Review: Burton Family Tree Hometown Hero Snowboard · 2024
By Snowboarding Expert
Matthew Switzer
Burton Family Tree Hometown Hero Snowboard · 2024
from:$502.46
$669.95
25% off
12 photos
The Curated Take
4.7/5
The Burton Family Tree Hometown Hero Snowboard is an exceptional all-mountain board, ideal for intermediate to advanced riders seeking a versatile and responsive snowboarding experience. It excels transitioning from icy groomers to powder lines due to its rocker-camber profile, ensuring a surfy yet controlled ride. The board offers significant pop, making it great for jumps, and has the ideal flex for stable landings. This board is ideal for those who enjoy high-speed rides and seek a playful yet sturdy snowboard. Its overall performance makes it a top pick for all-around mountain riding.
Ideal for
- All-mountain powerhouse easily transitions from icy groomers to technical powder lines
- Rocker-camber profile creates a surfy ride that still maintains total control at full speed
- Huge pop for sending jumps with the ideal board flex to stomp landings
Not ideal for
- Directional profile does not perform well in non-soft conditions
Turn Ease
During my time with the Burton Hometown Hero, a standout feature was its excellent turn initiation. From groomers to off-piste, the board's turning ability was consistently smooth and effortless. Its...Read more
Playfulness
My experience with the Burton Hometown Hero was a non-stop joyride. It's a board that brings so much fun to snowboarding. Despite its all-mountain design, it feels light and lively...Read more
Durability
While testing the Burton Hometown Hero, its durability was readily apparent. This board is built to last, a quality that became evident as I put it through its paces on...Read more
High Speed Stability
My experience with the Burton Hometown Hero's high-speed stability was thoroughly impressive. This board instills confidence at high speeds, a trait I put to the test on long, steep runs....Read more
Carving
The Burton Hometown Hero performs well in carving, but it's not the aspect where the board truly shines. In my sessions, I found that while it can hold an edge...Read more
Versatility
One of the most impressive qualities of the Burton Hometown Hero is its remarkable versatility; I might even call this a "quiver-killer." Having tested this board in various conditions and...Read more
Flotation
The Burton Hometown Hero's flotation capability is commendable, especially in powder conditions. During my tests in deeper snow, I found that its directional design kept my nose above the powder...Read more
Curated Experts are not sponsored by brands. Their reviews are based on their honest experiences testing products.
Matthew Switzer
About the snowboard gear
- Model: Burton Family Tree Hometown Hero Snowboard · 2024
Test conditions
- Where I've used it: I rode this board at Eldora and Winter Park ski areas (Colorado) with conditions ranging from icy to packed powder.
- How many times I've used it: 3
Expert Reviews of the Burton Family Tree Hometown Hero Snowboard
Matthew Switzer I recently had the opportunity to test the Burton Family Tree Hometown Hero at two Colorado ski resorts over three days, and I'm beyond impressed. This board is a powerhouse, handling a variety of conditions, from icy patches to packed powder, with remarkable ease. It proved its versatility on every terrain, making it an excellent choice for those looking to improve their skills, as well as for seasoned riders seeking a playful yet responsive ride. This board is a top pick for anyone searching for a single, all-around performer.
The Hometown Hero is especially ideal for those ready to transition to their first directional or cambered board. Its forgiving, surfy rocker nose blends seamlessly with the precision of camber underfoot and a directional shape. The medium flex strikes an ideal balance. It's sturdy enough to handle technical lines confidently yet flexible enough to allow for playful tricks like buttering, slashing, and smooth cruising. For me, the Hometown Hero stands out as an all-mountain marvel, a board that adapts to the rider and terrain and elevates my riding skills.
Product Specs
Age Group | Adult |
Gender | Unisex |
Model year | 2024 |
Snowboard type | Freeride, Powder |
Skill level | Intermediate, Advanced |
Rocker profile | Rocker/Camber/Rocker |
Review Ratings
Turn Ease
4/5
Matthew Switzer gave 4 of 5 stars. During my time with the Burton Hometown Hero, a standout feature was its excellent turn initiation. From groomers to off-piste, the board's turning ability was consistently smooth and effortless. Its directional shape and "just-right" camber underfoot contribute to this seamless maneuverability. I remember hitting some early-season icy moguls, and while other boards might have struggled, the Hometown Hero maintained its edge with ease, allowing for confident and precise turns and descent. This ease of turning didn't just shine on icy conditions but also in softer snow, where its surfy nose came into play, gliding and carving wherever I pointed it. The board strikes a rare balance, making it not only accessible for beginners but also dynamic enough for seasoned riders.
