Trees, open faces and a tracked-out exit are the sort of mixed touring day the Hometown Hero addresses. Directional Camber and Split Channel pair a freeride brief with adjustable binding placement, while the broad size range rewards a careful look at the measurements.
Is the Burton Family Tree Hometown Hero Splitboard 26/27 right for you?
The Hometown Hero is Burton’s answer to a tour that includes more than the best-looking part of the descent. Snow can change repeatedly between the trees, an open face and the exit. Its directional shape and camber underfoot fit that all-round idea. The emphasis is on a versatile touring board rather than maximum specialisation for one snow type.
Our archive already contains experience with the earlier X version. Split Channel was part of that discussion: convenient binding-position adjustment, with a need to assess the complete system when considering weight. That remains a useful buying question. The old X assessment, however, is not a weight measurement for today’s standard model.
How does it fit your approach, size and setup?
Current lengths run from 146 to 168 cm and include wide options. That opens possibilities for different riders but rewards a careful look at widths. The Fish is the more specialised comparison for deep tree runs. The High Fidelity deserves consideration if you deliberately want a sportier board for powerful big-mountain descents. For mixed touring days, first ask how much you actually need either specialisation.
| Your decision | Our assessment |
|---|---|
| A good fit for | Mixed touring days with a versatile freeride brief |
| Think more carefully about | Wanting a specialised powder fish, or comparing bare-board weight alone |
| Compare directly | Burton Family Tree High Fidelity Camber Splitboard and 3D Fish Flat Top Splitboard |
What have we learned from earlier seasons?
The supplied workbook contains no Burton ride report for 26/27. It does include a detailed 21/22 Hometown Hero X test. That was the X version, not today’s standard Hometown Hero, so the observations below are a comparison within the model family.
How did the tested X ride? Its subtle taper helped it float, and it stayed composed in tracked snow and on hardpack. A stiff build and good pop suited stronger or heavier riders. Against similarly priced test boards it felt less agile; once familiar with its handling, we enjoyed its dependable ride, including on piste.
What stood out on the climb? Stiffness provided support and the raised nose came out of the snow well. Edge hold was good, though below the Straight Chuter in that test. The pronounced sidecut and broad tail called for a slightly wider skinning track. That gives you a useful detail to check when trying the current Hometown Hero with your own setup.
How does that help with today’s purchase? Consider whether composure matters more to you than especially nimble changes of direction, and try your skinning stance. The sheet records several X weights but itself questions whether pucks and interfaces were included. We therefore cannot treat those figures as reliable board-only weights or as weights for the standard 26/27 model.
For the tested model, see Hometown Hero X.
For comparison in the archive: Burton Hometown Hero X.
What has changed since 25/26 and earlier models?
Our archive contains no directly corresponding 25/26 page for this exact model. Its current role and the older or related models discussed above, where available, provide the useful comparison. An earlier board from the same brand does not establish identical construction.
FAQ: What should you know before your first tour?
What does the old Hometown Hero X test tell me?
It documents the earlier all-round brief and our assessment of that Channel setup. The X was a different construction variant. Its weight, flex and scores should not be treated as current standard Hometown Hero results.
Which Burton Family Tree Hometown Hero Splitboard size should I choose?
Current listed lengths are 146, 150, 154, 158, 162, 168, 158W, 162W cm. Start with the rider-weight range for each length, then check boot width and stance. Frequent kick turns favour manageable equipment; extra length purely for assumed flotation is not a universal solution. Reference points from the table: 146 cm: 100-150 lb. / 45-68kg, waist 242mm; 158 cm: 150-200 lb. / 68-91kg, waist 256mm. These are manufacturer recommendations, not weight limits established in our tests.
Which other boards should I compare?
Burton Family Tree High Fidelity Camber Splitboard: Experienced riders who deliberately drive their descents. 3D Fish Flat Top Splitboard: Deep trees, short turns and a clear powder priority. Choose around your usual tours and an appropriate size rather than favouring a model purely because of its position in the price list.
What original test experience do we have?
The detailed report in the workbook covers the 21/22 Hometown Hero X. We liked its float and stability but found it less agile than some competitors. Today’s standard Hometown Hero is a different version and does not inherit those scores. The file contains no new Burton test for 26/27.
What do I need in addition to the board?
This board uses Split Channel. Plan for compatible splitboard bindings or interface hardware, correctly sized boots and properly matched skins. The Channel system alone does not establish that every existing binding fits without extra parts. Check what the specific offer actually includes.
Is an earlier-season version worth considering?
Yes, when model, size and condition suit you. Compare the specific model-history information rather than only the year label. For a used board, inspect the base, edges, inserts and connectors. An earlier test score cannot replace a condition check.
Which sizes and specifications are available?
Sizes: 146, 150, 154, 158, 162, 168, 158W, 162W cm. Profile: Directional Camber.
The table contains manufacturer figures for the specified lengths.
What are the measurements for each size?
| Board size (cm) | 146 | 150 | 154 | 158 | 162 | 168 | 158W | 162W |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rider weight | 100-150 lb. / 45-68kg | 120-180 lb. / 54-82kg | 120-180 lb. / 54-82kg | 150-200 lb. / 68-91kg | 180-260 lb.+ / 82-118kg+ | 180-260 lb.+ / 82-118kg+ | 150-200 lb. / 68-91kg | 180-260 lb.+ / 82-118kg+ |
| Waist width | 242mm | 246mm | 250mm | 256mm | 262mm | 270mm | 264mm | 270mm |
| Stance setback (mm) | -40 | -40 | -40 | -40 | -40 | -40 | -40 | -40 |
| Binding size | Men's S, Women's M | Men's M, Women's L | Men's L, Women's L | Men's L, Women's L | Men's L, Women's L | Men's L, Women's L | Men's L, Women's L | Men's L, Women's L |
| Running length | 1020mm | 1060mm | 1100mm | 1140mm | 1180mm | 1240mm | 1140mm | 1180mm |
| Sidecut radius | 6.8m | 7.0m | 7.3m | 7.6m | 7.8m | 8.2m | 7.6m | 7.8m |
| Sidecut depth | 19.2mm | 20.0mm | 20.7mm | 21.5mm | 22.2mm | 23.3mm | 21.5mm | 22.2mm |
| Reference stance | 505mm | 530mm | 530mm | 560mm | 560mm | 560mm | 560mm | 560mm |
| Nose width | 286.4mm | 291.9mm | 297.4mm | 304.9mm | 312.4mm | 322.7mm | 312.9mm | 320.4mm |
| Tail width | 274.4mm | 279.9mm | 285.4mm | 292.9mm | 300.4mm | 310.7mm | 300.9mm | 308.4mm |
| Effective edge | 1077mm | 1117mm | 1157mm | 1197mm | 1237mm | 1297mm | 1197mm | 1237mm |
Where do the information and images come from?
Burton Snowboards: Burton Family Tree Hometown Hero Splitboard, manufacturer information checked 15 October 2026. Product images: manufacturer. Earlier original coverage: Burton Hometown Hero X.
What does the board look like? (6 photos)




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