Need advice on mens boots (Burton Driver X, Ion, Imperial) - Snowboarding Forum

specr1 · 02-15-2012, 12:09 AM

Hi,

I just bought a Custom X and I'm planning on buying the 2012 Cartel EST Bindings to go with it.

Now I'm looking for new boots. I like control so I'm looking at Burtons stiffer boots.

The Ion, Imperial and Driver X.

I like to ride trees, piste, off-piste, no park basically. I go medium to fast speed and I never go full speed (yet).

I'm leaning towards the Driver X but I'm not sure if those are only for people that like to go really fast.

Any advice is appreciated

Thanks

jpchase · 02-15-2012, 12:12 AM

Have you tried any of these boots on yet?

FirstChair · 02-15-2012, 05:18 AM

I have the same setup-CustomX, Cartels. I bought some slightly used Ions(The first year with speedlacing) and they were perfect for what I was doing,which was some glades, other ungroomed and groomed slopes.They were a bit large and broken in so.....
I switched out those for a new pair of DriverX, and liked them at first ,as they gave plenty of control at high speed, but at low speed, in trees and with softer boards, they were too stiff mind you , this was after about 30 days of riding everything except rails/boxes/pipe they didn't break in much at all.I started getting knee pain at this time.
Then I switched to a softer rockered board and on the advice of a pro at Burton, went to a Burton Ambush boot which I absolutely love. This gave me lots of control for my Custom X high speed riding,yet did not make me feel all locked in place like the Driver X.This boot also works great for my freestyle setup.(arbor Blacklist,Cartels).My knee pain is now much less.
I wouldn't go with a stiffer boot than the Ion...make sure you try on the boots before buying.

specr1 · 02-15-2012, 03:57 PM

Thanks for the replies,

I have not tried on any of the boots yet, I'm going to go there today and buy a pair either today or tomorrow.

Sounds like the DriverX isn't for me then because I do about 50% groomed runs 25% trees 25% powder.

I'm going to try on the Ambush and the Ions.

Thanks again

Riley212 · 02-15-2012, 04:17 PM

make sure you try on boots from other companies too, they might be more comfortable, burton isn' the only snowboard company out there

jpchase · 02-15-2012, 04:59 PM

While Burton makes nice stuff and I'm sure you probably are going for a matching set of board, bindings, and boots, make certain that the boots are comfortable and fit your feet.

The most technologically advanced boot in the world won't do you any good if it doesn't fit correctly causing you pain resulting in you having to go into the lodge and take a break after 30 minutes of riding.

It's been said in these forums time and time again and with good reason... Make certain that your boots are comfortable first and foremost. Do not get stuck on a particular brand or flex rating. It all doesn't mean shit in the end if it doesn't fit your foot.

specr1 · 02-15-2012, 09:52 PM

hey all,

I ended up buying the Imperials.

The Ambush was too soft for me and they were sold out on the Ions

Thanks again!

KIRKRIDER · 02-16-2012, 06:12 PM

LOVE my DriverX..especially on long pow days..very stiff boot. the added support is a relief.

02-15-2012, 12:09 AM	#1 (permalink)
specr1 Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Posts: 4	Need advice on mens boots (Burton Driver X, Ion, Imperial) Hi, I just bought a Custom X and I'm planning on buying the 2012 Cartel EST Bindings to go with it. Now I'm looking for new boots. I like control so I'm looking at Burtons stiffer boots. The Ion, Imperial and Driver X. I like to ride trees, piste, off-piste, no park basically. I go medium to fast speed and I never go full speed (yet). I'm leaning towards the Driver X but I'm not sure if those are only for people that like to go really fast. Any advice is appreciated Thanks

02-15-2012, 05:18 AM	#3 (permalink)
FirstChair Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Champlain Valley,VT Posts: 91	I have the same setup-CustomX, Cartels. I bought some slightly used Ions(The first year with speedlacing) and they were perfect for what I was doing,which was some glades, other ungroomed and groomed slopes.They were a bit large and broken in so..... I switched out those for a new pair of DriverX, and liked them at first ,as they gave plenty of control at high speed, but at low speed, in trees and with softer boards, they were too stiff mind you , this was after about 30 days of riding everything except rails/boxes/pipe they didn't break in much at all.I started getting knee pain at this time. Then I switched to a softer rockered board and on the advice of a pro at Burton, went to a Burton Ambush boot which I absolutely love. This gave me lots of control for my Custom X high speed riding,yet did not make me feel all locked in place like the Driver X.This boot also works great for my freestyle setup.(arbor Blacklist,Cartels).My knee pain is now much less. I wouldn't go with a stiffer boot than the Ion...make sure you try on the boots before buying. __________________ You can't idiot proof anything because fools are so damn clever.

02-15-2012, 04:17 PM	#5 (permalink)
Riley212 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: North Seattle Posts: 476	make sure you try on boots from other companies too, they might be more comfortable, burton isn' the only snowboard company out there __________________ Good gear doesn't make you better; good gear makes it easier to get better

02-16-2012, 06:12 PM	#8 (permalink)
KIRKRIDER Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Bay Area, CA Posts: 2,212	LOVE my DriverX..especially on long pow days..very stiff boot. the added support is a relief. __________________ 2012/13 -12- Kirkwood days Arbor A-Frame 158 2009-10 Jeremy Jones Hovercraft 156, 2011/12 Burton Driver-X K2-Cinch-CTX Subaru WRX 06

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02-15-2012, 12:12 AM	#2 (permalink)
jpchase Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: No. VA Posts: 72	Have you tried any of these boots on yet?

02-15-2012, 03:57 PM	#4 (permalink)
specr1 Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Posts: 4	Thanks for the replies, I have not tried on any of the boots yet, I'm going to go there today and buy a pair either today or tomorrow. Sounds like the DriverX isn't for me then because I do about 50% groomed runs 25% trees 25% powder. I'm going to try on the Ambush and the Ions. Thanks again

02-15-2012, 04:59 PM	#6 (permalink)
jpchase Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: No. VA Posts: 72	While Burton makes nice stuff and I'm sure you probably are going for a matching set of board, bindings, and boots, make certain that the boots are comfortable and fit your feet. The most technologically advanced boot in the world won't do you any good if it doesn't fit correctly causing you pain resulting in you having to go into the lodge and take a break after 30 minutes of riding. It's been said in these forums time and time again and with good reason... Make certain that your boots are comfortable first and foremost. Do not get stuck on a particular brand or flex rating. It all doesn't mean shit in the end if it doesn't fit your foot.

02-15-2012, 09:52 PM	#7 (permalink)
specr1 Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Posts: 4	hey all, I ended up buying the Imperials. The Ambush was too soft for me and they were sold out on the Ions Thanks again!