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Ion vs. Driver X

Last post 11-09-2009, 6:29 AM by nitro909. 8 replies.
Burton Snowboards Community » Public » Boots Feedback » Ion vs. Driver X
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  •  10-12-2009, 3:05 PM 845156

    Ion vs. Driver X

    Reply Quote
    I am an indecisive *** and am trying to weight the Pros and Cons of going with a stiffer Driver boot vs. a more comfortable Ion Boot. I know we have a ways to go before anyone is riding this years stuff but here are a few questions:

    1. When these boots break in, how much softer will they get? (historically for Burton boots)

    2. Any real difference between the Imprint 3 and 4 liners?

    3. Is the changeable heel pad in the Ion all marketing or will they really improve the boots performance?

    4. How stiff is really needed for freeriding?

    I am 6ft, 220 so I am afraid that the Ions will be great at first but that I will lose support over time. The Driver X is pretty slick but so stiff I am afraid I will lose some agility.

    Any help is appreciated...

  •  10-12-2009, 4:14 PM 845159 in reply to 845156

    Re: Ion vs. Driver X

    Reply Quote
    only real way to find out is to ride them, but thats not gonna happen too easily.

    also, "how stiff is really needed for freeriding" does not exist.  its all preference, always.

    they are pretty different flexing boots though.  ions are a touch on the stiffer side over "medium," but drivers are ultra stiff.  i rode ions for a while, tried drivers, and they were way too stiff for me personally.  i hear that when they break in more theyre not quite as rock solid, but theyre still going to be significantly stiffer than ions.

    theres no real way to answer this though.. theres way too much preference involved.  and you shouldnt just be picking a boot based on specs, you should be trying them on to find the most comfortable one.

  •  10-12-2009, 4:44 PM 845163 in reply to 845156

    • Rider X is not online. Last active: 11-21-2009, 10:59 PM Rider X
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      01-19-2009
    • Brighton

    Re: Ion vs. Driver X

    Reply Quote
    Not up on the specific tech this year b/c I bought Ions last year, but I was talking with a shop owner who is also a freerider and he says that the Driver-Xs are stiffer than the Ions, but still confortable.

    I had Driver-Xs about 8 years ago, so, really cannot compare other than the Ions are much more confortable. But, I think that the modern Driver-Xs are confortable now, according to the shop owner.

    The shop owner freerides and hits some powder and rides a Supermodel-X with Driver-Xs.

    If you like freeriding the most I recommend the Driver-Xs. I freeride only and my next boots will be Driver-Xs. However, I must say the the Ions are plenty stiff enough for me now and are confortable.

  •  10-12-2009, 5:38 PM 845166 in reply to 845163

    Re: Ion vs. Driver X

    Reply Quote
    comfort is all relative to the fit of the boot.  stiff vs soft does not have anything to do with comfort, directly.. if a boot is too stiff and you say its uncomfortable because of that, what youre really saying is that its too stiff for your liking, because your preference is for a boot thats not as stiff.  no one can tell you "yeah, these boots are comfortable," because your feet are ONLY your feet.

    there is no answer for which one you will like more, and it doesnt matter what anyone says.  if one guy likes drivers, so what?  that doesnt mean anything for you.  and if one guy likes ions, so what?  or maybe hails?  or another boot, not even burton?

  •  10-12-2009, 5:58 PM 845167 in reply to 845166

    Re: Ion vs. Driver X

    Reply Quote
    Appreciate everyone's help and I guess I did not frame my question very well.  I was looking for some feedback on how these boots have historically worn in.  I know that everyone will have varying opinions and riding is the only true litness test of a boot so I am trying to get peoples perspective on this.  Anyone find significant changes in either a Driver or Ion over the course of their first season with them?  If Drivers and Ions were a 10 and 8 stiffness respectively when new, what changes did anyone notice after the break in period (or 20 days +)?  Thanks again.

  •  11-08-2009, 6:13 PM 846674 in reply to 845167

    • wombat88 is not online. Last active: 11-15-2009, 6:11 PM wombat88
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      11-05-2008
    • Usually in the potty.

    Re: Ion vs. Driver X

    Reply Quote
    the simplest answer is that the broken-in Driver X's will still be stiffer than the broken-in Ion's.

    Differences between the liners? Minimal. The interchangeable drop-in's? I tried both, didn't feel much difference. It's all rider preference. Good luck.

  •  11-08-2009, 9:11 PM 846682 in reply to 846674

    Re: Ion vs. Driver X

    Reply Quote
    Thanks man. I went with the ion becase they just felt better but time will tell. If this doesn't work I am done with Burton boots period....

  •  11-09-2009, 4:09 AM 846693 in reply to 846682

    • ass is not online. Last active: 11-17-2009, 3:49 PM ass
    • Top 500 Contributor
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      11-16-2007

    Re: Ion vs. Driver X

    Reply Quote
    yup...i am riding 09 ions...the first day they felt really stiff for my liking (sabbaths before...) but after that: just perfect! park, pow, jibbing. no differences concerning the different pads for me neither.

    but like spenser said...in the end it all comes down to personal preference. especially concerning the boots fit!

  •  11-09-2009, 6:29 AM 846697 in reply to 845156

    • nitro909 is not online. Last active: 11-18-2009, 10:49 AM nitro909
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      09-20-2006
    • Chino, CA

    Re: Ion vs. Driver X

    Reply Quote

    I have 09 Ions and I like them.  I have usually rode stiffer non-Burton boots, so these felt 'softer' than what I was used to, but still very very supportive.  Havent rode or tried the Driver X, but heres my take on my Ions.  Im 6'0, 190.

    1.  The did get softer, have about 40 days on them, after a couple days, but I normally give boots a good break in before I even take them out to the snow.  Got softer, but never felt that they got mush.  Still supportive, still comfy.

    2.  Not sure.

    3.  The heel pad is worthless imo.  Didnt feel any diff.  The only thing I notice is the pocket makes the sole super soft in that area and it gets really wet.  Im afraid that if I didnt take the airbag out everyday, some mold will surely grow in there.

    4.  Its all preference.

    All in all, the Ion was/is a good boot.  I wish it had an articulating cuff, and the toebox feel a little small compared to some other models.  I also noticed they get a lot colder(due to shrinkage?) than other boots Ive had.  I liked it, but upgraded to the SLX this year.
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