Burton Custom Flying V Review: Still the King of All-Mountain Freestyle?

Overview

The Burton Custom Flying V represents the evolution of Burton's most celebrated design philosophy: create a board that excels in multiple disciplines without compromising anywhere. At a retail price of $529, this is a serious investment, but one that countless riders across the globe have deemed worthwhile. The board's signature Flying V base profile—which features a center flat section flanked by subtle rocker tips—has been refined over multiple generations to provide the responsiveness of a directional deck with the playfulness of a true twin.

What sets the Flying V apart from competitors is its consistency. Whether you're hitting the park, carving through moguls, catching air off side hits, or exploring fresh pow, this board adapts to your riding style rather than forcing you into a particular approach. It's this versatility that has made the Custom Flying V a go-to choice for intermediate to advanced riders since its inception.

We've spent significant time testing the 2024-2025 version on a variety of terrain and snow conditions, and we're impressed by how Burton has maintained the core identity of this board while incorporating modern construction techniques and materials. The improvements feel evolutionary rather than revolutionary—exactly what you'd want from such an established model.

Key Features & Technology

The Flying V Profile

Burton's proprietary Flying V profile remains the centerpiece of this board's design philosophy. This hybrid profile features a flat base through the center (providing stability and edge control) combined with subtle rocker at the nose and tail (delivering lift and forgiveness). The result is a board that doesn't fight you when you're trying to execute technical tricks, yet still feels responsive underfoot. Unlike full rocker boards that can feel squirrelly on hardpack, the Flying V's center flat keeps you planted and in control.

Filet-O-Flex Technology

The Filet-O-Flex flex pattern distributes flex evenly across the board's width and length, resulting in a medium flex rating of 6/10. This isn't a noodle—it's a board with authority—but it's also not so stiff that you need to muscle it around. The flex pattern allows for smooth, predictable butters and presses in the park, while still maintaining snap for carving turns on the hill.

FSC Certified Super Fly II 700G Core

Burton uses sustainably sourced FSC certified wood for the core, combined with 700G Super Fly II technology that reduces weight without sacrificing strength. This core construction contributes to the board's lively feel—it has just enough pop to make hitting natural terrain features enjoyable without the excessive weight penalty of heavier boards. The core is designed to provide optimal response and longevity across seasons of hard use.

Carbon I-Beam Construction

Carbon I-Beams run the length of the board's centerline, providing additional edge hold and response while keeping weight down. This technology is particularly noticeable when carving edge-to-edge, as you feel immediate feedback from the board. It also contributes to the board's resistance to twisting during aggressive maneuvers.

Channel Mounting System

Burton's Channel mounting system offers ultimate customization for binding placement. Rather than traditional four-hole binding mounts, the Channel system uses a continuous groove that allows bindings to be positioned anywhere along the board's length. This is particularly useful for riders who prefer different stances for different conditions, or those looking to dial in the perfect setup for their riding style.

On-Snow Performance

Park & Freestyle Performance

The Custom Flying V's twin shape truly shines in the park. We found ourselves drawn back to the park repeatedly because the board is so forgiving and fun in that environment. The responsive flex allows for easy butters—sliding your board on the middle while pressing into rotations—and the flat center of the Flying V profile keeps you stable during tricks. The symmetrical twin shape means your regular and switch stances feel nearly identical, which is essential for progression.

In the jib park, the board's moderate flex worked to our advantage. It's stiff enough that you can lock into tricks without excessive chatter, yet forgiving enough that minor mistakes don't result in harshly jolting your joints. We particularly appreciated the board's pop when launching off small features and kickers. The Carbon I-Beam provides excellent energy return, making every trick feel rewarding.

That said, riders looking for maximum pop and response might find the Flying V's medium flex slightly conservative. If you're charging hard rails and boxes, or regularly throwing down in terrain parks with large features, a stiffer board like the Burton Ripcord or a dedicated park board might better suit your needs.

Groomer Carving

On packed snow and groomed runs, the Flying V demonstrates impressive versatility. The flat base provides excellent edge hold, allowing you to lay down clean carves without the board drifting or chatter. The Channel mounting system allowed us to dial in our binding positions for optimal carving angles, and the carbon reinforcement provided excellent edge feedback. We found ourselves naturally flowing through varied terrain rather than fighting the board.

