck.

Powerful twin flex makes the Custom a predictable deck when landing and riding switch, and one tester cited the tail as having “big boosting potential” when loaded up. The setback is mellow (-12.5mm), but the directional shape makes quick work of powder, bumped-out chop, and variable conditions of all creeds. The Custom has a new modern look, with a slightly blunted tip and tail adding a touch of float in deep stuff.

Cons:

Those grippy edges can definitely bite back if you’re not paying attention. Float isn’t delivered in spades due to the full camber build. Also, and this is an old argument, but the Burton Channel system is a pro for some, and a con for others. If you have Burton EST bindings, this is a go, otherwise, Burton’s Re:Flex bindings are sweet because you can use them with boards from other brands that possess a typical 4-hole binding pattern.

Tester Quote: “The core provides a delightfully damp landing platform, and the classic camber profile and mid flex won't surprise when you take off.”

Key Attribute: Turning Ability

Why We’re Stoked: After more than twenty years, the Custom’s always a favorite.