Burton Barracuda - 2012
The Burton Barracuda is a fusion of the Supermodel and the Malolo, two classic boards that had perhaps passed their glory days. The Barracuda’s 15mm of taper, 50mm setback stance and S-Rocker will keep the Barracuda afloat even in the deepest drifts and the triax glass, Carbon I-Beam and directional flex will make the tail firm and stompy for big powder landings and endless pillow lines. Finally Burton have realised that big guys like to freeride too, sizes go up to 169cm with a 25.9cm waist which is designed for riders in the 210lbs+ weight range.
Manufacturer's Description:
Four-wheel drive for front, side, and backcountry, the NEW Barracuda is a hybrid of freeride engineering. A slightly tapered shape and directional flex combine with S-Rocker™ to create a floater that goes up, over, and through anything. Steep lines to fresh pillows and the sketchy traverses in between, its speedy ride preserves stability and provides critical edge control for slicing up everything from blower to bulletproof.
Recommended for freeride riding.
Recommended for big mountain riding.
High cost $
Hybrid Rocker/Camber Construction.
Year: 2012
Available Lengths (cm):
149, 153, 157, 161, 165, 169
Riding Style: Freeride
Specifications:
Gondola Package
The Channel
BEND: S-Rocker
SHAPE: Directional [15MM Taper]
FLEX: Directional
CORE: Super Fly II™ with Dualzone™ EGD™ FIBERGLASS: Triax™ Fiberglass with Carbon I-Beam™
BASE: Sintered WFO
SIDEWALLS: 10:45™
EXTRAS: Frostbite Edges, Pro-Tip™, and Infinite Ride™
Downsize 2 to 3cm From Normal Board Length
User Snowboard Reviews
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on January 16, 2012 at 07:03 PM
Firstly I should point out that I’m female. It has no bearing on my opinions below, but just wanted to illustrate that this is a suitable powder board for both men and women, ‘cos I loved riding it!
My set up: Barracuda 149, Burton Cartel EST (medium), Thirty Two Lashed Boot 26.5. Stance 23”. My stats: 5’7”, 58kg
I normally ride a 145, so couldn’t really size down, but I’m glad I didn’t. The board didn’t really feel that much longer and I got some extra float out of it too.
Riding powder: I was able to take this out in fresh pow five or six times. Depths varied between 20cm and waist deep. The board absolutely lives up to the description - it gives great float, speed and control in any depth of powder. I found turning easy, and it could be done quickly if needed. The base is fast enough to keep you going through flatter spots, although I would recommend getting it waxed regularly when there’s lots of pow around as I found it needed doing every two or three days to keep it at it’s best. The S-Rocker is great - it keeps the nose of the board up and allowed me to feel comfortable riding centered over my bindings in deeper snow. Didn’t get the slightest bit of back leg burn! Cutting other people’s lines is simple with this too - you barely feel it. Just as a comparison, my b/f took a dual camber board out on one of the powder days. Although it did an admirable job and much better than a camber board of the same length could have done, he couldn’t follow me when powder got above knee high.
Riding trees: In fresh powder in trees, the board handles well, however the much longer nose and short tail means that it’s not really an option to ride switch, meaning that if you get stuck in a tight spot and can’t turn your board, or you have to edge past something, it can be a bit awkward. In more open terrain, the board handles well and is fun to throw around. It also handles buried obstacles without boucing off them too much (stumps, logs, rocks etc). In terrain where there is more hardpack and moguls around, the board gets a bit squirly and the nose can bounce off the firmer snow.
Riding piste: I actually enjoyed riding on groomers with this board. It’s good at carving as the taper, set back stance and S-rocker promote that way of riding. I actually found that I was better able to put my normal boards on edge after riding the Barracuda for a while as it makes you hone your on-piste riding skills. My first day riding this was interesting - you do have to get used to the board. Because there is a lot less tail than nose, if you’re coming from a twin board as I was, I found myself going halfway across the run trying to slow down or stop - this was because I was putting as much effort into both legs/feet/ends of the board. I had to effectivly learn not to put so much force into my back foot to stop that happening. I’d also read reviews on the predecessor Malolo saying that it’s a ‘slashy’ board. I can definitely say that the Barracuda is too. On flats where you need speed, I found the Barracuda a little catchy in the rocker area of the board. Speed was definitely not a problem, but in this situation it wasn’t as stable as a normal camber board. In cruddy conditions it handles OK. As I already mentioned the nose has a habit of bouncing off larger piles of snow. You can cut through a certain amount with it but this is definitely not something I’d recommend taking down bumpy terrain if you can avoid it
I didn’t take this into a park, but did get some air in back/slackcountry. Stability is pretty good. Don’t land on the tail though.
Flex - Burton reckon this is a 5 on their flex scale. I’d agree. Girls - if you’re wondering how it compares to other women’s boards: its a bit stiffer than a camber Feelgood and not as stiff as a K2 Ecopop. About on par with a Gnu B-Pro and stiffer than a Ride Farah. Definitely softer than a Nitro Carrara.
You should consider this board if you’re looking for a powder specific deck for your quiver. Although it does ride piste well, it’s not something you’d use in every condition.
Overall, would I recommend this board? Yes. My rating - 8.5/10
on January 16, 2012 at 07:44 PM
Great review Snowkat!