Speed is the thrill that drives many snowboarders to carve down groomers, bomb steeps, and charge through challenging terrain. To maximize speed this season, you need a snowboard setup that combines a responsive board, precise bindings, and supportive boots. Burton, a legendary brand in snowboarding since 1977, offers cutting-edge technology and high-performance gear to help you push your limits. The right Burton setup can enhance edge control, stability, and power transfer, letting you fly down the mountain with confidence.
We’ve curated the 15 best Burton snowboard setups to maximize speed this season, focusing on all-mountain and freeride setups for intermediate to advanced riders. Each setup includes a Burton board, bindings, and boots, optimized for speed on groomers, steeps, and variable conditions. We’ll also provide a 30-day plan to master your setup and include 9 frequently asked questions to address common concerns. Let’s dive into the best Burton setups to help you shred faster this season!
Why a Burton Snowboard Setup Enhances Speed
A snowboard setup—comprising the board, bindings, and boots—works together to optimize speed through:
- Responsive Board Design: Stiff flex, camber profiles, and directional shapes provide stability and edge hold at high speeds.
- Precise Bindings: Stiff, responsive bindings with minimal lag ensure instant power transfer from rider to board.
- Supportive Boots: Stiff boots with secure closures (e.g., BOA or laces) enhance control and reduce foot movement for precise inputs.
- Lightweight Materials: Carbon fiber, sintered bases, and slim outsoles reduce weight, boosting acceleration and responsiveness.
- Edge Control: Technologies like Frostbite Edges and The Channel system improve grip on hardpack or ice, critical for maintaining speed.
By choosing one of the 15 best Burton snowboard setups to maximize speed this season, you’ll harness these features to carve faster and ride harder. Let’s explore our top picks.
How We Selected the Best Setups
We evaluated Burton snowboard setups based on the following criteria:
- Speed Performance: Boards with stiff flex (6/10 or higher), camber or hybrid profiles, and sintered bases for speed on groomers or steeps.
- Binding Response: Stiff bindings (e.g., Burton Cartel, Malavita) with quick power transfer and adjustable stance options via The Channel system.
- Boot Support: Stiff boots (6/10 or higher flex) with secure closures (e.g., dual BOA, laces) for control at high speeds.
- Terrain Versatility: Setups suited for all-mountain or freeride riding, excelling on groomers, hardpack, and variable conditions.
- Technology: Features like Carbon Highlights, Infinite Ride, and Step On for enhanced responsiveness and durability.
- User Reviews: Feedback from riders on speed, stability, and performance, sourced from trusted reviews (e.g., Snowboarding Profiles, The Inertia).
- Price Range: Options from mid-range to premium to suit various budgets.
These setups are ideal for intermediate to advanced riders aiming to maximize speed this season.
The 15 Best Burton Snowboard Setups to Maximize Speed This Season
1. Burton Custom X Camber + Cartel X EST + Ion Boa
- Price: $1,400-$1,800
- Riding Style: All-Mountain
- Best For: Advanced riders
- Why It’s Great: The Custom X Camber, a quiver-killer, features a stiff 8/10 flex, true camber profile, and Sintered WFO base for explosive speed. Cartel X EST bindings offer precise response, and Ion Boa boots (7/10 flex) provide lockdown fit with dual BOA.
- Speed Benefits: The camber profile and carbon-infused core ensure edge hold and pop, ideal for bombing groomers.
2. Burton Hometown Hero + Malavita EST + Photon Boa
- Price: $1,300-$1,700
- Riding Style: All-Mountain/Freeride
- Best For: Intermediate to advanced riders
- Why It’s Great: The Hometown Hero’s directional shape and medium-stiff flex (6/10) excel in variable conditions. Malavita EST bindings provide freestyle-inspired response, and Photon Boa boots (6/10 flex) ensure comfort and control.
- Speed Benefits: The directional shape and sintered base maintain stability at high speeds, perfect for steeps.
3. Burton Free Thinker + Genesis X EST + Burton Supreme
- Price: $1,500-$1,900
- Riding Style: All-Mountain/Freestyle
- Best For: Advanced carvers
- Why It’s Great: The Free Thinker’s true twin shape and camber profile (7/10 flex) grip snow for sharp carves. Genesis X EST bindings are stiff and responsive, and Supreme boots (7/10 flex) with speed zone lacing enhance control.
- Speed Benefits: The steep sidecut and carbon core deliver edge hold and pop for high-speed carving.
4. Burton Straight Chuter + Cartel EST + Ion Step On
- Price: $1,600-$2,000
- Riding Style: Freeride
- Best For: Expert riders
- Why It’s Great: The Straight Chuter’s directional shape and stiff 7/10 flex dominate deep snow and steeps. Cartel EST bindings ensure precision, and Ion Step On boots (7/10 flex) offer instant binding engagement.
- Speed Benefits: The long nose and sintered WFO base amplify speed in variable conditions.
5. Burton Deep Thinker + Malavita Re:Flex + Ruler Boa
- Price: $1,200-$1,600
- Riding Style: All-Mountain/Freeride
- Best For: Intermediate riders
- Why It’s Great: The Deep Thinker’s directional shape and 6/10 flex balance speed and playfulness. Malavita Re:Flex bindings offer versatility, and Ruler Boa boots (6/10 flex) provide a secure fit.
