BOOT REVIEW : BURTON ION
BOOT REVIEW: BURTON ION
One of the top boots in the Burton range the Burton Ion can do it all. A go to boot for someone who wants unmeasured support and comfort. This boot handle everything on the mountain. From steep and gnarly to park and pipe laps this will have you snug and secure when you need it most.
The boot is classed as being stiff but this allows the boot to mould to your foot. The stiffness gives the boot longevity and a life span that other boots do not offer.
The Burton Ion is a team favourite here at Vivid Snowboarding. Check out what the team ride here VIVID
The boots have an awesome Re bounce cushioning system. The materials within the inner lining acts in a manner that keeps the heat in and allows the feet to stay warm and toasty even on the coldest of days.
The Burton Ion comes in a few different lacing options. It really comes down to personal choice as to which system you want to tackle. You can opt for the speed zone lacing system, the fast and effective Boa system and for winter 2020- 2021 the Ion boot is now available for the Step on system.
The boot comes in a few different colours to keep the style conscious among us happy. This winter the boot comes in black, white or holographic
For all the boots that Burton offer check out there range online BURTON
The Burton Deep Thinker
The Burton Deep Thinker comes in the following sizes: 154, 157, 160, 157W, 160W and 163W
The Deep Thinker is a real beast of a snowboard. It is part of the Danny Davis range of snowboards that Burton have produced. Danny is an all mountain assassin. He's as comfortable floating switch Mctwist's and switch methods as he is charging big mountain lines.
The Deep thinker felt super stable at speed on groomed piste making different sized carve turns easily. The board gripped superbly well in the turn when pressed and pressured. The shape of the board makes this a directional shred stick. Almost a little surf like at the nose with a blunter shape on the tail. It's a camber machine which the purest among us will enjoy and appreciate. It feels amazing under the feet.
The board was able to handle all types of snow conditions and terrain. It felt a lot more freeride orientated than its counter part the Free Thinker. Better in soft snow than the Free Thinker due to its directional shape. Didn't have enough powder to really throw it about but it was a good stick.
Definitely not for the beginner looking for their first set up. For intermediate and advanced shredders looking for a lovely shaped board that can be adapted to all terrain types across the mountain then this could be the one. If you are looking for something a little softer and easier to ride then maybe check out the Skelton key. ( Review to follow )
Check out the Deep Thinker and the full Burton range here BURTON
The Burton Step On
The Burton Step On
Burton are the biggest and best snowboarding company in the industry. Burton are continuously developing their product and one of their newest and boldest is the reintroduction of the step in system. This made a brief appearance in the 90's and then disappeared. However Burton have rebranded and launched again as the Step on system. Not for every style of rider but definitely worth trying and giving them a test run. You might just fall in love with them!
Here at Vivid Snowboarding we have been testing and riding this product. They are strong, lightweight and durable. The boots connect to the binding with two connection points on the front of the boots and one at the back on the heel. Once you've managed the connection a couple of times this becomes second nature. To release your boot from the binding there is a simple leaver to pull up.
Burton have created a simple and effective connection between board and bindings. They want the constant hassle of strapping in and out of the bindings taken away. Their new system is in its infancy but it works and feels good! Other brands have now also followed Burton into the strapless world. K2 have relaunched their clicker system which is again a blast from the past. The 90's are coming back!
Burton have grown their step on range for the coming season. The boots will vary slightly in relation to support, durability and weight. It will always be worth trying out a few different styles so that you get the most comfortable boot for yourself. Remember your boots are the number one most important piece of kit, then you're binding and then you're snowboard.
For Winter 2020 - 2021 Burton will be offering the following step on boots:
- The Ion step on
- The Ruler step on
- The Swath step on
- The Photon step on
You can check out the full range for winter 2020 - 2021 here SHOP
If you are looking for further advice on the Step On system then please get in touch with us here at Vivid Snowboarding.
10 Freeride Pack Essential's
10 Freeride Pack Essential's
Here are the 10 Freeride pack essential's that you need for a day out in the mountains
- Avalanche Transceiver - Know how to use and make sure it's got strong battery supply for your day. Come take an intro to freeriding session and get comfortable and confident with using your transceiver SESSION
- Snow Shovel - Strong, durable and lightweight. Try and avoid plastic shovels, you are going to want it tough enough to cut through hard snow and debris.
- Probe - Essential and super important in an avalanche situation when someone is berried. With a probe the average rescue time is 11minutes without its 25minutes. Those extra 15 minutes could be critical for the buried person
- Water - Always stay hydrated in the mountain. Dehydration leads to 10% loss in skill level / concentration.
- Snacks - Bring nuts, energy bars and anything to keep yourself going.
