Hello and welcome to my Burton Free Thinker snowboard review.
In this review, I will take a look at the Free Thinker as an aggressive all-mountain-freestyle snowboard.
As per tradition here at SnowboardingProfiles.com I will give the Free Thinker a score out of 100 (based on several factors) and see how it compares with other aggressive all-mountain-freestyle snowboards.
Overall Rating
Board: Burton Free Thinker
Price: $639
Style: Aggressive All-Mountain-Freestyle
Flex Rating: Medium-Stiff
Flex Feel on Snow: Medium bordering on medium-stiff (6.5/10)
Rating Score: 93.2/100
Compared to other Men’s Aggressive All-Mountain-Freestyle Boards
Out of the 15 men’s aggressive all-mountain-freestyle snowboards that I rated:
Overview of the Free Thinker’s Specs
Check out the tables for the Free Thinker’s specs and available sizes.
Specs
Style: | Aggressive All-Mountain-Freestyle |
Price: | $639 |
Ability Level: |  |
Flex: |  |
Feel: |  |
Smooth/Snappy: |  |
Dampness: |  |
Playful/Aggressive: |  |
Edge-hold: |  |
Camber Profile: | |
Shape: | |
Setback Stance: | Centered |
Base: | Sintered |
Weight: | Lighter than normal |
Camber Height: | 11mm |
Sizing
LENGTH (cm) | Waist Width (mm) | Rec Rider Weight (lb) | Rec Rider Weight (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|
150 | 246 | 120-180 | 54-82 |
154 | 248 | 120-180 | 54-82 |
157 | 252 | 150-200 | 68-91 |
160 | 255 | 180-260+ | 82-118+ |
157W | 260 | 150-200 | 68-91 |
160W | 263 | 180-260+ | 82-118+ |
Who is the Free Thinker Most Suited To?
The Free Thinker is best suited to either someone who likes to go big in the park for jumps (and would be really good in a pipe too) and want nice pop and something that can really stomp landings. But at the same time something that isn't so overpowering that you can't cruise on it, when you feel the need.
Or you might be the kind of rider that likes to carve and bomb the groomers, ride switch, throw in some sidehits and spins and do the occasional park lap.
It's not for playful freestyle riding and takes some effort to butter, but it's not oppressively demanding either - and it's certainly not for the powder. But outside of that, this board is one that can take on pretty much everything and is super fun doing it.
The Free Thinker in More Detail
O.k. let’s take a more detailed look at what the Free Thinker is capable of.
Demo Info
Board: Burton Free Thinker 2023, 157cm (252mm waist width)
Date: March 23, 2022
Conditions
Raining and quite heavily too.
Temperature was around 3°C (37°F) - and -2°C (28°F) with wind chill, so quite warm - certainly too warm for snow!
24 snow: 0" (0cm)
48 snow: 0" (0cm)
7 day snow: 28" (71cm)
On groomer: Soft packed to start but well groomed but already a little slushy in the morning, then got progressively slushier with the rain.
Off groomer: Lumpy! Some softer slushy/left over sticky pow and a little crunchy elsewhere. A real mess but still not actually not terrible, surprisingly.
Set Up
Bindings angles: +15/-15
Stance width: 560mm (22″)
Stance Setback: Centered
Width at Inserts: 264mm (10.39")
Rider Height: 6'0"
Rider Weight: 180lbs
Rider Boot Size: US10 Adidas Tactical ADV
Bindings Used: Burton Malavita M
Weight: 2680grams (5lb 14oz)
Weight per cm: 17.07 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. The Free Thinker was a good bit lighter than the average board and you could feel it on snow too.
Changes for 2023 model
On the face of it there appears to be no changes made to this board. Like, as in, on paper, it looks identical, apart from the graphic. But it seems to have changed personality quite a bit. It feels softer, lighter, snappier and more accessible to more riders.
Previously it was more burly, had less snap and was more of a beast to ride. Now, IMO, it has found a really nice balance of still being a high performance, aggressive board, but one that feels more natural and easier to ride.
Powder
There was nothing on the day, but from all the slush and from the specs of the board, the Free Thinker wouldn't float very well in deep powder.
It's a full camber, true twin, centered stance board. Not much going for it in terms of powder float.
Carving & Turning
Carving: One of the best, if not the best, twin carvers going around. Really nice on a carve and just really fun to carve with this board.
