Burton Flying V vs. Custom for Advanced Beginner

Posted: 04 October 2012 06:10 PM

Hi All,

Went to my local Burton store the other day to look at upgrading my 3 year old Blunt 155 and was steered in the direction of the Custom Flying V 158.  However, reading some reviews there were two recurring themes: 1) it’s not a board for beginners and 2) there are issues with the grip.  I’ve only been riding for about three years, so while not technically a beginner, I’m not nearly as advanced as friends who grew up out west and get to ride every weekend.  The other component is the grip -  I’m in the NorthEast about 90% of the time and you can almost always count on ice.  Anyone have any direct experience with this board?  Sounds like the Custom might be a better fit, but the folks at Burton really pushed the Flying V.  Oh yeah, I’m about 175, 5’1” in case that makes any difference. Thanks, everyone.

Posted: 06 October 2012 10:02 AM

Hi Broadway,

If you’re riding on the East Coast it seems to me like there is little point in going for the Custom Flying V over the cambered Custom. I think your instinct is correct and you should opt for the cambered custom. If you don’t mind opting for last year’s board then if you can find a Ltd edition Custom with camber humps (I’ve seen them on Google for circa $400) then that would be a great option. THey probably would have released it this year too but they had a patent dispute with the orginal dual camber designer (I can’t remember the name of the company) and the design was remarkably similar so I’m not suprised they dropped it. If I were you, I would pick-up a 156, you’re right at the top of the weight recommendations but because of your height it would be a better fit than a 158.

You could always opt for the slightly softer twin shaped boards like the Mr Nice Guy, Process or Aftermath which have camber but with slightly less aggresive flexes.

Rich

Posted: 10 October 2012 01:40 PM

Hi Rich,

Thanks so much for getting back. Really appreciate it.  Just noticed a typo though: I’m 5’10”, not 5’1”.  Sorry about that ... I assume that changes the length recommendation, no?

Posted: 10 October 2012 05:57 PM

Those are better dimensions!

Yes the 158 would be a better fit with your extra 9 inches of height.