The Burton Flight Attendant snowboard mannequin from the 2017-2018 winter season was a directional, all-mountain board designed for versatility and efficiency in numerous snow situations. Characterised by a directional camber profile and a medium flex, it aimed to supply a stability of stability at greater speeds and maneuverability in tighter terrain. This board appealed to intermediate and superior riders searching for a dependable platform for carving, powder runs, and navigating difficult slopes.
Launched throughout a interval of rising curiosity in versatile all-mountain snowboards, this particular mannequin catered to riders who most well-liked a single board for numerous driving types. Its design allowed for assured dealing with on groomed runs, whereas its form and development provided enough float in powder. The mix of directional camber and medium flex made it a beautiful choice for riders looking for stability with out sacrificing maneuverability. This capability to carry out effectively in numerous situations and cater to a spread of ability ranges contributed to its reputation.
This dialogue will additional discover the board’s design options, together with its directional form, camber profile, and development supplies. Moreover, the efficiency traits, target market, and general reception throughout the snowboarding group can be examined.
1. Directional Form
The directional form of the 2018 Burton Flight Attendant performed an important function in its efficiency traits and meant driving type. Designed for primarily ahead motion, this form influenced how the board interacted with the snow and terrain, contributing to its distinct all-mountain capabilities.
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Nostril and Tail Design
The Flight Attendant featured an extended nostril and shorter tail. This design ingredient facilitated float in powder and supplied stability at greater speeds. The longer nostril helped forestall the board from sinking in deep snow, whereas the shorter tail allowed for faster turns and maneuverability.
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Sidecut Radius
The sidecut radius, defining the curve of the board’s edge, was possible designed to enhance the directional form. This radius impacted flip initiation and general carving efficiency. Whereas the particular radius would differ primarily based on board size, it usually contributed to a easy, managed journey on groomed runs.
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Stance Setback
Directional boards typically incorporate a setback stance, the place the rider’s bindings are positioned barely additional again from the middle of the board than on a twin-shaped board. This setback additional enhances float in powder and stability at pace, aligning with the Flight Attendant’s all-mountain designation.
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Affect on Using Model
The directional form made the 2018 Flight Attendant much less appropriate for change driving (driving backwards) in comparison with twin-shaped boards. This design selection prioritized efficiency in ahead driving, catering to riders centered on carving, powder runs, and exploring diversified terrain.
The directional form, at the side of different design components just like the camber profile and flex, contributed to the 2018 Burton Flight Attendant’s versatile all-mountain efficiency. This particular form catered to riders prioritizing stability, float, and management in numerous snow situations, emphasizing ahead motion and exploration over freestyle driving. Understanding this attribute is essential for appreciating the board’s meant function and target market.
2. Directional Camber
The 2018 Burton Flight Attendant employed a directional camber profile, an important ingredient influencing its efficiency traits. Directional camber blends conventional camber with a rockered nostril. The camber part underfoot gives edge maintain and responsiveness on groomed runs, producing highly effective turns and stability at pace. The rockered nostril, rising sooner than on a historically cambered board, enhances float in powder and improves maneuverability in variable snow situations. This mix made the Flight Attendant versatile, permitting riders to confidently navigate each groomed pistes and off-piste terrain.
Think about a rider transitioning from groomed runs to ungroomed powder. With directional camber, the board maintains grip and responsiveness on the packed snow. Upon coming into the powder, the rockered nostril lifts the board, stopping it from sinking and sustaining momentum. This seamless transition highlights the sensible significance of directional camber for all-mountain driving. Conversely, a purely cambered board may wrestle in deep snow, whereas a completely rockered board might lack the precision and stability desired on groomed runs.
Directional camber represents a design compromise aimed toward maximizing versatility. Whereas maybe not excelling in any single space, it gives a balanced efficiency throughout a spectrum of situations. This design selection aligned with the Flight Attendant’s meant use as an all-mountain board able to dealing with numerous terrain. Recognizing the consequences of directional camber is important for understanding the board’s strengths and limitations and for making knowledgeable selections about gear choice primarily based on particular person driving preferences and terrain selections.
3. Medium Flex
The 2018 Burton Flight Attendant’s medium flex ranking considerably contributed to its all-mountain versatility. Flex, referring to a snowboard’s stiffness, dictates how readily it bends and responds to rider enter. A medium flex sits between a gentle and stiff flex, providing a balanced efficiency profile. This attribute allowed the Flight Attendant to carry out capably in numerous situations, from carving on groomed runs to navigating powder and tackling variable terrain.