- Spare Clothing - Always bring another layer in your bag. Something warm incase the day turns nasty. Worth taking spare inners and a buff.
- Change of eyewear - Nice to bring a pair of sunglasses to wear for any hiking. A change of lens is well worth packing incase the light changes or your having problems with one lens. Remember pink, orange and yellow are great for flat light. Look at Spektrum for all your eyewear needs SPEKTRUM
- Tool kit/Duck tape - A mini screw driver for those moments when the bindings are loose and your in the middle of nowhere about to drop in! Keep making suer those bindings are tweaked, strong and secure. The secret duck tape stash that can mend a broken boot or make a set of binding ridable again.
- First Aid Kit - All basics and mountain Blanket.
- Phone - Your phone will work throughout the mountains. Have this charged as cold temperatures can effect battery life. Mountain Rescue number in Switzerland is 144
If you are looking to venture off-piste then why not take a snowboard guide with you. Here at Vivid snowboarding we have the very best off-piste coaches and guides. Please get in contact for more information VIVID
THE BEST BURTON SNOWBOARDS
Vivid Snowboarding is starting its tenth winter working with Burton Snowboards.
Check out what the team are riding here EQUIPMENT CHOICE
Here are the best Burton Snowboards recommended by the team:
- Burton Custom : This versatile all mountain freestyle / freeride stick comes in a variety of different sizes. Suitable for someone who is out all day long looking for a board that can tackle any snow type and terrain on the hill.
- Burton Paramount : A top Freestyle board which comes in a little easier on the pocket. Twin tip park and rail machine. Its slightly softer flex pattern makes this buttery, playful and super fun to jib around the mountain.
- Burton Free Thinker: The stiffer flex pattern on this little beauty makes it a true delight to ride on kickers. A traditional camber set up allows this board too grip and perform all over the mountain. For the more advanced rider
- Burton Flight Attendant : Pure directional freeride design. This is a chargers dream. If your riding style is fast and direct you've found your dream machine. Not a playful board but will carve lines all over the mountain.
- Burton Feel Good: The very best women's snowboard on the market. This comes in a variety of different sizes. The board comes in a camber version or the Burton Flying V shape depending on your riding style.
- Burton Rewind: This twin tip women's board will have you're riding progressing. The board has a soft and buttery feel under foot but rides and charges the hill like a stiffer board. It's awesome!
You can check out the full range of boards from Burton snowboards here BURTON SHOP
If you are wanting more advice please don't hesitate to get in touch.
CHECK OUT VERBIER
Check out Verbier.
The town lies at 1500m above sea level and the highest peak is the Mont Fort that is 3330m.
The high altitude nature of the mountains around Verbier means it's a snow sure location for riding from November through until May.
The town has a large number of quality restaurants and bars and here at Vivid Snowboarding we can advise to check out the following:
- Farinet Hotel
- Pub Mont Fort
- W Hotel
- No.14
- The Lodge
- Ski Verbier Exclusive
A combination of some of the very best snowboarding terrain in the world mixed together with superb mountain restaurants and world class chalets and hotels makes Verbier one of the very best winter sports venues in the world.
Verbier is a south facing resort. Check out snow forecast for regular weather updates and snow conditions VERBIER
Vivid Snowboarding is the specialist snowboard school in Verbier. We established Vivid Snowboarding back in 2011 to fill the demand for a stand alone independent snowboard school. Vivid offers the highest quality teaching, coaching and guiding in Europe and is second to no one.
The quality of Vivid Snowboarding is due to its highly professional, skilful and qualified instructors. All the Vivid Snowboarding team have years of industry experience.
Check out our team page VIVID
Come join us this winter for a snowboard experience of a life time.
WHAT TO WEAR ON THE MOUNTAIN
What to wear on the mountain to keep yourself dry and comfortable.
The weather is constantly changing in the mountains. Therefore its is essential to kit yourself out in the right clothing each day. Wearing the wrong kit can lead to an early finish when conditions might be awesome.
OUTERWEAR:
Waterproof and breathable jackets and pants are super important.It is worth investing in quality. Anything above a 10,000mm will keep you dry.If your a rider who will be hiking and working the body, it is worth getting highly breathable items of clothing. If your budget allows I would look at a Gore-Tex jacket and pant combo. Check out the online Burton Snowboards shop for the biggest and best Outerwear range in the business.BURTON SHOP
UNDER LAYERS:
Here you want to start with a quality base layer which will vary in how warm and breathable they are.Long sleeve top and bottoms. If you are someone who feels the cold then go for something a little thicker. Above the base layer you are looking for a fleece or down jacket. If the conditions are cold I would suggest a down jacket that really works well in keeping warmth next to the body. Always worth getting some nice snowboard socks. Gone are the days where these have to be super thick. Snowboard boots are well insulated so get a few pairs which are comfortable.
