The Burton Custom Camber is one of the longest standing boards out there. And when a model survives this long, then there's got to be something good about it.
And there is. And a lot more than just one thing. The Custom is super versatile and feels good to ride in almost every style and every terrain, but is at its best when you ride it with a style that's a little on the aggressive side.
In this review, I will take a look at the Custom as an all-mountain* snowboard, which we define as the do-it-all swiss-army knives of boards.
As per tradition here at SnowboardingProfiles.com I will give the Custom a score out of 100 (based on several factors) and see how it compares with other men's all-mountain snowboards.
* Note that this board used to be in the aggressive all-mountain category, but we decided to make the switch as we feel it's a slightly better fit in this category.
Overall Rating
Board: Burton Custom
Price: $679
Style: All-Mountain (semi aggressive)
Flex Rating: Medium (4-7/10)
Flex Feel on Snow: Medium (bordering on mid-stiff) (6.5/10)
Rating Score: 89.8/100
Compared to other Men’s All-Mountain Boards
Of the 32 current model all-mountain snowboards that we tested:
❄️ The Custom ranked 4th out of 32
Overview of the Custom’S Specs
Check out the tables for the Custom’s specs and available sizes.
STYLE:
All-Mountain (semi aggressive)
PRICE:
$679 - BUYING OPTIONS
Ability Level:
flex:
feel:
DAMPNESS:
SMOOTH /SNAPPY:
Playful /aggressive:
Edge-hold:
camber profile:
Traditional Camber
SHAPE:
setback stance:
SETBACK 12.5mm (0.5")
BASE:
Sintered- Burton's "WFO"
weight:
FELT A LITTLE LIGHTER THAN Normal
Camber:
11mm!
Sizing
LENGTH (cm) | Waist Width (mm) | Rec Rider Weight (lb) | Rec Rider Weight (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|
150 | 248 | 120-180 | 54-82 |
154 | 250 | 120-180 | 54-82 |
156 | 252 | 150-200 | 68-91 |
158 | 254 | 150-200 | 68-91 |
162 | 256 | 180-260+ | 82-118+ |
154W | 258 | 120-180 | 54-82 |
158W | 262 | 150-200 | 68-91 |
162W | 264 | 180-260+ | 82-118+ |
166W | 266 | 180-260+ | 82-118+ |
170W | 270 | 180-260+ | 82-118+ |
Who is the Custom Most Suited To?
The Custom is that kind of do-it-all board that works really well as a daily driver for those who like to push their riding a little more aggressively, but they also want something that's not going to force them to ride aggressively most of the time and isn't going to require a ton of energy to ride it.
Would make a great one-board-quiver for those who don't see a lot of deep powder or feel like they are willing to make that extra effort on powder days and feel that back leg burn - and/or willing to set their bindings back to help it float better in powder.
And also a great compliment to a quiver as the daily driver to go with a more freeride/powder board and/or a freestyle/park board.
Not for beginners and even low intermediate riders may struggle a bit with it, but solid intermediate riders shouldn't have too many issues with it. If you get it and are finding it catchier than you like it (which I didn't but some might) get the contact points detuned and you should be all good to take advantage of everything this board has to offer.
TEST/REVIEW DetailS FOR THE Custom
O.k. let’s take a more detailed look at what the Custom is capable of.
Demo Info
Board: Burton Custom 2025, 156cm (252mm waist width)
Date: February 6, 2024
Powder
Nothing fresh or too deep to test in on the day, but based on specs and feel, it's not going to be awesome for powder.
It has a bit of setback stance and the nose is a bit longer than the tail, but otherwise not much else going for it in powder. But should still handle shallow powder just fine, but probably a back leg burner in deeper powder.
Carving
For medium to moderately high speeds, the Custom was just so fun to carve. That full camber profile no doubt helping that feeling. It did let go a bit at higher speeds, particularly versus the Custom X, which I rode just before riding this, but you'd expect that with the softer flex of this versus the X.
It felt best at medium radius carves, but could do shorter/sharper just fine and longer, more drawn out carves were OK too.
Turning
Ease of Turning/Slashing: While technically it's not necessarily the easiest - you want to use good technique when turning it - it's physically nice and easy to initiate a turn or whip out a slash. Not quite as easy as my control board (Lib Tech Terrain Wrecker) but close. It's a little stiffer overall vs my control board and a little torsionally stiffer, so that would be part of it. But certainly easier than the X.
Maneuverability at slow speeds: It felt pretty agile at slower speeds - not effortless to get it from edge-to-edge and technically you couldn't be too off your game. But so long as I used good technique and put a little bit of effort in, I could get it snap between edges nice and quick.
Catchiness: If you're looking for it, you can get it feeling a little catchy, but overall it's not what I would call super catchy. Being full camber, you'd expect it to be catchier than it feels, IMO. But the contact points may have been detuned. Whatever the case was, I hardly noticed any catchiness, unless I was trying to feel it.
Speed
Really decently stable at speed and good overall speed. It does have its limits - you can't bomb it as fast as possible without it feeling a bit unstable, but that ceiling limit is fairly high. Naturally not quite as stable feeling at speed as the Custom X was, as you'd expect given the difference in flex.
Uneven Terrain
Crud/Chunder: It's not quite as damp feeling as the Custom X, but it is more damp than average, so while I felt some chatter, it wasn't like being in an earthquake on messy snow. It felt fairly stable and wasn't bucked around super easily, but it also wasn't invincible to being thrown about, if the undulations were more pronounced - and that's no surprise, given the lightness of this board.
It was however decently easy to make the necessary maneuvers to get back on line and was relatively forgiving when attempting to slow up in crud.
Trees/Bumps: As I mentioned above, the Custom can transition between edges nice and quickly with a little bit of effort and good technique. This made it really fun in trees. Wouldn't go as well in trees with powder, but as long as that pow wasn't too deep it would be fine.
Jumps
This thing was sick for jumps! I felt it was right in that goldilocks zone of being the perfect middle ground between stability and maneuverability and between pop access and total pop.
Pop: As mentioned above, just struck that perfect balance of being easy enough to access but then also having really good total pop after winding it up. The 11mm of camber I'm sure certainly helped the total pop!
Approach: I felt it provided a great balance between stability and maneuverability.
Landing: I found I could really stomp landings on this board! It felt so good to nail a landing on it. But at the same time, if you got it a bit wrong, it was still quite forgiving of errors and had enough forgiveness and maneuverability to make any necessary quick maneuvers or speed checks after landing.
Side-hits: So much fun for side-hits! I felt it had everything that you wanted for side-hits - easy pop, good total pop and easy enough maneuverability and forgiveness. I wouldn't say it's amongst the very top boards I've had for side-hits, but it's really not far off either.
Small jumps/Big jumps: This board should be able to handle any sized jump. For medium to large it was exceptional and I'd say it would handle XL just fine as well (I test only up to L jumps).
Switch
There's some level of concentration you have to give when transitioning into switch or reverting, but it's nothing that's super hard. And it feels relatively similar riding it in the opposite direction.
Spins
Sick for spins! Easier pop than the Custom X for sure and more total pop than my control board. So getting enough air for smaller take offs is really easy.
And spins were nice to setup - not one that you could completely zone out and just let it do it's thing, but also not something that I was worried about catching an edge on when setting up spins.
It didn't over spin after landing and was pretty good for finishing a spin on the snow, if necessary (under-rotation).
Jibbing
I would volunteeringly take this board down the jib line in the park, which I wouldn't say for every board that I test down the jib line. That said, it certainly wasn't ideal for jibs - at least not for a decidedly average jibber as myself.
Butters
The tip and tail aren't super soft, so I did need to put a bit of muscle into it to press the tip/tail. But it's also not so stiff that I felt I needed to really lean everything into it. And once you got them flexing it was nice and easy to lock in the press and no risk of over-pressing - or at least I certainly couldn't over-press it.
Score Breakdown and Final Verdict
Check out the breakdown of the score in the table below.
| Factor | Rating (/5) | Weighted |
|---|---|---|
| Powder | 2.5 | 7.5/15 |
| Carving | 4 | 8/10 |
| Turns | 4 | 8/10 |
| Speed | 4 | 8/10 |
| Crud | 3.5 | 7/10 |
| Trees | 4 | 8/10 |
| Switch | 4 | 8/10 |
| Jumps | 4.5 | 9/10 |
| Spins | 4.5 | 4.5/5 |
| Butters | 3.5 | 3.5/5 |
| Rails | 3 | 3/5 |
| TOTAL (after normalizing): | 89.8/100 |
The Custom is a super versatile and a lot of fun to ride. It slightly favors an aggressive style of riding, but it doesn't have to be ridden aggressively all the time. It knows how to chill, when that's what you're feeling for.
More Info, Current Prices and Where to Buy Online
To learn more about the Custom, or if you're ready to buy, or if you just want to research prices and availability, check out the links below.
To check out some other all-mountain snowboard options, or to see how the Custom compares to others, check out our top rated all-mountain snowboards by clicking the button below.
Thanks so much for your article on snowboards! I learned a lot from it. I’m reaching out for some advice on snowboard selection. I’m 170cm tall and weigh 68kg. Currently, I have a K2 Raygun snowboard (153cm) that I bought in 2022. My snowboarding level is intermediate, and I can smoothly do S turns/linked turns/edge change on the slopes. I’m also planning to try carving and frequently go up to the mountains for snowboarding.
I recently got a deal on a Custom snowboard (150cm), and I’m wondering if that might be a bit short for me. Do you think it’s too short, considering my current level and the type of snowboarding I do? Also, do you think the Custom snowboard and my K2 Raygun have overlapping features? Should I consider keeping only one of them?
Thanks so much!
Hi Jack, thanks for your message.
Could you also let me know your boot size? I would put your “typical all-mountain” length at around 154, but if you have smaller feet, then sizing down is probably a good idea. If you’ve got a boot size of around US8 or less, then I think the 150 would work well, but with a size 9 to 10, I think the 154 would be better (anything longer than a 10 in this case and you’d be pushing it for the 154 to be too narrow, and the 154W would likely be the better bet, in that scenario – but given you’re riding the 153 Raygun, I assume this is not the case, as that’s pretty narrow). If 8.5s, it’s a tough call, but I would probably be leaning 154, particularly given you’re looking to start carving.
There is some overlap in the boards, but not that much. The Custom is stiffer and is full camber (the Raygun, unless you have the Raygun Pop – can’t remember if that was out in 2022 – is flat-to-rocker), so they will feel very different. The Raygun might become obsolete to your needs though, though you could keep it and use it as your playful board to try tricks with/progress in freestyle or if you’re out with a beginner or that kind of thing.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate, I just bought a Custom 2025 in size 158. If I am 186 cm tall, weigh 75 kg and have a shoe size of 10 cm, is the board size a good choice? Seems a bit big to me. I am an intermediate rider.
Hi Peter, thanks for your message.
Generally, I would put your “typical all-mountain” length at around 158/159, so I think the 158 should be good. Though, can you clarify what you mean by a shoe size of 10cm? Do you mean a size 10? And if so, is that US sizing or UK sizing? Or do you mean your foot length is 10 inches?
Hi Nate, thanks a million for your contents, which I personally consider the most detailed, complete and competent in the net.
I’d like to get your advice to buy this deck.
I’m an intermediate rider, 190cm / 91kg / 12US feet, coming from my first entry level deck Drake Force 159W twin shape flat camber, that I’ve been using for 5 years in the Italian Alps.
I’d like to progress more now, improving my carving, as well as park riding. Powder occasionally (not so frequent and possible in Italy…), so I’d like to go with a Custom 162W.
Additionally, I’d like to enjoy the ease and lightness of the Step On system, mounting the newest Genesis Step On EST bindings.
Boots will be most likely the basic Ruler or the DC Control, to reduce the overall stiffness.
Would you recommend this setup for me?
The alternative deck I’m considering is the Nitro Team.
Thanks mate!
Emiliano
Hi Emiliano, thanks for your message.
I think that setup would work well for what you’re describing and the boots, bindings and board are all good matches with each other, IMO. I also agree with your size choice in the 162W. That’s exactly what I would have recommended for you. The Nitro Team is a very similar board to the Custom. I would say it’s the closest feeling board to the Custom. The 162W is a little wider, which wouldn’t be a problem, but the width of the 162W Custom should be good for your boots.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi Nate. I’m considering buying the custom camber, I weigh 71 kg and as boots I use burton ion 10 us and thirty two lashed 10.5 union force team L bindings mounted +12-12. What size do you recommend 156 or 154 wide? I currently use a k2 afterblack 154 and a stratos 156, I would like to buy the custom because I can’t always carry 2 snowboards when I go to the mountains. I like to do a bit of everything, carving turns, tricks on the slopes and some forays into the park and even fresh snow if it happens. Is the custom right for me? Other options?
Hi Davide, thanks for your message.
I would say the Custom is a good bet for most things. It’s not going to be the best in fresh snow if it’s more than around 5″ (12cm) but it can handle it, you’ll just have to work your back leg pretty hard on those days. Setting your stance back a bit when you know you’re going to have fresh powder will certainly help. Won’t turn it into a powder king but will help a little. If you don’t see powder deeper than around 5″ very often, then I think it would be a good bet. If you do, then going with something a little better in powder might be a good idea.
Size-wise, could also let me know your height. While weight and foot size are more important than height for sizing, IMO, I still like to take height into account, for the leverage factor.
Hi Nate. I’m 175 cm tall and 71 kg, boot 10 ion, 10.5 thirtytwo lashed. I was also reading your review of the slash atv which seems better than the custom in turns and also in powder. I wouldn’t want a snowboard with an exaggerated flex, my days on the snow are about 20 per season. Since the cost is about the same I could also consider atv. What do you recommend between the two? dimensions? other options?
