Hello and welcome to my Burton Process Flying V review.
In this review I will take a look at the Process Flying V as an all-mountain snowboard.
As per tradition here at SnowboardingProfiles.com I will give the Process Flying V a score out of 100 (based on several factors) and see how it compares with other all-mountain snowboards.
Overall Rating
Board: Burton Process Flying V
Price: $499 (USD recommended retail)
Style: All-Mountain
Flex: Medium-Soft (4.5/10)
Rating Score: 84.1/100
Compared to other Men’s All-Mountain Boards
Out of the 27 men’s all-mountain snowboards that I rated:
- The average score was 80.9/100
- The highest score was 92.1/100
- The lowest score was 63.4/100
- The average price was $490
- The Process Flying V ranked 9th out of 27
Overview of the Process Flying V’s Specs
Check out the Process Flying V’s specs and available sizes in the charts below.
Specs
| Style | All-Mountain | Flex | Medium-Soft (4.5 out of 10) |
| Ability Level | Beginner to Expert | Feel | Semi-stable |
| Weight | Normal | Turn Initiation | Medium-Fast |
| Camber Profile | Hybrid Rocker (Flying V) | Shape | Directional Twin but basically true twin in terms of flex and shape but with a setback stance |
| Stance Setback | Setback 12.5mm | Edge-hold | Medium snow |
| Price | $479 (USD) | Base | Sintered |
Sizing
| Size (Length) | 152 | 155 | 157 | 157W | 159 | 159W | 162 | 162W |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Waist Width (mm) | 249 | 251 | 252 | 257 | 255 | 260 | 257 | 262 |
| Weight Range (lbs) | 125 - 165 | 135 - 175 | 135 - 175 | 135 - 175 | 145 - 185 | 145 - 185 | 165 - 205 | 165 - 205 |
| Weight Range (kgs) | 57 - 75 | 61-80 | 61-80 | 61-80 | 66 - 84 | 66 - 84 | 75-93 | 75-93 |
Who is the Process Flying V Most Suited to?
The Process Flying V is on the softer side for an all-mountain board. So it’s great for anyone who prefers something more playful than aggressive.
That said you can still get reasonably aggressive with this deck if you feel the need from time to time.
As far as the definition of “all-mountain” goes – this board really is a great all-rounder and has no major weaknesses, so it’s perfect for anyone who wants only one board but needs it to be able to do a bit of everything.
It’s great in the park, it’s great on the trails and it’s got some great float in powder for the backcountry.
This board is suitable for a beginner (not ideal but definitely suitable) and can be enjoyed by the most expert rider too (assuming you’re looking for a playful ride). I wouldn’t say that about too many boards. So, no matter what point you’re at, if you’re looking for something that will stay for you for a long time, this is a great option.
The Process Flying V in More Detail
O.k. let’s take a more detailed look at what the Process Flying V is capable of.
Demo Info
Board: Burton Process Flying V 2017, 157cm (252mm waist width)
Date: April 9, 2016
Conditions: Icy at first, but softened up in the afternoon. Not a cloud in the sky! It was the ideal day – in terms of the weather – except that I forgot my sunscreen!
Bindings angles: +18/-6
Powder
Not a lot of powder on the day but when I found the occasional pocket the float on this board was really quite good. Better than I had expected to be fair.
But thinking about it now, I’m less surprised. It does have a 0.5” (12.5mm) setback and there’s plenty of rocker in the profile.
Carving and Turning
Yes, this board can carve. And it carves about as well and you could expect a board with a softer flex could. In other words, it carves better than you think it would with that flex, but it still doesn’t compare with most stiffer boards.
In terms of turning, this board is really effortless to turn on and was quick from edge to edge.
The edge hold isn’t amazing – it was a board that was a lot more fun to ride in the softer stuff than in the icy stuff – but I wouldn’t expect it from a softer board with a fair bit of rocker in the profile. That said, I think the edge-hold is better on this deck than it used to be now that it has the frost-bit edges.
Speed
There are better boards for breakneck speed, but this board can handle a bit of speed for sure. That’s the thing with an All-Mountain deck, you’ve got to compromise on some things if you want just one board for everything.
