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Gear Reviews, Snowboard Reviews 58

2018 Burton Skeleton Key Snowboard Review

By Angrysnowboarder @angrysnowboard · On January 3, 2018

Board: Burton Skeleton Key

Size: 158

Camber Option: Directional Camber. A setback camber.

Bindings: K2 Indy

Stance: 21.5 Wide 18 Negative 15 Goofy

Boots: K2 Thraxis Size 10

My Weight: 188lbs

Resort: Arapahoe Basin

Conditions: Overcast skies with low visibility, a donut of bluebird skies with high visibility, blower powder, chunder powder, hot powder, firm snow, fast snow, slow snow, basically anything you can imagine it happened.

Flex: This board is just past a middle of the road flex. What you get is a directional flex that is ever so slightly softer in the nose, stiffening up before the insert pack, then stiffer through the middle, and finally the stiffest in the tail. There’s a little bit of torsional flex, but not enough to overwhelm the board, it more or less compliments the overall flex of this board.

Stability: This board is smooth and stable. It plows through chunder and heavy pow with ease. It doesn’t get bucked around in moguls, rutted out terrain, or uneven groomers. At no point did I notice any abundance of chatter other than what was normal for the conditions.

Ollies/Pop: I found the snap of this board a bit sluggish to engage. You had to really load it up and even when you did it wasn’t the snappiest board in the Burton Family Tree lineup nor did it compare to other directional powder boards like this.

Butterability: While this board is butterable, I noticed that when I would do a 180 into a nose butter the board would lock in quickly then want to snap right out. It’s a board that if you want to pow butter you’re going to have to work harder for it.

Carving: This board can rail a turn with ease. That’s one thing it really has going for it. The edge to edge transmission takes minimal effort and when carving you can press into the board to really drive it.

Rider in Mind: Someone that wants a slightly stiffer more directional freeride/powder board that can carve.

Personal Thoughts: This board was super fun with the only drawback being that it lacks pop. Which really surprised me, but the more I rode around finding things to jump off of and set it up to snap, the more I found it had limitations. Slashing in snow on the other hand is fun with this board and it can do aggressive cut-backs that give you a face shot every time.

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Angrysnowboarder

More than likely he has pissed you off, shocked, amazed, or mortified you at some point with his ramblings. Yet, you still continue to read what he writes.

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58 Comments

  • Wayne says: February 1, 2018 at 4:43 am

    Hi, how would you compare the Skeleton Key to Jones explorer?
    Looking for something that’s performs well on deep powder and off piste but also great on groomers, hard snow and tress. Intermediate level, looking for something to progress on, then upgrade again later. I wouldn’t think I’d be able to handle something like PYL, Flagship or Archtype. I wish i could. Other board suggestions are most welcome. Thanks.

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: February 1, 2018 at 9:13 am

      If you’re looking at a Skeleton Key to an Explorer you can’t handle the Skeleton Key. It’s stiffer, more aggressive of an over all ride, not going to be forgiving in the trees for someone that doesn’t know how to really flex the board. Just get the Explorer.

      Reply
  • Jack says: February 1, 2018 at 12:37 pm

    Thanks for all of the reviews…I feel this board is exactly what I’m looking for but I weigh 225 at 6 ft tall…would it be too overpowered or would I be ok on the 158. My last board I’ve had for a long time is an Arbor heritage 166.

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: February 1, 2018 at 2:58 pm

      You could actually pull it off.

      Reply
  • james lakings says: February 26, 2018 at 7:44 pm

    Yo Angry, I’m looking to upgrade from a 2006 Burton White Collection Standard. I demo’d this all over the front side and a couple runs in the back of Vail last weekend. I really like the flex and press on the Skeleton Key. How does this compare to say a Berzerker. Any other softer directional camber boards, not necessarily powder boards, I should try and test. Inventory is getting thin. Thanks,

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: February 26, 2018 at 10:11 pm

      Berzerker is actually a bit stiffer and more freestyle powder focused. Jones Explorer comes to mind maybe the Custom Kilroy.