Hi Davide
Yeah, you could definitely go Slash ATV as well. That’s what I would go with personally, but the Custom is also a good choice.
Size-wise, I would put your “typical all-mountain” length at around 156. So for the Custom I’d go 156 – could be a little borderline width-wise with your Lashed 10.5s but I think it would still be fine. With the Ion 10s, you should be all good width-wise. If you’re worried about the width, the 154W would also be a good choice, but I’d be leaning 156. For the ATV, it’s a close call between the 155 and 157. Both would work – length wise I’d be leaning slightly to 155, but it’s really close. The 157 would be all good width-wise, IMO. The 155 could be borderline with the 10.5 Lashed.
Hey Nate,
I’ve been looking at this board for awhile now. I’m 5’10, 190lbs and rock a size 11 boot. I came from riding a 149cm at around the same height, weight, and boot size. I like a smaller board but I cant choose between a 154 wide or a 156. I think the wide will be better for my boot size, but the 156 is longer and would be more stable at higher speed. I enjoy going fast, hitting side hits. Currently learning how to do spins, and I like the occasional park run. Do you think my boots would be too big for a 156 with my angles at 15/15?
Hi Derek, thanks for your message.
I think it would be pretty risky in terms of boot drag with the 156 in 11s, even at 15/15. Doable, if you’re not going to be railing any high angle carves, but if you are, I think it would be risky. If you have really low profile boots, then it could be doable (if you can let me know your boots brand and model – and model year, if you know it, then I can run some numbers and see how close it might be). But I think the 154W would be your better bet.
While I would put your “typical all-mountain” length at around 159, so would typically say 158W, if you’re coming from a 149 and you have a personal preference to err smaller, then I think the 154W will be more suited to you. It’s a good width for 11s too, IMO as it’s not super wide or anything.
All that said, if you’ve been riding a 149 (assumably not wide as not many come wide in that length) and not had any issues with boot drag, then you’re not likely to with the 156 Custom, assuming you don’t majorly change your style of riding or the terrain you typically ride.
Hope this helps with your decision
Thanks for your valuable advice. Looking at the various sites I see that ATV is difficult to find so I was also evaluating the Jones Aviator and the Nitro Team could these be right for me? Reading your review of the Aviator I note that it is less forgiving and harder but could it be manageable? If so, sizing?
Hi Davide
The Team is what I would consider the closest equivalent to the Custom, so that’s certainly an option, if you’re looking for something similar. The Aviator is a little stiffer/damper, in my experience. It would be doable for sure, but in my experience not quite as easy to turn at slower speeds, but better for higher speed carves and a little more stable in crud. Similar flex to your Stratos I would say or maybe a touch stiffer. Size-wise, the 156 would be best, but it could be a little narrow for your boots, but you might be OK with a -12 angle on the back. Not as suitable a match to your boots and bindings as the Custom, ATV or Team though, IMO.
Hi Nate, Custom camber 154 cm can fit me well?
I’m 5’3 (160cm) rider and 187lbs little bit heavy (boot size 8 US)..
Hi Lucas
I think the 154 would be a good bet. I would put your “typical all-mountain length” at around 156, but I’d size down a bit for your boot size vs the width of the Custom. I think the 154 would be just right for you for this board.
Hope this helps with your decision
Nate,
Currently ride Capita aeronaut 153 love the camber and pop in the board but looking for directional twin with less nose. I have a Jones mind expander for powder. Im an solid rider. Park days are over but like hitting the jump line riding with speed and sniping side hits. Terrain i ride is mostly east coast, rockies, and italian alps. Looking for a board that can crush side country, bowls and powder fields. Also getting some air is important. Im looking at these boards at the moment, Capita mega mercury and Burton custom. Whats your thoughts
Rider stats
height 165cm
weight 70kg
boot 40
ability advanced
Hey Matt, thanks for your message.
Since you mention powder fields I would be leaning Mega Merc. Handles powder better, IMO. But if you’re not too concerned about powder performance (since you have the Mind Expander for that), then the Custom would also be a really good choice, particularly if you don’t want to go quite as stiff as the Mega Merc. I would say the Custom is similar to the Aeronaut in stiffness or maybe a touch stiffer than the Aeronaut and the Mega Merc a little stiffer again than the Custom. Size-wise, I’d be looking 154 for Custom and 153 for Mega Merc.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi Nate. Robert again. I have ridden this board a few times and I found it to be pretty good exactly what you were talking about on all characteristics on the board. I rode a 156 a long time ago and a 158 about 7 years ago when I got my Flight Attendant. What size on the Custom should I consider if I were looking to get 158cm or 162cm. Another great review.
Hi Robert
For you, I would go 158. The 162 wouldn’t be wrong or anything, but for that board I would go 158. You’re likely to find the 158 a similar size to your 159 Flight Attendant. If you wanted to go for a bigger feel than that, then the 162 is certainly in range as well.
Hi Nate. Sounds good on the 158cm. I know it comes into comparison with the Ride Algorythem. I have known many of my friends and others and said that the Custom is a really good board. I see it as good addition along with my Ride Smokescreen. I will keep this board in high consideration. Thanks again!
Hi, hope to get your feedback and advice. I’ve been riding with various frequency over the past 30 years. So pretty well versed all around the mountain.
I’ve been struggling to find the one board for everything. But end up switching board every season. Right now on a Jones Stratos 162. Before that the Ultra Mountain twin, Burton HTH, Capita Mercury and on the list goes.
I find the stratos to be the best one yet but would like something less directional for carving deep on groomers. Switchup and jibbing (high speed 180’s, 360’s and general resort play that involves aggressive carve turns. I have been looking at the Yea Greats, Yes basic Uninc, Burton Custom and Custom X, and boards like them. Twin or almost twin. What has kept me from getting a custom or Co on bargains this time
Of year is wide or not wide. But also the edge hold. Which is insanely good in Jones. Burtons are great in good conditions and I have heard great things about Yes but never tried one. Difficult to find here in Sweden.
I don’t want a too narrow waist (really underfoot) since I carve deep and don’t want to boot out. I am 187 cm tall, 82-84 kg and have a boot size 10-10.5 US.
The greats is pretty wide as it is, I would typically go for the 159w in basic Uninc. But when it comes to burton I am less sure. I rode the HTH in 160 without a problem but if I size the burton according to them ai should go for a 158 or 158 wide with my Ions. A 25.4 waist it feels like I will drag when going really deep. But 162 is “too big” according to Burton.
Any suggestions for boards I have missed or how to move forward with the Yes or Burton Boards? 🙏
//Lukas
Hey Lukas, thanks for your message.
A couple of other options that come to mind.
Firstly, the Jones Aviator 2.0, given you like the Stratos but the Aviator 2.0 is less directional. But it is more directional than the others you’re looking at, so might still be a bit too directional for what you’re looking for, but otherwise, it would be a good option, IMO.
The YES Standard Uninc is another one that should fit what you’re describing really well. It’s really close to being a true twin (a little more twin than Custom and Custom X). It’s a little stiffer/more aggressive than the Greats and Basic Uninc, closer in that sense to the Custom X.
The last one I’d throw in there that I re-tested this season is the Slash ATV, which is mean on a carve. While it’s a little softer than past models have been, it’s still similar to the other boards you’re looking at.
The Greats is the softest and probably most playful of the options you’re looking at. Still lays a really good carve, particularly for it’s flex. But just to note it’s a softer/more playful option in comparison. I would say, of all the boards discussed, they would be, in order of most aggressive to most playful.
– Burton Custom X
– YES Standard Uninc
– Jones Aviator 2.0
– Slash ATV
– YES Basic Uninc
– Burton Custom
– YES Greats
Size-wise, I would put your “typical all-mountain length” at around 161. With aggressive, deep angle carves and assuming 10.5 boots, I would try to be minimum 265mm at the inserts – and even then it could be pushing it, depending on the profile of your boots (some are more low profile than others), your binding angles and your stance width. But taking the HTH 160 as the benchmark, since you rode that without a problem, I would go at least 268mm at the back insert – which is what the HTH 160 would be, assuming a 22″ (560mm) stance width.
The Burton Custom and Custom X 158s are going to be around 266mm at the back insert, so could be pushing it. I know that’s only 2mm but it only takes that – and you’ve got to draw the line somewhere and I would say 268mm should be the minimum. The 162 Custom/Custom X would get you just there – very similar to the HTH 160 at the inserts – given your specs and riding style, I think you could probably just get away with the 162. Though note that it probably will feel bigger than the 162 Stratos, as the 162 Custom/Custom X has a 125.5cm effective edge vs the Stratos 162, which is 121.2cm – quite a significant difference. This is somewhat mitigated by the fact that the Stratos is wider. Also note that the 160 HTH has a 121.7cm effective edge. I’d say the 158 Custom/Custom X would feel a similar overall size to the HTH. Not quite as big as the Stratos 162 (particularly as it’s a good bit wider), but closer than the overall length suggests.
Going 158W on the Custom/Custom X would mean around a 274mm width at back insert. Which would be plenty of width, but not sure how you’d like it with that 262mm waist. But it could work.
The Basic Uninc in 159W would be just right, IMO – it’s not that wide for a wide board and would give you around 270mm at the inserts.
The Greats in the 156 would mean around 272mm at the inserts, assuming a 22″ (560mm stance width) – and more like 275mm for the 159. So, you’d be going pretty wide in the 159 – and you’d also be looking at a 123.5cm effective edge – so overall this will feel quite a bit bigger than the Basic Uninc 159W.
The Standard Uninc is also wide, like the Greats, but considerably less effective edge – 277mm at inserts, with a 560mm stance, with a 118.8cm effective edge. I would go 159 for this one, as the effective edge on the 156 is only 116.3cm.
The Slash ATVs longest regular width is 157, unfortunately – and probably not wide enough – around 266mm at the back insert, with a roughly 560mm stance width. The 159W would be more like 274mm there, so you’d be good for width, but whether or not you’d like the 264mm waist width or not would be the question.
Hope this gives you more info to go off
Hi Nate,
Great advice you’re providing, love this thread. I’m 5’10 220lbs, shoe size 10.5. My old board I gave away a few years ago (it was burton but forget the model) when I wasn’t boarding as much (life!) and just rented the couple times I’d go out each year. Im back living close to some hills and want a new board for next year. I like carving fast down the hill, I’m in Ontario Canada, no powder and lots of ice. Id consider myself high intermediate. I don’t do half pipe or freestyle. Do you think the 158W would be a good board for me? Or should I go to the 162W? Thanks !!
Hey Martin, thanks for your message.
Size-wise, I would put your “typical all-mountain length” at around 161/162, so I’d be leaning 162W – and given you like riding fast and carving, I’d be erring the longer option too. With 10.5s, it will be on the wider side, so sizing down to the 158W wouldn’t be out of the question, but I’d still go 162W over the 158W. However, depending on a couple of things, you may be OK getting on the 162 regular width, which would be the most optimal size, IMO, if it’s going to be wide enough width-wise. And I think it should be. You’d be looking at around 269mm at the back insert, assuming a roughly 22″ (560mm) stance width.
Assuming you have average profile boots, and a zero degree back binding angle, you’d be looking at 4.6cm of total overhang or 2.3cm per edge, assuming perfect boot centering. If you’re carving quite deep, that could be a little much, but I’ve personally never had any boot drag issues with that much overhang. And if you have some angle on that back binding, that would lessen the overhang a bit too, depending on how much angle. And if you had lower profile boots, then that could also lessen the overhang. If you have bulkier boots, then it would increase the overhang and could be too much.
So, if you could let me know your the make and model of your boots (if you own boots – if you don’t try to go with something low profile and you should be fine on the 162) and your typical stance width and binding angles, if known. And how deep an angle you like to carve at (don’t need an exact angle! Just how low you like to get).
Hi Nate,
Thank you so much for your reply.
Your comments and advice on the 162 vs 162W vs 158W are valuable. I never considered the 162, I was under the assumption that “W” was a given for me. I recall my last board years ago (my first and only board), my boots would hit the ground a bit when I carved hard, but it wasn’t an issue and allowed me to gauge how deep I was carving (which I liked), so now that you mention it, I don’t need the “W”. And I’m sure all these times I’ve been renting, they are just normal width boards.
Btw, I’m in my 40s, I’m not training for the Olympics here, but I like the adrenaline rush of going fast down the hill, and I want to be safe as I cannot afford a bad spill (job wise).
You asked for my “typical stance width”. I ride goofy (right-foot forward), but I don’t know what the “width” is.
For “binding angles”: I don’t recall the angles (as I’ve only been going out once or twice a year renting). But when I rent, for front-foot, I always ask what’s the highest they normally go, and then I say go a little higher than that. For back-foot, I’ve always asked to keep the degree minimal (which I guess means we’d be close to zero or one notch below).
You asked “how deep an angle you like to carve”: not sure, sorry. Just normal I guess.
I don’t own boots yet, but if you have any recommendations on brand please let me know. I’ll definitely go low-profile as you suggest. All my shoes are size 10.5 US (and I have wide feet). I couldn’t fit into a 10US shoe, but a 11US is always too roomy.
Side note: what are the possible downsides of having a wide board “W” for someone on the border line like me?
Thanks again Nate!
Hi Martin
The biggest downside of a board that’s too wide for your feet is that it makes it harder work to apply pressure to the edges of the board. And if it’s wide enough it can delay how quickly you’re able to go from edge-to-edge. It’s typically more of an issue for less strong and lighter weight people as it’s harder for them to apply that pressure, but it applies to most people to a certain extent.