- Speed Benefits: The directional camber and sintered base ensure stability for fast descents.
6. Burton Custom Camber + Genesis EST + Photon Step On
- Price: $1,400-$1,800
- Riding Style: All-Mountain
- Best For: Intermediate to advanced riders
- Why It’s Great: The Custom Camber’s directional shape and 6/10 flex offer precision and durability. Genesis EST bindings provide snappy response, and Photon Step On boots (6/10 flex) simplify entry.
- Speed Benefits: The camber profile and Super Fly II core enhance edge control for groomer speed.
7. Burton High Fidelity + Cartel X Re:Flex + Ion Boa
- Price: $1,500-$1,900
- Riding Style: Freeride
- Best For: Advanced riders
- Why It’s Great: The High Fidelity’s directional shape and 7/10 flex excel in powder and hardpack. Cartel X Re:Flex bindings are stiff, and Ion Boa boots ensure responsiveness.
- Speed Benefits: The narrow waist and deep sidecut enable quick, responsive turns at high speeds.
8. Burton Talent Scout + Lexa X EST + Felix Boa
- Price: $1,200-$1,600
- Riding Style: All-Mountain
- Best For: Women riders
- Why It’s Great: The Talent Scout’s true twin shape and 6/10 flex suit aggressive women riders. Lexa X EST bindings offer precision, and Felix Boa boots (6/10 flex) ensure comfort.
- Speed Benefits: The camber profile and carbon highlights provide edge hold for fast carving.
9. Burton Story Board + Escapade EST + Ritual Boa
- Price: $1,300-$1,700
- Riding Style: All-Mountain/Freeride
- Best For: Women freeriders
- Why It’s Great: The Story Board’s directional camber and 6.5/10 flex charge groomers and powder. Escapade EST bindings are responsive, and Ritual Boa boots (6/10 flex) offer a secure fit.
- Speed Benefits: The directional shape and sintered base maintain speed in deep snow.
10. Burton Blossom + Cartel Re:Flex + Swath Boa
- Price: $1,200-$1,600
- Riding Style: All-Mountain/Freestyle
- Best For: Intermediate riders
- Why It’s Great: The Blossom’s true twin shape and 6/10 flex balance park and all-mountain riding. Cartel Re:Flex bindings ensure response, and Swath Boa boots (6/10 flex) provide control.
- Speed Benefits: The camber profile and lightweight core enhance pop and speed on groomers.
11. Burton Flight Attendant + Malavita EST + Ion Boa
- Price: $1,400-$1,800
- Riding Style: All-Mountain/Freeride
- Best For: Advanced riders
- Why It’s Great: The Flight Attendant’s directional shape and 6/10 flex excel in powder and hardpack. Malavita EST bindings offer freestyle response, and Ion Boa boots ensure precision.
- Speed Benefits: The directional camber and sintered base provide stability for fast descents.
12. Burton Process Camber + Genesis X Re:Flex + Ruler Step On
- Price: $1,200-$1,600
- Riding Style: All-Mountain/Freestyle
- Best For: Intermediate riders
- Why It’s Great: The Process Camber’s true twin shape and 6/10 flex suit all-mountain riding. Genesis X Re:Flex bindings are responsive, and Ruler Step On boots (6/10 flex) simplify entry.
- Speed Benefits: The camber profile ensures edge hold, though it’s less stable at very high speeds.
13. Burton Feelgood Camber + Lexa EST + Felix Step On
- Price: $1,300-$1,700
- Riding Style: All-Mountain
- Best For: Women riders
- Why It’s Great: The Feelgood Camber’s directional shape and 6/10 flex offer precision for women. Lexa EST bindings provide response, and Felix Step On boots (6/10 flex) ensure quick entry.
- Speed Benefits: The camber profile and carbon core enhance edge control for groomer speed.
14. Burton Mystery Hometown Hero + Cartel X EST + Photon Boa
- Price: $1,600-$2,000
- Riding Style: Freeride
- Best For: Expert riders
- Why It’s Great: The Mystery Hometown Hero’s directional shape and 7/10 flex use Mystery Glass for lightweight responsiveness. Cartel X EST bindings and Photon Boa boots ensure precision.
- Speed Benefits: The directional shape and sintered base excel in powder and high-speed runs.
15. Burton Custom Flying V + Malavita Re:Flex + Ion Boa
- Price: $1,200-$1,600
- Riding Style: All-Mountain
- Best For: Intermediate riders
- Why It’s Great: The Custom Flying V’s hybrid profile and 6/10 flex offer versatility. Malavita Re:Flex bindings provide response, and Ion Boa boots ensure control.
- Speed Benefits: The hybrid profile balances speed and playfulness, ideal for moderate-speed groomers.
How to Maximize Speed in 30 Days with Your Burton Setup
A high-performance Burton setup is a powerful tool, but technique and practice are essential to maximize speed. Follow this 30-day plan to master your setup:
1 Week : Dial in Fit and Stance
- Day 1-2: Visit a snowboard shop to ensure boots fit snugly without heel lift and bindings align with The Channel system for your stance width and angles.
