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Burton’s custom board configurator, Series 13, has just flung the doors open for business, allowing you to customize a snowboard in a multitude of ways. The site looks good, similar to all the other Burton sites and is easy to use. I admit, I felt a twang of disappointment because I was hoping to be able to put whatever artwork I wanted on the topsheet and base, but instead, you choose from 10 or so themes of Burton’s choosing - I’ve read they will be rotating new themes in regularly. Once you’ve picked your theme, it’s on to the color chooser, which constitutes the bulk of the customization. You can choose from a few Burton/Series13 logos, a more limited selection of base options (dependent on your inital topsheet choice) and sidewall colors.

One of the most interesting parts was the option to choose between Burton’s 3D system or a 2X system for your bindings. I’ve used both and feel that the 3D system gives you much better adjustment of your stance, but there are the regular complaints about any propriatary system - namely that you’re locked in to their equipment, while a 2X system works with nearly every board manufacturer.

I love the certificate of authenticity signed by Jake and the list of everybody who worked on your board. Hopefully those touches are as well-made as the board. Plus you get a custom leather bag with your Series13 - although they don’t want to deal with shipping your board to you, so you have to pick it up from an authorized dealer. Not an issue up here in Oregon, but if you travel long distances to reach snow, that might be a bit inconvenient.

Overall, I think it’s a small step forward, and one Burton would be most likely to make first (seeing as they have the biggest market share), but I’d really only consider it when I can create the artwork from the ground-up. Until then, it’s Lib Tech for me.

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