I think as long as you end up in low profile boots that are 10.5s or 10s, then you should be fine width-wise on the 162, even with a zero degree angle on the back binding. And for your height, I imagine your stance width would be something around 22″ plus or minus a little bit.
Given you’re riding style, specs and to match well with the Custom, I would be looking at something around 7/10 flex ideally. You’d also get away with 6/10 flex and could go up to 8/10 flex if you wanted things stiffer. Some good options here. And you can also check out our top 12 low profile boots list (which has various flexes, but some of them will fit in that 6-8 range). And on all our reviews we show a low profile rating too, so doesn’t have to be something from that list.
Hi there – great review, thank you! I got into snowboarding ~3 years ago and started out on a Burton Instigator Flattop 160. I wanted something easy to learn on. It’s been great, but looking to further improve. Want something all mountain and really want to get better at carving. I have Step-On bindings with size 10 Photon boots. Looking to move the boots and bindings over to the new board.
What do you think of Burton Custom 158 for what I’m looking at? I’m 5′-11-1/2″ and 180 lbs.
Thank you in advance for your help!!
Hi Ken
Thanks for your message. The Custom Camber would certainly give you a significant jump in carving performance over the Instigator Flat-Top, IMO. It will also be a significant step up in terms of the challenge to ride it. But if you consider yourself a solid intermediate and have solid technique or working towards it, then I think you could make the leap. If you wanted an easier progression, you could look at the Process PurePop camber.
Size-wise, I would put your “typical all-mountain length” at around 160. However, with a board like the Custom, which is all camber and a healthy amount of effective edge, I would go 158 for you. That’s the size I would ride it in and I’m pretty much the same height/weight specs as you.
The Photon Step-Ons should be a really good match too. But they would also work with the Process. If you were to go Process, I would go with the 159.
Hope this helps with your decision
Thanks for your feedback! It sounds like on edge (no pun intended) on the custom. Comparing it to that process, they look similar, just the custom is stiffer? The challenge would be less forgiving? More tendency to catch edge?
Hi Ken
Yes Custom is a little stiffer, but also the Process has Burton’s PurePop camber, rather than full camber. They call it Burton Process Camber, but it’s the purepop. Which is still predominantly camber, but has some flat sections before the contact points. And yeah, a little more tendency to catch an edge and less forgiving. And a little harder to initiate turns on. You’ve got a little more stiffness torsionally, which helps to give better edge hold on higher speed carves, but also makes it a little harder to get the board turning, particularly at slower speeds. The Custom isn’t something I found super stiff – either longitudinally or torsionally and nothing that I found super catchy or anything, but there is a bit more stiffness vs the Process and a little more tendency to catch an edge.
Again, thank you so much! Your reviews and feedback are super, super helpful!!
Ken
You’re very welcome Ken. Happy riding!
Hi Nate. Thanks for all you do, you’re a great resource to the snowboard community! I’m trying to decide between the custom and the jones aviator. I’m curious which you found more damp and which you think is better on ice? Also, would I be correct to assume the custom is the more mellow of the two? Coming from a jones explorer (which I love) is f that helps frame the question. Thank you!
Hi dd
Thanks for your message. I would say that the Aviator is a little damper and also a little better on ice. And yes, the Custom is the more mellow of them – but not as mellow as the Explorer. Hope this helps.
Awesome, thank you Nate!
You’re very welcome as always dd.
Hey there!
Thanks for all the time you put into this. I’m considering the 2023 Custom Camber 156. I was going to pair that with 2023 Malavita Large Bindings. I just bought the 2023 Photon boots (10.5). Tried them for the first time yesterday and WOW the difference from my old gear….
Curious how you think this new set up will compare to my current stuff, all 2007 line… Custom 158 board with P1 bindings and tie-up Driver boots. (also have a RIde Kink board with Burton Mission bindings for park). I’m 5’10” 160lbs.
Thanks for your time,
Patrick
Hi Patrick, thanks for your message.
I don’t have any experience with the 2007 Custom Camber so can’t compare directly, but I would imagine the new one is lighter and probably a little poppier and more agile, particularly so, if you go 156 vs 158. Will maybe feel a little stiffer, at least to begin with – as your Custom has probably softened up over time.
Size-wise, I think the 156 is a good bet for your specs. The 158 wouldn’t be wrong, but I would say 156 is most optimal, but if you could let me know your boot size as well, just to confirm, that would be great.
Hope this helps
My brother’s closing on his three-way shared house at Big Sky so we’re going for one last trip to hit the mountain for 9 days next month. I’m a lifelong skier but when I tried boarding at Whistler quite a few years ago now, I said I will never ski again, which has held mostly true. It took me 4 hours to ski Whistler from top to bottom and I’ve never looked back despite not owning gear.
Sales are pretty solid right now so I’m going to pull the trigger on a Custom or Custom X. I’m 6′ 1 1/2″ (187cm), weigh 165 pounds (75 kgs), and wear a size 11.5 boot. Every board I’ve rented I’ve had a blast on going top to bottom from first to last lift so I don’t think I’m picky. Usually they set the bindings at 0 in the back and 12 up front and I just ride. My last trip I had terrible hotspots on a Salomon setup (board, boots, bindings) though. Back to the Burton, I’m trying to decide whether I should get a 158W or 162W: I was thinking of going 158W for the stiffer Custom X or 162W for the Custom but I trust your judgment. Would I be able to flex the 162W Custom Camber or do you recommend 158W for both? Level I would say Advanced-Intermediate.
As far as bindings, leaning Genesis EST or Genesis Step-On but I’m a graphic designer and a lot of this has to do with stock and what’s available for each board. I literally sketch the aesthetics in Photoshop. I design book covers and even do this for my son’s soccer cleats, lol. Feel free to throw out any binding and boot recommendations. For boots, I’m even considering traditional laces from Thirty-Two, I guess I’m all over the board. If you want to throw out any no-brainer setups I’m all ears. Many thanks, Nate.
Hi Hollis
Thanks for your message and sounds like a sick trip!
I would put your “typical all-mountain length” at around 159, so I would be leaning 158W for either. Between the 2, I would go Custom X, if you like to bomb quite fast and you mostly carve and bomb and also need something that will stay stable flying over/through rough snow. All good for natural jumps or park jumps as well – just takes a bit more effort to extract the pop out of it compared to the likes of the regular Custom. But lots of overall pop.
If you want something that’s going to be a little more easy going and want to be able to weave through trees, tight turns at slower speeds, that kind of thing and/or want to do some ground tricks, like butters, ollies etc and/or want to ride the park for jumps and jibs, then I would be leaning more regular Custom. It’s a bit more versatile, but not quite as stable/good for big high speed riding/high speed carves as the Custom X.
The Genesis EST would work well on the Custom, IMO. But if you go Custom X, I would go with a stiffer binding. The most optimal EST binding for it would be the X EST, IMO – but that is very pricey. The Custom X EST would be the next best. The regular Step On would work too, as well as the Step On X. I haven’t ridden the Step On X, but it’s supposed to be really stiff, so only look at that if you know you want really stiff.
For other brands I would check out this list and this list. Note that I wouldn’t go softer than 7/10 on the Custom X and wouldn’t go softer than around 5.5/10 on the Custom. There’s not really an upper limit in terms of binding flex on the Custom X, but for the Custom, I wouldn’t go stiffer than an 8/10 flex binding.
Same idea for boots. I wouldn’t go softer than around that 5.5/10 flex on the Custom and no stiffer than 8/10 flex and on the Custom X no softer than 7/10 flex. Again, no limit in terms of stiffness on the Custom X. If you go Step On, I would go Photon for the Custom and you’d probably get away with them for the Custom X too, but the Ion are probably more optimal, but quite stiff. Some other boot options here and here. I’m personally a fan of traditional lace boots, but I like Hybrid boots even more (Trad lace with a BOA).
Hope this helps
Hey Nate,
Just wanted to report back. So, I went with the 158W Custom X, sulfur Cartel X bindings, and grey double Boa Photon boots. I was at Big Sky for about 9 days and April threw every season at us. I managed to get on the Madison between the lakes one day with my fly rod but I got skunked because the nearest food was in Ennis. We even had a powder day with 5″ of fresh.
I took the board to some local dudes who setup my EST bindings for free. I’ve always ridden whatever the rental shop has mounted and never had a complaint. Shout out to the guy at The Rider’s Room who mounted my Cartel Xs at +15/-6. Previously, I rode +12/0 on a rental in Spain but I think for carving the new stance was spot on. The Custom X rips. I was worried it might be too stiff but the board has impeccable manners at speed. I free ride but I don’t ride switch, take jumps, or mess with park so I was happy to bomb groomers all day. My brother’s ski in/ski out house is accessed by a black run called War Dance. Apologies to ski patrol but we had to tuck under a rope and sneak home for the last run but nothing sketchy. It’s sweet to stop right by the jacuzzi after a day of shredding.
I really like the Custom X; I can’t say enough about the setup which was plug and play. The Rider’s Room offered me to come back and tweak my stance but I didn’t change anything. The Cartel X ESTs rock. I’m impressed by their board feel with the Custom X. The Photons were fine. No complaints. I had a minor hotspot on my right foot which is slightly larger than my left but I think that will work out with use as I mold to the footbed and play with thinner socks. It was nothing a flash sale breakfast burrito (shout out to the Hungry Moose for discounting a $9 burrito to a graphic designer or liftie friendly $3.50) or local Dan’s ginger cookie couldn’t resolve.
I just wanted to say thanks for your suggestions, Nate. The Burton Custom X is my first snowboard.
Hey Hollis
Thanks for the update and insights! Much appreciated. Sounds like you had a great trip too!
Hello,
Im 195pds, 5’10 size 11 boots. I currently ride a skelton key 162cm for my poweder board, and a process 157cm for my all mountain. I probably should have got at least a 159cm process but I got a great deal on the 157cm. Im an intermediate rider and considering moving up to the Burton Custom camber as my next all mountain. Looking for a bit more stability at speed or over rough conditions. Should I go with 158 or 162? I mainy just stick to groomers, and occasionally play around on side hits. Also, was the 162cm skelton key probably the best size for me? Thank you much!
Hi Shawn
Thanks for your message.
Firstly, I think you’ve got the right size in the Skeleton Key, particularly since you’re using it as your powder board.
Length-wise, I would put your “typical all-mountain length” at around 160, but going up a little for a freeride board, like the Skeleton Key, makes sense, particularly so, if you’re looking for powder performance. So I think you got it right there.
For the Custom I would go 158 though. I think it will make a better compliment in your quiver. With size 11 boots though, I would consider the 158W. You may be able to get on the 158 regular width, but it would depend on a few factors. If you could let me know:
– boot brand/model
– binding angles
– stance width
– how deep you like to carve
And I can see if I think you’ll be OK on the regular width. The Skeleton Key is a little wider than typical, so you’re all good width-wise on that (and it’s not too wide, which can also be an issue, but I think you’re good on that, particularly as your powder board).
Whether you end up going 158 or 158W, you’ll still get that extra stability at speed and in rough conditions vs the 157 Process – or vs a bigger Process as well.
Hope this helps
Thank you for the quick response. I use Burton Reflex Step-ons with size 11 Burton Photon boots. My stance is usually +12 / -6 for all mountain. I don’t carve super deep yet, just moderate carves when the terrain allows. And I just re-weighed myself. Its 202 pds now. I’ve been lying to myself. Thanks
Hi Shawn
Thanks for the extra info. I think you’d be fine on the 158 width-wise. You’re looking at a back insert of around 26.7cm, assuming a 22″ stance width. With your boots and binding angles, I would predict around 4.4cm of total overhang, so around 2.2cm for heel edge and toe edge, assuming perfect boot centering. I would be comfortable with that amount of overhang. That extra 7lbs doesn’t make a huge difference. You could still go with the 158. The 162 would work as well but I like the 158 as a good compliment to the 162 Skeleton Key. But if you like to ride fast, then the 162 would offer you a bit more stability.
Hi Nate,
Thank you for your review. It’s very helpful.
I am an intermediate rider who enjoy a bit of freestyle but also curving and aggressive ride. My board for now is Burton Process 159 which I used from the beginning. But I think it is time to get a new board with more power and more functions. So is Custom a good option for me? Cause I do love the comprehensiveness of the board.
Besides, could you give me some advice of size? As I mentioned, my Process is 159 and my gear is US 11.5 Burton Swath boots and Union Strata binding (L). I am 183cm and 75kg, so I hesitate whether choose custom 158 or 158W since it is shorter a bit than Process, and I might do more curving when riding custom. Also, do Swath boots and Strata binding have the capacity to hold custom or I need something more stiff like Photon boots and Malavita?
Many thanks for your help. Have a good day!
Hi JUNYUAN
Thanks for your messages.
I think the Burton Custom would be a good bet for how you describe your riding. Size-wise, 158 is a good bet too. I would put your “typical all-mountain length” right on 158. With 11.5 boots, I would go for the 158W. That said, if you’ve not had any boot drag issues on the Process 159 and don’t think you’ll be getting deeper in your carving, then you would get away with the 158. But if you were having concerns with boot drag on the 159 Process or if you want to be carving lower, then I would go 158W.
