Burton Cartographer Snowboard - Review
Burton Cartographer Snowboard Specs:
- Lengths Available: 150, 154, 157, 160, 163cm
- Profile: Directional Camber
- Shape: Directional
- Flex: Medium
- Core: Super Fly II 700G Core
- Base: Sintered WFO
- Laminate: 45° Carbon Highlights
- Sidewall: Frostbite Edges
Before we jump into the review - If you want to read our Best All Mountain Snowboards comparison article, you are welcome.
The Burton Cartographer Snowboard is a testament to Burton's commitment to quality and performance. From the first ride, I was impressed by its versatility and responsiveness. The directional camber profile offers a blend of stability, pop, and precision, making it suitable for a variety of terrains, from groomers to off-piste.
The Super Fly II 700G Core is both lightweight and strong, allowing for dynamic turns and powerful carves. Paired with the sintered WFO base, the Cartographer glides effortlessly on the snow, ensuring maximum speed with minimal friction. Whether you're charging down steep slopes or making your way through tree lines, this board delivers a smooth and controlled ride.
One of the standout features of the Cartographer is its 45° Carbon Highlights, which enhance the board's torsional stiffness and responsiveness. This, combined with the Frostbite Edges, ensures exceptional edge hold, especially on icy or hard-packed conditions. It's a confidence booster, knowing that the board will grip the snow even in challenging conditions.
The Burton Cartographer is more than just a snowboard; it's a trusted companion on the mountain. It's designed for riders who seek a balanced board that can handle a variety of conditions with ease. Whether you're a seasoned pro or an intermediate looking to elevate your riding, the Cartographer is a worthy addition to your snowboarding arsenal.
Diving into the technical: A Comprehensive Review of the Burton Cartographer Snowboard
After several rides with the Burton Cartographer Snowboard, I've come to understand its intricacies and how they contribute to its performance on the mountain. Here's a detailed exploration of its technical attributes and their implications for riders:
1. Key Features:
The Burton Cartographer stands out with its Squeezebox core profiling and Frostbite edges. These features, combined with its versatile design, make it a board that can adapt to various terrains and conditions with ease.
2. Snowboard Profile:
The board boasts a Directional Camber profile. With camber underfoot and a slight rocker at the tip and tail, riders get the best of both worlds: stability and edge control from the camber, and float and playfulness from the rocker.
3. Flex Rating:
With a medium flex, the Burton Cartographer offers a balanced feel. It's neither too stiff nor too soft, making it adaptable to various riding styles, from carving groomers to playful freestyle sessions.
4. Snowboard Shape:
The directional shape, with a slightly set back stance, provides added control and float in powder. This design ensures the board's nose stays up in deep snow, while the tail offers stability and power.
5. Core:
The FSC Certified Super Fly II 700G Core integrates stronger and lighter woods, ensuring optimal pop, strength, and reduced weight. The Squeezebox core profiling further enhances pop and power by varying the thickness of the core along the board's length.
6. Laminates:
The Triax fiberglass laminates provide a versatile flex and response, suitable for everything from aggressive mountain charging to park laps. This ensures the board remains dynamic and responsive in various conditions.
7. Base:
Equipped with a sintered WFO base, the Burton Cartographer offers durability and a consistently smooth glide. This high-density base is also highly porous, ensuring optimal wax retention for sustained speed.
8. Edges:
The Frostbite edges extend slightly outwards beneath the bindings, providing phenomenal edge-hold on icy and hardpack conditions. This design ensures riders can carve with confidence, even on the slickest terrains.
9. Binding Compatibility:
The board features the Channel system, offering a stance that's easily adjustable and compatible with most major binding brands. This system ensures a direct connection with the board, enhancing responsiveness and control.
10. Terrain Type:
The Burton Cartographer is an all-mountain board. Its design and features allow it to excel on groomed runs, powder, and even in the park. Its versatility ensures riders can explore the mountain without any limitations.
11. Ability Level:
Designed for intermediate to advanced riders, the Burton Cartographer offers the technical features seasoned riders seek. However, its forgiving nature also ensures that progressing intermediates can harness its capabilities without feeling overwhelmed.
The Burton Cartographer Snowboard is a masterclass in design and functionality. Its blend of innovative features and classic snowboarding tech promises a ride that's both dynamic and reliable. Whether you're carving down steep runs, floating in powder, or hitting the park, the Cartographer is equipped to deliver a top-tier performance.
