Burton Hometown Hero Split Review: Specs, Sizing and Verdict
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The quick verdict: The backcountry version of Burton's cult freeride deck: camber under both feet, a full carbon layer, premounted Channel pucks and eight sizes. The split that rides most like a resort board. ~$1,000
Overview
The Hometown Hero earned its following as a solid board first: a Family Tree freeride shape that regulars describe as the board they reach for when the resort gets serious. The split version carries the same recipe into the skin track, and Burton is direct about the intent, calling it the board of choice for all-around backcountry riding. In the Family Tree split lineup it is the versatile middle ground, more directional and powder-minded than a straight twin, less specialized than Burton's dedicated deep-snow shapes.
Two construction choices define it. First, directional camber: full camber through both feet with the rocker confined to the nose, which is rarer in splitboards than you would expect and the main reason it descends with so much authority. Second, 45-degree carbon highlights running tip to tail over the Super Fly II split core, adding snap without turning the flex wooden. The base is Burton's sintered WFO, materials are FSC certified, and the warranty runs three years from purchase.
Key Specs
Figures below come from Burton's product page for the 2026/27 (model year 2027) Hometown Hero Splitboard.
| Size (cm) | Waist (mm) | Rider weight (lb) |
|---|---|---|
| 146 | 242 | 100-150 |
| 150 | 246 | 120-180 |
| 154 | 250 | 120-180 |
| 158 | 256 | 150-200 |
| 162 | 262 | 180-260+ |
| 168 | 270 | 180-260+ |
| 158W | 264 | 150-200 |
| 162W | 270 | 180-260+ |
Profile: Directional camber (camber underfoot, rockered nose) · Taper: 12 mm · Core: Super Fly II 700G splitboard core, 45° carbon highlights tip to tail · Base: Sintered WFO · Mounting: Split Channel with Channel-compatible pucks premounted · Warranty: 3 years · Price: ~$1,000
Sizing, Fit and Compatibility
Eight sizes is the broadest run in this class, and the 146 deserves special mention: riders from 100 pounds get a real freeride split, which almost no competitor offers. Burton's chart keeps most riders between 150 and 162, with the 158W and 162W adding width at 264 and 270 mm for boots around US 11 and up. Weight ranges overlap generously, so the usual advice applies: size down within your range for trees and kick turns, up for open terrain and stability.
Mounting is the one genuine compatibility question. The Split Channel takes Channel-compatible splitboard bindings, and the matching pucks arrive premounted, so Burton's own Hitchhiker and Step On Split systems bolt straight on, as do Spark R&D bindings with their Channel puck kits. If you already own standard Voile-pattern pucks, plan on replacing them. The tail is shaped for Burton's pre-cut split skins, sold separately.
Where It Shines
- Descending on firm and variable snow: camber under both feet plus carbon gives edge hold and pop that published reviews of the shape consistently single out, with deep, aggressive carves a recurring theme
- Speed: reviewers describe stable approaches and confident landings on bigger terrain, and the split inherits that spine
- Setup convenience: premounted pucks remove the fiddliest hour of splitboard assembly
- Fit range: eight sizes, from a 146 for 100-pound riders to a 270 mm-waisted 162W
Tradeoffs to Know
- It asks for commitment: reviews of the Hometown Hero shape call it unfriendly to skidded, casual turns and a poor match for beginners, with a firm tip and tail that resist buttering
- Full camber gives up some early float next to deeply tapered shapes; in bottomless snow the Weston's 18 mm taper planes sooner
- The Channel ecosystem narrows binding choice compared with the universal Voile pattern
- Skins are extra, and Burton's tail clip design works best with Burton's own skins
Who It’s For
Strong resort riders moving into touring who do not want their descent to feel like a compromise, and anyone whose backcountry days end in long, fast exits where camber and carbon pay rent. Light riders and teens finally get a legitimate option in the 146.
Who Should Skip It
Skip it if your priority is the climb rather than the descent; the Weston Backwoods is the better uphill tool. Newer backcountry riders who want one forgiving board should start with the Jones Stratos instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Hometown Hero Split work with Step On bindings?
Yes, with Burton's Step On Split system specifically, which is designed around the Split Channel. Standard resort Step On bindings are not splitboard hardware and do not transfer over.
Are skins included with the Hometown Hero Split?
No. The board ships with Channel pucks premounted but no skins; Burton sells pre-cut split skins shaped for the board's skin-ready tail. Budget roughly $200 more.
How stiff is the Hometown Hero?
Burton rates the flex directional, firmer in the tail, and independent reviews of the solid shape land it just above medium, around 6.5 out of 10, with the stiffness concentrated in the tip and tail. It rewards drive and punishes laziness.
How It Compares
See how it stacks up in our full guide: The Best Splitboards of 2026/27.
Choose the Jones Stratos Splitboard instead if you want a more forgiving all-rounder that floats earlier and suits a wider spread of ability levels.
Choose the Weston Backwoods Splitboard instead if kick turns, tight trees and multi-hour approaches define your days; it is the touring specialist of this group.
Choose the K2 Marauder Split Package instead if you would rather spend the Channel-versus-Voile deliberation budget on a package that includes skins and pucks outright.