GLOVES AND MITTS:
Cold hands equals bad day. Find something that is comfortable, functional and warm. I am big fan of mitts during the winter. They are more practical than gloves and feel great to wear. I also look for a more minimal style light glove for riding in the spring and summer time. Sometimes a glove that is less bulky feels a little better and has more style.
Check out Burton snowboards on our friends page for all your clothing needs Burton Snowboards
BURTON SNOWBOARDS REVIEW - FREE THINKER
BURTON SNOWBOARDS REVIEW - FREE THINKER
The Burton Free Thinker comes in a variety of different sizes. There is a 150, 154, 157, 157W, 160, 160W version.
I am riding the 157 version and I am testing in the park and all over the mountain on different snow types and terrain. I had it set-up with the malavita bindings and I was using the Ion boots.
The board is a true twin, camber shape and has fairly stiff flex. It's definitely not soft and buttery it is a little more aggressive and powerful with good pop. However I felt the flex pattern was almost perfect as I hate to ride a noodle and it always feels better to be able to press and pressure the board with a little weight and force.
Designed by snowboarding Legend Danny Davis. The Free Thinker sits next to his all mountain slayer the Deep Thinker.I feel the Free Thinker is for the more freestyle orientated rider.
The Free Thinker had a great feel and felt light under the foot. Some Burton boards can feel heavy and hard to manoeuver so this is definitely a plus point. The board has great grip through out the turn and was surprisingly good in powder. The board destroyed park kickers and side hits and locked into boxes and rails with ease.
The boards top sheet and graphics have been designed by famous NYC street artist Keith Haring. They are both eye catching and unique and will go down as a collectable in time. Not for everyone but you're going to get a few envious skiers dribbling over you.
If you are looking for an all mountain freestyle snowboard then the Free Thinker is the stick for you. The huge bonus being that Burton really managed to create a snowboard which feels exceptionally light and strong.
Check out the Burton online shop to get yourself one today BURTON SHOP
SPEKTRUM EYEWEAR.
Vivid Snowboarding is super excited to announce its continued relationship with Spektrum eyewear.
All the Vivid team have been using the goggles for winter 2019 - 2020 and are extremely happy with the product. All the different designs are comfortable to wear with great lenses for all conditions. They look clean and sharp on the mountain.
Spektrum have been awarded an ISPO Gold Winner 2020 award for their latest 'OSTRA' goggles. These are the most environmentally friendly goggles on the market for winter 2020 -2021.The materials that have been used to construct the goggles are from natural and recyclable materials. These will be available for the upend coming winter in the Northern hemisphere.
Spektrum is fast becoming one of the market leaders in sustainable goggles . Check out their products https://www.spektrumsports.com/en/
Spektrum have shown a huge commitment to market research in their chosen specialised area.
If you are looking for the very best eyewear to use on the mountain then look no further. If you enter the code VIVID2019 on the Spektrum site then you will be given a 25% discount on any goggles or performance sunglasses.
Go get some today
Vivid Snowboarding will continue to be working with Spektrum for the coming winter 2020 - 2021. All the crew are super excited to again be using the product. If you are in resort and are wanting to get a pari then check out Mountain Air shop where the Vivid Snowboarding desk is.
Please get in touch if you need to find our location Location
ANON M4 Goggle review.
Check out the Anon M4
These goggles represent the flagship of the Anon eyewear range. Packed full of technical goodies they are the fastest lens to change in the world. The M4 have a strong magnet to keep the lens connected to the frame. Each set comes with two lenses and the spare is kept in its very own lens compression case which helps avoid any damage.
Anon has also designed the MFI facemask which has a magnetic connection to the bottom of the M4 goggle and will keep the face protected in both cold and warm weather a like.
M4 comes in different frame colours and you can choose from four different lenses; Look at their full range
Check out the following;
- The Sonar Bronze lens – 19% VLT
- Sonar Blue lens – 46% VLT
- Check out the Sonar Infrared lens – 57% VLT
- Sonar Night lens - 77% VLT
Super stylish and comfortable these are a must for any rider. The size of the goggle frame makes them very adaptive to using with or without a helmet.
Check out the Anon M4 ANON
For any advice on the correct equipment to purchase please get in contact with your Vivid Snowboarding Instructor. All the team are exceptionally experienced in the industry and have a huge wealth of knowledge on riding, teaching and equipment.
Come take a snowboard lesson with Vivid Snowboarding, the specialist snowboard school in Verbier. Look at our lesson options Lessons