      Reply
      • james lakings says: February 27, 2018 at 6:39 pm

        Chilled legumes. I’ve demo’d the Dump Truck as well. It’s fast. Hope you get to try it. Be curious what you think. If I could have a blast on the DT, at say a fair amount of Breck, would I be wasting my time to demo or take a flyer on the Bezerker? Really like the review of the Kilroy. You crack me up. Definitely am going to demo that one next. Thanks iGSJ.

        Reply
        • Angrysnowboarder says: February 28, 2018 at 9:03 am

          No.

          Reply
  • james lakings says: March 12, 2018 at 12:09 pm

    Hey, I got a chance to demo this board at the Vail Open. Very stable ride. It felt a bit truck like on the moguls though. More on this under Attack Banana.

    Reply
  • Michael says: March 19, 2018 at 7:39 pm

    Hey Angry,
    Have you ridden the Deep Thinker? How does it compare to the Skeleton Key?
    I recently took a 158 SK to Japan and absolutely loved it, unfortunately it didn’t survive the trip. Burton have replaced it under warranty but no longer have it in stock, due to limited options I now have a 160 Deep Thinker, my preference was a 157W, not available.
    I looks awesome but the flex has me nervous, most reviews say mid flex but this thing is STIFF, much stiffer than the SK. I am in Aus so won’t be able to ride it for a few months at least.

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: March 19, 2018 at 9:57 pm

      That’s one board I didn’t get the chance to get on and with how craptacular this season is and the fact that I’m just so over riding 100 boards a season for review it’s going to be on the next years list for sure.

      Reply
  • Justin says: April 20, 2018 at 8:09 am

    Hi Angry, I love you’re reviews and appreciate your site! I used to be a snowboard bum in Squaw Valley in the late 1990’s and then got a real job. Now I’m getting the kids into skiing and riding but still sneak in a few runs for myself. My use cases would be carving at high speeds, 360’s off natural terrain, and a trip or two to Tuckerman’s each spring. I used to ride a Burton Supermodel 74 as my all-mountain board back in the day. I weigh about 160. I’m thinking Skeleton Key, Jones Explorer, Never Summer West at about 160 cm long. Thanks!

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: April 20, 2018 at 8:53 am

      You don’t want the West that thing is a fucking turd. Explorer would be the most versatile of what you’re looking at, but might be a bit too soft if you’re used to that older Supermodel. Skeleton Key is stiffer but so much more powder oriented. I’d say you would do better with the Jones Flagship over the Explorer honestly or maybe something like the Libtech Hot Knife.

      Reply
  • Matt says: July 30, 2018 at 1:57 pm

    I’m 5’9 230lbs….shorter but close in weight to Jack who posted above….with a shorter tail on this board wondering if the 158 would cause me to slip and lose edge due to my weight…..this upcoming season a Skeleton Key in 162cm is listed to support the weight but the waist width jumps to 262mm. With a 10.5 boot would worry about losing the slashy feel of this board. Or do you think the cut of this board would still allow good manuverabilty?

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: July 30, 2018 at 2:05 pm

      If you’re in pow why are you even remotely worried?

      Reply
  • Matt says: July 30, 2018 at 3:46 pm

    Sorry, should have added…..East coast rider. Powder here is a few inches when you’re lucky. Premise for my question was performance on groomed runs/hard pack while searching for some soft stuff.

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: July 31, 2018 at 1:08 pm

      Well then that changes things a little bit. It’s a board you can carve when you need to, don’t expect it to have insane grip on that ice coast boiler plate though.

      Reply
  • jim says: September 2, 2018 at 11:52 pm

    Yo, does it make sense to quiver up a Pat Moore Pro/Outsiders with this? Or would you prefer something else? Kazu Pro? Thanks man, appreciate your work!

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: September 3, 2018 at 8:51 am

      Either would work.