But stability at speed isn’t too bad and it runs nicely when you hit a flat-section or slight up-hill. It’s got a sintered base, so that helps (just keep it waxed!)
Let’s Break up this text with a Video
Learn more about some of the Tech aspects of the Process Flying V in the video below.
Uneven Terrain
There was a fair bit of bumpy stuff lower down the mountain the day I rode this board – and I was thankful that I was riding this board. It handled the bumpy stuff really well.
I couldn’t say for sure why, but the softer flex would definitely have played a part and also the hybrid rocker profile probably helped too.
Jumps
Really fun on jumps in the park. It spins easy and has a good bit of pop. Really shines on small to medium jumps (IMHO). Can handle bigger jumps but more fun on the smaller variety.
Really decent pop and that’s partly thanks to that camber in the profile – so you can definitely get some good ollying going on this board or great pop over rollers, side-hits or jumps.
Switch
It has a direction twin shape (but the only thing that makes it not a true twin is the 12.5mm setback. If you set up centered it would be a true twin) and that makes it feel pretty much the same going both ways. Also, because it’s an easy to ride and playful board, it’s easier to ride switch than a more aggressive board if you haven’t mastered riding switch as well as your natural direction (myself included!).
It is setback 12.5mm (0.5”) though and that does make a difference – though not a massive difference.
You could set this up centered and it would be even better at riding switch.
Jibbing
One of the great things about this deck is that it jibs well. A lot of all mountain decks have jibbing as their biggest weakness. Not so with the Process Flying V.
So if you’re after an all-mountain deck that jibs better than your average all mountain snowboard, then this should be at or near the top of your list.
Pipe
Didn’t have access to a pipe that day, but I would say if this board had a weak area, it would be in the pipe. It’s slightly too soft, the edge-hold is not quite up there, and it just didn’t feel like a board that would climb the pipe walls with great conviction.
Of course, if you’re an experienced pipe rider, you could take it in there for sure and have some fun – but I wouldn’t consider it a good pipe board overall.
Changes from 2017 Model
The 2018 model is essentially the same as the 2017 model except for the change in graphic.
Score Breakdown and Final Verdict
Check out the breakdown of the score in the table below.
| FACTOR | RATING (OUT OF 5) | CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE |
|---|---|---|
| Powder: | 3.5 | 10.5/15 |
| Carving: | 3.0 | 9/15 |
| Speed: | 3.0 | 9/15 |
| Uneven Terrain: | 4.5 | 13.5/15 |
| Switch: | 4.5 | 9/10 |
| Jumps: | 3.5 | 7/10 |
| Jibbing: | 3.5 | 7/10 |
| Pipe: | 2.0 | 4/10 |
| TOTAL after normalizing | 84.1/100 |
Overall this is one of the better all-mountain decks that I’ve ridden. It fits the definition of all-mountain to a tee. You can do a bit of everything and go anywhere. It’s a great deck if you want that one board quiver.
The ideal person for this board would be someone looking for one board for everything, that likes a board on the playful side, wants an all-mountain deck that can jib well – and one that can take them through any ability level.
There are certainly better options if you’re looking for something more leaning towards the carving, speed, edge-hold in hard conditions type of ride but for something on the playful, freestyle end of all-mountain, this is a great choice.
More Info, Current Prices and Where to Buy Online
If you want more info, are ready to buy or just looking to research prices and availability, check out the links below.
If you’re keen to check out other all-mountain snowboards or want to see how the Process Flying V compares to other all-mountain boards, check out the next link.
>>My Top 10 Men’s All-Mountain Snowboards
trying to decide between the process flying v and skate banana do you have any advice leaning either way i do have 2 other burton boards the custom an the name dropper love the custom want something a little more playfull
Hi Ryan
Those are two quite different boards. Both will definitely be more playful than the Custom though.
I would classify the Process Flying V as a playful all mountain board and the Skate Banana as a freestyle board – all be it one that can ride the rest of the mountain ok.
The Flying V is a directional twin, setback 12.5mm and is a hybrid rocker (it has both camber and rocker in the profile) though more rocker than camber. The Skate Banana is a true twin, centered board with an all rocker profile.
The Skate Banana will be better for riding switch and hitting jibs.
The Flying V will be better in powder and for carving, just. Both about the same for jumps.