Ideally, you would go a little stiffer in boots and bindings, but the Swath and Strata will work with the Custom. I would be inclined to at least keep the Swatch until you wear them out and when you have to upgrade go a little stiffer. The Photon would be a very good match to the Custom, IMO. The Malavita would work with the Custom too, but note that they, to me, overall feel softer than the Strata. Yes, their high-backs are stiffer than the Strata’s, but their overall flex is very similar, in my experience. The Strata are a good match with the Custom, IMO, so I wouldn’t change them. At least not yet. If you were to go with a stiffer binding at some stage, something around 6.5/10 to 7/10 flex would be your best bet, IMO. For some good options in that flex range you could check this list.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi Nate,
I am an intermediate rider who enjoy a bit of freestyle but also curving and fast ride. My board for now is Burton process 159, which I used from the beginning, and I think it’s time to get a new board with more power and more functions, so is Custom a good option for me ? cause I do love this board comprehensiveness.
For the size of custom, could you give me some advice? As I mentioned my Process is 159. My gear now is US 11.5 Burton Swath with Union Strata (L), I hesitate to choose Custom 158 or 158W since it’s shorter than Process and I might need do more curving using Custom. Also, can Swath and Strata have the capacity to ride Custom, or I need something more stiff like burton photon.
Many thanks! Have a good day!
Hi Nate,
Thank you for your content. It’s really helpful and appreciated.
I’m thinking of getting the new Burton Custom Camber. I’m 5’11″/ 183lbs and use Clew (size M) bindings. Do you think the 158 is the right choice? Or shall I rather go for 156?
I mainly ride resort / all mountain. I would also say that I’m more average/intermediate rider.
Is it still the right board for me?
Many thanks for your opinion and keep up the great work!
Regards from Germany
Hi Erwin
Thanks for your message. If you predominantly ride groomers and you have a style that prefers to ride a little faster and a likes to carve a lot and you either don’t see much powder or you don’t tend to go off piste, then the Custom Camber could work for you, if you are solid intermediate with a decent technique. If you’re more of a low intermediate rider, it might be a little too aggressive – or if you like to slash/skid your turns a lot and have a slower speed/more playful style, then there would be better options.
Size-wise, I would put your “typical all-mountain length” at around 160, so I think the 158 would be your best bet. But if you were worried about it being a little too technical for you but still really wanted the board, then going to the 156 would still work (assuming it’s ok for your boot size – I can give my opinion if it is or not if you can let me know your boot size and if the brand and model of your boots). It would make the board easier to throw around and there’d be less consequence for poor technique. But otherwise, I would go 158 for your specs.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi Nate,
Thanks for your quick response! I would say I am a solid intermediate and target a board for the next couple of years. However, what would be your recommendations on different options for low intermediate riders?
My Burton Ruler boots have a size of 10.5. Do you think that 156 would still work to have slightly more flex?
Many thanks for your help here!
Erwin
Hi Erwin
I think you’d be OK width-wise on the 156 – you’d still be looking at 265mm at the back insert and I would be comfortable with that with 10.5s.
Some good lower intermediate options here. But also some others that are more solid intermediate rides, but that are a little more easy going than the Custom Camber (which again, isn’t ultra aggressive, but if you wanted some other slightly more easy going options) and a little better in powder, you could look at something like the Jones Mountain Twin 157, YES Standard 156 (this one, I’d go to 156 for regardless as it’s wider), Bataleon Thunderstorm, Bataleon Goliath Plus, Arbor Shiloh Camber (though this one not any better in powder vs Custom).
Hi Nate,
Thanks again for your help.
I wish you all the best!
Erwin
You’re very welcome Erwin. Hope you have a great rest of your season!
Hi Nate,
I currently ride a Flight Attendant 159w and while I do enjoy it, I feel it’s a bit too stiff/aggressive for me. I’m looking for a daily driver that is somewhat playful but also hard charging when I need it to be. I’m leaning towards a Burton Custom but having trouble deciding between a 154w or 158w. I am 6’2 and 155 lbs (long and lean) with a size 11 boot. From what I understand, the Custom has a bit more flex than the Flight Attendant, but I’m still worried the 158w will not flex properly given my weight. At the same time, I’m worried the 154w will be too short given my height and long legs. Hence my conundrum. Curious to get your thoughts.
Thanks!
Nick
Hi Nick
Thanks for your message.
I would put your “typical all-mountain length” at around 158, so the 158W would definitely work. With 11s, while you need to go wide, you can still size down a little on a wide board. It’s just whether sizing down to 154W is too much of a size down. I think it’s doable – it’s in range, but it will feel quite a bit smaller than your Flight Attendant. Note that even the 158W should feel smaller and more mellow than the 159W Flight Attendant. a. because it’s a little softer flexing and b. because it’s a little smaller overall. 1cm in length isn’t much, but the effective edge is really similar and the Flight Attendant 159W is overall a bit wider. So the combination of width, length and flex should make it feel more playful.
But again, the 154W wouldn’t be wrong. It would just be more on the playful side and not as good for hard charging.
So I’d say, if you want something a little more playful/maneuverable/slightly less hard charging but still fairly hard charging, then the 158W is probably your best bet.
If you want something considerably more playful/maneuverable but also more noticeably less hard charging (won’t be a noodle or anything, but will be noticeably less stable at speed), then the 154W would be the goer.
Another option, if you wanted to stay more directional, is the Deep Thinker. It’s softer than the Flight Attendant (at least as soft as the Custom), but has a good mix of playful/hard charging – and you could get it in the 157W which would still give you a good length, but is overall smaller than the Custom 158W (the 1cm of length but also it’s got quite a it less effective edge (118.5cm vs the 121.5cm on the 158W Custom) and a touch narrower).
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi Nate,
Thanks for your response. That makes a lot of sense. The Deep Thinker looks like an awesome board, but I think I’m leaning towards a less directional board this time around. With that in mind along with your comments, I’m thinking the 158W is probably the right call, as a 154W directional twin might feel a bit too short compared to what I’m used to.
Thanks again for all your input. I love what you do, your site is invaluable!
Nick
You’re very welcome Nick. Hope you have a great season! Would love to hear what you think once you’ve had a chance to get it out on snow (assuming you go with it), if you think of it at the time.
Hi Nate,
I am 5’2″, 170lbs, US9 boots, what size would you recommend for this year Custom ?
Thanks
Hi Jack
Thanks for your message.
I think the 154 would be your best bet. That’s right on your typical all-mountain length for your specs, IMO. This is assuming you’re at least a solid intermediate rider and wanting to use it for all-round purposes. If you want to focus more on park with it or if you’re a lower level rider (though I’d recommend a different board for a lower intermediate or beginner rider), then you could do 150, but I’d be leaning 154 as an all-round ride.
Hope this helps
Hello Nate,
Been watching all your YouTube videos. Bought a 158W custom camber. Was told it was the wrong board for me completely and now am seriously considering selling it for a super DOA.
I am 6’0 195lb, boot size 11.5 . Ride Lasso boots, Union Atlas bindings.
Mostly ride in hard snow/ icy conditions, with occasional big mountain trips.
I am very athletic, and like to ride fast and hit side hits. Am often in the park, can do 360’s off smaller jumps, and board slide smaller flat rails and any box. I want to progress to larger jumps and maybe 720’s and tamedogs. My previous board was a K2 Happy Hour, a softer camber.
I was told that its is very hard to correct under-rotations when landing jumps, and that you have to stick them perfectly. I was also told that it would be very catchy in general, and buck me around in choppy conditions. This destroyed my confidence in a setup I was previously happy with. Opening day is a few weeks out, and I have no idea what to do. I am super upset and worried my season will be ruined. Your insight would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Duvy
Hi Duvy
Thanks for your message. In my experience the Super DOA is no less catchy than the Custom Camber. The Custom is somewhat catchy if you get off your game but not something that I found super catchy or anything. Certainly no more than the Super DOA, in my experience. Also no better in hard/icy conditions or any better in choppy conditions. Both boards are good for speed, carving, jumps and sidehits, in my experience. The Super DOA is lighter and a touch easier to get the spin around but didn’t find it any easier to correct under-rotations. So, if you’re worried about the Custom Camber for these things, the Super DOA wouldn’t be the answer, IMO.
If you wanted to go mid-flex but uncatchy and still decent at speed, there’s a ton of options that are less catchy. Some options I would consider, that are also good in hard/icy conditions, include:
– YES Greats
– YES Standard (not as good on a carve or jumps, IMO, as the Greats, but if you want something that’s a little better in powder)
– Bataleon Evil Twin Plus – if you want really not catchy but still with good camber, then Bataleon is a good way to go. This is the most freestyle option and a bit softer than the others you’ve been looking at, but could work for what you’re describing
– Bataleon Goliath +
The above are going to be more playful and not quite as good for speed as something like the Custom or Super DOA, but are going to be more catch-free. The Bataleon options aren’t really an improvement in hard/icy conditions but the YES options are, IMO. If you wanted to go a little stiffer/more stable at speed you could also look at the optios below. Note however, that typically as you go stiffer, particularly torsionally stiffer, and add more camber without any 3D contouring in the base, then things tend to become more catchy.
– Nidecker Gamma APX
– Salomon Assassin Pro
– Burton Freethinker – while this is a full camber board, I found it really uncatchy for a full camber board. It’s quite soft torsionally, which helps, IMO.
– Jones Aviator 2.0
– Jones Ultra Mountain Twin (this is a good one if you want a bit more powder performance)
– GNU Forest Bailey 4×4
Hope this gives you more options to consider.
In terms of sizing, I would put your “typical all-mountain length” at around 160/161. However given your style, even though you do like to ride fast, but given you’re spinning, I think sizing down from that just a bit isn’t a bad idea. So size-wise, I think the 158W Custom Camber is a good way to go.
The other thing you could try (though it would kind of commit you to the board, though you could sell it used), if you found the Custom Camber too catchy, is to detune the contact points to see if that helps it.
If you were to go Super DOA and ended up finding that too catchy, I would not only have the contact points detuned, but also get a base grind to try to flatten out the structured base on it. The structured base is great for good glide, especially in slushy snow, but I’ve found, at least in the conditions I’ve taken them in, that it can really add to its catchiness when trying to slash or spin.
Hello Nate
I really appreciate your in-depth and prompt reply. I will be purchasing my boots through the affiliate link.
I have not yet tried the custom, so I’m not sure. The super DOA is no longer in question. Please narrow it down to 2 -3 boards for me.
The most important feature of the board is to able to ride it confidently. This entails not having to worry about catching an edge. On the K2 Happy Hour, I never caught edges riding in any conditions. Jumps were fairly easy to correct for. However at speed and in choppy conditions, it was not able to hold up.
I’m looking for a non catchy freestyle/all mountain board with a solid stiffness to hold up at speed. I’m looking for the best combination of these without sacrificing too much in either factor. However, if there is a board that is able to hold up at high but not crazy speed, but excels in park, I am open to it. Sticking with the custom is an option I am happy with, if its not overly catchy. Is it a thing I will get used to and not catch edges on? Or is it something that requires you to actively not catch an edge all times.
Also, a laced boot (ideally with one boa dial) recommendation to pair with this board and the union atlas bindings. I have immense heel lift in every boot due to narrow heels. It’s a huge problem and I was told I’d need $1000+ custom snowboard boot orthotics. I’ve been told J bars are extremely uncomfortable. My trip is under a month away and I don’t even have my setup complete.
Sorry if this is a lot of questions. Once again I really appreciate the insight.
Hi Duvy
I personally didn’t find the Custom Camber something that I had to actively avoid catching edges on. That’s not to say that it’s the same for everyone, but that was my experience.
From what you’re describing, the 2 boards that I would narrow it down to is the YES Greats and Burton Freethinker.
In terms of boots, something with that hybrid lace/boa, I would look at:
– Vans Invado Pro
– Vans Infuse
– Salomon Dialogue Lace BOA SJ
These are all at a flex that should match any one of the boards you go with and Vans and Salomon, particularly Salomon, tend to be narrower than other boots. So long as your feet aren’t wide, this might help with overall heel hold too. And due to they all have that Boa that is focused on pulling the ankle and heel back and attempting to hold it in place.
You could also look at the Salomon Synergy PWL SJ Boa. It’s not a boot we’ve tested, but it has the same lacing system as the Dialogue Lace SJ BOA but is supposed to be a touch stiffer. And you could also look into the K2 Evasion and ThirtyTwo Diesel Hybrid (have them with me right now – just waiting for snow, so I can get out and test them, but having tested them yet). ThirtyTwo tend to be more mid-wide, so may not work, but worth testing out if you have the chance to try on.
Hi Nate.
I want some help sizing a Custom for my son. He’s an intermediate to advanced rider and strong runner so he’s got some legs. 150lbs, size 11.5 Burton Ions, 5’9″. Last season he had a couple laps on my 158W Custom X and he loved it! I have a couple of options for him this season and would like your thoughts. 158W Custom, 156 Custom x or 154W Custom.
This is not my first comment on your website. Keep up the great work! Love it! Tahnk you.
Hi Nathan
Thanks for your message.
With 11.5s, I would cross out the 156 as there’s a high risk of boot drag there. I think right now the optimal size would be 154W. I would put your son’s “typical all-mountain length” at around 155. Given that he liked your 158W Custom X, it doesn’t put the 158W out of contention though. If you want a board that will last him as he grows (assuming he’s still growing?) and think he can handle the 158W, that could be a good investment. But I think ideally, his optimal size would be the 154W.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi Nate, Excellent review.
Wonder if you can give some advice on a new board but a bit about me first.
im 48, 5ft 10″ and weight approx 180lb. Shoe size 8.5UK (9.5US)
I went snowboarding in my 20’s but spent most of the week falling leaf or more like falling on my arse. I didnt take it too seriously back then and didnt have the money to do things properly with lessons, my own board etc. The most coolest thing for us snowboarders back then was the fact you could wear soft boots! as not the hard Skiers boots which were being used. Burton was THE brand to dream about back then.
