Burton and Salomon are two of the best snowboard brands in the world, but they each have their own distinctive styles, as well as unique pros and cons.
With that said, how do these two snowboard brands compare, and which one produces the most reliable and cost-effective snowboard?
Burton Snowboards
Burton Snowboards was founded by Jake Burton Carpenter back in 1977, focusing on producing high-quality snowboards, snowboard boots, and bindings. The privately-owned company is based out of Burlington, Vermont, but it sells boards and snowboarding gear through online and offline locations all over the world.
Unfortunately, the company’s founder passed away in 2019, but his wife, Donna Carpenter, continues to play a major role in the company.
Is Burton Snowboards a Good Brand?
Burton Snowboards is undoubtedly one of the best snowboard brands in the world. In fact, for many snowboarders, it is number 1, and it has held onto that title for many years.
Burton snowboards and snowboarding gear is some of the highest quality in the industry and the brand is constantly looking to innovate. It caters to all types of snowboarders and is the brand of choice for many beginners and pros.
Where are Burton Snowboards Made?
Burton Snowboards have a prototyping facility in Vermont, but most of their snowboards, boots, and bindings are produced in Austria and China.
Salomon Snowboards
Salomon Snowboards are produced by the Salomon Group, which has a history that dates back to 1947. It got its start manufacturing general outdoor equipment and skiing equipment but has since ventured into snowboards.
Is Salomon Snowboards a Good Brand?
Salomon is definitely a worthy manufacturer and is actually considered to be one of the best snowboard brands in the world. It’s owned by a French company and is still better-known for its skis than its snowboards, but you can find Salomon snowboards in snowboarding shops throughout the United States.
Salomon’s connection to skiing and general winter sports has allowed it to excel in the production of split snowboards. These snowboards can literally “split” into two, turn one snowboard into two skis.
They’re not cheap, but it’s a premium brand known for its high-end manufacturing and materials, so that’s to be expected.
Where are Salomon Snowboards Made?
Salomon’s snowboarding headquarters are based in Portland, Oregon, and this is where much of the brand marketing takes place. However, the design and development takes place in France, and the manufacturing facilities are in France and Bulgaria.
Burton vs Salomon: Which Brand of Snowboard is the Best?
These are definitely two of the best snowboard brands in the world right now, and while we tend to lean more toward Burton (both for its snowboards and quality snowboarding gear) it really all comes down to what you’re looking for and how much you have to spend.
Summary: The Best Snowboard Brands
Burton and Salomon aren’t the only best snowboard brands out there.
We also recommend checking out:
- Arbor Snowboards
- Capita
- Lib Tech
- Rossignol
- Jones Snowboards
- GNU Snowboards
- Ride Snowboards
- Roxy Snowboards
- Nitro Snowboards
- K2 Snowboards
As a beginner snowboarder, you should focus on the snowboard more than the brand.
Look for a snowboard that suits your style and your size; a snowboard that has a graphic that appeals to you and is within your price range.
Over time, once you’ve ridden a few snowboards, spoken with snowboarders, and gotten to grips with the sport, you’ll start to understand which brands are best.