Ease of turns/Slashing: This was one of the biggest surprises with this board. Turn initiation was pretty easy and you could slash with this board too. Given the camber and flex, I wasn't expecting it to be this good and wasn't this good the last time I rode it.
Maneuverability at slow speeds: Again, surprised how much better this was in terms of agility at slower speeds than the previous model. Not like up there with the most maneuverable at slow speeds or anything but really decent.
Skidded Turns: Again this was an area that surprised me. Felt less catchy than the last time I rode it. That said, it's still not completely catch-free - some catchiness there if you get particularly lazy. But more forgiving of skidded turns than I remember it.
Speed
Despite getting easier to ride slow, the Free Thinker didn't appear to lose anything at speed. If I had to choose I'd say the older model was a little more stable at speed, but not much in it.
Uneven Terrain
Crud/Chunder: Did a good job of smashing through messy snow. What we had on the day was very soft, slushy stuff, so it didn't take much to smash through, but the board does have a good bit of power, despite being less burly than the previous models, so I imagine it would do pretty well at smashing through harder crud as well.
Trees/Bumps: Whilst it's not lightning edge-to-edge at slower speeds, it's still decent and certainly capable of short/sharp turns. If there was powder in the trees, then it may not fear so well, as I feel this board would sink fairly easily in powder.
Let’s Break up this text with a Video
The Freethinker starts at around 3:22
Jumps
In a word - perfection!
Pop: Loads of pop. And no surprise when I measured 11mm of camber. And there's a good bit of that pop that's pretty easy access too. And then when you wind it up, it gives back even more.
Approach: Perfect balance of being stable on faster approaches but having the maneuverability and guile to make corrections or speed checks when necessary.
Landing: You can seriously stomp landings on this board. But when you get it a bit wrong it's not too punishing either. I could hit jumps all day long on this thing.
Side-hits: Really fun. It's light, has enough easy access pop, with more on tap when you need it, and has decent maneuverability and forgiveness on landings.
Small jumps/Big jumps: Everything really. Great for bigger jumps, but does just as well on small jumps. The perfectly balanced jump board, IMO.
Switch
Felt really good riding switch. Which is no surprise being a true twin. But what was a little surprising, and an improvement on previous models, was transitioning into switch. It's not completely catch-free, but it's not as catchy as it was or than I expected it to be.
Spins
Given how it rides switch, how light it is and how much pop it has, it goes without saying that this board was really good to spin.
Jibbing
This is one of the weaker points of the board. But that said, it's still, IMO, an area where this board has improved. It's more maneuverable at slow speeds for setup - and that easy pop helps for popping onto rails etc. It doesn't feel super confidence inspiring when on the jib, but for experienced jibbers shouldn't be an issue.
Butters
You've got to muscle this board to press the tip and tail. Gotta put some good weight behind it. This was an area where you do really feel the stiffer than average flex. When riding this board slow, you don't really notice it. But when buttering and when riding faster, you do start to feel that stiffer flex come in. So not an easy board to butter, but doable - and the nose and tail feel exactly the same.
Score Breakdown and Final Verdict
Check out the breakdown of the score in the table below.
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
JUMPS | 5.0 | 20/20 |
SPEED | 4.0 | 16/20 |
CARVING | 4.0 | 12/15 |
TURNS/SLASHING | 4.0 | 4/5 |
SWITCH | 4.5 | 9/10 |
SPINS | 4.5 | 9/10 |
CRUD/CHUNDER | 4.0 | 4/5 |
TREES/BUMPS | 3.5 | 3.5/5 |
BUTTERS | 2.5 | 2.5/5 |
POWDER | 2.0 | 2/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 93.2/100 |
The Free Thinker reminded me a lot of the Burton Paramount of old. A little stiffer than that was, but not by too much. But that same poppy, snappy, lively, yet at the same time powerful personality.
The Free Thinker feels a lot more accessible than it used to be - less stiff, less burly and easier to ride and more forgiving of poor technique (to an extent). But don't mistake that for it being dumbed down - it's still a powerful board, but now, IMO, strikes a better balance between power, snappiness, aggressiveness and ease of ride.
More Info, Current Prices and Where to Buy Online
If you’re interested in learning more about the Free Thinker, are ready to buy or want to research current prices or availability, check out the links below.
