Burton Ripcord Snowboard - Review
Burton Ripcord Snowboard Specs:
- Profile: Flat Top with Easy Bevel
- Shape: Directional (5-8mm taper)
- Flex: Soft
- Core: FSC™ Certified Fly® 900G Core
- Base: Extruded
- Fiberglass: Biax™
- Mounting: The Channel®
- Terrain: All Mountain
- Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Before we jump into the review - If you want to read our Best All Mountain Snowboards comparison article, you are welcome.
The Burton Ripcord Snowboard is designed with beginners in mind, offering a forgiving ride that helps instill confidence on the slopes. Its Flat Top with Easy Bevel profile ensures stability and reduces the chances of catching an edge, which is a common concern for those just starting out. The soft flex of the board allows for easy maneuverability, making turns smoother and more intuitive.
The directional shape of the Ripcord, combined with a slight taper, aids in better control and precision, especially when navigating through varied terrains. This design also helps in enhancing float in powder, ensuring that even on those deep snow days, the board performs admirably. The FSC™ Certified Fly® 900G Core provides a lightweight feel without compromising on strength, ensuring durability and longevity.
One of the standout features of the Ripcord is The Channel® mounting system. This innovative design allows for easy adjustments and customizations, ensuring that riders can find their perfect stance and positioning on the board. It also offers compatibility with most major binding brands, adding to its versatility.
Lastly, the extruded base, while being low maintenance, holds up well against wear and tear. It retains wax effectively, ensuring consistent glide over multiple runs. The Biax™ fiberglass construction further enhances the board's responsiveness, making it a reliable choice for those looking to progress in their snowboarding journey.
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Diving into the Technical: A Deep Dive into the Burton Ripcord Snowboard
Key Features:
The Burton Ripcord Snowboard stands out in the market with its unique blend of features tailored for both beginners and intermediate riders. The board is designed to provide a smooth and forgiving ride, ensuring that riders can progress with confidence.
Snowboard Profile:
The Burton Ripcord boasts a Flat Top profile, which offers a stable platform underfoot. This profile ensures a balanced feel, making it easier for riders to transition from edge to edge without the fear of catching an edge. It's particularly beneficial for those still mastering their turns and carving techniques.
Flex Rating:
With a soft flex rating, the Ripcord is forgiving and user-friendly. This soft flex allows for easier maneuverability, especially at slower speeds, making it an ideal choice for those still getting the hang of snowboarding. It's also great for playful rides in the park.
Snowboard Shape:
The directional shape of the Ripcord is designed with a slightly longer nose than tail. This allows for increased float in powder and better control in all conditions. The setback stance further aids in providing a more surfy feel, especially in deeper snow.
Core:
The board's core is crafted from Burton's Fly 900G Core, which is a classic tip-to-tail wood core. This design utilizes dual-density vertical laminations of alternating softwood and hardwood to reduce overall weight without compromising strength or performance.
Laminates:
The Biax fiberglass laminates provide a jib-friendly, torsionally soft flex and a forgiving feel. This ensures that the board remains responsive while still being easy to handle, especially for riders who are still developing their skills.
Base:
The Burton Ripcord features an Extruded base, which is known for its low maintenance and durability. It retains wax well, ensuring that riders can enjoy consistent glide without the constant need for upkeep.
Edges:
The board's edges come with Burton's Easy Bevel Edge Tune. This design gives riders a soft, forgiving edge that reduces the chances of catching an edge. It's a feature that's particularly beneficial for beginners, ensuring a smoother and more confidence-inspiring ride.
Binding Compatibility:
The Ripcord is equipped with a channel mounting system, which offers the most adjustability and compatibility with all major binding brands. This system allows riders to fine-tune their stance to their preference, ensuring optimal comfort and performance.
Terrain Type:
This board is versatile enough to handle a variety of terrains. From groomed runs to park sessions, the Ripcord is designed to perform. However, its features are particularly tailored towards groomed runs, making it a favorite among resort riders.
Ability Level:
Given its forgiving nature and user-friendly features, the Burton Ripcord is best suited for beginners to intermediate riders. Its design ensures that those new to the sport can progress at their own pace, while intermediate riders can continue to refine their skills with a reliable board underfoot.
The Burton Ripcord Snowboard, with its blend of features and design, offers a ride that's both enjoyable and confidence-inspiring. Whether you're just starting out or looking to progress to the next level, the Ripcord provides the technical specifications to support your journey on the slopes.