BURTON · Burton Family Tree Backseat Driver Pow Surfing Snowboard
Burton Family Tree Backseat Driver Pow Surfing Snowboard
25/26 season
Colour
Color makeup
Multicolour
Design
Illustration
Sizes
Expert reviews 1
A pow surfer that delivers a surf-like feel in six inches or more of powder, with a light construction and metal edges that suit backcountry riding. On days with less powder, though, the V-hull construction hurts performance badly, and traction pads falling off is a durability flaw that needs fixing. At a reasonable CA$350 it can be a good option for surfers or snowboarders looking for a winter surf substitute.
Base shape (camber)
Rocker
Spoon-shaped rocker (nose up) is applied at the front, with the shape tapering toward the tail. A V-shaped hull tail realises float in powder and a loose surfing feel. It's a binding-free pow surfer.
StiffnessHigher means stiffer
Being a pow surfer, its flex works differently from a conventional snowboard's. Its lightweight construction gives it suppleness, with a soft-to-medium flex for powder turns and surf tricks such as nose riding.
Where it shines
Who it suits
Riders with surfing or snowboarding experience adapt quickly. With no bindings it's hard for beginners to balance, and it only works effectively in powder conditions, so a degree of experience is needed.
Good
- ✓It provides a surf-like feel in powder with excellent float
- ✓The light construction makes backcountry travel easy and allows tricks such as finger flips
- ✓Metal edges effectively protect the board from obstacles such as rocks and stumps in the backcountry
- ✓At a reasonable CA$350 it's more accessible than high-end pow surfers
- ✓The extruded base glides smoothly over powder
Not so good
- —The V-hull tail construction makes it very hard to use on hardpack or in shallow snow
- —Weak adhesive on the traction pads (rubber studs) causes them to fall off often during riding
