Burton Alekesam Women’s Snowboard Review by Jordan

As is, with any unisex board, you need to be aware of how your boot will fit on the board. I rode a 144 that has a waist width of 246mm. The ideal shoe size for that waist width is a W’s 8. At a size W’s 7.5 boot, this board felt quick underfoot. If your boot size is smaller, the width may feel too wide and make the board feel sluggish during turns. At the appropriate width, the board was quick edge to edge and was capable of a variety of turning radiuses. The board shines when slashing and with rear-weighted turning. The carving was best at moderate speeds and on lower-angle pitches. The edge hold is challenged by high forced turns. The camber profile does make this board feel catchy with skid turns and loading and unloading lifts. *Note: Ideally, I would prefer to ride a larger board than a 144. If I rode a 152, the board would likely feel wide. If you are looking for a playful board, size down.

Powder

At 2.175 inches back from center with a 20.75 stance width, the Burton Women’s Alekesam has a significant directional setback. What this means is when your bindings are set as far backward as the channel system allows, the board will have over 2 inches of extra surface area in the nose. Combine this with 15mm of taper, and you have a board that will sink in the tail and float in the nose; the perfect combination for easy powder riding. It will perform better in light snow conditions and on untracked snow. Once the snow sets up or gets tracked out the board may feel slippery and harder to control.

Switch/Jumps/Pipe/Jibs

Directional boards is not ideal for switch or park riding, However, this board is a great board for flat surface buttering and natural features that require a little pop.

Final Thoughts

The Burton women’s Alekesam is a step in the right direction towards true unisex boards, but, as is with any new developments, there will be growing pains. Figuring out board sizing as it compares to your shoe size will have an impact on how this board performs. Sizing down the board to accommodate a smaller foot size will give this board a playful and buttery-on-snow feel. You will be able to do quick turns, slashes, and low-angle carves. Someone looking for more stability at speed, strong edge hold during power turns, or prefer to ride more forward on their board should consider a directional board with less taper and a shorter nose.