The Flying V is a little stiffer than the Skate Banana but not by that much.
Both boards would be somewhere in between the name dropper and the custom in terms of the custom being a very jib oriented park board and the custom being a more aggressive all mountain board. The Flying V would be probably more exactly in the middle with the Skate Banana closer to the Name Dropper than it would be to the Custom – if that makes sense?
Hello, first of all, big thumbs up for ur website, really appreciate the effort!
I am trying to decide between Burton Process Flying V 2015 and Rome Factory Rocker 2016. My current board is a traditional camber and pretty stiff so I want to have something more playfull as well.
Thank you very much for your reply.
Hi Jay
I would class the Process Flying V as an all-mountain/do-it-all kind of board – but definitely on the playful side of all-mtn boards. It’s got a medium bordering on medium-soft flex, IMO. Probably a 4.5/10. It has a directional twin shape and a small setback (12.5mm).
The Factory Rocker is more of a freestyle oriented deck but can be used over the whole mountain. I would say it’s a bit softer than the Flying V – medium soft, probably a 4/10, so not too much softer. It’s a true twin shape with a centered stance.
I think the Factory Rocker would probably be more of a contrast to your current board – though both boards would be quite different – and both definitely more playful than a stiff camber board.
Hi Nate,
First of all thanks for a very detailed review. I am about to learn some butters (never even attempted one) but also spend some time all over the mountain. Initially I was going for a Burton Descendant which is a camber profile. I was told I’d be limited to them butters as it is quite a soft board and will lack an edge hold while carving. I’m not talking about great down hill speed although would like to push it a bit. Would I be able to do butters with ease on Process Flying V or will I struggle? Which of these two would you recommend? Worth mentioning that I am still a beginner when it comes to tricks and spend most of the year at indoor slope – twice a year on the mountain.
Thanks
Hi Bart
I think that the Process Flying V would be your better bet. I would say this is more versatile than the Descendant – the Descendant is more freestyle focused – and yeah it does lack a bit in the carving stakes.
I found this board was pretty easy to butter. Not the easiest I’ve ridden – but pretty easy and if you want easier you’ll have to sacrifice on some other aspects. So I think all-round this would work for you and I’d go with it over the Descendant.
Thanks a lot for a rapid reply. I’ll give it a go, if I struggle I’ll just push myself until I get it right 😉
Regards
You’re very welcome Bart. Hope you have an awesome season!
Hi Nate,
I am looking into buying a Burton Process Flying V 2015-2016. I am 5 foot 10 and weigh 190. What size would you recommend?
Hi Rupert
If your boot size is size 11.0 or under then I’d say the 159cm would be the best size for you. If your boot size is 11.5 to 12.5, then the 159W would be a better option.
But the 162 (or 162W) are also options.
The advantages of going longer are that you’ll have more stability at speed and better float in powder – and overall a bit better for carving.
The advantages of going shorter are that the board will be more maneuverable/more nimble and will be better for spins/tricks. And all round just a bit more easy going.
I’d say if you are an intermediate rider, then the 159cm would be better and if you are advanced/expert, then it would depend on your preferences – if you ride a lot in powder and if you like to ride fast and carve a lot and don’t do a lot of freestyle type stuff, then 162. If you want to be able to do some of the more freestyle stuff as well as other stuff, then 159cm.
Hope this helps
Hey nate,
I just got the 17 burton process flying v and was wondering which bindings would go best for it. I was thinking either the cartel or Genesis but not sure yet. What would be the best in your opinion?
Hi Tanner
Both the Cartels and Genesis are great bindings (and both would work well with the Process Flying V). I prefer the Genesis just that little bit more, I find they are a little bit more flexible but manage the same responsiveness as the Cartels and are maybe just slightly more comfortable. But the Cartel’s are cheaper.
If money isn’t a big problem, then I would go Genesis but if you want to save some cash and still get really good bindings then Cartel.
Hi Nate,
My height is 5′ 10″ , weigh 170 and boot size 10. What size would you recommend?
Hi Artem
If you’re more of a beginner, early intermediate rider, then I’d go with the 157cm. If you’re more high level intermediate or above, then I think the 159cm would be the best size for you. Both would be fine width-wise for size 10s. But also if you prefer a little bit shorter usually then the 157cm is still an option even if you’re more advanced – but I think the 159cm would be the better choice otherwise.