      Reply
  • Ian says: November 14, 2018 at 12:11 pm

    Hey Angry, great vids. have been super helpful with my snowboard search. Not sure if you’re able to comment but what do you think about the new 150cm version of the SK? I’m 160lbs, debating between the 50 and 54.

    50% of the time i’m caving up groomers (I like to make both tight and elongated turns..), the other 50% is spent in trees & Bump runs, including the steep stuff. Not sure how the 54 will do in the bumps with its stiffness? (for reference I’m coming from a flying v.. but looking for something more powerful that’s still nimble)

    Thanks!

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: November 14, 2018 at 7:14 pm

      It makes sense to me as then it gives the board option to a broader market. If you wanted to downsize and leverage a heavier weighted rider on it you could which would allow them to over steer it when need be.

      Reply
  • Ian says: November 15, 2018 at 7:55 am

    Thanks. What length did you ride when you tried it? How did it handle in bumps?

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: November 15, 2018 at 8:17 am

      Read the review, it has all the information you need.

      Reply
  • Ian says: November 15, 2018 at 8:49 am

    my bad.. I’m an idiot. didn’t see the specs at the top… Thanks again

    Reply
  • Tyler Gentry says: November 24, 2018 at 6:10 pm

    Hey, great review as I’m looking at buying one of these. I’m an aggressive expert in Utah and my favorite riding is powder. I’m about your same weight at 190, and 6’2″ and am debating between the 158 and 162. I have big feet, size 11.5, and am fairly tall and am leaning toward the 162 for powder performance. Do you think that’ll be too big? I read in the goodwood review that this board is meant to be sized down, but can’t find that anywhere else. I have 1 “big” board that this will be that I ride 80% of the time and then a smaller twin park/rock board for when the snow sucks. I will be riding the board in most conditions and recognize that by going with this board I’ll be prioritizing powder performance over carving and park. Thanks!

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: November 26, 2018 at 9:58 am

      Well your first problem is you listened to something from the Good Wood. Don’t do that. Here’s the way I would look at it. Riding Brighton where the pow in the trees take precedence then get the 58 as it will be more nimble in the trees. But if you’re riding say Snow Basin and hitting that tram/gondola thing to the top and ripping more open pow 62. I think for what you’re describing I would steer you more towards the 162.

      Reply
  • Cole says: November 30, 2018 at 1:50 pm

    Hey angry,

    Might be barking up the wrong tree looking at this SK but I wanted to get your thoughts, I ride mostly at Big Sky in MT but get a few days at Kirkwood, Squaw, Mammoth. Looking for something that can accel in powder but has can be trusted to hold an edge in steep, wind scoured, firm conditions as the terrain here is very burly but can go from bulletproof wind crust, to knee deep glory in the space of a 100′. I have channel bindings and a Burton Custom Twin which has been my daily driver, but Jones Hovercraft, Deep Thinker, Nitro Squash, (maybe Rossi XV or NS Swift) have caught my attention a bit. Any and all thoughts on the matter are much appreciated.

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: December 1, 2018 at 12:56 pm

      You’ll destroy a Swift, it’s too soft for what you’re looking for. Squash probably won’t fit the bill either due to being on wind scree and that shit. Deep Thinker would probably work well. Hovercraft is always solid as well. Skeleton Key is kind of a 50/50 on if it would work, might want to look at a Dump Truck instead.

      Reply
  • Cole says: December 5, 2018 at 3:44 pm

    Great! Thanks for the feedback sir, you’re a gentleman and a shredder.

    Reply
  • Jon says: December 12, 2018 at 3:24 pm

    Hey angry, I weigh around 170 and was wondering if I could still manage a 150 SK? Definitely looking to ride pow but will also be riding groomers for the most part I’m thinking. 154 SKs are all out of stock at Burton stores minus third party so I’m hoping i’m not losing a lot by downsizing all the way down to 150

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: December 12, 2018 at 11:32 pm

      That’s going to be a tough one. The plus side is it’ll be a lot softer since you’ll be over the weight limit on it.