A medium flex gives enough responsiveness for exact edge management and highly effective activates groomed slopes. Nonetheless, in contrast to stiffer boards designed primarily for high-speed carving, the Flight Attendant’s medium flex allowed for simpler maneuverability in tighter areas and thru difficult snow situations. This adaptability proved useful in bushes, moguls, and different off-piste environments. Moreover, a medium flex absorbs vibrations and impacts extra successfully than a stiff flex, providing a smoother and fewer fatiguing journey in uneven snow. This attribute enhanced consolation and management in variable situations.
Think about a state of affairs involving a descent on a mixed-condition slope. The medium flex allowed riders to keep up stability and management at greater speeds on firmer patches, whereas nonetheless enabling nimble changes and easy turns in softer sections. This stability made the Flight Attendant a super selection for riders looking for a single board able to dealing with numerous terrain. Understanding the implications of medium flex is essential for assessing the board’s efficiency traits and suitability for particular person driving types and preferences. This attribute highlights the board’s meant use as a flexible all-mountain device, balancing efficiency and accessibility for a broad vary of riders.
4. All-Mountain Versatility
The 2018 Burton Flight Attendant’s defining attribute was its all-mountain versatility. This stemmed from a deliberate mixture of design components, enabling competent efficiency throughout a variety of snow situations and terrain. The board’s directional form, directional camber profile, and medium flex labored synergistically to supply a balanced journey, catering to riders who prioritized adaptability over specialization. This versatility stemmed from the necessity for a single board able to dealing with groomed runs, powder, and variable snow situations encountered all through a typical day on the mountain.
Think about a hypothetical state of affairs: a rider begins the day carving on freshly groomed corduroy. The Flight Attendant’s directional camber and medium flex supplied the required edge maintain and responsiveness for exact turns and secure efficiency at pace. Because the day progresses and the rider ventures into off-piste terrain with ungroomed snow and powder pockets, the directional form and rockered nostril facilitated float and maneuverability. Later, encountering chopped-up snow and variable situations, the medium flex absorbed vibrations, providing a smoother journey. This adaptability eradicated the necessity to change boards all through the day, a key benefit for all-mountain riders.
The emphasis on all-mountain versatility displays a broader development in snowboarding in the direction of adaptable gear able to dealing with numerous terrain. The 2018 Flight Attendant exemplifies this development, providing a balanced efficiency profile appropriate for intermediate and superior riders looking for a single board for diverse situations. Recognizing the design selections contributing to this versatility gives priceless perception into the board’s meant function and efficiency capabilities. This understanding permits riders to make knowledgeable selections about gear choice primarily based on particular person wants and driving preferences. Whereas specialised boards may excel in particular situations, the Flight Attendant prioritized adaptability, providing a dependable and pleasing expertise throughout a wider spectrum of terrain.
5. Intermediate to Superior Riders
The 2018 Burton Flight Attendant’s design particularly focused intermediate to superior snowboarders. A number of components contributed to this focus, together with the board’s efficiency traits and meant driving type. The directional form, directional camber, and medium flex demanded a sure stage of rider competence to unlock their full potential. Rookies may discover these traits difficult to handle, whereas skilled riders might leverage them for exact management and dynamic efficiency.
Think about the board’s efficiency in powder. The directional form and rockered nostril facilitated float, however successfully maneuvering in deep snow required expertise and method. Equally, the directional camber and medium flex enabled aggressive carving on groomed runs, however demanded management and precision to forestall edge catch. An intermediate rider progressing to superior strategies would profit from these traits, regularly growing the abilities needed to take advantage of the board’s capabilities. Conversely, a newbie may discover the board overly responsive and tough to manage, hindering ability improvement. A extremely superior rider focusing totally on freestyle or park driving may choose a board with a unique form, flex, and camber profile.
The give attention to intermediate to superior riders highlights the Flight Attendant’s place inside Burton’s product line. It served as a stepping-stone for riders transitioning from beginner-friendly boards to extra specialised gear. This focusing on emphasizes the significance of matching gear to ability stage for optimum efficiency and pleasure. Deciding on a board applicable for one’s ability stage maximizes studying potential and minimizes frustration, contributing to a constructive snowboarding expertise. The Flight Attendant occupied a selected area of interest throughout the market, catering to riders looking for a flexible all-mountain board able to dealing with numerous terrain whereas demanding a sure stage of competence to unlock its full potential.