- Day 3-5: Ride groomers for 2–3 hours, focusing on a centered stance and engaging edges with your setup’s camber profile.
- Day 6-7: Practice carving on blue runs, using your stiff boots and bindings to initiate turns with precision.
2 Week : Build Edge Control
- Day 8-10: Ride for 3–4 hours on varied groomers, practicing deep carves to test your setup’s edge hold at moderate speeds.
- Day 11-13: Focus on weight distribution, keeping your body over the board’s centerline to maintain stability.
- Day 14: Take a lesson with an instructor to refine your carving technique and optimize your setup’s responsiveness.
3 Week : Increase Speed and Confidence
- Day 15-18: Ride steeper blue or black runs for 4–5 hours, gradually increasing speed while maintaining edge control.
- Day 19-21: Practice bombing short sections of groomers, using your stiff setup to stay stable at higher speeds.
- Day 22: Record your runs to analyze body position and edge engagement, adjusting for smoother, faster descents.
4 Week : Master High-Speed Riding
- Day 23-26: Ride black diamond runs or race-style groomers for 5–6 hours, pushing your setup’s limits with controlled speed.
- Day 27-29: Incorporate variable conditions (e.g., icy patches, crud) to test your setup’s versatility and stability.
- Day 30: Compete in a local race or ride a challenging course to showcase your speed and control with your Burton setup.
This plan leverages your setup’s stiff flex, camber profile, and responsive bindings to build speed and confidence.
Tips for Choosing the Right Burton Setup for Speed
- Prioritize Stiff Flex: Boards and boots with 6/10 or higher flex ensure stability and responsiveness at high speeds.
- Choose Camber or Hybrid Profiles: Camber provides edge hold for carving; hybrids like Flying V offer versatility.
- Opt for Sintered Bases: Sintered WFO bases are faster and more durable than extruded bases.
- Select Responsive Bindings: Burton’s EST or Re:Flex bindings with stiff highbacks enhance power transfer.
- Test Your Setup: Demo boards or ride with a shop’s guidance to confirm speed performance before buying.
Additional Considerations for Maximizing Speed
Beyond choosing the right setup, consider these strategies to boost your speed:
- Regular Waxing: Wax your board every 3–5 days of riding to maintain a fast-gliding sintered base.
- Rider Fitness: Strengthen your core and legs with exercises like squats or planks to maintain control at high speeds.
- Tune Edges: Sharpen edges every 5–10 days to ensure grip on hardpack or ice.
- Proper Stance: Adjust your stance width and angles via The Channel system for optimal power transfer.
- Ride with Experts: Join advanced riders or take clinics to learn speed-focused techniques.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How does a Burton snowboard setup maximize speed?
A Burton setup maximizes speed with stiff boards for stability, camber profiles for edge hold, responsive bindings for power transfer, and supportive boots for precise control.
2. Can I maximize speed in 30 days with a new Burton setup?
Yes! A high-performance setup and a structured 30-day plan can significantly improve your carving, stability, and speed on groomers and steeps.
3. Why is a camber profile better for speed?
Camber profiles distribute weight evenly, providing superior edge hold and pop, which are critical for maintaining control and speed on groomers.
4. How do I know if my Burton setup fits properly for speed?
Boots should fit snugly without heel lift, bindings should align with your stance via The Channel system, and the board should feel stable at moderate speeds. Consult a shop for fitting.
5. Are Step On bindings effective for high-speed riding?
Yes, Step On bindings (e.g., Cartel Step On) offer instant engagement and pro-caliber control, ideal for speed-focused riding, though they require compatible boots.
6. What’s the best Burton setup for a budget-conscious rider seeking speed?
The Burton Process Camber with Genesis X Re:Flex bindings and Ruler Step On boots offers speed and responsiveness at a mid-range price.
7. How do I maintain my Burton setup for maximum speed?
Wax the board regularly, sharpen edges every 5–10 days, clean bindings to ensure responsiveness, and check boot liners for wear to maintain a secure fit.
8. Can a poorly fitted setup affect speed performance?
Yes, a loose boot, misaligned binding, or ill-fitting board can reduce control and stability, slowing you down. Ensure proper fit with a professional.
9. Why are sintered bases important for speed?
Sintered bases, like Burton’s WFO, are porous and absorb more wax, providing a faster, more durable glide compared to extruded bases.
Conclusion
Chasing speed this season is exhilarating with the right gear. The 15 best Burton snowboard setups to maximize speed this season—from the versatile Custom X Camber to the freeride-focused Straight Chuter—combine stiff boards, responsive bindings, and supportive boots to help you carve faster and charge harder. Whether you’re an intermediate rider building confidence or an expert tackling steeps, these setups deliver the performance needed to dominate the mountain.
To maximize your speed, choose a setup from our list, follow our 30-day plan, and work with a snowboard shop to ensure a perfect fit. Pair your setup with regular maintenance, fitness, and advanced riding techniques, and you’ll be flying down groomers with precision and power. Grab your Burton setup and make this season your fastest yet!
