Hello and welcome to my Burton Skeleton Key review.
In this review, I will take a look at the Skeleton Key as a freeride snowboard.
As per tradition here at SnowboardingProfiles.com I will give the Skeleton Key a score out of 100 (based on several factors) and see how it compares with other freeride snowboards.
Overall Rating
Board: Burton Skeleton Key 2020
Price: $499
Style: Freeride
Flex Rating: Medium
Flex Feel on Snow: Medium (5.5/10)
Rating Score: 86.4/100
Compared to other Men’s Freeride Boards
Out of the 39 men’s freeride snowboards that I rated:
Overview of the Skeleton Key’s Specs
Check out the tables for the Skeleton Keys specs and available sizes.
Specs
Style: | Freeride |
Price: | $499 |
Ability Level: |  |
Flex: |  |
Feel: |  |
Turn Initiation: | Medium-Fast |
Edge-hold: |  |
Camber Profile: | Directional Hybrid Camber Camber to tail and rocker in the nose |
Shape: | |
Setback Stance: | Setback 50mm |
Base: | Sintered |
Weight: | Normal |
Sizing
LENGTH (cm) | Waist Width (mm) | Rec Rider Weight (lb) | Rec Rider Weight (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|
150 | 252 | 120-180 | 54-82 |
154 | 256 | 120-180 | 54-82 |
158 | 258 | 150-200 | 68-91 |
162 | 262 | 180-260+ | 82-118+ |
Who is the Skeleton Key Most Suited To?
The Skeleton Key is great for anyone looking for a softer flexing freeride board. Someone who wants to carve, hit powder whenever they can and might like popping some rollers, ollies or lips.
Not for someone who likes to ride switch or do 180s, but not a lot of freeride boards are.
Not for a beginner at all. It's not overly stiff, but still too stiff for a beginner - and there's a a lot of camber there, so even someone who is just identifying as intermediate might struggle a little too. Solid intermediate and up, IMO.
The Skeleton Key in More Detail
O.k. let’s take a more detailed look at what the Skeleton Key is capable of.
Demo Info
Board: Burton Skeleton Key 2020, 158cm (258mm waist width)
Date: March 9, 2019
Conditions: Sunny with some clouds and perfect visibility.
Snow was well groomed and soft on top on groomers and soft but quite tracked off groomer (but there had been quite recent snowfall and still some untouched pockets).
Bindings angles: +15/-15
Stance width: 560mm (22″)
Stance Setback: Setback 50mm
Width at Inserts: 268mm (10.55") at front insert and 268mm (10.55")*
*unusual for a board this directional to have identical back and front insert widths, but in this case the setback seems to cancel out the taper. Taper usually makes the back insert narrower than the front insert, but setback means that the back insert is on a wider part of the board as it's closer to the wide points, but in this case those 2 things seem to cancel out.
Rider Height: 6'0"
Rider Weight: 185lbs
Rider Boot Size: US10 Vans Aura
Bindings Used: Burton Malavita M
Powder
The Skeleton Key provides really effortless float in powder. It was an enjoyable board to hit the powder on for sure, and I'm sure would perform well in deeper powder too.
And it was no surprise that this was the case, given the rocker in the nose, the long wide nose vs the narrower, shorter tail and a good amount of setback along the effective edge too.
There was 59cm from the center of the front binding to the end of the nose and 42cm from the center of the back binding to the end of the tail - so you're a good bit back on this board, and you really felt that in the powder.
It's just that little bit wider too, so it's really set up to ride powder.
Carving & Turning
Carving: A great little carver. It's got plenty of camber and spring out of turns and just really fun to carve on. S turns are fun too. It's not so unforgiving that you can't ride it a little more casual too, when you feeling it.
Maneuverability at slow speeds: It's not super agile, but it's not a tank at slower speeds either. Having that softer flex for a typical freeride board helps to make it more agile at slower speeds.
Skidded Turns: Doable, but not ideal.
Speed
I was surprised at how stable the Skeleton Key felt after opening it out. When riding it slower it felt like it had quite a bit of flex to it, which usually makes a board feel a little wobbly when riding fast. But it surprised me. Not the bomber that stiffer boards can be, but still really good.
Uneven Terrain
Handled uneven terrain really well. Forgiving enough in crud and going over bumpy terrain and nimble enough to go around bumps. The personality of this board adapts well to both slower, trickier terrain and faster terrain where you can open out.
Let’s Break up this text with a Video
Jumps
Not bad for jumps. Not something I'd be doing too many spins on, but for straight air it's not bad.
