Both the Burton Family Tree Hometown Hero Split and the Salomon Highpath Split target the same rider: experienced all-mountain backcountry enthusiasts who want one board that handles everything. But they take very different approaches to get there. Here’s the breakdown.
At a Glance
| Burton Family Tree Hometown Hero Split | Salomon Highpath Split | |
|---|---|---|
| Flex | 7/10 — medium-stiff | 8/10 — stiff |
| Shape | Directional twin | Directional |
| Profile | Flying V (rocker-camber-rocker) | Flying V |
| Price | From €999 | From €1.000 |
| Best for | All-mountain, playful riding | Big mountain, high speed |
| Binding system | Burton Channel | Salomon / standard 4×4 |
Burton Family Tree Hometown Hero Split: Who Is It For?
The Burton Family Tree Hometown Hero Split is built for riders who want a lively, versatile board that doesn’t take itself too seriously. The directional twin shape means you can ride switch as comfortably as forward — useful if you lap the same line twice or spin off features. Flying V rocker keeps it surfy in pow, camber underfoot gives you the edge hold you need on firmer snow.
What it does well: Playful feel, great in trees, handles variable snow gracefully, fun on mellow powder days. The Channel system gives infinite stance adjustment — a genuine advantage for dialing in your setup on tour.
Where it falls short: At flex 7/10 it’s not the most confidence-inspiring board at very high speeds or on steep firm pitches. It rewards a relaxed, surfy style more than a locked-in aggressive one.
Salomon Highpath Split: Who Is It For?
The Salomon Highpath Split is a step up in aggression. Flex 8/10, directional shape with more pronounced setback, cork damping layer for dampening chatter at speed. Where the Hometown Hero feels loose and playful, the Highpath feels planted and purposeful.
What it does well: High-speed stability on steep lines, confident edge hold on firm snow, very directional feel that pairs well with big mountain terrain. The cork damping genuinely reduces vibration — noticeable on breakable crust and hard spring snow.
Where it falls short: Less fun in trees and on playful terrain. The directional shape means riding switch is awkward. Not a great choice if you want to lap features or ride creatively.
Uphill Performance
Both boards use Flying V profiles, which makes skinning relatively easy — the rocker in the nose and tail reduces kick-and-glide resistance. Weight-wise they’re similar (around 2.8–3.0 kg in a 158cm). The Highpath’s stiffer flex means it holds its shape better on hard-packed boot tracks, while the Hometown Hero can feel slightly whippy in transition mode on steep approaches. Marginal difference in practice.
The Verdict: Which Should You Choose?
Choose the Burton Hometown Hero Split if: you want a playful, do-everything board that rewards creativity, you ride variable terrain (trees, open bowls, mellow faces), or you already use Burton bindings and want the Channel advantage.
Choose the Salomon Highpath Split if: you’re primarily a big mountain rider chasing steep lines and high-speed descents, you want maximum edge hold on firm snow, or you find that most splits feel vague and uninspiring — the Highpath has the most locked-in feel in this price category.
At the same price point, this is a style question more than a quality question. Both boards are excellent. The Burton rewards spontaneity; the Salomon rewards commitment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Salomon Highpath Split good for beginners?
No. At flex 8/10 with a directional shape, the Highpath punishes sloppy technique. It’s designed for expert riders who already know what they want from a freeride board. If you’re newer to splitboarding, look at something in the flex 5–6/10 range first.
Does the Burton Channel system work with non-Burton bindings?
The Burton Channel is proprietary — you need Burton bindings or bindings with a Channel-compatible disc. In splitboard mode this matters less (you use dedicated touring brackets), but for your resort binding setup you’ll need to plan around it.
Which board is better in deep powder?
The Burton Hometown Hero, marginally. The directional twin shape and slightly softer flex make it more surfable in deep snow. The Highpath floats well too but its stiffer tail wants to engage rather than release — more suited to making precise turns in pow than letting the board run free.
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