Burton Instigator Flat Snowboard
The Burton Instigator Flat Top Snowboard is designed with beginner and intermediate riders in mind, providing a stable, forgiving ride that adapts well to diverse conditions. With this board, Burton offers a smooth, confidence-boosting experience, making it an ideal choice for those looking to progress their skills without sacrificing comfort or versatility.
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Features
Image credit: Burton
The Burton Instigator Flat Top Snowboard offers a thoughtful blend of features that cater to beginner and intermediate riders, making it highly accessible and versatile. Its directional twin shape strikes a balance between the stability of a directional board and the playful feel of a twin, which allows it to perform well in both regular and switch stances. This shape, along with a 5mm taper and 25mm setback, makes the board easy to control while adding some maneuverability for riders who want to experiment with different riding styles. Additionally, the Instigator comes with two camber profile options, which is uncommon in boards at this price point. The Pure Pop Camber profile provides extra edge hold and stability for those ready for a bit more speed, while the Flat Top camber offers a softer, looser feel that’s forgiving on edge catches, ideal for beginners still mastering control.
The board also includes a biaxial fiberglass laminate, giving it a softer flex that makes it manageable for riders at lower speeds while maintaining stability. This forgiving flex is perfect for those building confidence on turns and edge control, providing a balance of softness and response. At its core, the Instigator features Burton’s Super Fly core with Dualzone EGD (Engineered Grain Direction) technology, which strengthens the board’s power transfer to the toe and heel edges, giving riders more precise control during turns. Its extruded base, while slower than more advanced sintered bases, is durable and low-maintenance, providing a smooth glide across varied snow types and ensuring easy repairs, making it a practical choice for those who prioritize stability over high-speed performance.
Design & Build Quality
Image credit: Burton
The board’s design prioritizes stability and adaptability. Its directional twin shape ensures balanced performance, while the subtle directional taper supports smooth turning and floatation in powder. The layout favors riders who want a snowboard that can be ridden in both standard and switch stances but shines best when ridden in a directional style. The camber profile enhances the board’s forgiving feel, making it easy to control and boosting confidence, especially for riders new to snowboarding or advancing through intermediate levels.
The Instigator’s construction is straightforward but durable, perfect for beginners and intermediates looking for an accessible yet quality option. It features a Super Fly core and Dualzone EGD technology that enhances power transfer to the heel and toe edges, creating a more responsive feel. Biax laminates add a forgiving flex, making the board suitable for casual riding and progression. Though it lacks advanced materials found in high-end boards, its reliable build quality makes it a great value for those at the start of their snowboarding journey.
Performance
Image credit: Burton
The Burton Instigator delivers reliable, beginner-friendly performance that holds up in a range of snow conditions and terrains. Its ability to initiate turns quickly and hold a solid edge is one of its standout characteristics, especially on hard-packed snow where many beginner boards struggle. The board’s design allows for easy, intuitive carving and moderate-speed turns, making it a great tool for those developing their turning and edge control skills. The slight directional taper and setback further enhance its maneuverability, allowing riders to experiment with carving without feeling too locked in. For those looking to venture off the groomed runs, the Instigator offers surprising float in powder, aided by the directional shape and setback stance. When bindings are adjusted toward the rear, the board performs well in light powder, offering stability and float that are often hard to find in entry-level models.
In addition to its versatility, the board excels at shock absorption, handling uneven or bumpy terrain with ease. This is largely due to the forgiving Flat Top camber profile, which absorbs impact without jarring the rider, making for a smoother, more comfortable ride. This shock absorption is particularly useful for beginners and intermediates who may be unaccustomed to rough terrain, giving them the stability needed to maintain confidence. While it isn’t built for high-speed performance, the Instigator performs well at moderate speeds, providing a consistent glide on an extruded base that, though slower than sintered options, ensures a steady, reliable ride. This base does benefit from regular waxing, which helps maintain performance for those who want a smoother glide.
Finally, the board’s playful flex, thanks to its Biax laminate construction, adds an element of fun and forgiveness, making it suitable for trying basic tricks and freestyle moves. It’s flexible enough to experiment with buttering or simple freestyle without sacrificing control, though more advanced freestyle riders may find it lacks the pop and snap required for higher-energy tricks. Overall, the Instigator’s performance caters to stability, versatility, and ease of handling, making it an excellent choice for beginner to intermediate riders focused on progressing their skills across diverse terrains.
Conclusion: Should You Buy the Burton Instigator Flat Top Snowboard?
The Burton Instigator Flat Top Snowboard is a fantastic option for beginners and intermediate riders seeking a versatile, stable, and dependable board that performs well across varied conditions. While it doesn’t offer the high-performance features advanced riders may seek, its stability, ease of turning, and confidence-boosting design make it a strong choice for those progressing in their snowboarding journey. With solid edge hold and a comfortable ride on harder snow, the Instigator offers excellent value for its price, serving as a dependable all-terrain board that’s great for skill development and exploration. For those looking for an affordable, versatile board that will last well beyond the first few days on the slopes, the Burton Instigator is an ideal fit.