Pop: The pop isn't epic. It's not like what you get out the Paramount of anything like that, but it's decent enough. Decent spring off the tail.
Approach: Nice and stable for approaches to larger jumps. Not ideal for smaller jumps or trickier side hits, but not bad either.
Landing: Nice and solid on a landing, but forgiving enough too.
Side-hits: OK on side-hits. Not for doing 1's off sidehits, IMO, and not like super nimble for trickier approaches, but poppy enough and not bad overall. But certainly good for straight air over rollers, lips etc.
Small jumps/Big Jumps: Slightly more suited to medium to large jumps vs smaller jumps/hits.
Switch
Felt weird to ride switch and looking at the specs it's no surprise.
Spins
Not really one for spins, IMO. Just didn't feel like a natural spinner - and taking off and landing switch wasn't great.
Jibbing
Not one for jibbing really. Doable if you really want to, but limited for jibs.
Butters
It's got some flex in the tip and tail, but not really one for buttering and the tip and tail flex feels different, so it's just a bit weird to butter on.
Score Breakdown and Final Verdict
Check out the breakdown of the score in the table below.
RATING | Contribution to Final Score | |
|---|---|---|
CARVING | 4.5 | 27/30 |
POWDER | 4.0 | 16/20 |
SPEED | 4.0 | 16/20 |
UNEVEN TERRAIN | 4.0 | 12/15 |
JUMPS | 3.5 | 7/10 |
SWITCH | 1.5 | 1.5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 86.4/100 |
Overall, the Skeleton Key is a fun ride - nice and carvy with all that camber, but handles powder and uneven terrain really well too and isn't bad for jumps/ollies either.
It's a great option for those looking for a softer flexing freeride board and one that's a little lower cost than most freeride boards.
More Info, Current Prices and Where to Buy Online
If you want to learn more about the Skeleton Key, 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 freeride snowboard options, or if you want to compare how the Skeleton Key compares to other freeride snowboards, then check out the next link.
Hey Nate! Thanks for the great review and video. I’m also stuck between the 154 and 158, though I know I’m probably overthinking it. I’m 5’11”, ~150lbs, 10.5boot. I’ve been riding a 12 year old Rome Crail 156cm and am excited to upgrade. I was generally frustrated with the speeds I could get on that board, though not sure if that was a length issue or just the board. I primarily like charging/carving groomers, and riding through the trees. I ride on the west coast so we get a decent amount of powder every now and then. I’d like something that gives me a good amount of speed and stability, but isn’t so large I won’t be able to whip through the trees. Would appreciate your advice!
Hi Nick
Thanks for your message.
A tough call, and definitely see why you’re stuck on this one. Typically for your specs, for the Skeleton Key, I would say 154. But given that you’re looking to get more stability at speed, the 158 is certainly worth considering. I don’t have any experience on the Rome Crail, but looking at the specs, it looks like it should be pretty decent at speed, so I’m not sure the Skeleton Key in a smaller size would give you more. That said, given it’s 12 year’s old, it’s probably softened up a fair bit.
The Skeleton Key, IMO, will likely give better in float in pow for sure, even in the 154 vs the 156 Crail, for a number of reasons like being wider – having a good bit of rocker in the tip, the taper and the directional shape in general, but for speed, it’s maybe just a little better, but like I say, hard to say having not ridden the Crail, and the age difference between the boards.
Biggest downside of going 158, is for the trees, like you mention. For trees, I would definitely say 154.
Personally I found the Skeleton Key good at speed, but it’s not an out and out bomber – never going to be with a mid flex, but still really good. Whether or not it’s going to be an improvement vs the Crail is hard to say though.
I’d still be leaning towards 154 for you, but the biggest question mark would be over the speed thing.
Hope this helps
Hey Nate – could use some advice. I’m 5′ 11″, 160 lbs, with 10 boot. I’m torn between getting a 154 or 158 SK. I demo’d the 158 and was totally in love with it on the groomers I used it on. I didn’t get a chance to use it on the trees but could see myself manuvering the 154 more. I wanted to ask you, all things considered what size would you go with?
Additionally, what bindings and what size bindings do you think would go best with this? I really want a fantastic set up, something which can do “everything”, particularly good at ripping / bombing mountains, and comfortable an trust worthy. I heard the genesis X, but curious to what you have to say.
Lastly, I”m wondering if there’s a Lib Tech Travis Rice board which I should consider instead of the SK – The primary reason being I live on the east coast and go to a lot of VT mountains with Ice. I know LT can really hold edges with the magne traction, but wanted your advice on this again. Again looking for a really fantastic beyond average all mountain set up. Thanks!