Hope this helps.
Just want to point out that this board is true twin instead of directional twin
Hi Daniel
Thanks for your input. True, it is technically a true twin but I still consider it a directional twin because the reference stance is a setback stance. If you were to center on the board, i.e. different from the recommended stance on the board, then it would become a true twin. But I guess it depends on your definition of true twin. The overall shape and flex of the board is twin though, you are right.
And I should probably mention the reason why I put directional twin in the review – thanks for pointing that out for me.
I just noticed that I did mention something in the “switch” section – but I’ll make it more obvious in the specs table.
Hi Nate
Thanks for the review. I am deciding between the 2018 process flying v and 2018 process off-axis. Will probably come down to personal preference but do you have any thoughts between the two?
Thanks
Hi Adrian
Yeah definitely down to personal preference, like you say – and somewhat down to ability level too. The two boards actually have some reasonably significant differences.
The camber profile for starters – the process Flying V has a very easy going hybrid rocker profile, whereas the Off Axis has Burton’s Pure Pop Camber, which is a more camber dominant profile, that’s a bit more aggressive in feel.
Also, whilst they both have a twin shape, the Flying V is setback 12.5mm, where the Off Axis has a centered stance. The Off Axis is also an asymmetrical twin (so having a +15/-15 stance is best).
The Off Axis is more designed as a park board whereas the Flying V is more of an all-mountain board – all be it on the playful end of all-mountain riding, with a freestyle-ish focus – but the Off Axis is more specifically for freestyle/park.
The Flying V you could ride as a beginner or above, whereas the Off Axis, you would want to be at least at an intermediate level.
But if you’re intermediate and up, the decision really comes down to whether you are predominantly park oriented (then go with Off Axis) or want a board that is a bit of a do-it-all kind of board (then go Flying V)
Hope this helps with your decision.
Hey Nate, I’m a Intermedium snowboarder ( I think…), I’ll buy a board this winter. I already have a lot of fun carving in the slopes and last year just started with some small jumps on the park. I’d like to keep doing both things, and improving. I have a great deal for a second hand Burton parkitect, just the right length for my weight. I’m just a bit afraid that the parkitect may be too much a park board for me, and leaks a bit riding the rest of the mountain. So a started looking a the process that seem more versatile, but would be MUCH more expensive for me. I’d be greatful for your expert advice!
Thanks
Cheers
Zé Elias
Hi Jose
The Parkitect is (was) what I would call an all-mountain-freestyle board, and a pretty good one too. The biggest weakness for riding the mountain would be for riding powder. It’s certainly stronger for jumps, jibs, riding switch etc, than it is for carving/speed – but it can handle the rest of the mountain.
I guess my biggest concern with the Parkitect would be that it’s a traditional camber profile. Some people of course, prefer this, but it’s a profile that can make it easy to catch an edge, if you get off your game. If you’re used to riding a board with a lot of camber, then you shouldn’t have any problems – but if your not used to a full cambered board, then it could take some getting used to. Otherwise, I think it would be fine for your purposes.
The Process Flying V is certainly a bit more versatile and definitely not catchy at all.
Hope this helps
Hi
I have had a custom x for about the last 10 (ish) years, but hired a process Flying V for a day and it was a revelation compared to my old board.
I am knocking on a bit now so leave the park tricks to the younger less brittle boarders. I love powder and fast carving slope riding, are there any other boards I should try do you think, before buying a new process?
Cheers
Craig
I
Hi Craig
The Custom X is a lot of board that’s for sure! So you probably appreciated the more easy going nature of the Process Flying V.
But I am wondering if going for something more in the middle might be a better option. The Process, to me, is more freestyle oriented – still all-mountain, but leaning more towards freestyle than freeride. And it sounds like freeride is more what you’re into.
