If you’re shopping used Burton decks from the late 2000s through mid-2010s, you’ll keep seeing V-Rocker and Flying V. They’re hybrid profiles — not “bad,” but different from full camber. This guide explains what they do on snow and how to set expectations when you buy.
What was Burton V-Rocker?
V-Rocker was Burton’s continuous rocker-dominant profile: rockered zones between and outside the feet in a “V” style layout (exact shaping varied by model year). The board felt loose, surfy, and catch-resistant, with strong float in soft snow for a twin or directional twin shape.
Trade-offs: Less traditional edge bite on hardpack and ice than a camber-dominant Custom of the same era. High-speed groomer aggression wasn’t the priority — playfulness was.
What is Flying V?
Flying V added camber zones underfoot outside the rockered midsection — Burton’s pitch was “float and forgiveness + more edge hold than V-Rocker.” It’s still a hybrid: not a full camber carve machine, but more grip under body weight than pure continuous rocker.
Trade-offs: Feel varies a lot by model flex and width; heavy riders sometimes wanted more support than a soft Flying V provided on firm snow.
How this maps to modern language
Today we’d call most of these rocker–camber hybrids or RCR-style layouts in generic terms. Our broader explainer: snowboard camber vs rocker.
Common models you’ll see used
Era-dependent, but searches and listings often include Custom, Custom X (not always the same profile year to year — check the specific year), Clash, Nug, Process, Feelgood, Blunt, and many youth or gateway decks. Always verify the profile for that exact season in our snowboard library or the seller’s photos of the base shape.
Buying used: what to check
- Edge and base wear — older hybrids still need healthy edges for the grip they have.
- Flex — softer Flying V boards were beginner-friendly; stiff variants ride bigger than expected.
- Width — avoid toe/heel drag; see snowboard sizing.
If you want more camber today
Riders who loved the playfulness but want more carve often move toward camber-dominant or CRC boards with less rocker in the waist. Try our Find Your Board flow and browse used snowboards with profile filters when available.
Related
- Snowboard flex rating explained — pair profile with flex.
- Buying used snowboard gear — condition checklist.