      Reply
  • Jon says: December 13, 2018 at 12:26 pm

    So if I can get my hands on a 154 should I go for it?

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: December 13, 2018 at 11:24 pm

      I would.

      Reply
  • Jon says: December 13, 2018 at 12:41 pm

    The weight recommendation for the 150 and 154 are the same. So just curious what I’d be gaining and losing from 154 to a 150 SK. THanks again.

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: December 13, 2018 at 11:25 pm

      More float and surface area on the 54, more maneuverability in the 50.

      Reply
  • Alex says: January 5, 2019 at 5:16 am

    Hi Angrysnowboarder! very nice review! really don’t know which to choose between the skeleton key and the berzerker?

    i’m doing moslty like 70% carving at high speeds and 30% off track/pow/ moutain chilling. i’m on the east coast so not so much pow and sometime icy. So i would like something agressif ,something to grip but also something to have some fun everywhere else. the vendor also told me about the explorer.

    Thank you

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: January 5, 2019 at 9:48 am

      Berzerker.

      Reply
  • Jon Brown says: January 7, 2019 at 12:52 am

    Skeleton key or flight attendant?

    I already have a 2019 Swiss knife and it’s pretty meh( hooky in the tail….). I’m looking for a solid freeride resort board that’s fun to carve and will still float in pow. I never hit the park. Thanks !

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: January 7, 2019 at 11:38 pm

      Skeleton Key.

      Reply
  • Dave White says: January 16, 2019 at 7:56 pm

    Anyone move their stance forward from the reference stance? I’d also add that it doesn’t seem all that stiff to me. 150lbs riding the 158. My 2010 (I think) Malolo 162 feels slightly stiffer and I’d call both medium.

    Reply
  • Rob says: January 17, 2019 at 3:28 pm

    Hey man! Have you had a chance to ride the Burton Stun Gun yet? Wanted to see how that would compare to this. I’m looking for a new board for almost a one board quiver. I’m from MN so I usually only ride on trips. This year I’m going to Colorado and Montana. I want to ride in powder and trees as often as I can, but if it doesn’t snow I will obviously enjoy groomers too. I don’t ride in the park and don’t ride switch very often so a directional camber board like the burtons are fine for me. Between the skeleton key, stun gun, or flight attendant, which would you recommend? Or is there another board out there that fits what I’m looking for? Thanks in advance!

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: January 19, 2019 at 5:41 pm

      Stun Gun is softer than the Skeleton Key. Fuck the Flight Attendant.

      Reply
  • Dave White says: January 20, 2019 at 9:44 am

    OK I take back my previous comment. I just spent the day switching back and forth between my old Malolo and the Skeleton Key. In some rained on, but untracked powder so maybe not perfect testing conditions. The Skeleton Key does feel stiffer than the Malolo, particularly in the tail. It might be because I’ve ridden the Malolo so much more but I still prefer it over the Skeleton Key. The Malolo is much quicker turning and the flex just fits my riding way better. It works for me at all different speeds and size of turns. The Skeleton Key only feels right if I’m charging hard enough to get that short stiffer tail flexing. I’m actually going to sell the Skeleton Key and try to find a Barracuda.

    Reply
  • Eric says: January 27, 2019 at 7:45 pm

    How’s the barracuda ? Is it good on groomers?

    Reply
  • Dave White says: January 29, 2019 at 11:27 am

    I just found a lightly used 161 Barracuda. But I haven’t had a chance to ride it yet. It looks like it’s got even less camber than my 2010 Malolo though and the rocker starts further back on the board.

