Hello and welcome to my Burton Custom Camber review.
In this review, I will take a look at the Custom as an aggressive all-mountain snowboard.
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 aggressive all-mountain snowboards.
Overall Rating
Board: Burton Custom Camber 2023
Price: $659
Style: Aggressive All-Mountain
Flex Rating: Medium
Flex Feel on Snow: Medium bordering on Medium-Stiff (6.5/10)
Rating Score: 84.7/100
Compared to other Men’s Aggressive All-Mountain Boards
Out of the 19 men’s aggressive all-mountain snowboards that I rated:
Overview of the Custom Camber’s Specs
Check out the tables for the Custom Camber’s specs and available sizes.
Specs
Style: | Aggressive All-Mountain |
Price: | $659 |
Ability Level: |  |
Flex: |  |
Feel: |  |
Chattery/Damp: |  |
Smooth/Snappy: |  |
Playful/Aggressive: |  |
Edge-hold: |  |
Camber Profile: | |
Shape: | |
Setback Stance: | Setback 12.5mm (0.5") |
Base: | Sintered (Burton's "Sintered WFO") |
Weight: | Felt normal |
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 |
154W | 258 | 120-180 | 54-82 |
156 | 252 | 150-200 | 68-91 |
158 | 254 | 150-200 | 68-91 |
158W | 262 | 150-200 | 68-91 |
162 | 256 | 180-260+ | 82-118+ |
162W | 264 | 180-260+ | 82-118+ |
166W | 266 | 180-260+ | 82-118+ |
170W | 270 | 180-260+ | 82-118+ |
Who is the Custom Camber Most Suited To?
The Custom is best suited to someone looking for a full camber ride that is aggressive when you want it to be but nothing that's oppressively stiff or so aggressive that you have to ride it hard all the time.
It's capable in most areas of the mountain. Won't do super well in deep powder, but good enough in moderate powder to be a one-board-quiver, or if you tend to see deep powder and have another board for powder, then this could be your daily driver on non-powder days.
Stands out for jumps. Getting this thing airborne is a real thrill and laying down carves is a close second standout for this board.
Not for beginners, but an intermediate rider with solid technique should be fine - and anyone up to an expert rider can really enjoy and rip this board.
The Custom Camber in More Detail
O.k. let’s take a more detailed look at what the Custom Camber is capable of.
Demo Info
Board: Burton Custom Camber 2023, 158cm (254mm waist width)
Date: March 22, 2022
Conditions
Raining. Visibility wasn't unlimited, but wasn't terrible either.
Temperature: Warm. 36°F (2°C) in the morning. Up to 39°F (4°C). No wind chill.
24hr snow: 0.8" (2cm)
48hr snow: 18" (45cm)
7 day snow: 29" (74cm)
On groomer: Soft pack to slushy. Well groomed to start but even at start could feel it a little slushy. Progressively slushier over day.
Off groomer: Plenty of fresh snow around, but it was heavy and sticky and lumpy, so not great.
Set Up
Bindings angles: +15/-15
Stance width: 560mm (22″)
Stance Setback: 12.5mm (0.5")
Width at Inserts: 265mm (10.43") at front insert and 267mm (10.51") at back insert.
Tester: Nate
Rider Height: 6'0"
Rider Weight: 180lbs
Rider Boot Size: US9.5 Adidas Tactical ADV
Bindings Used: Burton Malavita M
Weight: 3060grams (6lbs 12oz)
Weight per cm: 17.64 grams/cm
Average Weight per cm: 19.37 grams/cm*
Average Weight per cm: 18.59 grams/cm*
*based on a sample size of around 200 models that I’ve weighed in 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 & 2023 models. On the scales the Custom was heavier than normal but on snow it felt normal.
Powder
We had some fresh snow but it was so heavy and sticky it didn't really behave like powder.
But based on specs, the Custom isn't going to be awesome in powder, but not bad either. It's got a bit of setback stance and the nose is longer than the tail. There's no taper and no rocker though. And no 3D edge-tech or anything like that.
