Burton

What began as routing wood for "snurfing" in 1977 is now one of the most important snowboard companies on the planet and a leader in big mountain outerwear, quality boots, ergonomic bindings and practical snowboarding accessories. Whether you're into freeriding or freestyling, Burton is a perfect fit. There are some who would argue that snowboarding would have evolved an international sport even without Jake Burton, but if Jake wasn't in the picture, would the gear quality be as good?

In the snowboarding industry, any company founded in 1977 is almost beyond ancient history. We're talking antediluvian, dude. But while boisterous upstarts hurl old school labels at anything resembling establishment, Burton continues to make some of the best snowboarding gear to ever drop off a cornice or ride a rail, including helmets, boots, bindings and snowboards. Glowing accolades in national periodicals like Transworld Snowboarding make it obvious that Burton isn't old school: This is a master schooling the competition.