If you’re keen to stick with Burton, then the other option might be:
~ Burton Custom Flying V: You still get the Flying V shape, but it’s just that little bit stiffer and little bit better for carving and speed than the Process. But still a good bit softer and way more forgiving than the Custom X
~ Burton Flight Attendant: This is a freeride board. It will be stiffer than the Process and the Custom, but still not quite as stiff as the Custom X. It doesn’t have the Flying V profile, but it does have rocker in the nose – which does make it a little more forgiving and also helps with float in powder (not as easy going as the Process or Custom but more so than the Custom X). This board is quite specialized towards speed, carving and powder – which it sounds like is how you most like to ride. You can read more about it in my review at the link below, if you’d like:
>>Burton Flight Attendant Review
Of course the other option is the Burton Custom X Flying V. Basically the Custom X but with a Flying V profile in place of the Camber. This makes it a very different feeling board. You can check out my review on that too at the link below:
>>Burton Custom X Flying V Review
In saying all of that, if you liked the Process Flying V, then that’s still def an option too (and is the cheapest option).
One more thing – if you know what the size of the Process Flying V you rode was, would you be able to let me know that and the size of your Custom X.
And, finally, if you wanted to look outside of Burton, there are other options too. Check out the next link to get an idea of some good all-mountain options.
>>My Top 10 All Mountain Snowboards
Hope this helps
Hey thanks for the review.
I’ve ordered this board in a 157W I’m US size 11s, Did you demo this regular or wide?
Hi Stephen
Thanks for your message. I demoed this in the regular width, but I wear 10s. The 157W is more appropriate for 11s, IMO – so I think you’ve gone with the right width in your case.
Thanks Nate, I’m having a bit of a hard time with widths. I have an Endeavour 155 board I ordered a few weeks back based on a recommendation from a shop. The board waist is 24.9cm, which worried me a little when I read your width guide…
However with my boots my overhang on that Endeavour is around 1.5cm – 2cm.. which sounds optimum, this is with my stance set at 15 -15, large union flites size 11 US boot. Adidas ZX500s which are perhaps a little small.
I’ve ordered this Burton Process 157W which has the 25.7cm width to see the difference between the two, If my maths is right I’ll lose around 0.4cm on my overhang at 15 -15. It’ll also allow me more play with the angle if I ever want to reduce it.
The tricky part is going to be deciding which one is right. I’m thinking the Process Flying V based on what I’ve read but hoping it won’t be super sluggish with the smaller overhang on the wider board.
Hi Stephen
Yeah with Adidas boots, they’re likely to have a smaller outersole – and with +15/-15 angles, you can certainly fit narrower. Conservatively, I would say Adidas 11s are more like 10.5s, but maybe even almost 10s. With 10.5s and +15/-15 angles going to 249mm at the waist is certainly a possibility and certainly with 10s and those angles. The 1.5 to 2cm overhang is absolutely fine – it is ideal to be somewhere around there. And given your boots and angles and I’m not too surprised there.
But in terms of feeling sluggish that’s going to come down to your feet – that’s ultimately what’s exerting pressure on the edges of the board. So, in boots with a typical outersole, you would likely have had at least an extra cm of overhang – but you’re feet would be the same. So, assuming your feet are 28.5cm-29cm (which is roughly what they would usually be in a size 11), then you should be fine on a 257mm waist. However, that said, you would also likely fit on the 252mm waist of the 157, so you could switch to that if you wanted to.
I don’t know Endevour boards well, but it may also be the case that the Endevour Live is cinched at the waist a bit, but it’s hard to say because I couldn’t find any info on the tip and tail width for it.
I would say the best thing to do, is to measure your foot across the inserts of the board (at a 15 degree angle), making sure to measure on the base of the board (not the top sheet) and see. If your feet are edge to edge, or even over the edges, then that’s ideal, assuming not too much boot overhang (which it sounds like isn’t an issue here). If your feet are too far inside the edges (like more than a 2mm on both heel and toe – so more than 4mm total) – then that starts to get too wide. If you have the boards with you to measure on, this is more what I would judge it on than boot overhang (assuming boot overhang isn’t excessive).
Hope this makes sense and helps
Wow! that is a great reply. Thanks so much, I’m waiting on the 157W. I’ll test what you’ve said and may take a look at the 157 regular. Again thank you for the comprehensive reply, great reviews and great advice!
You’re very welcome Stephen. Let me know how it goes with the 157W
Great review!
