K2 Standard Wide Snowboard 163W vs Burton Instigator 162W Snowboard
The Burton Instigator 162W is the better buy for most beginners: it costs $275.97 at Free Flight as of November 3, versus $429.95 at Amazon for the K2 Standard Wide 163W. The K2 is the friendlier ride for a true first-timer who wants a loose, catch-free rocker and a base that shrugs off neglect. Pick the Burton if you want a soft camber board that holds an edge and can grow with you into freestyle.
Today the Burton Instigator 162W Snowboard costs $153.98 less at its best price.
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K2 Standard Wide Snowboard 163W
$429.95at AmazonObserved at 3:43 AM
Choose the K2 Standard Wide if you want a forgiving rocker board for your first season and don't want to wax often.
Pros
- Rocker profile is catch-free and easy to turn
- Extruded base holds wax and needs little upkeep
- Simple aspen core keeps it light and predictable
- Good first board for a rider who just wants to cruise
Cons
- $154 more than the Burton at the listed prices
- Rocker gives less edge hold on hardpack and ice
- No Channel mounting
What separates them
| K2 Standard Wide Snowboard 163W | Burton Instigator 162W Snowboard | |
|---|---|---|
| Price (best new) | $429.95 at Amazon as of November 3 | $275.97 at Free Flight as of November 3 |
| Profile | Rocker (rocker between the feet) | PurePop Camber (flat-to-camber with rocker tips) |
| Shape | Directional twin | Directional with 5 mm taper |
| Flex | Easy-flexing, soft | Soft, twin flex |
| Base | Extruded, low maintenance | Sintered-style base, needs wax |
| Mounting | Standard 2x4 inserts | Burton Channel (plus standard discs) |
| Terrain focus | All-mountain beginner | All-mountain and freestyle |
| Stores stocking it new | 3 stores |
Price history
- K2 Standard Wide Snowboard 163W: lowest $300.97 on Nov 3 at Blauer Board Shop.
- Burton Instigator 162W Snowboard: lowest $275.97 on Nov 3 at Free Flight.
Prices at every store
K2 Standard Wide Snowboard 163W
- Country Ski & SportNew
In stock
$419.95+ $15.00 shippingObserved at 3:43 AM - AmazonNew
Availability unknown
$429.95Free shippingObserved at 3:43 AM - Blauer Board ShopNew
Out of stock
$300.97Free shippingObserved at 3:48 AM
Burton Instigator 162W Snowboard
- Free FlightNew
In stock
$275.97+ $29.00 shippingObserved at 3:43 AM - atticskateshopNew
In stock
$439.95Free shippingObserved at 3:43 AM - sidecountrysports.comNew
In stock
$460.00+ $65.00 shippingObserved at 3:43 AM - AmazonNew
Availability unknown
$413.96Free shippingObserved at 3:43 AM
Specs compared
| Spec | K2 Standard Wide Snowboard 163W | Burton Instigator 162W Snowboard |
|---|---|---|
| Board Length | 158 cm | 145 |
| Department | Men's / Unisex | — |
| Board Shape | Directional Twin | — |
| Board Profile | Rocker | — |
| Board Composition | Wood Core, Extruded Base | — |
| Skill Level | — | Beginner |
| Age Group | — | Men's |
| Terrain Type | — | All-mountain |
| Riding Style | — | Freestyle, All Mountain |
| Binding Compatibility | — | All major bindings, The Channel® |
| Bindings Included |
Questions and answers
- Which is better for a total beginner?
- The K2 Standard Wide is the more forgiving first board because its rocker profile is hard to catch an edge on. The Burton Instigator is still beginner-friendly but its camber rewards cleaner technique.
- Is the Burton worth the savings?
- Yes for most riders. At $275.97 versus $429.95 as of November 3, the Burton saves about $154 and adds camber grip and Channel mounting.
- Which holds an edge better on ice?
- The Burton Instigator. Its PurePop camber puts contact underfoot, while the K2's rocker lifts the ends and feels looser on hardpack.
- Which needs less maintenance?
- The K2. Its extruded base takes wax slowly and tolerates neglect; the Burton's base benefits from regular waxing.
- Which is better in the park?
- The Burton Instigator. Its soft twin flex and camber pop suit freestyle, and the Channel makes stance changes quick.
- Do both fit the same bindings?
- The K2 uses standard 2x4 inserts and takes any major binding. The Burton uses the Channel and also accepts standard bindings with the right discs.