6. Float in Powder
The 2018 Burton Flight Attendant’s capability to drift in powder stemmed from a mixture of design options working in live performance. The directional form, characterised by an extended nostril and shorter tail, performed an important function. This design displaces snow in the direction of the longer nostril, lifting the entrance of the board and stopping it from sinking in deep powder. This carry, mixed with the rockered nosean upward curve beginning sooner than on a standard camber profilefurther enhances float by growing the floor space on the entrance of the board. The setback stance, positioning the rider barely behind the board’s middle, enhances these options by shifting weight in the direction of the tail, additional leveraging the nostril’s lifting capabilities. These design selections, working synergistically, allow the rider to keep up pace and management in deep snow with out expending extreme power.
Think about a rider descending a steep, powder-filled slope. The Flight Attendant’s longer nostril and rocker profile naturally rise within the deep snow, stopping the board from submerging. This permits the rider to keep up momentum and make managed turns with out the entrance of the board diving. The setback stance additional enhances this impact, stopping the rider from being thrown ahead. The mixed result’s a easy, managed descent in powder situations, permitting the rider to expertise the easy glide attribute of well-designed powder boards. Conversely, a board missing these options would are inclined to sink in deep snow, requiring higher rider exertion and doubtlessly resulting in lack of management.
Float in powder is a essential efficiency attribute for all-mountain snowboards just like the 2018 Flight Attendant. This functionality expands the board’s usable terrain, permitting riders to confidently discover ungroomed slopes and deep snow situations. Whereas not a devoted powder board, the Flight Attendant’s design options supplied enough float to boost the general all-mountain expertise. Understanding the interaction of those design components gives priceless perception into the board’s efficiency traits and meant use. This understanding helps riders choose gear applicable for his or her driving type and most well-liked terrain.
7. Secure at Pace
Stability at pace is a essential efficiency attribute for the 2018 Burton Flight Attendant, instantly influencing rider confidence and management, significantly on groomed runs and at greater velocities. A number of design components contribute to this stability, permitting riders to keep up composure and execute exact maneuvers even in difficult situations. Analyzing these components gives priceless perception into the board’s meant use and target market.
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Directional Form and Camber
The mixture of a directional form and directional camber profile contributes considerably to stability at pace. The longer nostril and rocker profile present carry and stop the board from diving, whereas the camber part underfoot maintains edge grip and responsiveness. This mix permits for managed turns and prevents pace wobbles, a standard concern with much less secure boards at greater velocities.
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Medium Flex
The medium flex ranking gives a stability between responsiveness and stability. Whereas a softer flex may really feel unstable at pace, and a stiffer flex might be unforgiving, the medium flex of the Flight Attendant absorbs vibrations and maintains composure, permitting riders to keep up management with out extreme effort.
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Sidecut Radius
The sidecut radius, although particular measurements differ relying on board size, performs a task in stability. A well-designed sidecut enhances the board’s different traits, facilitating easy flip initiation and stopping the board from feeling catchy or unpredictable at pace.
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Development and Supplies
The inner development of the board, together with the core supplies and fiberglass layup, contributes to torsional stiffness and general stability. These supplies affect how the board responds to forces at excessive speeds, resisting twisting and sustaining a constant edge grip, additional enhancing stability.
These components work synergistically to ship a secure journey at pace, a defining attribute of the 2018 Burton Flight Attendant. This stability permits riders to confidently push their limits on groomed runs and preserve management in variable snow situations. For intermediate and superior riders looking for a flexible all-mountain board able to dealing with greater speeds with out compromising management, the Flight Attendant’s give attention to stability turns into an important think about gear choice.
8. 2017-2018 Season Mannequin
The designation “2017-2018 season mannequin” is essential for understanding the 2018 Burton Flight Attendant throughout the context of snowboard expertise and market availability. This designation signifies the mannequin yr for which the board was designed, manufactured, and launched on the market. This timeframe gives essential context for evaluating the board’s options, expertise, and relevance throughout the broader evolution of snowboard design.
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Mannequin Yr Significance
Snowboard expertise, like many different shopper merchandise, undergoes steady improvement. The mannequin yr designation permits customers to determine a board’s placement inside this evolutionary timeline. The 2017-2018 season signifies the interval throughout which the Flight Attendant was thought-about a present mannequin, incorporating Burton’s newest technological developments and design philosophies at the moment. This designation helps differentiate it from earlier or later iterations of the Flight Attendant or different Burton snowboards.