I wish I would have found your website earlier, but I just bought a 159 Process (Camber version) with Malavita bindings. I came from a super old 158 Clash (10+ years). I am an on/off All Mountain rider, but went riding more regularly in the past few years, hence why I bought the new board.
I am 182cm tall got a size 10/10.5 (US) boot and got the Process with medium bindings. It fits snuggly (tried it with several boots in the shop, but didn’t have my own with me), but got a little bit worried after seeing on the website that the 159 Process is intended for L bindings. The guys in the shop were confident it will be fine, especially with the snug fit on the binding (I might get newer boots sometime which will most likely have a much smaller footprint than my old ones). You think it be better to put L bindings on the 159 Process?
That being said: Any suggestions for boots? Was looking at the Burton Ions, Photons or Concord but am a bit lost.
Sorry for all the questions, but my first ride with the board is coming up on Friday and wonder if I made a big mistake or just give it a shot.
Hi Andreas
Thanks for your message.
I think the Medium bindings will be fine on the 159 Process. If they fit your boot well, then that’s the main thing, IMO, and if you end up going with a new Burton boot, I don’t think you should have any issues there. I wear size 10s and prefer Burton bindings in medium. Yes, going with Large would give you a little more leverage in terms of getting the base plate closer to the edges of the board, but you can extend the toe ramp of the bindings as long as it can go, or close to, which you’ll likely want to do anyway, given that your on the higher end of the size range. Personally I would prefer to go on the Process 159 (which is the size I would ride that board too) with Medium Burton bindings.
As to whether that’s a good size, if you can let me know your weight, then I can give you a more informed opinion.
In terms of boots, I think it depends on what you’re looking for. If you want them to be stiffer, more supportive and more responsive, then the Ion and Photon are more suitable. But if you’re looking for a softer more forgiving flex, if you like to ride a bit of freestyle, if you want a bit more agility at slower speeds (i.e. ride slow more than fast) or if you consider yourself at a more intermediate than advanced level, then the Concord would be a better bet, IMO.
In terms of flex, I would rate the Ion 7/10, the Photon 8/10 and the Concord 5/10.
But if you want to check out more options check out the following:
>>My Top Freestyle (medium flex) Snowboard Boots 4/10 or 5/10 flex
>>My Top All Mountain (medium-stiff flex) Snowboard Boots 6/10 or 7/10 flex
>>My Top 5 Freeride Boots 8/10 and up flex
Hope this helps
Thanks so much Nate! Really appreciate (and sorry for the extra message via the contact form).
My weight is around 90kg (always a little more than less of course), which is also why I went with the 159 (and I prefer the green over the blue graphic).
Thanks also for the boot suggestion. Yeah, I do like them to be responsive when I need to bite into the icy patches riding down the mountain. Not going to do much freestyle except for a few jumps here and there, but no park stuff (gotta watch those old bones). However, I definitely do consider myself more of an intermediate rider than advanced.
Thanks to your links and the reviews on the site, the Adidas lineup caught my eye. I think the Response or Tactical might also be good.
Looking forward to your thoughts. Very much appreciated.
You’re very welcome Andreas.
Yeah, I think the 159 was a good call – the right size for you for that board, IMO.
Thanks again. Really appreciate your feedback. Gonna take it for a ride tomorrow, see how it performs with the old boots and maybe take a look at some new ones during the weekend.
Will let you know how it felt, but you definitely took away my concerns.
Sounds good. Let me know how you get on.
Hi Nate,
as promised, a quick reply after the first two days with the my new setup.
In short: I had a blast!
All your advice was spot on. The board feels great and the M bindings were the absolute right choice. I had to get used to it for the first few runs compared to my old board, but I immediately felt that this is going to work.
Extending the gas pedals to max got me the perfect size for the front side. I noticed on the first runs that I didn’t get the pressure as I was used to on the heel, but adjusting the highback on the Malavitas (rotation and bit of forward lean) worked like a charm. A bit of edge tuning might also do the trick though.
Ordered some Adidas Response and Acerra (they don’t sell the Tacticals here, only as super expensive import, but I wanted to try BOA anyways) and will try them on.
Thanks again for your advice!
Hi Andreas
Thanks for the follow up. Awesome to hear that the gear is going well for you!