IS Burton overrated?

Question

buying a new snowboard next season.

im probably going to get burton boots, bindings & board.

is burton as good as they say?

or is it sooo overrated?

Answer 1

No. I ride exclusively Burton kit (okay, I get massive discounts off their stuff) and I have to say, they have excellent build quality.

Answer 2

Burton is overrated.  Their boots are okay, but if you want a good quality board, I would suggest Gnu or Lib-Tech.  They are better quality than Burton.

Answer 3

Generally speaking, yes, I think they are over-rated.  They do make some really good stuff, but that good stuff if very expensive.  The affordable stuff isn't the greatest.  The Burton name sells as it is the biggest name in snowboarding.  I have great respect for their contribution to the sport, but their huge marketing success chokes out some excellent smaller manufacturers.

I don't ride anything from Burton.  This is because, as an advanced rider, I can't afford the things that I would like to try from Burton.  I would bet if you get their higher end equipment you will be very happy, if you can afford it.  I have seen allot of broken Burton on the hill, but that is the lower and mid-grade stuff.

Don't go with Burton just for the name.  You can get more quality and diversity by trying other reputable board, binding, and boot manufactures!

Answer 4

From what I hear their equipment is pretty solid.  Most of the boards that rent out at my local mountain are Burton so that's gotta say something about how they stand up to abuse from riders and for them being easy and nice to ride.

That being said I think that if you talk to anyone who rides outside of this board they'll drop names like Never Summer, Lib Tech, Gnu... There are so many other names but because Burton has been in the biz so long and advertises so much through conventional methods and in branding they name has become synonomous with riding and as a result is a bit hyped.

I'm not saying they're bad, just that they get more recognition than they may deserve.

Answer 5

I ride strictly Burton. I'd lay down the cash and go for the best technology you can find. I got an ICS Vapor and it's like riding with no board at all. And you gotta love the guarantee.

While the cost is high and they are highly publicised, it's for good reason, one you ride their stuff you'll never even think about getting anything else.

And an extra goodie, next year ICS will be on most of their boards, it's a cool binding system where you can change binding placement without even removing your boot. Details are on their site.

Again, it's a pricey company but if you're really into snowboarding get the best stuff you can afford. I have the Vapor with CO2's and Driver X boots and I love them. But remember, get what you like and if it's not Burton that's alright, but read up on your stuff before you buy it as you would with anything else. Happy riding!

Answer 6

They are overrated, but they make high quality products. If you are looking into buying sets look into new companies. Usually those would have the technology and good pricing. Good Luck choosing !

Answer 7

Burton is overrated as many people see it as the best company, where in reality there are lots of good companys and the products that suit you best come more down to personal preference than anything else. Most of there stuff is good though and they are certainly among the best companys out there. If you percifically want a Burton board and bindings they will have something that will suit you, but you should never buy boots because of a brand name. As different brands of boot fit different shapes and widths of feet better. You need to try on a range of boots made by different brands and go with the ones that feel most comfortable. Try not to be be influenced by the make or style when buying boots, as its vitally important your boots fit you well more than anything else. Good luck with the riding.

Answer 8

YES, burton is overrated, the thing is, if your gonna buy a 300 dollar snowboard, don't say oh burton has a 300 dollar board, look around because there are alot more company's that carry 300 dollar boards, though if you want a top of the line 600 dollar board, Burton has some of the best wood and honeycomb boards out there...

Answer 9

Yes it is overrated...just because its burton dont mean its the best...people come with low end burton thinking its all that, no it osnt.

Yes there high end products are great...proof ive had the same burton custom bindings for 9 years and still work fine. the rest of my gear is Salomon and will be getting those for bindings next to complete the kit.

Answer 10

Though expensive I find that they are not overrated, but very dependable boards, bindings, etc.

Answer 11

all these people are tools. burton gear is by far the most durable

Answer 12

yes and no / certainly they have the best riders the most hype etc but i like their products...not all of them but their top items are still some of the best...i like their clothing because of their functionality but i ride a Never Summer Board, Flux Bindings and Nitro Boots