If you’d like to see how the Free Thinker compares to other aggressive all-mountain-freestyle boards or want to check out other options, check out the next link.
Hi Nate,
Thanks for your review and articles, they are really helpful to me in understanding how snowboarding gears!
I am a 22-year-old male with US8 boots, 170 cm in height and 86 kg in weight. I am an intermediate rider that loves riding on piste and going to try some off-piste this year. I love riding fast and doing short turns and trying to learn to carve, dolphin turns, dynamic turns etc. I love all the riding skills, do freestyle skills such as butter, go on side hits and wanna do more trees this year.
I ride a nitro team pro-2022 152 with team biding and dc judge shoe, and now my weight has gone up from 75 kg to 86 kg and needs another board. I am looking for another board to ride, I am happy to try out many things and I got three boards on my list:
Ride Warpig 2022/2023 151cm I heard they are fun to ride and I wanna try out something new
Freethinker 2023 154 cm
Yes Basic 2023 153cm
I need some thoughts on them!
Hi Adam
Thanks for your message.
That’s a pretty diverse range of boards, there, IMO. But I think size-wise, you’re looking good with those options.
Warpig: Not one that I was that taken with, but it’s one of those polarizing boards. Some really like it, some really dislike it. That said, I haven’t ridden it in a good while, but I did ride the Twinpig recently and had similar feelings about that. It’s a tricky one sizing-wise. I think for your weight, I wouldn’t want to go shorter than 151, but it is a really wide board and for 8s, it’s really wide, IMO, so in some ways, I’d even want to size down a little more, but then I think it’s getting too short for your weight. For reference, I would put your “typical all-mountain length” at around 157/158, but given your boot size, I would size down from that in most cases.
Basic: I think the sizing works fine here, but it’s quite a soft flexing board in my experience. Quite playful and whilst it’s not terrible for carving, it’s not great for carving either, particularly when getting into higher speed carves. And not super stable at higher speeds either. I think you’d like miss the stability with this compared to your Team.
Freethinker: I think this is the ticket for what you’re describing. It’s a good carver and good at speed, particularly for a twin – and in the 154, I think it’s the best size for you too. And it’s something that’s also good for shorter/sharper turns, so I really like this option for you and would go for this over the other 2 in your list, personally.
Hope this helps with your decision
Thanks for your reply Nate, appreciate it!
Just wondering what about the Yes standard, me personally somehow leaning towards having standard as #1, as it is more all-rounded board and it is also considered a “volume shifted” board. I am not a park rat, so I did not put freethinker in the #1 and how do these boards perform in pow? I was interested at warping as it seems like a fun board but it also makes me torn in between these different snowboard, they all belong to different categories.
I think it’s better to listen to your ideas as you have ridden much more boards.
I’m located at AU, now I can get Warpig for $630 AUD, Standard for $680 AUD and freethinker for $720 AUD haha!
SORRY, Nate, It was Yes standard, not basic (Cant believe I made that mistake when typing)
Hi Adam
Ah, that makes more sense now. I should have clicked when I saw Basic “153” as the Basic doesn’t have a 153.
And I agree, I think the Standard is a really good option for what you’re describing. It’s a good all-round board and will be better in powder/off-piste vs the Free Thinker. Not as good in terms of pop/jumps, but it is more all-rounder.
The Free Thinker is the worst of the 3 for powder for sure. The Warpig and Standard both decent in powder.
Size-wise for the Standard I think the 153 could work. The debate would be between the 153 and 151. It’s also a wider board, but it’s certainly not as wide as the Warpig. But the 153 Standard is wider than the 154 Free Thinker. I think I would be leaning the 153 for you, but the 151 would also be an option.
Hi Nate,
Thanks so much for your reply, It is currently 4:05 AM in Melbourne and I am writing my take-home exam. Seeing this reply keeps me awake having people talking to me haha!
Yeah, I am torn between Freethinker and Standard, Warpig is just a novel category of the playful board that I wanna ride but eventually will have to come back and find a board for my progression. Still deciding … Good morning and I am going back to write my assignment, BTW whats your favourite between those two?