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Availability and Market Context
The 2017-2018 season mannequin designation signifies when the board was available within the retail market as a brand new product. As subsequent mannequin years are launched, older fashions are usually phased out. Understanding this lifecycle is essential for potential consumers, because it informs buying selections. These particularly looking for a 2018 Flight Attendant would possible must discover the used market or remaining new outdated inventory, recognizing that its options and expertise may replicate the design traits of that particular interval.
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Technological Context
The 2017-2018 timeframe gives a technological benchmark for assessing the Flight Attendant’s options. Evaluating the board’s specs and development to fashions from earlier or later years reveals the trajectory of snowboard design and technological developments inside Burton’s product line. This evaluation gives insights into the evolution of supplies, development strategies, and design philosophies.
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Discontinuation and Legacy
The truth that the 2018 Flight Attendant is not a present mannequin highlights the continual evolution of snowboard expertise. Its discontinuation paves the best way for newer fashions incorporating up to date designs and supplies. Recognizing this cycle permits for a extra knowledgeable analysis of the board’s place throughout the broader historical past of snowboarding gear. Its legacy resides in its contribution to the development of all-mountain snowboard design and its affect on subsequent fashions.
Understanding the “2017-2018 season mannequin” designation gives an important framework for evaluating the 2018 Burton Flight Attendant. This designation situates the board inside a selected technological and market context, informing buying selections and providing insights into the evolution of snowboard design. Recognizing this temporal context is important for a complete understanding of the board’s options, efficiency traits, and general relevance throughout the snowboarding panorama.
9. Discontinued Product
The 2018 Burton Flight Attendant’s standing as a discontinued product considerably impacts its availability and market dynamics. Discontinuation usually happens when a producer ceases manufacturing of a specific mannequin, typically to introduce newer iterations with up to date designs, applied sciences, or market positioning. This course of is widespread throughout the snowboarding trade, pushed by steady innovation and evolving shopper preferences. Understanding the implications of discontinuation is essential for potential consumers looking for this particular mannequin.
The first consequence of discontinuation is lowered availability. Retailers usually deplete present inventory, and the product is not accessible for buy by way of commonplace retail channels. This shortage typically drives demand throughout the used market, the place costs could fluctuate primarily based on situation, demand, and general market dynamics. Potential consumers looking for a 2018 Flight Attendant should navigate the secondary market, exercising due diligence relating to situation and authenticity. Moreover, discontinued merchandise could lack producer assist, together with guarantee protection and alternative components availability. This issue warrants cautious consideration, particularly for gadgets topic to put on and tear, similar to snowboards.
The discontinued standing of the 2018 Burton Flight Attendant necessitates a strategic method for acquisition. Potential consumers ought to discover on-line marketplaces, used sporting items shops, and group boards devoted to snowboarding. Thorough analysis relating to pricing traits and situation assessments is essential to creating knowledgeable buying selections. Whereas discontinuation presents challenges, it additionally creates alternatives for discerning consumers to amass sought-after fashions at doubtlessly advantageous costs. Recognizing the implications of discontinuation gives a sensible perspective on availability, pricing, and potential limitations relating to producer assist. This understanding empowers potential consumers to navigate the market successfully and make knowledgeable selections aligned with particular person wants and circumstances.
Incessantly Requested Questions
This part addresses widespread inquiries relating to the 2018 Burton Flight Attendant snowboard. The knowledge supplied goals to supply readability and help potential consumers in making knowledgeable selections.
Query 1: The place can one buy a 2018 Burton Flight Attendant?
As a discontinued mannequin, the 2018 Flight Attendant is not accessible by way of approved retailers. Potential consumers ought to discover on-line marketplaces specializing in used sporting items, native used sporting items shops, and on-line snowboarding communities or boards.
Query 2: What’s the typical worth vary for a used 2018 Flight Attendant?
Pricing varies primarily based on situation, measurement, and placement. Researching comparable listings on related platforms gives an affordable estimate. Elements similar to situation of the bottom, edges, and prime sheet considerably affect market worth.
Query 3: Are alternative components accessible for this discontinued mannequin?
Acquiring alternative components for discontinued snowboards may be difficult. Contacting Burton instantly or approved restore facilities may yield restricted choices. Exploring on-line boards and communities devoted to snowboarding might additionally present leads on sourcing components.
Query 4: How does the 2018 Flight Attendant evaluate to newer Burton all-mountain fashions?
