For many years, the Burton Custom Camber has been a beloved staple in the Burton Snowboards lineup, celebrated for its award-winning performance and versatility in resort riding. The Burton Custom also comes in a rocker profile version called the “Burton Custom Flying V.” This article delves into a comprehensive review of the Burton Custom Flying V snowboard, examining its features, performance, and suitability for different riders.
Overview of the Burton Custom Flying V
If you are a beginner snowboarder or someone who likes to just get out on weekends for no pressure fun, consider the Burton Custom Flying V. This board was fun and playful while going slower and it floated well in deeper snow. We found this board to be soft, forgiving, and delightfully playful - perfect if you don't plan to push the limits too far. The combination of reverse camber, directional shape, softer flex, and middle of the road sidecut make for a very pleasing ride.
The Burton Custom Flying V has one more bend up than most hybrid rocker boards. The feeling between the feet is loose like most continuous rocker boards. The Flying V-Rocker bend between the feet makes is a little more challenging to one foot and feels loose when flat basing. So it’s totally the opposite of the Custom Camber.
It is the kind of board that has a nice lively feel underfoot but still works with even mellow boots and bindings. Short to wide-radius turns are pretty fun. So, with the lower profile and what seems like more camber these days, there is a better feel when leaning into a hard carve.
Key Features and Technology
The Burton Custom Flying V 2014 to 2017 is pretty much the same general ride, except Burton is constantly finding little ways to improve the board over the years.
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- One relatively recent difference that improves the ride is the SqueezeBox tech that changes the cores flex between the feet.
- The 2014-2017 Burton Custom Flying V added Carbon to the tip/tail to give it a little more snap and help to dampen up the ride a bit.
- It seems like over the last couple of years, there is a little more camber these days, and the V isn’t super crazy, so the tip/tail is closer to the snow, which makes for a more stable ride. We like this change, and it gives the board a lot less of a continuous rocker feel on the snow.
The change to the core profile isn’t a game-changer, but it definitely improves the ride and continues to help the board flex naturally underfoot. Even with Re:Flex bindings, this is still really poppy and fun to Ollie. You find yourself looking for things to pop off around the mountain when you are on this board.
Performance Analysis
If it had the same personality in hard snow as it did in soft snow, this would be a really fun all-mountain ride for all conditions.
On-Snow Feel
Our initial impression was that the Burton Custom V-Rocker’s medium flex did not translate to the slopes like the camber version did. We felt it to be very loose and buttery for an all mountain board. We like that there is still a choice between camber custom and rocker custom. We hope it stays that way because each board has strengths over the other.
Turn Initiation and Carving
The Burton Custom Flying V-Rocker shape makes it incredibly easy to turn. The rocker between the feet is more exaggerated than most hybrid rocker boards so it makes for a very loose feel between the feet. At slow speeds it was a real treat as it was extremely agile. It turns really easy for almost any rider of any level.
Powder Performance
This is one of the areas that the Custom V-Rocker outperforms the custom camber and many hybrid rocker boards. The V-Rocker’s extra kink-up in the board gives it a lot of float and lets you take more of a park approach on a fluffy day. It also reduces rear leg burn and makes it fun to ride in almost any powder set up.
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Speed and Stability
In good conditions this isn’t too bad, but in hard conditions the board’s tip and tail bounce around when going at medium to high speeds. It’s a common problem with some rocker boards, but for some reason, we found the issue to be particularly pronounced with the Custom Flying V-Rocker. The center of the board has the most contact with the snow and is pretty stiff, but the tip and tail bounce so much that the chatter feels like it works its way through the entire board.
Its borderline soft snow-only kind of edge hold makes it a little washy in firm snow, but in good snow, it’s not bad. The Squeeze Box from the last couple of years along with the carbon in the 2014 Custom Flying V helps stiffen it up but it’s still fighting the flop that can happen from this camber profile design. It’s getting better, but it’s still not there with many other hybrid rocker boards out there that have fewer bends throughout the board.
Jibbing and Switch Riding
The Burton Custom Flying V has a twinish shape that’s almost the same as the camber custom, but thanks to the v-rocker profile, the board does a great job riding switch because the nose and tail aren’t really initiating the turns like a camber board would. It’s not bad for a mid flexing board. It doesn’t do this as well as many of the softer Burton boards but it’s one of the better all mountain boards for jibbing we came across.
Jumping and Pipe
The mini camber near the tail in this rocker/camber combination helps keep the board very springy and playful. The Burton Custom Flying V isn’t the best pipe board around, but can handle it on softer spring days. The lack of edge hold means it won’t be great at climbing an icy pipe wall, but it will forgiving enough to help you learn the pipe or try new things.
Pros and Cons
Like any snowboard, the Burton Custom Flying V has its strengths and weaknesses.
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Reasons to Buy
- Nimble and fun at slower speeds
- Not too heavy
- Flashy base graphic
- Slider track (channel) mounting for bindings
Reasons to Avoid
- Not as stable with speed
- Narrow for a wide
- Too soft and rockered which compromised pop
- High end price not equal to performance
Who Is This Board For?
The Burton Custom Flying V is ideal for beginner to intermediate riders who prioritize ease of turning and a playful feel. This board is also suitable for those who frequently encounter powder conditions and enjoy a more relaxed, surfy ride. If the rider is aware of it's limitations on hard snow, this is one of the best progression boards out there because it will forgive any mistakes that the rider may do and will allow to boost the confidence of the rider to go to other levels of riding.
Some riders might like everything about this board that this tester found lacking. It depends on what board and what kind of terrain you are riding.
Alternative Options
If you're seeking alternatives, consider these options:
- Burton Custom Camber: For more power, pop, and grip, especially in varied conditions.
- Never Summer SL: If you like the idea of the Flying V but you want the board a little more Freeride orientated then the Never Summer SL is a winner, so damp and powerful, yet still pretty easy to ride, plus you get a 3 year warranty.
- Bataleon's Freestyle TBT: Bataleon TBT is great providing you want to choose a specific riding style.
Final Thoughts
The Burton Custom Flying V is a board with a distinct personality, offering a blend of playfulness and forgiveness that can be very rewarding in the right conditions. However, it's essential to be aware of its limitations, particularly in hard or icy conditions. Ultimately, the decision to ride the Custom Flying V depends on your riding style, skill level, and the type of terrain you typically encounter.