Hey Adam
Before I rode the new Free Thinker, I would have said Standard, but after riding the new Free Thinker, I think I prefer that, if we’re talking generally riding groomers, sidehits etc and riding the park. However, if I could only have one board in my quiver, I would take the Standard, because it’s more versatile. For powder days, I would want the Standard over the Free Thinker. And whilst the Free Thinker is still decent in hard/icy conditions, the Standard is better there in my experience, so I’d like it for that. If I was looking at a 2 board quiver, then I’d take the Free Thinker over the Standard and have another board in the quiver that’s strong in powder to compliment it – and sacrifice the extra icy edge hold (I don’t get icy conditions a lot where I am). Hope that explains it.
Good luck with your exam!
Hi Nate,
Finished my exam, the first on-campus written one since 2019! Went to ask the snowboard store, but the Yes standard was sold out :(. There is a standard UNINC in 153 CM, but I think it would be something similar to my Team Pro. SIGHHHHHHHHHHH
Hi Adam
Glad you’ve gotten the exam done!
That’s annoying. Yeah, whilst they’re certainly not the same boards as each other, the Standard Uninc and Team Pro are very similar types of boards.
Hey Nate,
The season is coming so now another shop is also on discount which gives me more choice. Would you recommend Yes Typo and Libtech terrain wrecker (It’s the top 2 choices for your intermediate snowboard and I am intermediate). If yes, please recommend the size of them, thanks!
Freethinker is still on my top list, I am hesitating about getting 23 or the 24 version, both are 20% off!
Hi Adam
With the Typo and TW, you’re taking a step down for carving, IMO, but otherwise very good options for what you’re looking for. They’re on the more playful side than the likes of the Standard and Freethinker but they’re not as playful and better on a carve than the Basic, in my experience. So they’re kind of in between the Standard and Basic in that sense. The Typo and TW are different feeling boards too, though. The TW is a little looser feeling, with the Typo a little more stable feeling.
In terms of the Freethinker, either the ’23 or ’24 – as far as I can tell they haven’t changed it for the ’24 model. Prior models were stiffer/more aggressive, but the ’23 model was made snappier, easier to ride, more accessible for intermediate level riders, IMO.
Hi Nate! Thanks so much for your reviews, I’ve been learning a lot reading them.
I’m a level 5 intermediate according to your scale, I want to buy my own gear for the first time and I’m struggling with the decision. I live in south america and we don’t have much variety to choose from, I have the option to buy only Burton products at the moment. I want a board that I can grow into so I can avoid having to sell it and buy another one next season, but at the same time that it doesn’t slow my progress too much.
I’m 5,7” and weight 156lbs
My options are:
Freethinker 154/157
Instigator Flat Top 155
Custom X 156
Capita Outerspace Living 154/156 (the store told me they would get it but it’s not in stock atm)
I’m planning to pair it with Ruler StepOn Boots 9US, and Step On® Re:Flex bindings
I would really appreciate your help in the matter!
Hi Martin
Thanks for your message.
I would go either Freethinker 154 or OSL 154. You will grow out of the Instigator very quickly – in fact at a level 5 intermediate you’re likely already beyond it. The Custom X is too much board, IMO, it’s really an advanced to expert board – not to mention that the 156 is on the bigger side for your specs, which would make it even more challenging. It’s not huge for your specs or anything, but taking into account the stiffness and technical nature of the board, I’d say it would be big a step.
Between the Freethinker and the OSL, the OSL would be the board you would be more likely the quickest to grow out of, with the Freethinker being slightly more challenging to ride to start with, but not so challenging that it should be beyond you or anything. The OSL is better in powder and it’s easier to butter, but for most other things I’d prefer the Freethinker.
Size-wise, I would put your “typical all-mountain size” at around 155. So for the Freethinker I would go 154, rather than 157. For the OSL, you could go either 154 or 156, but I’d be leaning 154.
Hope this helps with your decision
Thanks Peter! It’s really helpful. What’s your opinion on going to StepOn tech? Would you advice differently?
Hi Martin
Apologies for the slow response. I just had a much needed technology-free long weekend.
I like Step Ons. I probably wouldn’t go to them permanently personally as I like to have a bit more freedom of movement and they do really lock your boots into your bindings more so than with strap bindings. But if you want that easy entry and really good toe-to-heel response, then they are a good option. They would be a better flex match with the Freethinker than the OSL, IMO.
Hi Nate,
Thanks for the reviews.
