By: Elliot
Board Model and Year: Burton Custom X 2008
Board Size: 155
Age: 25
Riding Style: All Mountain
Pros: Very good, fast base. One of the faster boards out there and it eats up groomed terrain. The edge is solid and holds very well (though I haven’t tested it on icey conditions – I live in the northeast – so I can’t confirm just how good the edge is). Very stiff board which is a pro or con depending on your riding style and abilities. I’m also a big fan of the design – intricate yet understated.
Cons: Doesn’t float very well in powder. I found myself sinking even when going fast and leaning back on the board. The stiffness of the board makes it difficult on un-groomed terrain and riding through the glades. I’m also not a fan of the binding layout, the holes were designed for Burton bindings and don’t give a lot of flexibility in binding positioning.
Final thoughts: I used this Board in Jackson Hole and Smuggler’s Notch (VT). Really this board is made for the East Coast. It’s got an excellent edge and it’s fast making it ideal on groomed runs and those unfortunate icey days that riders in the Northeast know all too well. West coast riders will notice its shortcomings a lot more, particularly on powder days, glades, and above the tree-line riding. East Coasters – don’t hesitate, Custom X is the way to go. West Coasters – you might be disappointed.