    Reply
  • Dave White says: February 4, 2019 at 10:18 am

    I know these are old boards but in case anyone is interested… got the chance to ride the Barracuda yesterday, in about 10″ of fresh snow. Compared to the Malolo the board has a lot more rocker in the front, barely any camber under the back foot (Malolo has a lot more camber, longer section and sits higher). Barracuda tail also rises up earlier, not sure if you’d call it rocker or not. But the combination made the board feel a lot smaller, easy to make quick little turns when it got mogully, kind felt like it was pivoting around one spot just inside my front foot where the rocker starts. A different ride for me at least. Board floats good as expected. But the Malolo floats just as good, tracks better and has that camber feeling in the back where you can rebound out of a turn. Probably not as easy in the moguls though. The groomed was barely groomed so probably not a good test, but I think the Barracuda probably turns pretty well, just doesn’t have that little bit of bounce at the end. So I’m still looking for my next board (and the Barracuda is on Ebay). Maybe the Landlord but the 159 looks a smidge narrow for 10.5 boots and I think the 163 might be a little big for me. Branch Manager looks about perfect, just over-priced on Ebay.

    Reply
  • Matt says: February 16, 2019 at 7:24 am

    I have a 2018 Custom Kilroy in 158. I am looking at a Skeleton Key in 158 now. Any overlap or totally different boards? Thanks.

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: February 16, 2019 at 8:59 am

      Skeleton Key Twin? Or regular Skeleton Key. If it’s not the twin then you’re golden.

      Reply
  • Matt says: February 16, 2019 at 9:05 am

    Regular Skeleton Key. ….follow up question….Is the SK stiffer than the Kilroy Custom? I’m well over the weight limit of 200 lbs on the Kilroy. It’s a lot of fun to turn but flops around at speed. Just wondering if I this will be more stable. I really don’t want to jump up to the new 162cm SK due to width. Thanks.

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: February 16, 2019 at 10:29 am

      It is stiffer.

      Reply
  • Henry says: March 2, 2019 at 1:32 pm

    Hi Angry, I’m having trouble deciding between the size 150 and 154 Skeleton Key. I’m 5’8, 150lbs, US9.5 boot, mainly riding in the East coast on groomers but want a board I can take on pow trips when possible. I’m looking for a one-board quiver, I don’t ride park but like to hit natural kickers. Which size would you recommend? Also any other boards you think I should consider.

    Thanks

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: March 5, 2019 at 9:08 am

      50.

      Reply
  • Henry says: March 6, 2019 at 10:33 am

    Thanks for the advice.

    Reply
  • Jeremy says: October 2, 2019 at 8:50 pm

    Beginner/Intermediate rider. Started last year, but comfortable with turns, in trees, in powder. Not interested in park and only do groomers to find the next pow stash or soft stuff in the trees. Not a charger, but aggresive for my skill level and feel like I’m progressing well. Basically the thing I like the least is riding fast/steep and having to straight-line. Just always afraid of catching on edge. Been riding the Ripcord which seemed ridiculously easy to learn on, but want something that floats better, and that I can be a little more aggressive with. Oh and I’m old (49) so really hate catching edges. Would like to stick with Burton as I have the Step Ons and I just like to get familiar with a company and stick with it. Seems like Skeleton Key might be my best option? At least I’m having trouble finding a current Burton board that would be a better option. Your advice? Also, I’m 5’10 – 190-195 lbs so wondering wha the best length would been the Skeleton Key, if I go with that board? Thanks!

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: October 3, 2019 at 8:27 am

      You probably just want a Flight Attendant honestly.

      Reply
  • Jake says: November 28, 2019 at 12:07 pm

    Hey Angry!

    Which size would you recommend? I am around 175 lbs and 5’10.9 with 10.5 US boots. I am looking for a second board for pow (I do not ride super tight trees nor widely open pow) and charging groomers. I don’t want it to be too stiff – to have a playful soul. Would be the 158 okay or should I grab the 154?

    Reply
    • Angrysnowboarder says: November 28, 2019 at 6:07 pm

      I’d probably go 54 since you want it playful.

      Reply
      • Jake says: November 30, 2019 at 12:59 am

        Hey Angry, and thanks for replay! The problem is, that I cant fiind any good deal on a 154, but found a pretty good one on a 158 2017/2018 model. Would be much difference between those two? I assume edge to edge transmission would be very similar since the difference in waist width is only 2 mm. it woul be just a little stiffer.

        Reply

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