Hi RJ
Thanks for your message.
I would be leaning towards the 154 for you. The only thing that makes me hesitate is that you rode the 158 and loved it. But based on specs, I would be leaning towards the 154, particularly if you do plan to spend a reasonable amount of time in the trees. That’s going just that little bit shorter than what I’d say for a “standard size” for you. But I think sizing down just a little on the SK makes sense, with it being a little wider. That said, it’s not super wide, but I still think the 154 is probably best, but the 158 would certainly work.
In terms of bindings – the Genesis X would certainly work. Any good quality binding with a flex of around 6/10 or 7/10 would be the way to go. Anything in that flex range from the following would work well, IMO, with the SK:
>>Top 5 All Mountain Bindings
>>Top 5 All-Mountain-Freeride Bindings
If you’re wanting something that will drive the board harder and more aggressive, then the second list there is the way to go. If you want something a little more forgiving, then the first list. Since you mention something for “ripping/bombing” then I’d probably say something from the second list, which includes the Genesis X.
Yeah certainly the Lib Tech options better edge hold in icy conditions, IMO. In terms of the Travis Rice series, I’d say that the closest equivalents would be the T Rice Orca and T Rice Goldmember. But neither is that close an equivalent.
The Orca is the more similar shape – with a similar taper. But it’s stiffer than the SK and wider. I would say if you went there, you’d go 153 at most. It’s a good bit wider than the SK.
The Goldmember isn’t a board I’ve ridden, but just looking at the specs, it looks to be a similar flex to the SK. However, there’s no taper and a much more subtle setback. Less directional all round – I would say it’s more of an all-mountain board than a freeride board. Even though the waist width on it is about the same as the SK, I would say it’s narrower at the inserts (based on other similar Lib Tech boards which tend to not have too much difference between the width at inserts vs width at the waist). So I think the 157 would work well for the Goldmember.
Hope this helps
Hey Nate,
Great reviews!! I’m an intermediate rider and looking for a new board. I want a board that I can handle, but also gives me motivation to ride better.
I don’t ride park or even switch so I want a directional board that is great for all mountain, whether it’s groomed, powder, trees and most often uneven terrain.
Do you think this would be the right board for me? Based on your reviews, I’m also considering never summer west bond, Capita Mercury and Yes hybrid. I’ve heard Ride Algorithm is also great. Which one (or others) would you recommend for me?
Cheers.
Hi Stanley
Thanks for your message.
I’d say the only thing with the Skeleton Key is whether the camber is too technical. It’s certainly a friendly enough flex for an intermediate rider, but it does have camber all the way to the tail – with rocker just in the nose. Which is why I’ve labelled it as a solid intermediate rider and up kind of board. If you do consider yourself a solid intermediate rider, then I think this would work for you, assuming there’s a suitable size.
The West Bound is kind of the other way around in some sense, in that it’s a little stiffer than the Skeleton Key but has a more friendly camber profile. Again, it’s something that I would consider a solid intermediate and up board. It’s got a fairly forgiving camber profile, but a slightly less forgiving flex vs something like the Skeleton Key, but again if you’re a solid intermediate rider, then it should be fine – and a good option for what you’re describing.
The Hybrid is a good option for what you’re describing too, and I would say is fine for intermediate riders. Sizing is limited, so you would want to make sure there’s a suitable size for you.
The Mercury would certainly work for what you’re describing – another one that I would say you’d want to be solid intermediate, but if so, then all good. It is less directional though and given that you’re not riding any switch or park, I would take advantage of the benefits of the more directional rides. I haven’t ridden the Algorhythm yet but from the looks of it, it’s more similar to the Mercury than the others – in being more subtly directional.
I think the Skeleton Key, West Bound and Hybrid are all good options for what you’re describing, assuming you’re a solid intermediate rider, rather than a more low intermediate rider. If you’re not sure – check out my skill level post – if you identify more as a level 6, then I think you’re good to go on any of those options. If you identify more as a level 5, then I think the Hybrid is still doable (given an appropriate size) or you could also look at something like the Lib Tech Cold Brew.
Hope this gives you more to go off for your decision
Thanks so much for the suggestions and it definitely helped me to narrow down my choices.
I researched more about those board and found that the Hybrid could be little slow edge to edge on slower speed and the skeleton might be very damp for uneven terrain.
The never summer really seems to be a good choice for me. The only thing that I wasn’t sure is that it’s a rocker dominant board (although you should always be on one edge), do you feel it was stable when you were riding straight?
I also found that burton had two new models, the hometown hero and the one hitter. Very similar board, hero is stiffer and has more set back stance. What do you think of those?
I’m 6’2, 187lb, US10/US9.5. Burton website suggests the 156 board, I was also thinking 157 for West Bond. Do you think that’s the right size for me?
Hi Stanley
Even though there is a substantial rocker zone on the West Bound, it doesn’t feel overly rocker dominant. There’s a good bit of camber in the tail, and you definitely feel that. You do feel that rocker between the feet, but it’s still stable riding it straight – or at least I found. Some people don’t like that feeling of rocker between their feet, but I do. But I do ride a lot of different profiles and I’m very used to them all, but I wouldn’t say it’s overly loose feeling though.
I found the Hybrid to be pretty good edge-to-edge at slow speeds. It’s a wider board, so it’s something I would size down from your normal size for. But I found even going 157 – which is longer than I would normally go for a board that wide – that it wasn’t too bad. For your specs, I would certainly go 157, with that width being wide for your boots. Ideally you might go even slightly shorter than that at that width, but I didn’t find it too slow edge-to-edge at slow speeds (6’0″, 185lbs, size 10 boots). It wasn’t ultra snappy edge-to-edge either, but I wouldn’t describe it as slow.
I haven’t ridden the One Hitter, but I did ride the Hometown Hero. I liked it but I preferred the Skeleton Key overall. I found the Skeleton Key a little better in uneven terrain and for caving and speed. The Hometown hero feels a little stiffer, but only by a very small margin, from my feel. I would say Skeleton Key 5.5/10 and Hometown Hero 6/10, so not a long way different. The Hometown Hero is a little easier for riding switch, having a twin flex and slightly less setback (though it does have a greater taper, but only subtly). Even though Burton describes the hometown hero as “intermediate, expert” and the Skeleton Key “expert”, I would say that the Skeleton Key is more intermediate friendly, particularly if you’re not really going to be riding switch.
Size-wise, for the West Bound, I would say probably 160 is the best size for your specs, at an intermediate level. If you think you prefer shorter boards, the 157 isn’t crazy short for you or anything, but I think the 160 would be the slightly better fit.
For the Skeleton Key, I think the 158 would be most appropriate for you.
For the Hometown Hero, I would say it’s between the 156 and 160. The 156 might be the better option for you as an intermediate rider on a more advanced board like that. And it would be a better width for you too.
Thanks to your advice I’ve made my decision to go with 158 Burton SK and pair it with Cartel reflex bindings!
Burton suggested size L bindings for 158 but the cartel M is good for US8-11, the L is for 10+. I’m a size 10 so right in the middle. Do you think I should just get the size M bindings?
Hi Stanley
Awesome that you’ve chosen your new deck!
For Cartel’s with size 10s, you could go either for sure. For the board, the L would give you a little more in terms of leverage on the board, with a slightly longer base plate, so that’s one argument to go L. I typically ride Ms for Burton bindings with my size 10 Vans Aura and I like that fit best, but Large work too. Also the Aura are pretty low profile. What brand is your boots? Depending on the brand it might be better to go L for the boots – in which case, I would go L, since it’s also probably better for the board.
I’m currently riding the 157 skeleton key
When I’m out west I love getting into the trees. Finding a hike or just ripping the resort.
I do like popping off natural terrain.
I’m not a park or pipe guy
Kicking the season off in the northeast where I live, I feel the skeleton key is lacking the pop for ollies and natural features.
I’m interested in the Capita Mercury to be my daily driver to just get more pop. Is it at all similar to the skeleton or am I making a drastic change that is going to limit my overall big mtn experiences and tree runs at breck or big sky?
Hi Phil
Thanks for your message.
The Mercury is different enough. It’s a less directional ride. Less setback, no taper, and although it does have a slightly longer nose than tail, it’s not to the same extent as the Skeleton Key. The Mercury isn’t a twin, but it’s closer to a twin than the Skeleton Key. Practically speaking you would loose some powder performance for sure. Though the Mercury certainly isn’t terrible in powder. It is as good at speed though, IMO. It’s a little stiffer – so whilst it’s not as directional, it’s still got that extra stability from the stiffness. Mercury, IMO, is a little better for jumps and better for riding switch, certainly.
So it’s still something you can do big mountain with, but just not quite as suitable, IMO – particularly when it comes to powder. Certainly a different feel – more of a double ender feel, but not something you can’t ride hard.
Hope this gives you more to go off for your decision