I’m an experienced intermediate who enjoys riding the whole mountain. Off piste, spins off side hits, learning to carve properly, love bombing down the mountain, sometimes medium jumps in park, but not too bothered about rails. I love riding powder, but we don’t often get much in Europe. Been riding a Burton Trick Pilot 158. I want something a tad more playful/lighter than that. Can’t decide between Deep Thinker, Free Thinker, Custom or Lib Tech TRS.
I’m 5’ 10”, weigh 74kg , size 10 us.
Your wisdom is much appreciated! Thanks.
Hi Joel
Thanks for your message. If you were getting more powder, then I’d be leaning more Deep Thinker, but given what you’re describing and with powder scarce I’d be leaning Free Thinker or TRS. Custom would work too, but the Freethinker is a little lighter/snappier and I think it would be the better of those 2 options.
Size-wise I think you good around that 158 mark. Specifically for the Free Thinker and TRS I would go 157.
Hope this helps with your decision
Thanks Nate. To give you a better idea…out of 20 days riding had 3 to 4 days of powder this year. For that kind of ratio would you still choose the Free Thinker over Deep Thinker? I guess 80% of the time I’m not riding pow and free thinker is gonna be best option for regular resort riding?
Hi Joel
If those 3-4 days of powder are like knee deep or more kind of powder, then I’d be more inclined to go Deep Thinker. Would be worth it then, I think. If it’s typically only ever ankle deep or that kind of thing, then I’d lean more Free Thinker as you won’t notice the difference as much if the powder isn’t super deep.
What boot would you recommend for this paired with the cartel x est.. debating between the rulers and photons but really open to any suggestions. I’m nervous that I’ll lose board feel in the photons but not sure how much they differ from the rulers in that regard. Mostly riding groomers and trees. Thanks for the help and love the reviews!
Hi Jonah
Thanks for your message.
I think the Photons would be the better match. Nothing noticeable in terms of board feel loss, in my experience, and you’ll get better carving performance – and overall a better flex match to that setup, IMO.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate,
Thanks for your review. I am deciding between Nitro Team Camber or Free Thinker. I am looking for a board that I can ride in steep slopes and make short radius turns more easily. Also I prefer to ride in trees and moguls. Which of the two do you recommend more or if you have a better option?
Hi Jonah
Thanks for your message.
Both would work for what you’re describing, IMO I found both were pretty good at making shorter radius turns. Though if I had to say I’d say the Free Thinker turns a little sharper.
Hi Nate,
Thanks so much for your reviews, I have been poring over them and am deciding between the Yes Standard Uninc (highly recommended by you and many others) and the Free Thinker (the 2023 is barely reviewed by anyone so far). And possibly the Yes Basic uninc.
I am 5’10.5″, 180 lbs., size 10 boots. I am primarily riding in Vermont.
Are both boards the same speed in a straight line (156 Uninc vs 157 Free Thinker)? Which is quicker edge-to-edge? Do they have the same slashing ability? Will the Free Thinker’s ice/hard snow riding be sufficient in Vermont if I am careful with ice patches? Do you think the Basic Uninc outshines the Free Thinker in any way (if you’ve ridden it)?
Thanks again
Hi Drooz
Thanks for your message.
In terms of straight line speed, if I had to say, it’s probably the Free Thinker but really close. And in terms of stability at speed, if I had to say then it would be Standard Uninc over FT, but again very little in it.
Edge-to-edge again very close. If I had to choose it would be FT, but again really close.
Both boards slash turns easier than I expected. They’re not slash kings but you can slash pretty easy on them – and couldn’t really tell between them which would be better than the other.
I haven’t ridden in Vermont, but generally speaking for icy conditions, the Standard Uninc is going to be better, IMO. That said, I didn’t really get icy conditions on the Free Thinker, but from the feel of it, I think it would still be decent, but based on other similar Burton boards not going to be as good as the Standard Uninc. But I think it would be good enough as to not be a deal breaker.
The only area I preferred the Basic Uninc was for buttering. It was easier to press/butter. That and maybe also a little better in icy conditions. But for everything else, I preferred the Free Thinker or felt them the same.
Hope this gives you more to go off
Hey, thanks for the reviews.