Anyhow enough of that, last year was the first time i hit the mountain in years. Prior to this i did get lessons start of 2022 and surprisingly i picked things up pretty fast so perhaps i did learn something back in my 20’s. By the end of the day i was able to link turns and building confidence.
So right now im thinking about the Burton Custom. I’ve ruled out Flying V as ive read enough forums to convince me this isnt for me. im a Burton fan, i guess this was ingrained in me and they were the go to board back in the 90’s. Appreciate others have caught up and maybe even surpassed them but im old school. Question is, is the Burton Custom a big no no given my level of experience. Or is it a case of pursue this even though it might be harder than Rocker, Hybrid, Flying V etc but more rewarding once i get better at snowboarding. Pele learned to play Soccer with an Orange kinda thing. Other options ive looked at is the Capita DOA, Jone Twin Mountain, Solaman Assassin. To me they all look like excellent boards, but are they going to give me way way more of an easier time compared to the Custom? Im not wanting to do tricks like 180’s , buttering, jumps, go off piste right now. Would be good to get your take. I read mixed reports on the Custom, some say its for the “intermediate to advanced” rider . Is that me? surely a beginner is someone who falls over after getting off a ski lift or doesnt know how to walk with the board with one leg, cant link turns etc. Anyhow you get the gist. Keen to hear your opinion. Thanks
Hi Steven
Thanks for your message.
For starters, we look at skill levels in a bit more depth than just beginner, intermediate advanced, as I think it’s useful to break it down further. You can see how we break down skill levels here.
From what I gather the Custom isn’t something I would typically recommend to someone at your level. But it also isn’t the most unforgiving, technical aggressive board going around or anything either. It is traditional camber, so that comes with it’s challenges for sure. But it’s not overly stiff and not overly torsionally stiff either, which gives it a bit more forgiveness than you might expect, in my experience. That said, it is something that is going to be more challenging and while it will challenge you to use good technique, if a board is too far beyond a skill level, it can be something you don’t end up enjoying or something that can knock your confidence, or end up so that you actually develop a crude technique because you’re just trying to get down the hill without falling, so there’s a fine line, in my opinion, between getting something that pushes you a little and something that’s too challenging.
I would be more inclined to go for the Mountain Twin or Assassin. They’re still boards that you can progress on and should still be a challenge to grow into at your stage, but are going to be easier to start out on. My instinct is that’s the way to go here. Not saying the Custom would necessarily be in that “step-too-far” category, but it’s got a greater chance of being there than the Mountain Twin and Assassin do, IMO.
Size-wise, I would go 157 for the Mountain Twin. For the Assassin it would be a debate between the 156 and 159. The 159 is probably the better size for you in the long run, with the 156 probably being your best bet to start out with. So for that one, you’d need to weigh up if you wanted more of a challenge to being with to get your long term board. If you did go Custom I’d say go 156, to mellow it out a bit and make it a bit of an easier ride. The 158 would be the more “pure” size for your specs, but I’d be leaning 156 in this case.
Hope this gives you more to go off for your decision
Hi Nate, so I’m a 48 year old 180lbs 5.ft10 living in the UK. Looking for a new Snowboard. Let me be up front, I’m a Burton fan but this probably goes back to my 20’s when Burton was THE brand to buy back then and everything was typically camber. My experience is limited but I learn relatively quickly. Early last year I had lessons and quickly was linking turns etc. Few weeks later was on the Alps in Europe and spent 4 days trying to finesse things and had the embarrassing falls which knocked confidence. Regardless of that things were going in the right direction by the end of the trip. Next year I’m going g again in Feb and shipping g for a new board. So far I really want to buy the Burton Custom but I want it to be forgiving but I keep readying it’s just not. Second in line was the Capita DOA but then I read a recent post on here stating how it was impossible to turn because of some base channel system. More reception is the Jones Twin Mountain. I guess each have their pros and weaknesses . Just to add I’m no where near that level of going off piste or riding rails and buttering etc. For now the focus is just getting the pace up down the piste linking turns etc. Is the Burton Custom a point blank no no? I’m also getting that vibe and hearing that Burton have kinda lost their way a bit and other boards have caught up if not passed Burton for much less money. What’s your thoughts?
Hey Nate,
Wondering if you could help me out here basically iv narrowed my options down to either the 2024 Capita D.O.A 152cm or the 2024 Burton custom 154cm. Between the two I’m after a board that is least catchy and holds well in icer conditions, and good all-round mountain from jumps to side hits exploration. only issue I can’t get my head around the directional shape on the Custom for switch, do you think that doesn’t matter all too much? Side note, i have a 2024 warping, which is fun but i want more park/ all mountain board. If you could just share some wisdom and pick a board that would be better suited for me that would be much appreciated.
Im 170cm, US size 8 boot and 69kgs
Hey Tyson
Thanks for your message.
Neither is a bad option for what you’re describing. I would say they are pretty equal in terms of catchiness. But I’d say the Custom is a little better in hard/icy conditions.
In terms of switch, the Custom is still really suitable to riding switch. It’s not a true twin, so it’s not the same riding switch as it is in your normal direction, but something you could get used to riding switch pretty quickly. The DOA, being a twin, is a little better for switch, but it would be a deal breaker for me as I think you could get used to riding the Custom switch pretty quickly. It’s not super directional or anything. Only things that stop it from being twin is a subtle setback and a slightly longer nose than tail.
Both should work size-wise, IMO.
Hope this helps with your decision
Alright i’m sold on the custom, cheers Nate.
You’re very welcome Tyson. Hope it treats you well
Ciao Nate! How would you think about Burton Custom 154 vs Yes Standard Uninc 153?
Thinking I want trad Camber for riding carving in Europe, jumping around hitting sidehits, no park and I already have a rocker short fat board for days with more than 15cm of fresh pow.
Grazie
Hi Sandro
Thanks for your message. Both great options for what you’re describing, IMO. If it was me weighing up these two boards, I would go with the one that works best size-wise. So depending on you height, weight and boot size, one or the other might be better suited. If you could let me know those things, I would be happy to give my opinion as to which I thought was the better size.
Hope this helps with your decision
thank you for the fast responsive!
I am 169cm, 73-75kg athletic legs because of football, US 8.5 boots.
I think Yes is a little more freestyle because no setback? What one is less catchy?
Hi Sandro
Yeah, overall I would say the Standard Uninc is a little more freestyle oriented than the Custom. There’s not a lot in it, but that setback, all be it, relatively subtle, gives it a bit more all-mountain feel than the Standard Uninc. I wouldn’t say either is more or less catchy than the other. In my experience the Standard Uninc is a little better in icy conditions.
Size-wise, I think the Custom is the better option. The Standard Uninc 153 is wider than it looks and I think the Custom will suit your boot size better. I would put your “typical all-mountain length” at around 156, but with 8.5s sizing down a little makes sense. So I think the Custom at 154 is a really good size for you. The Standard Uninc 153 is still a doable size, don’t get me wrong, but I think the 154 Custom is a more optimal size.
For reference, the Standard Uninc 153 is 253mm waist and is around 268mm at the inserts. The Custom 154 has a waist width of 250mm and is around 261mm at the front insert and 263mm at the back insert. Both based on a roughly 560mm (22″) stance width.
Hey Nate,
Thanks for all your helpful advice on this site.
I’m interested in the Burton Custom, I’d say I’m an intermediate rider, only been twice but will have a lot of days on the mountain this year and really hoping to be advanced by the end of the season. Mainly an all-mountain rider that would like to really focus on carving and jump tricks (not sure if I’ll be jibbing) and sometimes butter tricks. I understand that each style is contradictory when looking for specs. Would this be the best board? Really want to be able to eurocarve (is my boot size small enough to not need to worry about boot out?) and do flips in the long-term. Ideally would like it to be a one-board quiver but willing to get a separate board with soft flex for butter and park tricks in the future.
Was thinking 154 might be my size, I’m 170cm 74-78kg, and US 8 Boot.
Thanks for your help!
Hi Matt
Thanks for your message.
Wouldn’t typically recommend this board for a newer rider, but if you’re confident that you’re a solid intermediate rider already, then it could work for what you’re describing. Takes a bit of leaning into to get it buttering, but it will butter. For everything else a good bet.
I would put your “standard all-mountain length” at around 156. However, given your boot size and your current experience level, I think the 154 would work best. Shouldn’t have any boot drag issues with 8s on the 154, IMO.
Hope this helps
Thanks Nate
No worries Matt. Happy riding!
Hi Nate, thanks for the in depth review.
I have a question want to ask.
How this board feel compare to the Salomon Assassin Pro ?
I consider myself is intermediate rider, just took snowboarding seriously for couple seasons now, still learning to get better at riding switch.
Was stared off with the Custom Flying V 158 but this season got full Camber 154 version second hand from my friend, and fell in love with it. was riding in the park alot in this season, but i don’t care much about those rails or jib, mostly did just 50/50 on them, but ohhhh boi!!! look at those jumps, side hit, kicker, this thing felt so good and awesome to getting airborne, soo much fun and trilling, i don’t even bother of getting hurt if i fail on landing. Somehow i don’t feel this board is catchy at all.
Was looking for the board that can handle better in icy condition and progress on butter tricks, as you say this thing need to muscle it.
183cm 78kg size 10 boots
Riding: tree, groomer, little bit of pow, park and heck yea! craving and hard charging.
Thinking to get the Assassin Pro 156 for the next winter, or just up size to the custom 156 for better size matching and growing up with it ?
Thank.
Hi Kittiphong
Thanks for your message.
I found the Assassin Pro to be a similar-ish board. But I would be leaning getting the Custom in the 156 for you. It’s a known quantity. You know you like it and whilst the Assassin Pro is similar it does still have a different feel, so there’s no guarantee you’ll like it as much. Though I did find the Assassin Pro a little easier to butter, so there is that. But I’d still be a little reluctant to switch, knowing how much you like the Custom already.
Hope this helps with your decision
Thank for the reply Nate.
Unfortunately at the local shop they have both of board that i mentioned new old stock from couple season ago with hefty almost half price discount for each board.
Soo… I grab both of them. 😀
Hi,
Started snowboarding this season with a burton instigator camber and looking into the Custom, mostly use in tbe east coast. 170#, size 11, 5’8″ .
What size would you recommend?
Hi Jose
Thanks for your message.
If you could get on it width-wise, I’d be leaning 156 or 158, but it’s going to be just a little too narrow. So I think it’s between the 154W and 158W. I would put your “standard all-mountain length” at around 157, but given that the 158W will be a little on the wide-side for 11s, not massively wide or anything, but on the wider end of your range, I think the 158W is borderline too big, when taking into account length and width.
The 154W is borderline too small, but I would probably be leaning a little too small versus a little too big, unless you’re really going to focus on bombing and carving predominantly.
If you weren’t going to be carving super deep – had a good amount of angle on both bindings and had low profile boots, then you might get away with the 158 width-wise, but, IMO, you’d want everything in your favor in terms of carving deepness, boot profile and binding angles.
Hope this helps
Thanks, i will be doing mostly all mountain, and will be using genesis step on bindings with burton photon step ons.
Won’t be using for park.
Hi Jose
If there was a 156W, that would be perfect. Unfortunately there isn’t. It’s a tight call. Even without park, I think the 154W could work. But it would depend on how you ride all-mountain. If you like to mix it up with some slower riding, tree runs, sidehits, etc, then I would be leaning 154W. But if you predominantly just like to carve and like to ride fast, then I would be leaning 158W.
Hi Nate,
What’s your opinion how much would I gain by changing my current deck Assassin 156 to Custom? I know they’re similar(ish) boards but would Custom and it’s regular camber bring significant advantage to for example board control and carving as compared to Assassin? I’m also surprised that you rate Custom’s edge hold on ice worse than Assassin’s?
Background: 46 yrs old advanced level boarder “never” catching an edge except sometimes when riding switch. All-mountain oriented doing lots of natural features, trees, groomers, carving, some butters, smaller 180 jumps and some easier park features too. When kids not around like to bomb fast carving too.
I’m 179 cm/71 kg and pondering between 154 and 156 Custom? I would keep my current Ruler boots and Cartel reflex bindings.
Hi PJ
Thanks for your message.
I think you would gain enough for it to be a noticeable improvement for carving and at speed. The icy edge hold between them is pretty close – but that’s how I felt them. But I was borderline in terms of giving the Assassin a little lower rating and borderline giving the Custom a little higher rating, in that respect, so I would even think about it more as Custom 3.7 and Assassin 3.8, if that makes sense – and one rounded up and the other rounded down.
The Custom will be a little harder to butter and transitions to switch landing 180s may feel a little more catchy but as an advanced rider, I think you’d be fine.
Size-wise, if you were to go Custom, I would go 156 with your specs.
Hope this gives you more to go off
Hey Nate, love your reviews.
I’m facing a really hard decision: taking the Free Thinker (257cm/252mm) or Custom Camber (258cm/254mm)? I am an intermediate, all-mountaineer, 5’9 (175cm; height) and 175lbs (79kg; weight). I love riding freely and fast, but at the same time I’d like to improve my buttering, my jumping and, on occasions, my switching. I don’t really hit the park that often and I don’t usually find myself in deep powder, but i do like to hit ramps (natural mostly, but artificial as well) and do tricks. I was also wondering, what kind of stance & binding angles are best for occasion jumps as well? Thanks in advance!
Forgot to mention: wearing 9.5 U.S boots with step-on binding and those boards sizes are the only ones available.
Hi Ron
Thanks for your message.
