The 2023 Burton Deep Thinker snowboard delivers a dramatically different ride compared to its predecessors. This year's model boasts a significantly softer flex, transforming its feel from stiff and unforgiving to poppy and playful. This fundamental change enhances maneuverability and buttering, making it a more versatile board for various snow conditions and riding styles. While previous versions prioritized edge hold, the Deep Thinker prioritizes a fun, responsive experience, excelling in spring snow and surprisingly adept in powder.However, this newfound playfulness comes with a trade-off. The softer flex means edge hold is less pronounced, particularly on hardpack. Reviewers suggest sizing up for optimal performance, as the softer flex might feel underpowered for some riders. Despite this, the Deep Thinker's unique camber profile, combined with its tapered directional shape, offers a balanced blend of locked-in stability and effortless maneuverability, making it an exciting option for riders seeking a versatile and enjoyable all-mountain experience.
Pros And Cons
- Massively softer than previous model
- Much more poppy
- Much more playful
- Easy to butter
- Great pop
- Good bass glide (above average speed)
- Good turn initiation (fast)
- Balanced turning experience with excellent spring out of the turn
- Good directional float in powder
- Great for hitting jumps
- Good for pipe riding (with caveats about icy conditions)
- Doable for jibbing
- Edge hold isn't the best; lets go easier in hard patches than other boards
- Can feel bucky and bouncy in good conditions, popping too much in uneven snow
- May require higher-end wax; some cheaper non-Burton waxes can make it feel chalky
- Flex may not be sufficient for heavier riders (reviewer recommends sizing up)
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Board Overview and First Impressions
The Burton Deep Thinker 2023 is a directional board with a tapered shape, designed for a unique riding experience. Compared to previous iterations, this model boasts a significantly softer flex, making it more poppy and playful. This change in feel is dramatic, almost making it feel like an entirely different board.
The softer flex contributes to improved buttering and overall maneuverability, a stark contrast to its predecessor's stiffer, less forgiving nature. This makes it a more versatile board than previous versions. The quick turning capabilities are noteworthy, but edge hold is a factor to consider.
Performance in Various Snow Conditions
The Deep Thinker performed well across various snow types, excelling in spring conditions and even handling inconsistent powder surprisingly well. While edge hold isn't its strongest point, especially in hard patches, its overall responsiveness is impressive.
The board's playful nature makes it especially fun in good conditions, but the camber can sometimes lead to a bouncy feel in uneven snow. However, the rubbery flex helps absorb bumps fairly effectively, mitigating some of this effect.
Sizing and Shape Analysis
The reviewer recommends sizing up from their usual size, as the unexpectedly soft flex felt slightly underpowered for their weight. The tapered directional shape is similar to the Burton Custom and Territory Manager but provides a more pronounced directional feel.
The Deep Thinker's shape lends itself well to riding with more back foot weight but allows for centered riding as well. The camber profile, with a directional camber underfoot transitioning to a mellow early rise in the nose, provides a unique feel that is both locked-in and playful.
Flex, Pop, and Overall Ride Feel
The Deep Thinker boasts a unique, medium flex that provides exceptional pop and a rubbery feel. This contrasts with the stiffer flex of the Custom and Territory Manager. The pop is outstanding, described as almost on par with the full-camber Custom.
This dynamic flex makes it exceptionally easy to butter and perform various tricks. The energy and responsiveness are felt across various snow conditions, while its playful nature enhances the overall riding experience.
Turning, Carving, and Powder Performance
Turn initiation is remarkably quick and responsive, making for a fast and engaging ride. Carving is excellent on groomed runs, especially for across-the-groomer carves. While not ideal for intricate circle carves, it manages well and provides an excellent spring out of turns.
In powder, the board performs best when ridden with significant back foot weight. The setback and early rise in the nose help with directional float. The reviewer found it to be very competent in powder when set up correctly.
Switch, Park, and Overall Conclusion
The Deep Thinker's medium flex makes it well-suited for switch riding and park use, particularly for hitting jumps. While edge hold isn't ideal for icy pipe walls, it's manageable. It is versatile enough for various riding styles, even jibbing.
Overall, the 2023 Burton Deep Thinker is a significant improvement over previous models. Its softer flex and increased pop make it a highly enjoyable and playful ride, particularly for those seeking a versatile mountain freestyle to all-mountain board with a directional shape.