I currently have the free thinker (2019) and the K2 Lien AT. I wonder if I should get the Cartel EST as a Binding? Or should the K2 be sufficient. Unfortunately I have no experience with the Channel system so I would appreciate your advice.
Hi Paul
Thanks for your message.
I would personally go with an EST binding on the Free Thinker. EST with the Channel works really well, IMO, so that’s what I’d do if I bought the Free Thinker. And the Cartel is a good match too, IMO. You could also match up with the Cartel X EST or Malavita EST. That said, the Lien AT is a good match as well, so if you wanted to stick with that, that’s also a good choice. If I had the choice I’d go EST but if it’s easier to just hold onto the Lien AT that definitely works with that board too.
Hope this helps
Hey, I love your reviews for everything, appreciate all the time that goes into them! I was curious which board you think would be a better choice. I trying to decide between the free thinker, Rider’s choice, or the Greats Uninc. I want a board that I can take to the park for mostly jumps, but also prefer something with some speed and carving ability. I’d prefer something stable but still can get a little aggressive at times. I’m not much of a switch, but probably spend more time learning. This will mostly be my main board for hitting resorts, so want something that can do everything. Also I have size 11 boot, trying to decide between wide or regular. I’m 5’11 190lb, I was thinking 156 to 158, unless you think other wise for these boards?
Thank you
Hi Ridge
Thanks for your message.
If you’re everything involves relatively deep powder, then I’d be leaning Rider’s Choice (assuming you’re looking at the C2X model) as it’s a little better in powder. But it’s not as good on a carve as the other two. If you only ever really see shallow powder or don’t tend to go in powder much or at all, then I’d be leaning Free Thinker or Greats, with the Freethinker being a little stiffer/more aggressive.
Size-wise, I’d look at the following for your specs, taking into account how you like to ride (i.e. getting a balance between par and speed/carving):
– Free Thinker 157W – I think you’d need to go wide with this one. The regular 157 would be a little too narrow for 11s, especially if you like to carve fairly deep
– YES Greats 156 – this is wider than normal at the inserts and is very similar at the inserts to the 157W Free Thinker, even though it’s narrower at the waist. You could also go 159 for this one, but the combination of width and length and the fact that it’s the type of board you typically size down a little for, makes the 159 a little on the big side for you, IMO. Doable, but I’d be leaning 156.
– GNU Rider’s Choice 158W. This is the widest of all of them, but opposite to the Greats, the width at inserts is less than what you’d expect from the waist width. You would be looking at around 276mm at the inserts versus the 268mm waist width (compared to 273mm at inserts on the Greats with the 259mm waist width) – but still wider overall than the rest.
I would be erring Free Thinker or Greats in terms of sizing – I think they’re better sizes. The Rider’s Choice just a little on the wide side. Still doable for 11s for sure, but I think the others are more optimal. However, the Rider’s Choice is better for powder, so that’s a consideration as well.
Hope this helps with your decision
Great review.
Curious how the 2023 compares to the 2021 I just bought.
As you said you noticed a difference in previous models, does that include the most recent years?
I’m intermediate/advanced and got really comfortable last year with my 2021 deep thinker but want to ride more switch in hard pack and figured I’d go the FT route.
I learned early last year the DT did not leave much room for day dreaming in motion so expect the same here. Between the 2023 FT and 2021 FT would you say it’s closer than say the 2018 model? Was that one less forgiving than both?
Hi Kas
Thanks for your message.
I couldn’t say for sure, having not tested the 2021 Free Thinker. Before the 2023 model, I last rode the 2018 model. It hasn’t really changed much since the 2018 model, but I figured it had been enough time, even without changes to re-test it. Given that the 2023 model was that much different, without any official changes, it’s possible the 2021 is a bit different to the 2018 model. However, from what I understand/hear, is that the biggest change took place for the 2023 model. So, I imagine that the 2021 model will be more similar to the 2018 model, than the 2023 model.
How does the Freethinker compare to the Endeavor Pioneer?
Thanks
Hi Brandon
Thanks for your message.