It’s a tight call between them. Size-wise both work, so that’s not much of a tie breaker. Though if I had to say, I would say the 157 Free Thinker is a slightly better size for you, being that little bit narrower. I would put your “standard all-mountain length” at around 158/159, but given both boards are on the slightly wider side for your boots (only slightly so though) sizing to around 157/158 is probably your best bet. Both fit that range but with the Free Thinker being slightly better width-wise, I’d be leaning towards that. But it’s splitting hairs a little bit.
Some things that might help with your decision:
– The Custom has a slightly more damp feel vs the Free Thinker with the Free Thinker being a little more snappy
– Really hard to tell them apart for speed, slashing, carving (though if I had to choose carving I’d go Custom, but very little in it)
– The Custom is a little better for powder – though still nothing amazing – but that doesn’t sound like it’s a big factor for you
– The Free Thinker a little better for switch and just a touch better for jumps
– Pretty similar for butters
– The Free Thinker a little better for spins, mostly because it’s a little better for taking off and landing switch
I don’t think there’s a bad choice you could make between them, but hopefully that helps with your decision.
In terms of stance and binding angles.
Firstly in terms of stance width – having a wider stance tends to give you more stability and a narrower stance more maneuverability. A wider stance typically makes it easier to butter too – but not quite as easy to spin. For landing jumps that wider stance can help with stability on landings. But the main thing for stance width (and binding angles) is that it feels best for your body.
For binding angles, if you’re doing spins and you’re going to be taking off/landing switch, then having a mirror duck stance (e.g. +15/-15) or close to is a good way to go. But if you’re mostly doing straight airs, it doesn’t matter as much. I would still try to have a little bit of duck stance with your style of riding, but you could move out to something like a +18/-9 as an example, if you weren’t as worried about switch performance. But again, everyone’s different and what feels good to you biomechanically is also important, so whilst a +15/-15 might be great for switch, it may be something that you just don’t feel comfortable with – maybe your back leg doesn’t like that much angle or maybe even both legs don’t. It’s always a good idea to experiment to find what works best for you.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate,
Interested in the Custom I don’t know witch size to choose. I’m 5,6 and 140lbs. I have Burton Photons size 7.5.
I’m riding my first and only board, a 10 yr old K2 parkstar 152. I only ride on the east coast(i realize my current board isnt great for east coast conditions now lol)
Burton site says I’m on a 150 or 154.
Do you have any recommendations on bindings too? I’m looking to buy the malavita ESTs size S to go with the board.
Thanks!
Hi Jason
Thanks for your message.
I would go 150 – I think it would be a really good size for your specs. The 154 is too big for you, IMO. I would put your “standard all-mountain length” at around 151. And with 7.5 boots I would size down from that rather than up, so 150 should work well.
I think the Malavitas would pair really well with the 150 Custom, so not to complicate things, I think that’s a goer. And S is your best bet size-wise too. I ride Malavitas as my control bindings and have zero complaints and I really like how EST bindings work with the channel. Also flex-wise it’s a good match. Although not right on in terms of flex match from my feel on the Custom, on the 150, they should be just right. You could also look at the Genesis EST or the Custom EST and there are other brands that have bindings that would match well too, but I think you’re good to go with the Malavita ESTs so not need to really complicate it and look at anything else. Think they’ll be a really good match.
Hope this helps
Thanks Nate! I got the 150 with the Malavita ESTs in small. Going up to stowe in 2 weeks, stoked to try out a camber board!
Hey Jason
Thanks for the update. If you think of it at the time, let me know how you get on after your trip.
Hello Nate,
I wish I found your site before I made my recent purchase. I’m 6’1″, 200-205 lbs, wear a 10.5 wide boot and will ride mostly in upstate NY and Vermont in hard snow/icy conditions dodging hordes of people. Haven’t rode much the past few years but planning to start up again because we bought a vacation home near a ski resort. I would say I’m beginner/intermediate, only carving and cruising on groomers.
Never owned my own snowboard set up, always rented. I feel like they always issued me longer boards that were harder for me to handle, so I wanted to try a board that was on the shorter side that’s easier to control. Based on the sizing recommendations on Burton’s website and claims from other reviews that it was good in the ice and good for turning, I recently purchased the Custom Camber in 158 and its on the way.
After seeing a few reviews on your site, I’m worried that the custom camber is too advanced for me and if 158 is too short for me. I was hoping to avoid paying $75 in return shipping but will do so if you strongly advise to.
Thanks for your time.
Hi Steve
Thanks for your message.
It’s not a board I would have specifically recommended for what you’re describing. But I wouldn’t go as far as to say I’d strongly advise to return it, mostly because the size should help to make it more manageable for you. If you had gotten it in the 162, then I would have been more against it. But being that it is on the small side for you will help to make the board easier to manage – and more beginner friendly and playful than it would have otherwise been. And it’s above average in hard/icy conditions, so it’s not going to treat you terribly in those conditions either.
I would put your “standard all-mountain length” at around 162. As a high-end beginner/low intermediate it’s a good idea to size down anyway – and because it is a little more advanced than what’s recommended for your level it’s a really good idea to size down. Width-wise it should be just right for your foot/boot size as well.
So it’s not ideal, IMO, but it’s doable.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate,
5’9, boot size 11, weight 180. I typically ride in Michigan (not a lot of powder days, icy, shorter runs, hills vs. mountains. That said, I ride out west every few years. My boys (8 & 6) are getting into boarding, and I want a board I can ride with them as they progress that’s universal.
Currently, I have a 156W Flight Attendant, but I have concerns and considering the Burton Process or Custom instead. I have L Cartel X EST bindings and Photon BOA boots (11). I am thinking of changing boards because I like the option of riding the park more and don’t typically go backcountry. I currently don’t ride the park a lot (10-20% of the day), but I think my kiddos will enjoy it. My wife will not approve numerous boards, so I need a one-board-fits-all-situations.
I enjoy riding through trees, going through powder (very few powder days in MI), hitting jumps, jumping small cliffs, carving, and learning new tricks and natural hits. I also enjoy riding switch but not regularly.
It is important to note I upgraded from a Burton Charger 155 (the year 1996/97). So regardless of what I choose, it will be a game changer. I want to purchase a board I can ride anywhere and progress with my love of riding.
Thank you for your passion and willingness to help many brothers and sisters. Have a blessed day!
*I would like to stick with Burton and am open to other suggestions in the lineup. I looked at Hometown Hero as well. Cheers!
Hi Michael
Thanks for your message.
For what you’re describing, I think the Custom Camber should work well. And so long as you’re not in deep powder – at least not regularly (and if you do get deep powder, be prepared to set the board back further and get a bit of back leg burn), then I think it covers all bases. The Process would be easier for your park riding, but overall I would be leaning Custom. Looking through Burton’s lineup, I think it’s the best option – and overall a really good option for what you’re describing, IMO.
It matches well with the Cartel X EST and Photon BOA too, IMO, so you’re good there too.
Size-wise, I would be looking at the 158W. With low profile boots (which I consider the Photon to be), if you were riding +15/-15 binding angles, you might get away with the 158 regular. However, if would be pushing it and I’d only risk it if you don’t really lay your carves too deep. The Photon’s that I measured were 2.2cm longer than mondo, making an 11 roughly 31.2cm on the outside. The Custom 158 is 26.7cm at the back binding (using back binding, because you’ll have either the same or a straighter binding angle than your front binding), you would be looking at 4.5cm of total overhang- or roughly 2.25cm per boot, assuming a zero degree binding angle. Going to 15 degrees, you can take roughly 1cm off that overhang – for a total of around 3.5cm – or 1.75cm per edge (assuming perfect boot centering). I would be confident with this level of overhang, personally. But I would want that back binding to be at at least a 12 degree angle – so it’s a pretty restrictive set of parameters that would get you confidently on the 158, but doable. At that 15 degree angle I’d be fairly confident, so long as you weren’t doing any super deep carving (i.e. eurcarving).
In most scenarios I would go 158W.
154W could work as an outlier size, but you’d want to adjust the numbers of this review so that it’s more maneuverable, easier to pop/butter, overall easier in the park, except where it comes to bigger jumps, but you’d sacrifice in terms of carving, stability at speed and float in powder.
Short answer 158W, but 158 and 154W are possibilities depending.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate,
Thank you so much! I appreciate you taking the time to share your insight with me. I was leaning towards the custom, and you reinforced the difficult decision of deciding what board to select.
I have one final question: Can you please educate me on the binding placement/location (where to place the bindings on the ref chart)? I understand the degrees, as you explained so well. But I am trying to understand better the different reference points, when to use them (i.e., deep powder like you described above), and the pros and cons of each setting.
Thank you so much. Have a blessed day!
Hi Michael
I think the best bet is to go with the reference setback (which will be marked on the board) when not a powder day. But in terms of stance width, go with what you’re most comfortable with, which may not be what the reference stance width is. To maintain the reference stance setback, if your stance width is going to be difference to reference width, move the front and back binding an equal distance. i.e. if you were narrowing your stance compared to reference stance, then it would be a case of moving each binding an equal amount towards the center of the board. If you were widening vs reference, then move an equal distance towards tip/tail.
Hi Nate- Shopping for a new board this season so this is the first time I spent some time on this website. Great job. This is a tremendous amount of info.
I have been riding for 20yrs. (35yrs old now) Never had spent enough $$$ for a really solid set-up. But now I’m willing/able to. Having a family and limited time to demo boards just trying to decide based on my experience and online reviews. Also discouraged because they never seem to have my size to demo.
I’m 6’2″ 175lbs. Size 12 feet. My current board is 2013 K2 Raygun 160W with 264mm waist. Fight Toe and heel drag despite having a Front Foot +18deg and Rear -15deg binding angles.
Consider myself between Advanced and Expert. Love carving, going pretty fast (within reason), and off-piste powder hunting. But I’m very hesitant to go with a pure directional board because I do enjoy 180’s to switch off rollers/features. Midwest rider with once per year trip out West.
2023 Mega Merc 160W, 2023 PYL 160W, 2023 Custom Camber 162W Are all on my short list per your reviews. I’m really drawn to the Custom Camber despite it not being rated as high as the other two boards. I think I like how tried and true it is.
The reason why I don’t get something stiffer (Custom X or Ultra Mountain Twin) is because I feel I’m lightweight compared to the width of board I need to avoid Toe/Heel drag. All three of these boards hardly have a wider waist compared to my old Raygun…
Any other board I should consider? Am I missing something that will help me more? I have even tried risers for the bindings which didn’t seem to do much. My stance is out as far as I’m comfortable with and can’t imagine more angle unless I change to both feet pointing forward.
Hi Matt
Thanks for your message.
I haven’t measured the K2 Raygun, so I’m not entirely sure what the width at inserts would be, but it’s likely around 274-276mm at the insets, assuming a roughly 560mm (22″) stance width, based on other K2 boards I’ve measured. If you’re boots are bulkier – let’s say 3.5cm longer than mondo – then you would be looking at around a 33.5cm outsole length. That would leave around 6cm of total overhang (3cm per edge assuming perfect boot centering) with flat binding angles. At 15 degrees you can take off roughly 1cm from that – so around 5cm (2.5cm per edge) overhang. For a lot of riders that would be fine, but if you like to carve deep, then there’s certainly risk of boot drag at those numbers. With a wider stance width, that gives you more, so for example if you’re riding at a 600mm (23.6″) stance width, then you could expect to bring that number down to around 4.8cm. Now if you inserted low profile boots in there with an outsole 2-2.5cm more than mondo, then you could be looking at total overhang of 3.3cm to 3.8cm, which should be good in most situations but doesn’t guarantee it. Not sure what boots you have or your exact stance width, so not sure roughly what you’re overhang is but as you can see, there are a lot of factors that can affect how much overhang you’re actually getting.
In terms of the boards you’re looking at the Mega Merc is almost as stiff (7.5/10) as the Custom X (8/10), in my experience. Not quite, but it’s close, so you may find that a little too stiff. The PYL I found to be around 7/10 and the Custom Camber 6.5/10. The regular Mercury is more 6.5/10, so that could be the better bet, if you were to look at one of those.
However, if you’re looking to go wider, you’re not really going to get it from any of those. Below are what I would predict would be their width at inserts (added the Coda Camber as another option) – the width at inserts is using the back binding insert as that’s where you have the slightly smaller binding angle:
Coda Camber 160MW: 262mm waist, 275.5mm at insert (assuming 540mm (21.3″) stance width) – assuming you’re using a wider stance than that you should get a bit more width out of it – like more like 277-278
Custom 162W: 264mm waist, 277mm at insert (assuming 560mm (22″) stance width)
Mega Merc/Mercury 160W: 265mm waist, 274mm at insert (assuming 560mm (22″) stance width)
PYL 160W: 260mm waist, 268mm at inserts (assuming 570mm (22.4″) stance width) – not wide for a wide board!
I can look at other wider options, if you’d like, but I would seriously look at the YES Standard Uninc. For what you’re describing, I would be leaning the Uninc version over the regular Standard, as I think it suits you’re riding more, apart from the powder aspect. If you went 162 for that board you’d be looking at around a 283mm width at inserts, assuming a 550mm (21.7″) stance width. Which would give you a pretty significant amount more clearance than the others. And I think it’s a board that would suit you’re style. I’d probably sooner recommend the 159, but with your width in mind, the 162 does give you that extra room. With the 159, you’d be more like 278mm, which is a little more than the others – and if you were at let’s say a 590mm stance width, then you’re looking at more around that 280mm width at inserts mark. So, it could give you a little more, but if you wanted to be more sure, then the 162 is a good bet.
The Nitro Team Camber, which is also a similar board to the Custom Camber and YES Standard Uninc is also fairly wide. Looking at around 281mm at inserts on the 162W and 277mm at back insert on the 159W.
