What Process Camber Is and Why Burton Uses It

Process Camber is a board shape that curves upward in the middle and at the nose and tail, with a slight dip between those high points. Burton, a major snowboard manufacturer, uses this design in many of their boards to change how the board responds when you ride it. The curve in the middle makes the board spring back underfoot, while the dips near the edges let the nose and tail sit closer to the snow.

The name comes from the manufacturing process itself — Burton presses the board in a mold that creates this specific curve pattern. Unlike a traditional camber (which is one smooth arch from nose to tail) or a rocker (which is the opposite curve), Process Camber mixes both shapes on the same board. This hybrid approach affects edge hold, turning response, and how forgiving the board feels when you land tricks or ride variable terrain.

Key Takeaways

  • Process Camber combines an upward curve in the middle with slight downward curves near the nose and tail, creating a hybrid shape between traditional camber and rocker.
  • The upward curve in the middle provides spring and response, while the dips at the ends make the board easier to maneuver and more forgiving on landings.
  • This shape works well for all-mountain riding and freestyle tricks because it balances edge hold with playfulness.
  • Different Burton models use Process Camber with varying degrees of curve, so the feel changes depending on which board you choose.

How the Curve Pattern Affects Your Riding

The upward curve in the middle of a Process Camber board sits directly under your feet when you stand on it. This creates a spring-like feel — when you press down, the board pushes back. That rebound helps you generate speed, pump through flat sections, and pop off the snow when you want to launch into the air. Riders often describe this as the board feeling "alive" underfoot.

The dips near the nose and tail are the key difference from a full camber. Because those sections sit lower, they touch the snow more easily. This makes the board turn faster and lets you initiate turns with less effort. It also means the nose and tail are more forgiving when you land tricks slightly off-balance — the board doesn't catch an edge as harshly as a full camber would.

The trade-off is that Process Camber does not hold an edge quite as aggressively as a traditional camber on hard-packed snow or ice. The dips reduce the amount of edge in contact with the snow at all times. For most riders on most terrain, this is not a problem — the board still holds well enough. But on very steep icy runs, a full camber or a stiffer board might feel more find.

Process Camber Versus Other Board Shapes

Burton makes boards with several different shapes, and understanding the differences helps you see why Process Camber fits certain riding styles. A traditional camber curves upward along the entire length, from nose to tail. This gives maximum edge hold and response, but the nose and tail sit higher off the snow, making the board less playful and harder to maneuver in tight spaces. A rocker (or reverse camber) curves downward — the nose and tail are highest, and the middle dips. Rockers are very forgiving and playful but sacrifice edge hold and can feel sluggish on hard snow.

Process Camber sits between these two. It keeps the spring and edge hold of camber but adds the maneuverability and forgiveness of rocker. This is why Burton uses it on boards designed for all-mountain riding and freestyle — it does not force you to choose between one strength and another.

Some Burton boards also use Flat Top, which is a flat section in the middle with camber only under the feet. This is different from Process Camber because there is no upward curve in the middle — just a flat platform. Flat Top boards feel more neutral and stable underfoot, while Process Camber boards feel more responsive and bouncy.

Which Burton Boards Use Process Camber

Burton uses Process Camber on a range of boards across different categories. The Custom and Custom X are all-mountain boards that use this shape. The Instigator and Ripcord are freestyle-focused boards that also feature Process Camber. The Family Tree line, which includes models like the Descendant and Ancestor, uses variations of this shape as well.

The exact feel varies from model to model because Burton adjusts other factors — flex rating, edge thickness, base material, and the degree of curve. A stiffer board with Process Camber will feel more responsive and stable, while a softer board with the same shape will feel more playful and forgiving. When you are looking at a specific Burton board, the product description or spec sheet will tell you the shape, but you may need to ride it or read reviews to understand how that shape feels in practice.

How to Tell If a Board Has Process Camber

The easiest way is to check the product information from Burton or the retailer. The shape is usually listed in the specs under "Profile" or "Camber Profile." You can also look at the board itself. Place it on a flat surface and look at it from the side. With Process Camber, you will see the middle section arch upward, and you will see the nose and tail sit slightly lower than the middle. The dips are not dramatic — they are subtle — but they are visible if you know what to look for.

If you are shopping online and the shape is not listed, contact the retailer or check Burton's website directly. Most retailers include this information because riders care about it, and it affects which board you choose.

Choosing a Board Based on Shape

If you ride mostly all-mountain terrain and want a board that handles both carving and tricks, Process Camber is a solid choice. The shape does not force you into one riding style. If you spend most of your time in the park or on flat terrain, you might prefer a rocker or a hybrid that leans more toward rocker — those shapes make tricks easier. If you ride steep terrain and icy conditions, a traditional camber or a stiffer board might give you more confidence.

Your riding style, the terrain you ride, and your skill level all matter more than the shape alone. A beginner on a Process Camber board will have an easier time than a beginner on a stiff full-camber board, even though the camber is technically "better" for edge hold. Conversely, an advanced rider on very steep terrain might prefer the edge hold of a full camber, even if it is less playful.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Process Camber good for beginners?

Yes. The forgiving nature of the shape — the dips near the nose and tail — makes it easier to land tricks and recover from mistakes. The spring in the middle helps you generate speed without having to work as hard. Beginners often find Process Camber boards more fun and less intimidating than full-camber boards.

Does Process Camber work for powder riding?

Process Camber can work in powder, but it is not ideal. The dips near the nose and tail reduce float compared to a rocker or a board with more nose rocker. If powder is your main terrain, a rocker or a hybrid with more rocker will keep you higher in the snow. Process Camber is better suited to mixed terrain where you encounter both packed snow and powder.

Can I tell the difference between Process Camber and other shapes by feel alone?

Experienced riders can feel the difference, but it takes time. Process Camber feels springy and responsive underfoot, with a playful nose and tail. A full camber feels stiffer and more locked-in. A rocker feels looser and more forgiving. If you are new to snowboarding, the shape matters less than the overall flex and stiffness of the board.

Do all Burton boards use Process Camber?

No. Burton uses different shapes on different boards. Some use traditional camber, some use rocker, and some use other hybrids. Always check the product specs to see which shape a specific board has. The shape is an important part of how the board will feel and perform.