Newer fashions possible incorporate up to date supplies, applied sciences, and design philosophies. Researching present Burton all-mountain choices and evaluating their specs to the 2018 Flight Attendant gives insights into developments in snowboard design. Consulting skilled snowboard critiques can supply additional comparative evaluation.
Query 5: What’s the advisable ability stage for driving the 2018 Flight Attendant?
This mannequin is usually suited to intermediate to superior riders. Its directional form, camber profile, and medium flex require a sure stage of competence for optimum management and efficiency. Rookies may discover these traits difficult, whereas skilled riders can leverage them successfully.
Query 6: What are the important thing upkeep issues for this board?
Common waxing, edge sharpening, and base repairs are important for sustaining optimum efficiency and lengthening the lifespan of any snowboard, together with the 2018 Flight Attendant. Consulting skilled tuning providers or researching correct upkeep strategies ensures applicable care.
Cautious consideration of those continuously requested questions aids in making knowledgeable selections relating to the acquisition and upkeep of a 2018 Burton Flight Attendant snowboard. Thorough analysis and understanding of the board’s traits, availability, and potential limitations are important for a constructive possession expertise.
The next part will supply concluding ideas on the 2018 Burton Flight Attendant, summarizing its key attributes and general legacy throughout the context of all-mountain snowboard design.
Ideas for Using a Board Just like the 2018 Burton Flight Attendant
Directional all-mountain boards just like the 2018 Burton Flight Attendant require particular driving strategies to maximise efficiency and pleasure. The next ideas supply steerage for successfully using such boards in numerous snow situations.
Tip 1: Weight Distribution in Powder
Keep a centered or barely set-back stance in powder. Keep away from leaning too far ahead, which might trigger the nostril to dive. Distributing weight evenly permits the rockered nostril to carry naturally, sustaining float and management.
Tip 2: Edge Management on Groomed Runs
Have interaction the sting successfully for highly effective carving on groomed runs. Directional camber requires deliberate edge engagement to provoke and preserve turns. Exact strain management permits for easy, managed arcs.
Tip 3: Navigating Variable Snow Situations
Keep a balanced stance and adapt to altering snow situations. The medium flex gives adaptability, however lively weight distribution and edge management are important for sustaining stability and management in blended snow and chopped-up terrain.
Tip 4: Pace Management and Stability
Handle pace successfully, significantly on steeper slopes. The directional form gives stability at greater speeds, however correct pace management is essential for sustaining maneuverability and avoiding uncontrolled descents.
Tip 5: Terrain Choice and Board Capabilities
Choose terrain applicable for the board’s all-mountain design. Whereas versatile, boards just like the Flight Attendant are finest suited to groomed runs, powder, and blended situations. Keep away from terrain primarily designed for freestyle or park driving.
Tip 6: Common Upkeep for Optimum Efficiency
Keep the board’s base and edges by way of common waxing and sharpening. Correct upkeep ensures optimum efficiency and extends the lifespan of the board. Think about skilled tuning providers for complete care.
Tip 7: Understanding Board Limitations
Acknowledge the board’s limitations. Whereas versatile, a directional all-mountain board could not excel in extremely specialised areas like freestyle or excessive backcountry driving. Understanding these limitations permits for practical expectations and knowledgeable terrain selections.
By following the following tips, riders can successfully make the most of the capabilities of directional all-mountain snowboards just like the 2018 Burton Flight Attendant, maximizing efficiency and pleasure in numerous snow situations. These strategies permit riders to adapt to altering terrain and unlock the board’s full potential.
The next concluding part summarizes the important thing attributes and general legacy of the 2018 Burton Flight Attendant, contextualizing its contribution to the evolution of all-mountain snowboard design.
Conclusion
The 2018 Burton Flight Attendant represented a selected level within the evolution of all-mountain snowboard design. Its mix of directional form, directional camber, and medium flex provided a balanced efficiency profile catering to intermediate and superior riders. Key attributes included stability at pace, float in powder, and flexibility throughout diversified terrain. As a discontinued mannequin, its availability is now confined to the used market, requiring potential consumers to navigate the secondary market strategically. Understanding its design philosophy and target market gives essential context for evaluating its relevance throughout the broader panorama of snowboarding gear.
The Flight Attendant’s legacy lies in its contribution to the continuing pursuit of versatile all-mountain efficiency. Its design selections replicate the need for a single board able to dealing with numerous situations, empowering riders to discover the mountain with confidence and adaptableness. Whereas expertise continues to advance, the 2018 Flight Attendant stays a noteworthy instance of a selected design philosophy aimed toward maximizing all-mountain versatility.