In my experience between the 2 boards I found:
– The Free Thinker is stiffer (6.5/10 flex vs 4/10 flex on the Pioneer)
– Pioneer more of a stable, even bordering on marginally looser than stable feel vs a semi-locked in feel on the Free Thinker
– Both really good for jumps, but the Free Thinker handles bigger jumps a bit better, IMO
– Free Thinker better for speed/carving
– Pioneer was easier to butter and a little easier to manage when riding slower
A couple of things to note for this comparison. I haven’t ridden the Pioneer since the 2020 model and can’t say for sure it hasn’t changed a little since then. As far as I know it’s pretty similar, but have undergone some subtle changes. Also note that I rode the 154 in the Pioneer and the 157 in the Free Thinker.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate,
Awesome review and always appreciate the thoroughness and input in helping everyone make the right choice.
I’m more or less settled on the Burton Freethinker but just wanted to see if I could please get your second opinion based on my stats and riding preference below that this is still the right board for me ?
Height: 172 cm
Boots: US 9 Burtons
Weight: 85-90 kg (trying to lose weight before the coming season :P)
Experience: Intermediate-Advanced Rider (70-80 days of riding)
Riding preference to get out of board: Getting deeper carves, getting more confidence with bigger jumps and integrating spins, hit more side hits, try few more freestyle tricks. I really love going on powder and the surfy feel but I already have an Orca for that, so not really a need for this other board.
I’ve considered and looked at the Never Summer ProtoSlinger, Capita Ultrafear/DOA, and the Bataleon Evil Twin.
Could you please also let me know whether the 154 or 157 are the correct sizes to consider and which would be better between the two based on the above?
Thank you
Hi David
Thanks for your message.
Based on what you’re describing, I think the Free Thinker could certainly work for you. Note that it’s a board you’ve got to ride a little more aggressively than the likes of the Proto Slinger, Ultra Fear and Evil Twin, which are more playful boards. It’s a little more aggressive than the DOA too – but that’s in turn a bit more aggressive than the others. For carving, the Free Thinker is going to be your best bet for getting deeper carves, IMO – and it’s going to help with bigger jumps too. It’s not going to be as good as the likes of the Proto Slinger/Ultrafear for the likes of jibs or more creative/playful freestyle riding, but is better for bigger jumps, IMO – and still really good for smaller jumps and sidehits too. It takes a bit of muscling to butter though compared to those other more playful options.
So yeah, I think if you’re focus is mostly carving/bigger jumps/sidehits, rather than butters/jibs, then I would be leaning Free Thinker.
Size-wise, both are options for sure. For those carves and bigger jumps, I would be leaning 157. And that would be a closer proximity to your all-mountain size. But using it as a freestyle board you could size down if you wanted, so the 154 is in play as well. Sizing to the 154 would make it a little more playful than it would be in the 154. This is based on weight at 85kg.
Hope this helps
Hi Chris, I am currently looking to buy either the deep thinker or free thinker. I am not much of a park rider and snowboard in the Tahoe area. So Sierra cement or ice is what I am used to. For that reason, I am leaning towards the Free Thinker but my style of snowboarding more wants the Deep thinker as I prefer carving and big turns over the park. I am also curious what size board you would recommend, or if any other boards would more suit what I am looking for.
Personal Stats:
Height: 6,3
Weight: 175
Boot: 12
Hi Jonah
Thanks for your message.
I would say probably the Deep Thinker based on what you’re describing. However, the Free Thinker is still pretty good for carving and bombing (not quite deep thinker, but close), so if you weren’t concerned about powder performance, then the Free Thinker is still an option. If you get into powder fairly regularly and it’s often deeper than a few inches, then I would go Deep Thinker.
Size-wise, I would say probably 157W. But 160W is certainly doable as well, particularly if you’re looking to maximize stability at speed, powder float and big long turns.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate,
Many thanks for all the reviews and articles. I’m looking for a new board (actually a complementary one) and your work has been a great help!
I plan on ordering the Free Thinker that seams to match my needs. However I wonder which size would fit best since I am quite light for my height and foot size.
Below my very personal 😉 sizes chart:
-height : 180 cm
-weight : 68 kg
-foot size : 28 cm
-boot size : 31 cm – 43,5 EU – 10,5 US (Northwave Domain)
According to Burton’s recommended weight range, I fall exactly in the middle of the 154 board. According to you charts regarding board length this seams to be a good choice too.
But I wonder if my feet will not be too long for this board (in 154 waist width is given to be 248 mm).
Then, considering waist width, perfect size would probably be 157 (252 mm) or 157W (260) (if I look at your other very interesting work of board width, thanks again!). But of course, weight range do not seem right (68-91 kg).
