Burton has been making splitboards since the year 2000. They entered the splitboard market largely in part to the late Craig Kelly's influence. Craig was tapped in to the magic of the backcountry and knew a splitboard was the best way for snowboarders to access it. Burton teamed up with engineers from Black Diamond to make the hardware for their splitboard with Craig Kelly and Dave Downing being the primary testers. The product has evolved quite a bit since 2000 as they continue to improve upon their designs.

The Burton S-Series splitboards are some of the most versatile splitboards on the market today. They feature a classic all-mountain shape with a good compromise between sidecut and effective edge. We've ridden these boards from the season’s first snowfall all the way to summer riding in June and early July.

The board itself has remained unchanged this year but the interface has been improved for added torsional rigidity in split mode. There have also a few small hardware improvements and the MSRP now includes the crampons and skins! The boards feature Burton’s SuperFly II wood core and Lite Triax glass. The topsheet has a glossy yet somewhat scratch-resistance finish and the sidewalls are slanted for added durability in split mode. We found the boards to work well in all conditions ranging from powder to hardpack to corn. These boards also live up to their reputation of feeling closest to a solid snowboard compared to other splits tested. The Burton splitboards also have the highest tip height compared to other brands by .6cm. This extra nose height is noticeably more effective in deep powder and deep corn snow. The added nose height simply makes it easier to keep the tip afloat and initiate turns. The waist width comes in larger than Voile but smaller than Prior in comparable size boards. If you have a size 10 boot or smaller, you'll really appreciated the medium waist and find edge-to-edge transitions effortless. The running edge is the same size as Prior’s splitboard in the same length but the sidecut is slightly deeper. Executing quick hop turns in steep chutes and wide open turns on the apron where came easily. The board also has a very natural flex pattern that stayed alive and snappy throughout the season. It comes in at a 7 on the Burton flex scale so it’s forgiving enough for powder and stiff enough for variable snow.

Pros:

• Solid ride
• Added nose height
• Good shape for a wide range of conditions

Cons:

• Durability of Burton interface is suspect

• Use of rivets instead of screws in the hardware would be an improvement

• Limited stance width options

The Conclusion:

This board is for riders that need a high performance splitboard that will excel in all conditions. If you live in regions with varied and heavier snowpack you'll really appreciated the added performance the Burton provides. Take these boards to the air, into steep/firm chutes, and into the powder…they will excel! Just remember to bring your repair kit for the tip/tail hooks and interface.

Burton splitboard testing. Virginia Lakes, CA. Photo: mmcpheet