Playfulness
5/5
Matthew Switzer gave 5 of 5 stars. My experience with the Burton Hometown Hero was a non-stop joyride. It's a board that brings so much fun to snowboarding. Despite its all-mountain design, it feels light and lively underfoot, great for those spontaneous moments when I want to pop an ollie or play around with ground tricks. On a recent day out, I was particularly impressed by the board's freestyle performance. Its medium flex allowed for easy butters and presses, yet it was responsive enough to pop off kickers confidently. The true test came in a natural gully run where the board's playful nature shone, weaving through trees and hopping over natural features with ease. It's a board that doesn't take itself too seriously yet performs seriously well, making it a great companion for riders who love to add a bit of flair and fun to their mountain adventures.
Durability
5/5
Matthew Switzer gave 5 of 5 stars. While testing the Burton Hometown Hero, its durability was readily apparent. This board is built to last, a quality that became evident as I put it through its paces on different terrains. From rocky Alpine routes to icy groomers, it resisted wear and tear admirably. I recall a particular day navigating through tree lines and over rough patches where lesser boards might have shown damage. The Hometown Hero, however, emerged unscathed, its topsheet free from scratches and its edges as sharp as ever. Its construction speaks volumes of Burton's commitment to quality—a robust core wrapped in a durable exterior designed to withstand the beatings of aggressive riding. This board isn’t just an investment in performance; it’s an investment in a product built to accompany riders season after season.
High Speed Stability
5/5
Matthew Switzer gave 5 of 5 stars. My experience with the Burton Hometown Hero's high-speed stability was thoroughly impressive. This board instills confidence at high speeds, a trait I put to the test on long, steep runs. Its stable and smooth ride is due in part to its directional shape and balanced flex pattern. I remember charging down a particularly fast groomer; the board felt grounded and stable, with no hint of chatter or instability. This stability was also evident off-piste, where the board navigated through mixed conditions without losing composure. The Hometown Hero’s ability to maintain a steady course at high speeds is a testament to its well-engineered design, combining a rigid enough build to handle speed while retaining enough flexibility to absorb bumps and changes in terrain. It's a board that invites riders to push their limits, knowing it has their back every step of the way.
Carving
4/5
Matthew Switzer gave 4 of 5 stars. The Burton Hometown Hero performs well in carving, but it's not the aspect where the board truly shines. In my sessions, I found that while it can hold an edge and carve through turns, there's a noticeable difference compared to its performance in other areas like stability and playfulness. On groomed runs, the board managed to carve smoothly, but it lacked the razor-sharp precision that dedicated carving boards offer. Its medium flex and rocker-camber profile provide enough grip and responsiveness for general carving needs, yet they don't deliver the aggressive bite that carving enthusiasts might seek. This was particularly evident when pushing the board into hard, dynamic turns where a bit more stiffness would have been advantageous. In summary, while the Hometown Hero is a solid choice for occasional carving, those looking for a board specialized in deep and aggressive carving might explore other options.
Versatility
5/5
Matthew Switzer gave 5 of 5 stars. One of the most impressive qualities of the Burton Hometown Hero is its remarkable versatility; I might even call this a "quiver-killer." Having tested this board in various conditions and terrains, I found it exceptionally adaptable. Whether it was carving on groomed runs, floating in powder, or navigating through tight tree lines, the board responded well to all scenarios. Its design strikes a fine balance between a directional shape for precision and a medium flex for playfulness, making it suitable for both leisurely rides and more aggressive pursuits. The camber underfoot provides the necessary edge control on hardpack, while the rocker nose makes it effortless to ride in deep snow. This adaptability makes the Hometown Hero an ideal choice for riders who encounter diverse conditions and want a single board that can do it all.
Flotation
5/5
Matthew Switzer gave 5 of 5 stars. The Burton Hometown Hero's flotation capability is commendable, especially in powder conditions. During my tests in deeper snow, I found that its directional design kept my nose above the powder and plowin' forward. The slightly rockered nose plays a significant role here, allowing the board to glide over powder rather than plowing through it. This feature, combined with the board's overall shape and medium flex, provides a surf-like experience, making it enjoyable to ride in deep snow. While it handles well in powder, it's worth noting that there are more specialized powder boards that might offer superior flotation. However, the Hometown Hero holds its own for a board that balances all-mountain versatility with decent powder performance, ensuring that riders can confidently explore powder-filled terrains without feeling bogged down.
FAQs
What do you love about this product?
Matthew Switzer The Hometown Hero is my favorite Burton board I've ridden. It's a directional all-mountain dream come true, offering the playfulness of a rocker with the precision of a camber. Zip in and out of trees, slash powder, charge moguls, or cruise groomers—this board makes the entire mountain possible.
What was your favorite moment with this gear?
Matthew Switzer I remember my first run on the Hometown Hero and stomping three 360s in a row. This board made me feel in control in a way that other boards don't.
Why did you choose this product?
Matthew Switzer The Hometown Hero was recommended to me by a Burton employee as the "House Favorite."
Share article: