Is the burton Custom too advanced for a beginner?

Posted: 09 February 2012 10:10 PM

Hey guys,

So I’m a brand new rider, and looking to purchase a board. I’m currently living in a resort town and with my pass am able to head up to the pistes about 4-6 times a week, so I don’t want to mess around with rentals (think it’ll end up costing me too much).  I’ve spent about 3 days on the slopes and have picked up pretty well, just having problems with changing edges at higher speeds (though I’m told the board I was using was too narrow for my feet so I think that is it). Im about 6’ 1 1/2”, weigh 195-200lbs, and have a size 12 boot, so i know I’ll need a wide board. The three I’ve been looking at are the Burton Deuce 162w (260 euros), Burton bullet 164w (210 euros), and Burton Custom 162w (370 euros).

I was thinking about the Bullet, because I can get it for such a good price and I hear it is a pretty good board to learn on. But I also hear the custom is a board that will last you a while (and the price I found on it isn’t too bad). Any recommendations on the three? Will the bullet still be a good board for me a year from now, or is the custom too advanced for me?

Posted: 09 February 2012 11:35 PM

Yes and Yes.  I’d strongly suggest sticking with a rocker or hybrid rocker profile as a beginner.  It just makes snowboarding more fun.  And even though people claim it will encourage bad fundamentals, I say you’ll still end up learning faster because you’ll be having so much more fun.

If you’re stuck on Burton, I’d suggest the Custom Flying V.  It’s a great board for beginners-experts, so you won’t be replacing it until you run it into the ground.

If you live the resort you’re speaking of sees icy conditions often, I’d look at something other than Burton.  Frostbite edges aren’t up to snuff compared with the competition.

Rome Agent Rocker is my personal favorite.  Never Summer has a great reputation.  The Rossignol Onemagtek is one of the more popular boards right now.