About this Review: This review is my honest opinion of the snowboard, which I purchased with my own money in March of 2022.

My take

The Burton Cartographer is a good board for introducing the freeride riding style. I recommend this board for intermediate and above riders. This is suited for all-mountain riding on groomers, powder, and backcountry.

About the gear

• Model: 2022 Burton Cartographer
• Size: 162

About me

• Height: 6’0”
• Weight: 220lbs
• Experience: 2 years of snowboarding/skiing

Test conditions

• When I bought this: March 2022
• Days tested: 4
• Mount position: Front foot: +15 back, Back foot: -9
• Boots: 2022 Ride Deadbolt
• Boot Size: 10.5
• Bindings: 2022 Arbor Cypress
• Where I’ve used it: Keystone, Winter Park
• Terrain: Icy conditions, choppy chunder snow, groomers, and chop on top of the ice.

How it performs

What I was looking for

I wanted a directional freeride board that wasn't too stiff and could also take me through the resort for some groomer carves.

Why I chose this gear

I chose this board because Burton has consistent quality products. I considered the Capita Navigator but chose the Cartographer because of the price.

What I love about it

• Speed: When it comes to speed, this board will give someone as much as they put into it. The sintered base absorbs and holds wax well, giving one a lot of speed if properly maintained. It is not a race board but handles high-speed turns and plows through chop.
• Turns: The Cartographer is quick edge to edge. This thing is super fun to turn at high and low speeds. Once the edge is locked in, this board really likes to carve. The sidecut is very forgiving and works with me on turn initiation. The torsional flex is soft enough to steer from the ankles when I want to make mellow turns.
• Groomers: Turning on groomers feels smooth as butter. If one can carve, this board is going to be a blast.
• Trees: The Cartographer is agile from edge to edge, making riding in the trees a breeze. The waist width on the board is really what helps with quick turn initiation and agility for quick turns.
• Durability: I have not had an issue with durability with this board. I rode it in early season conditions and did not experience any gouges in the base or damages to the topsheet.
• Weight: This board feels light to the middle of the road. I did not get any fatigue when resting it on my foot when riding the chair lift. Heavier boards can give me dead leg on the ride to the top of the lift.
• Switch riding: This is not a true twin board, but one can definitely ride it switch if they are comfortable riding setback. The directional shape means the nose is longer in front than the tail. The board is designed to pop off of the tail, so if riding switch, be aware that one will get less pop.
• Stability: I feel confident in the stability when going at high speeds. There is a little bit of chatter in the tip when going through rough snow, but it mostly dissipates under the front foot. Butters are a little challenging with the board's stiffness, but one can get it done if one knows how.
• Powder: I have not had a deep powder day yet, but it is designed to float well.

Issues I’ve encountered

• Edge hold: It will hold an edge on groomers, but I find myself slipping out on the ice.
• Park: It is not a park board but can easily handle small to large jumps. This board is stiffer than a board I would use in the park. The setback stance and longer nose make it awkward to hit jibs with.
• Versatility: I gave the versatility a 3-star rating because one can't jib or really take it in the park unless they are just hitting jumps. I docked it because it is not a "do everything" board style.

Favorite moment with this gear

I went from riding a wide board to this in regular width and was unsure if I would like it. The first run was a little sketchy, trying to learn the new sidecut and turn initiation. After I got a feel for it, I was turning and burning. I was flowing edge to edge with ease and flew down groomers. The speed and transitions on this board are so much fun.

Value for the money vs. other options

I got this board on sale, but I would definitely buy this board at full price. The amount of fun I had on this board is for sure worth it. If someone is unsure about the price, pick up the 2022 model over the new 2023 board. It is essentially the same board for a little less.

Final verdict

This is a nimble board that can handle all conditions. Charge hard or take it more mellow on the groomers. Just watch out on those icy days.