But if you could also let me know the make, model and year, if you know it, of your boots, that would help too. If they are really bulky boots, you could open up a lot more leeway by going to a lower profile boot.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate, I am 6’0 (183 cm) about 205p (92.5 kg) and I am riding Process with a burton swath size 11 boots and mission bindings . I would say I am intermediate rider, learning jumps and like to spend time 50/50 between park and all mountain. I am currently riding Process 162W and loving it but for better speed and carving I thought to add second board and I am looking at Custom 162W or Free Thinker 160. What would be your advice size wise and board wise? I am keen to stick to burton and looking for that second option which is bit more aggressive.. Thanks in advance for your help !
Hi Marty
Thanks for your message.
Both would work for what you’re describing, but if you think you would still be using your Process for a lot of your park riding, then I would be leaning Custom, which is a bit more all-mountain focused vs the Freethinker. Size-wise I think the 162W would work best.
Hope this helps
Thank you so much Nate for your reply and awesome review! Your advice is much appreciated legend – custom it is 👍😊!.
You’re very welcome Marty. Hope you have an awesome season!
Thanks Nate! I hope you have an awesome season too!
Hi Nate!
Great review. I’m struggling alot to decide for my new board. I’ve had a process flying v 155 for years, and loved it but at the end lost alot of edge, riding in icier condition was rough. Now I’m thinking of upgrading to the custom flying v. In the shop here they only have as smallest the 158 though and I’m afraid the harder flex and longer board wont be much fun for me at 6′ 150 lbs. I’m considering going with the process V 157 too. Which of the two options do you think would suit my specs better? Thanks in advance!
Hi Nicolas
I think size-wise, you’re good around that 155/156 range, but I would steer clear of anything with a Flying V profile if you’re looking to get better edge hold in icy conditions. I would go Burton Custom Camber, rather than Flying V – or if you wanted to go softer, then the Process Camber could work too. Size-wise, 156 (or even 154) for the Custom Camber and 155 for the Process Camber. But if you could also let me know your boot size, to confirm appropriate sizing.
Hope this helps
Hey Nate!
After looking over your detailed review, as well as some other content, I feel the Custom is the perfect board for me. I ride mostly groomers, with varying conditions, but quite a lot of hard pack-icy terrain. I’m just debating between the 158W and 162W as I am a size 13 boot, 6’3, and 175p. Honestly looking for some fairly aggressive carving but don’t have to put in too much effort to do so! What would your choice be? Thanks!
Hi Liam
Thanks for your message.
I would be leaning 158W for your specs and what you’re describing. The 162W wouldn’t be wrong, but just slightly on the bigger than ideal size for you, IMO. The 158W maybe on the slightly small side, but my instinct is that’s the better way to go. The only question really is, if you like to bomb fast a large amount of the time. If so, then there could be more of an argument to go to 162. But if you’re aggressive carving isn’t necessarily super high speed, then I think the 158W – particularly considering you don’t want to have to put in too much effort to lay those carves down.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi Nate, thank you for answering my previous question in detail regarding the mercury vs mega merc. Much appreciated! I think I finally limited it down to 2 boards, the custom vs mercury. I’m leaning towards the custom a bit more as I assume it is more maneuverable at slower speeds which fits more with my intermediate level. I’m hoping to hear your thoughts about sizing for carving resorts/all mountain. I’m 5’10, 70kg, and US8.5 boot size. Cheers!
Hi Danny
Yeah, I found the Custom a little more maneuverable at slower speeds versus the Mercury – and it’s a very good carving board, IMO, but without being too much board to handle for an intermediate rider. It’s on the more aggressive side, but not so much so that it’s out of intermediate range.
Size-wise, I’d be looking at the 154 Custom. For the Mercury I’d go 153.
Hi Nate!
Thanks for your advice, much appreciated! I pulled the trigger and just purchased the 23 Burton Custom and now wondering if the burton genesis bindings would be a good fit or too soft of a flex for the custom? I’m deciding between the genesis and the union strata. Love to hear your thoughts. Cheers!
Hi Danny
The Genesis would work for sure. If you were being really fussy, then maybe a touch too soft, but they would certainly work. The Strata a good bet too – and that little bit stiffer than the Genesis, in my experience. I think the Cartel X from Burton would be a really good match flex-wise, if you did want to go Burton and were worried about the Genesis being too soft.
Hi, Nate,
Thank you so much for reviews of those boards, May i ask a question? Now I’m looking for a snowboard for my all mountain snowboard, I’m looking for assassin pro and custom, which one you think is better for high speed carving in resort,some tree runs and moguls. Maybe half hour in park. Do you have any suggestion? Thank you so much!
Richard.
Hi Richard
Thanks for your message. Not much in it between those 2 boards, IMO, but I would say:
– For high speed carving, both are as good as each other, IMO
– For trees and moguls very similar too
– For jumps I slightly preferred the Assassin Pro, but not much in it.
– The Assassin Pro a little better for riding switch (IMO), but again very little in it
– Assassin Pro a little better in powder
But yeah, both would work well for what you’re describing, IMO, and there’s not a wrong choice, but hopefully that gives you more to go off
Hey Nate,
I was also trying to decide between two size.
162 or 158
I wear size 10 ride boots or 10.5 burton boots.
Which ables me to run genesis burton in size medium religiously.
190-205lbs depending on the time of the season.lol
6’2” height
Intermediate regular carver.
Don’t ride park much but always had aspirations to hit some jumps.
I have a deep thinker in 160. And loved it.
I did demo a 162 and it felt like a lot more board than the 160 deepthinker. Idk but.
Then I thought 158 might work. But never tried it yet.
Any suggestions will help. Thank you!
Hi Sung Bang
Thanks for your message.
It’s a close call, but I’d be leaning 158 in this case. The 162 is probably the more pure size for your specs, particularly when you’re at 205lbs. But for a couple of reasons, I’d be leaning 158.
Firstly, because you felt the 162 was more board than your Deep Thinker. Personal experience is a big factor.
Secondly, because you already have the Deep Thinker in your quiver, you would be using that on powder days (it’s better in powder than the Custom anyway, so you’d want to take that out for powder anyway) – and for times when you really want to bomb. So going with the shorter, more nimble 158 Custom makes sense in your quiver, IMO, particularly if you’re looking to start to hit some jumps.
So yeah, in this particular case, I’d be leaning 158.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate,
I’m 5,9 195lbs size 8 boots K2 boundary boots and currently using a strata union bindings. Wanted to know which size would work best for me between a 156 or 158.
Hi Stephen
Thanks for your message.
I think both could work, but it depends on how you want to ride it. I would put you on around a 160 as your “standard all-mountain” size for your height/weight, but with 8’s I think it’s a good idea to size down. Both the 156 and 158 will be wide for your boots, but you would be sizing down from that 160, so I think they would work. Which one is best will depend on how you want to ride. If you mostly want to bomb groomers and carve hard, then you’d probably be fine with the 158. But if you wanted some more maneuverability for short/sharp turns, trees – or have some freestyle stuff in your arsenal, whether in the park or sidehits, butters etc, then I would be leaning 156.
Hope this helps
Thanks again!!!!
You’re very welcome Stephen!
Hey Nate,
I’ve currently got a 156 Hometown Hero, and love it. Definetly doable as an all mtn board and is pretty damn decent at it to be honest, but really shines more in the powder/chop/trees runs, as it was intended obviously.
I’m looking for another deck to compliment it, that’s a bit more playful for the resort/carving/side hits type riding when there’s no fresh to be found. Was thinking a Custom Camber 158 might work well? Or any other suggestions? Don’t have to, but would prefer to stick to a Burton deck so I can use my Genesis EST bindings. Rarely hit the park if ever, and only ride switch very occasionally, but not often.
I’m 5’11”, about 190 lbs give or take, and have a size 10 Photon boot. Binding angles are front 18, rear -9. (No issues so far with the waist width on my HH in terms of too much toe/heel overhang with the HH at 22″ reference stance, but don’t think I could go skinnier.)
I considered the Deep Thinker, but seems a bit too stiff and less forgiving that I’m probably wanting.
Thanks for any thoughts!
Hi Ryan
Thanks for your message.
The Custom could work. It’s not significantly softer than the Hometown Hero, in my experience, so not massively more playful. And going 158, versus the 156 HTH, I don’t think it’s really going to feel any more playful. The Deep Thinker even less playful though – and it’s more freeride, so more of an overlap with the HTH. I would go Custom before Deep Thinker for sure. The old Paramount would have been a good bet, but they don’t make that anymore. I haven’t ridden the Blossom yet, so I’m not sure about that, but on Burton’s website they have it as really stiff, so maybe doesn’t work.
You could go to the Burton Process – it’s not full camber, but Purepop camber. That’s not necessarily an issues, but if you were looking for full camber, just wanted to not it. That is certainly more playful than the HTH. Or you could even go to the Kilroy Twin, which is full camber, but even softer, more playful than the Process. Though I get the impression, you didn’t want to go too soft/playful.
I think the Custom could definitely work, but don’t want you to get it expecting it to be too much more playful than the HTH. That said, if you got it in the 156, that might help make it more playful. It would be on the small side for your specs, but that does help to make a board more playful. The 156 Custom is a similar width at the inserts as the 156 HTH, so you shouldn’t have issues there, IMO.
Hope this gives you more to go off.
This does help, thanks for the input! Give me some more thinking to do. Maybe I just keep my HTH as a daily driver and pick up a pow specifc board like a Fish (or older Family Tree powder board) and call it good…seems more researching is in order.
The Custom vs the Burton Process for a playful freestyle+carving+buttering board for a high-intermediate carver, low skill freestyle, and low skill butter rider?
I am 168 lbs and 6’6″ with size 12 boot so I would be getting the 154W custom or 157W Process.
My other board is a 159W Flight Attendant.
Hi Sky
Given the sizing you’re looking at, I think I would be leaning Custom. The Custom in the 154W will make it easier to butter than in a longer size. Maybe not quite as buttery as the 157W Process, but I’d say very close (shorter boards, all else being equal, tend to be easier to butter). The gap also closes in carving ability (i.e. the 157W Process would be better for carving versus the 154W Custom than it would be versus a 157W Custom (if one existed) but I would still say the 154W Custom is still a little better for carving versus the 157W Process, particularly if you’re looking for tighter carves.
thanks!
Given my height and a fucked up ankle, I have been riding like 26″ stance. do you think that might cause issues on the binding placement on the 154W Custom?
Hi Sky
Because of the channel mounting system on the Custom, you shouldn’t have any issues getting that wide on it. I haven’t measured it, so can’t guarantee it, but I have a 155 Name Dropper – and you can go out to at least 30″ on it.
Hi Sky
Thanks for your message.
The Process is going to be easier to butter and better for playful freestyle. And it’s still pretty decent on a carve. But the Custom is a better carver for sure, so I think it depends on which area you want to optimize the most.
Hope this gives you more to go off for your decision
How catchy are we talking on this guy? I usually try to ride as much camber as I can without it being extremely unforgiving.
I tried the nitro team and it was a bit much, but I was fine with the rome agent and national I tested. Enjoy trying to improve my freestyle riding and snappy boards but still pretty sloppy sometimes.
What do you think?
Hi Chris
Thanks for your message.
Very similar feeling board to the Nitro Team. I would say the same feeling in terms of catchiness as the Team. You could get the contact points detuned and that would help, but yeah, I would say same/similar catchiness to the Team Camber.
I don’t test Rome boards currently, so not sure about the feel of the Agent and National in comparison, but looking at the specs, it looks like whilst they’re mostly camber, they have some small rocker sections towards the contact points, which probably help them to be less catchy.
Hi there, what do you say about the Flying V version, I am an intermediate rider who likes to carve. Not a park guy. I rather like to go down the prepared slopes. Is it true that it does not work well on ice. Thanks for your answer in advance!
Hi Marcus
Thanks for your message.
Yeah, in my experience the Flying V profile doesn’t do well in icy conditions, but is really fun in good conditions. The Camber version is the better carver for sure – but also has more consequence if you get off your game. It’s not like supremely catchy or anything, but is more punishing of skidded turns than the likes than the Flying V version (which is really forgiving of skidded turns). Camber version prefers to be ridden on edge more than skidding/slashing. The Flying V feels more playful, more slashy, more forgiving and is also better in powder. Though given that it sounds like you stick to the groomers more than going into powder, that might not be a consideration? For speed and carving and for something better in icy conditions, I’d go camber version all day, but for playfulness, forgiveness, slashing, powder the Flying V is better, IMO.
Hope this gives you more to go off
I’m considering the Custom, but have some concerns regarding its edge hold as I ride primarily on the east coast. Everyone raves about the carving and turning ability of the Custom. Can you recommend a board that has similar characteristics but with better edge hold? I don’t ride in the park and rarely ride switch, but like to rip the groomers.
Hi Denny
Thanks for your message.
First board that springs to mind is the Nitro Team Camber, which is quite similar to the Custom, but with slightly better edge hold in icy conditions, IMO. Custom Camber not bad in icy conditions, certainly a lot better than it’s Flying V counterpart. But yeah, I found the Nitro Team just that little better in hard/icy conditions. There’s certainly a lot of options for boards that rip the groomers, but in terms of something close to the Custom, the Nitro Team is the first that comes to mind. I can do a more thorough search if you want, but there are quite a number of options that will fit that criteria.