The medium flex is ideal here—it's responsive enough to feel engaged with every turn, yet not so stiff that it becomes tiring during long days of running the same groomed runs. The Flying V's flat center doesn't give quite the same immediate edge response as a freeride-focused directional board, but for all-mountain riders who want versatility over single-discipline excellence, it's outstanding.

Powder & Off-Piste

The rocker tips on the Flying V provide adequate flotation in powder conditions, though this isn't a dedicated powder board. The twin shape and moderate flex make it maneuverable in deeper snow, and we never felt the board was fighting us. However, the flat center section means you're not getting the same effortless float you'd experience with a full-rocker or directional powder-focused design.

In our testing on the sides of runs and in the trees during moderate snow conditions, the Flying V performed admirably. It tracks well, turns responsively, and the dual flex characteristics prevent you from getting caught in deep, heavy snow. If deep powder is your primary focus, this board is competent but not specialized. For the typical all-mountain rider who encounters powder occasionally, it's ideal.

Who Is This Board For?

The Burton Custom Flying V is purpose-built for all-mountain freestyle riders who want one board to handle any condition the mountain throws at them. Specifically, this board excels for:

• Park and Jib Enthusiasts: If you spend significant time hitting features in the park or playing on side hits, the Flying V's twin shape, responsive flex, and forgiving nature make it an ideal platform for progression and fun.
• All-Mountain Riders: Those who want to carve groomers in the morning, hit features at lunch, and explore fresh terrain in the afternoon will find the Flying V's versatility invaluable.
• Intermediate to Advanced Riders: This isn't a beginner board—it rewards good technique and offers significant performance potential. Riders with solid fundamentals will appreciate the responsive nature and nuanced performance characteristics.
• Riders Seeking One Quiver: If you're looking to buy a single board that excels across multiple disciplines without being the absolute best in any single category, the Flying V is a smart choice.
• Switch Riders: The perfectly symmetrical twin shape makes switch riding nearly as natural as riding regular, making this ideal for progression-minded riders.

The Flying V is less ideal for riders who are:

• Exclusively focused on deep powder riding
• Primarily interested in high-speed freeride performance
• Looking for maximum park-specific response and pop
• Complete beginners (the medium flex requires some riding fundamentals)

Comparison with Competitors

Burton Custom Flying V vs. Capita DOA

The Capita DOA (Defenders of Awesome) is often cited as the Flying V's primary competitor. Both are flagship all-mountain freestyle boards with strong reputations. In our assessment, the DOA is slightly stiffer (7/10 flex vs. Flying V's 6/10) and features a different profile system (Capita's T-Rice Orca Hybrid vs. Flying V's proprietary design). The DOA feels slightly more directional despite its twin shape, which is advantageous for freeriders who want a bit more forward drive. The Flying V, by contrast, feels more playful and park-oriented. If you're 60% park and 40% everything else, the Flying V is superior. If you're 40% park and 60% everything else, the DOA might edge it out. Both are excellent boards; the difference is subtle and largely preference-based.

Burton Custom Flying V vs. GNU Riders Choice

GNU's Riders Choice is another excellent all-mountain freestyle option, particularly known for its durable construction and value proposition. The Riders Choice is typically priced slightly lower than the Flying V and features a slightly softer flex pattern. We found the GNU to be more forgiving for less experienced riders but slightly less responsive for advanced maneuvers. The Flying V's Carbon I-Beam and overall construction feel more premium, which justifies the modest price premium. For developing riders, the GNU is arguably better value. For experienced riders seeking optimal performance, the Flying V's precision and responsiveness are worth the extra investment.

Verdict

Pros & Cons

Final Recommendations

Ready to experience the Burton Custom Flying V for yourself? You can find this board at most major snowboard retailers and online shops. We recommend trying to demo one before committing to purchase if possible—while we're confident you'll love it, every rider is unique, and a quick test run can confirm it's right for your style.

For those ready to invest, the Burton Custom Flying V is available here, and we've found competitive pricing available through major online retailers. This board is available in seven sizes (150-162cm), so you'll be able to dial in the perfect match for your height and weight.

The Burton Custom Flying V continues to earn its place as one of the most respected all-mountain freestyle boards on the market. With its versatility, responsive performance, and proven durability, it's a board that will grow with your skills and adapt to your evolving riding preferences. Whether you're a park enthusiast looking to explore the whole mountain or an all-mountain rider seeking a playful platform, the Flying V deserves a spot on your short list.