Considering all this, what would be your choice? Reading all your articles make me think that it is much more important to be in the right weight range than width range. Also because having a good pop is some kind of priority for me regarding this new board (much more than the ability to carve aggressively).
Or would you choose a completely different board ? (But it I think I will have the same problem with other boards since it is mainly due to me being too light for my height and foot size).
Thanks!
EDIT : And I forgot the important information that I ride +15/-15
Hi Leo
Thanks for your message and apologies for the slow response. Having been having technical difficulties with the website all day. Thankfully (hopefully) seems to be all good now.
Yeah I agree that going 157 or 157W is a little long for this particular board for your specs, particularly if it’s going to be a board that you predominantly ride freestyle and are more focused on pop and not speed/aggressive carving. And 154 I think is spot on, length-wise.
The width, like you say, is the biggest concern. I would estimate the width at inserts on the 154 to be around 258-260mm (didn’t measure it when I rode this one, but based on other similar Burton boards. That would mean roughly 5-5.2cm of total boot overhang (given your 31cm boot) – or 2.5-2.6cm per edge (assuming perfect boot centering). This is also assuming straight across the board – with +15/-15 angles, that gives you more leeway. With those numbers, if you’re not going to be really railing your carves, I think you get away with it.
But if you were really worried about that width, some similar boards with wide sizes in smaller lengths that you could check out are:
– Capita Super DOA 155W
– Ride Burnout 154W
Hope this helps
I’m having trouble deciding on the Burton Free thinker 2021 & the Salomon Assassin 2021.
I’m an intermediate rider looking for a twin board I can learn switch while hitting jumps and of course riding back side of the mountain without being buried in snow and not losing speed.
Hi Chris
Thanks for your message.
I would say Assassin, based on what you’re describing. A. because it’s a better option for an intermediate level, IMO and B. because it’s a little better in deeper snow than the Free Thinker, IMO. The Free Thinker is a closer equivalent to the Assassin Pro, IMO – though certainly still different to the Assassin Pro as well.
Hope this helps
Hi! Will 157 fits the boots 11 US ?
Which size of boots you have?
Hi Anton
I ride 10s. Width was fine for me, but could be pushing it with 11s.
If you’ve got low profile boots and riding with angles like +15/-15, then I think you’d get away with it, if you don’t carve that aggressively. But if you like to carve quite deep/aggressive – which is something you probably want to be doing with this particular board – then I think even then it’s probably too narrow.
So yeah, in most scenarios, I would say 157W is the better bet for you.
Hope this helps
Hey, thanks for your detailed review about the free thinker. I’m having a difficult time deciding between the free or deep thinker. I’m looking for a board that I can carve well with and go into some powder runs, but also would like to spend a day or two in the park and practising my switch riding. Which one would you recommend in this case? I currently have a lobster parkboard as my only board but if I travel I will most likely bring one of the thinkers.
Thanks!
Hi Sunny
Thanks for your message.
Tough call. The Free Thinker will go better in the park and be considerably better for switch, but the Deep Thinker considerably better in powder. Similar for carving/speed. So I would say it comes down to park, switch and powder. If you’re in powder quite a bit and the park not that much (when travelling), then I would go Deep Thinker. But if you like to ride a fair bit of park, even when travelling, then the Free Thinker might be the best bet – you’ll just have to work harder on powder days, to keep afloat. Setting it back on powder days would help with that, but it still won’t be a free flowing board in powder, IMO. Since you have the Lobster for park, for when not travelling, if you don’t spend that much time in the park when away, then I think the Deep Thinker would allow you to have a board for powder days, whether home or away.
Hope this gives you more to go off for your decision
Thanks for the review, a lot of helpful info.
Right now I am torn between a Custom X and the Free Thinker. Love to ride fast, hard, dig into my turns, but I also like to hit the natural features throw some grabs just have a fun time. I like to ride switch throughout parts of a run too. I need some thoughts on it.
Thanks
Hi Vittorio
Thanks for your message.
The Custom X is going to be that little bit better for speed and carving, but the Free Thinker better for when you want to ride switch and hit natural features. But it’s still really good for speed and carving. It’s a tough call, but I think the Free Thinker would be the better option all-round for what you’re describing.
Hope this helps