Hope this helps
Hey,
I’m considering buying Burton Custom asap, since my current equipment just broke. I have a small problem in deciding the size. My current old board is Burton Bullet 162W and i thought that 162W whill be the proper size for Custom as well. Unfortunately, in my area this size is unavailable – i need to go either smaller (158W) or larger (166W). Which one would you recommend to me? On the beginning I thought of going larger (166W) but after reading some info on the web, I understood that this size is better for heavy riders and with shorter board I might get more agility/
I am intermediate rider, 6’3″, 195lbs, I’m mostly riding on the slopes (no off-piste), not doing much freestyle but I would like to learn to jump a little.
Hi Marek
I think the 162W would be the perfect size for you! Unfortunate that you don’t have access to it. Because that would be what I would recommend. Personally I’d rather ride too short than too long. That would be my personal preference, so I’d be leaning 158W. But you will loose stability at speed. It will be easier to extract the pop from it, and learning jumps on it will be easier, so it’s got that going for it. But purely for bombing and big arcing carves and that kind of thing, I think you’d certainly be better off going 162W. But I would go 158W before I went 166W, if it was me with the same details. Might also depend on boot size (if you can let me know boot size) but I’d say I’d still be leaning 158W over 166W, but if you were able to somehow find a 162W, that’s what I’d go with.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate,
Im trying to decide between the Burton Custom camber, Flying V, and Flight Attendant. I would say im a high level intermediate who does mostly blues and blacks. I don’t spend too much time in the park but im thinking of doing that a bit more in the future. I would say I mostly ride resort groomers although I will chase POW when its there. Im 6’4″ with size 13 nike Kaiju boots and union strata bindings. My last board was a never summer west bound and it was solid but I wanted to try something else. Im thinking whichever one I go with ill need either 162w or 166w. What are your thoughts?
Hi Alex
Thanks for your message.
I would be leaning Flight Attendant, if you weren’t looking to get more in to the park in the future. But not as suitable for the park.
Between the Custom Camber and Custom Flying V, the Flying V is better for powder and has a looser, more forgiving, more playful feel, but it’s not great in icy conditions (not sure if you see those much or not). The Custom Camber is a much more precise feel. It’s not as good in camber, but it’s poppier, better for carving better at speed. If you’re a more casual rider and don’t see ice that much, I would be leaning Flying V. If you
re more aggressive, then the Custom Camber, but you would sacrifice in powder.
The Flight Attendant good for carving, speed and powder, but you would sacrifice in the park.
Size-wise, if you could let me know your weight, that would be great. I like to take height into account, but it’s less important for sizing than weight, boot size, ability and riding style. Also if you could let me know how aggressive/fast you like to ride that would help for sizing too.
Thanks for the response, I appreciate all your insight here! My weight is 220 lbs. I’ve been riding for around 7 years and its mostly at big resorts riding fairly fast and aggressive. While I’m located in the Midwest and will make the occasionally trip to my local place (more icey), I would say that I typically tend to focus on a couple big trips out west where I do most my boarding for the year. When I’m out west, like in Jackson hole or Aspen, I will mostly try to focus on carving down blacks and hitting any powder I can find. Lately I’ve also been spending more time in the trees. I would say the park is more something I want to try, but not totally committed yet.
Hi Alex
Thanks for the extra details.
I think for right now for what you’re doing the Flight Attendant would certainly be your best bet. Not the easiest for starting out in the park, but not something that I wouldn’t take in the park. If you’re not looking to go park right away, I would be tempted to go FA and then at some point when you want to commit to the park a little more, then get something more park friendly. Even if you got a cheap used something to get you going in there (softer park boards tend to be cheaper anyway too).
Size-wise, I would go 162W.
Hey Nate,
I started snowboarding last year and now i have to decide wich board I want to buy. I usually ride red slopes but also black. I would love to have a board where I could ride everything (slope, park, powder) and should be good for carving and have a nice pop. I am 182 cm tall and my foot size is 42. But I don’t want to have a catchy board. What snowboard would you recommend?
Hi Kevin
Thanks for your message.
From what you’re describing, I think an all-mountain board is the way to go, but probably something that’s a little better in powder. I would check out:
>>My Top 10 All Mountain Snowboards
If you narrow down to a few options I would be happy to recommend what I think is the most suitable for what you’re describing.
Also, would be happy to give a sizing opinion, but would also need your weight.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate
Thanks for your answer!
I found some boards:
Jones Mountain Twin
Nitro Team Camber
Burton Custom Camber
Capita Mercury
The first two I think would fit me better, but were is the difference between directional and directional twin and how does it effect me, willing to learn how to ride switch.
I am 182 cm big and I weigh 69kg.
What would you recommend me?
Hi Kevin
Based on previously saying you didn’t want a catchy board, I would be leaning towards the Mountain Twin. Also the Mountain Twin is the best equal powder option there, IMO.
Size-wise, I would go 154 for the Mountain Twin for your specs. 157 isn’t way off either but I think overall the 154 is a better fit taking everything into account.
Difference between directional and directional twin, is that directional twin is usually just that the nose is longer than the tail and there may or may not be a setback stance. But things like the sidecut, camber profile and flex are twin. With a directional board, there is usually more than one thing that makes it directional. Directional will always have a longer nose than tail, and usually a setback, like directional twin, but one or all of sidecut, flex and camber profile will also be directional. So directional twin definitely better for riding switch.
Nate!!
Thank you so much!!
You have helped me so much!
I was copleatly new to the world of snowboarding!
Thanks a lot!
You’re very welcome Kevin. Happy riding!
Hey Nate,
Also trying to decide between custom camber and custom flying v. I am an intermediate rider primarily looking for carving/turning/stability. Don’t usually find myself in very deep fresh powder, usually groomers and blues tend to be my favorite runs. I am 6’1″, 225lbs with size 13 boot. I have been riding a 162w and was thinking of going with 166w. Would you say the camber is my better bet? Would you also suggest going with the 166w instead of staying with 162w. Any insight is greatly appreciated. Also if you feel a different board would be worth considering I’m open to that as well (ideally with channel system)
Hi Kevin
Thanks for your message.
I think I would be leaning Custom Camber for you. Your style sounds like it would suit the camber more than the Flying V.
Size-wise, I think I would stick with 162W for you. You could certainly ride the 166W, but I think at an intermediate level predominantly riding blues, I think the 162W would work better. If you were riding more open terrain powder and more big mountain stuff, then I think 166W would be a good way to go, but I would be leaning 162W for you.
Hope this helps
Hello
I’m looking for your help I am undecided on the measure to settle
Burton Custom 2021 width 158w or 162w ??
6’2 ” tall by 185 lbs
Hi Andrea
Thanks for your message.
Can you give me a little more information.
a. What’s your ability level – intermediate? Advanced? Expert
b. How do you like to ride and where? – i.e. aggressive? bombing, carving, trees, park, etc
c. what’s your boot size
Either size could work for your specs, depending on those things
Hi Nate,
I’m putting serious consideration into the Custom Camber, but hoping you can drop a bit of knowledge on sizing for me. I’m 6’3″, roughly 200lbs, with size 13 Burton boots, which I’ve heard tend to have a smaller profile compared to other boot brands. Anyway, I’m currently riding a Burton Mayhem 165W. Looks like the waist width on that is 268mm (26.8cm) and I have not experienced any toe or heel drag at all, and I’m a fairly aggressive rider. However, I’m looking to size down a bit on the Custom to the 162W. What do you think about that in terms of it’s length, and probably more importantly, the waist width of 264mm (26.4cm)? Do you foresee any issues with toe or heel drag? I’d like something a bit more maneuverable, without sacrificing too much on speed.
I’m certainly open to other board suggestions if you have any, but the options seem to be limited for my specs, especially when considering waist width, my large boot size, and the potential for drag. I’m a mostly east coast, intermediate rider, sticking to mainly groomers, pow when it’s there, some side hits, and the occasional run through the trees. Appreciate any insight you can give!
Hi Kyle
Thanks for your message.
I definitely think 162 could work for you in terms of length, for your specs and for what you’re describing, particularly if you have an instinct for something a little shorter. The width, like you say, is the biggest question mark. Not sure what the width at inserts is on the mayhem, compared to waist width, but if you wanted to measure it you could find out (measure at the reference stance – the center of where the bindings are – and measure across the base of the board, from outside of steel edge to outside of steel edge). The Custom 162W is likely to be around 275mm at the inserts. If the Mayhem is a similar difference waist to inserts, then it’s likely to be around 279mm. So you would get a bit more overhang on the Custom in the 162W. Burton boots are lower profile than the average boot, so that certainly does give you some leeway. I think you’d probably get away with it depending on your binding angles. But no guarantees of course.
If you wanted to look at a really similar board, but one that’s wider, I would check out the Nitro Team (Camber version) in the 162W. It has a 270mm waist and likely around 280-282mm at the inserts. I think that would be a pretty safe bet, in terms of drag, if you’ve never had issues with your Mayhem. I could look at other options if you wanted, but that’s the one that immediately came to mind.
Hope this helps with your decision
Nate,
Thanks so much for the quick and in-depth response. After doing some measurements, you were pretty much spot-on with the Mayhem’s width at the inserts. That said, I’m still a bit hesitant on the 162W due to the potential for over-hang/drag . I may consider the 166W and will certainly check out the Nitro Team you mentioned above.
I was also looking at a few other options, namely the Ride War Pig and Algorythm, though the latter seems like it’s more park-focused but capable of a bit of everything else. I don’t know exactly what to make of the War Pig other than I really like the idea of a volume-shifted and thus short, wide board that seems to hold it’s own everywhere (though can it handle the ever-present ice of the east ok?). Any of these seem like a viable option, or any other boards you have in mind for a big-footed ogre like myself? Thanks again man!
Hi Kyle
I haven’t ridden the Warpig since the 2018 version (though I don’t think it’s changed a great deal since then) – but from what I remember of it, and in general that I’ve found with Ride boards, that it wasn’t amazing in hard/icy conditions. You’d certainly have enough width on the 158. I haven’t ridden the Algorhythm yet, but based on specs, I would say it’s just as versatile as the Custom and Team – i.e. no more freestyle oriented than those, IMO. Again, not sure how it does in icy conditions though. My pick would be the Team for icy conditions out of those 4 – and I think the sizing would work well there too.
You could also potentially look into something like the Never Summer Westbound – it has “drag free” sizing, if you wanted to go really wide – and then you could size down a little there too. It would be a different feel from something like the Team/Custom though – having rocker between the feet. Still camber towards the tip and tail, but that rocker underfoot does make for a very different feel versus and all camber board like the Custom or Team.
This is great info. and you’ve given me a lot to think about and consider here. I forgot how much research goes into this process, but you’re making it easy on me. Love this site and your content Nate. Keep up the stellar work and all the best to you!
Thanks Kyle. And you’re very welcome. Happy riding!
Hey Nate,
I am trying to decide between the Burton Process Flying V and the Custom Flying V. I am a intermediate snowboarder. Also a little help on length. I am 6’1″ and 180lbs. I would appreciate any help. Thank you.
Hi Chris
Both are suitable for an intermediate level, for sure. It would depend on how you like to ride. If you’re more focused on freestyle/park riding, but still want to ride the rest of the mountain, and think you’d prefer something softer flexing, then the Process Flying V. If you’re more focused on riding the mountain and not as interested in riding freestyle/park (but still fine for it, if you want to get into it, but just that it’s not really your main focus), and want just that bit more performance for speed/carving, then I would go Custom Flying V.
Size-wise, assuming you don’t need a wide board, then I would be weighing up between 157 and 159 for the Process Flying V and between the 156 and 158 for the Custom Flying V. I would be leaning towards the shorter (157 or 156) if you’re more on the low-end of intermediate and if you want to focus more on freestyle/and or you’re quite a casual rider and/or don’t really ride powder much – and on the longer end (159 or 158) if you see a bit of powder and/or want to ride a little faster and/or are a solid intermediate or on the higher end of intermediate, if that makes sense.
>>Snowboard Skill Levels
Hope this helps
Thank you Nate. This really helps me out. I really appreciate it.
You’re very welcome Chris. Happy riding!
Hi Nate,
Interested in the Custom I don’t know witch size to choose. I’m 5,4 and 145lbs. Boots size 8.5. Really large dude indeed !
I tried last year Custom X 154cm that was a bit too stiff to be ridden 6hours a day for 6 days in a row (what I do while in vacations). But it felt really stable and precise and this Ollie pop, can’t take it out of my mind …
on Burton site I’m on a 150 or 154…
Many thanks I love your site !
Hi Dam’s
Thanks for your message.
I think the 150 is the best fit for your specs. Depends somewhat on what you’re used to riding too though. If you’ve always ridden 154+ boards, then 154 would work. But purely based on your specs I’d say go 150.
Hope this helps
Then if I’m 5’7″ for 160lb 154cm suited perfect for me?
Ciao from Italy!
Hi Luca
Thanks for your message.
Yeah I would say the 154 would be a good bet for you. I would be weighing up between the 154 and 156, but I would be leaning towards the 154 for you, assuming that it’s appropriate for your boot size.
Thank you so much my friend!
My boot size is between 8 and 9. I have had one custom in 2010 camber 156, but now I’d be curious to ride the new custom camber 154, but I’m afraid at high speed she will be…a little unstable?
Hi Luca
Thanks for the extra info. Certainly going a little shorter will be less stable at speed. But subtly so when you’re talking 2cm. Noticeable but subtly. So, I would say it will feel unstable for your specs, but it will feel slightly less stable, subtly, vs the 156. Slightly less float in powder too. But subtly more buttery, more maneuverable and in general easier to throw around. With your boot size, I would be leaning 154, but it depends on whether you’re comfortable loosing a small amount of stability.
Very helpful my friend! Thank you so much! Ciao!
You’re very welcome Luca. Happy riding!