Carving
This board is great to carve on. And that's no surprise given all the camber. But yeah, when you get this thing up on edge it's really fun to carve. And it's got that sidecut that's not too deep but not too shallow either, for a good medium carve that's not a point and shoot, but also doesn't want to cut around too sharp, so you can open out into some fairly smooth long, drawn out carves, without being too much of a straight-liner.
Turning
Ease of Turning/Slashes: Always pleasantly surprised with how this board slashes turns. Given all that camber, you would think it would be less willing to release the tail and slash, but it obliges and whilst it's not as effortless or slashy as a looser board, it's pretty good, considering it's flex and camber profile.
Maneuverability at slow speeds: Again, not completely effortless to get this thing doing short sharp turns at slower speeds, but also not a huge amount of effort. And with a little bit of effort it gets going edge-to-edge pretty quickly.
Skidded Turns: For a full camber board, it's not as catchy as you'd think. It's still not super uncatchy, but you can get away with skidded turns for the most part without catching an edge. Can't get too sloppy, but can get a little sloppy.
Speed
Good speed and nice and stable at speeds. Not an out and out bomber like something like it's older brother, the Custom X, but still really decent.
Uneven Terrain
Crud: Smashed through what we had well. But in fairness, whilst we had a lot of messy snow, it was very soft messy snow. But by feel, I'd say it would be pretty good at smashing through harder crud, without being a monster crusher. But it's decently easy to maneuver, so correcting yourself if it did get bucked around should be pretty easy.
Bumps: Felt confident on this board weaving through tight spaces. Whilst that maneuverability doesn't come completely effortlessly, it also doesn't take a heap of effort either. And when you do put in a bit of effort it can transfer edges pretty quick.
Let’s Break up this text with a Video
The Custom starts at around 4:50 in the video.
Jumps
This thing is a lot of fun on jumps. Just so good.
Pop: Plenty of pop and that perfect balance of having a fair bit easy access but more when you wind it up.
Approach: Again a perfect balance of stability and maneuverability.
Landing: Can really stomp a landing on this board - and it's pretty forgiving when you get it wrong too.
Side-hits: Decently maneuverable, decent amount of easy access pop and just all-round fun for sidehits, big and small.
Small jumps/Big Jumps: Everything really. It has enough stability for big jumps, but works fine on small jumps too.
Switch
It's not perfect, but pretty good. And once you get used to the feel of it riding switch, you can ride it pretty aggressively switch when you need to. Transitions to switch are pretty good too. Can't get too sloppy with it, but don't have to be perfect in those transitions either.
Spins
Good setting up and landing switch and good amount of pop with a fair bit easy access. Didn't feel super light, but didn't notice that too much in the air.
Butters
Not super easy to butter. At first it feels like there's less there than there is though. You do have really lean your weight over the tip and tail to get it to press, but it will when you do put that extra effort in.
Score Breakdown and Final Verdict
Check out the breakdown of the score in the table below.
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
SPEED | 4.0 | 20/25 |
CARVING | 4.0 | 16/20 |
TURNS/SLASHING | 4.0 | 4/5 |
JUMPS | 4.5 | 13.5/15 |
POWDER | 2.5 | 7.5/15 |
CRUD/CHUNDER | 3.5 | 7/10 |
TREES/BUMPS | 3.5 | 3.5/5 |
SWITCH | 3.5 | 3.5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 84.7/100 |
The Custom Camber is one of those boards that when you get on it, you feel like you've been riding it for years, after your first couple of turns. And it's just really fun and consistent wherever you take it.
It can handle a certain amount of powder, but would be a little sinky in really deep powder. And whilst an experienced jibber should be able to hit the jibs in the park, a little trickier for those, when you're not as experienced.
But for everything else, this board can handle everything you throw at it, but is also capable and fun when riding it slower as well, so you don't have to be blasting down the hill the whole day. You can get lazy and cruise when you feel the need.
More Info, Current Prices and Where to Buy Online
If you want to learn more about the Custom Camber, or if you are ready to buy, or if you just want to research prices and availability, check out the links below.
If you want to check out some other aggressive all-mountain snowboard options, or if you want to compare how the Custom compares to other aggressive all-mountain snowboards, then check out the next link.
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!