How to Install and Use the Burton Riglet Reel

The Burton Riglet Reel is an adjustable and retractable nylon corded handle that can be attached to the tip or tail of any of the Burton kids’ snowboard (sized 80cm-120cm). Developed in partnership with Burton families, the Riglet Reel allows parents, instructors, or friends to pull kids around on flat ground so that they can get comfortable with the basics of riding a snowboard. According to many Riglet Reel users over the years, this learning tool is one of the fastest and safest ways to get kids on snow.

This short guide explains how to install the Riglet Reel, how to use the Riglet Reel, and outlines some of the other factors parents should consider.

What is the Burton Riglet Reel?

The Burton Riglet Reel is a training aid that comes pre-installed on select kids’ Burton snowboards. Additionally, the Riglet Reel can be purchased independently and installed on other youth snowboards like the Mini Grom and After School Special.

The Riglet Reel can be used just about anywhere, including indoors and outdoors. At home, parents can create fun right in the living room with the Burton Hover Cover. And at the mountain, the Riglet Reel is great for towing kids across flats and chauffeuring them back to the magic carpet.

Burton Riglet Reel Construction

The Riglet Reel is made from durable plastic and features a 4-foot (130-centimeter) retractable high-strength nylon cord with an ergonomic handle. The handle is designed to be comfortable and provides a reliable grip for pulling the youngest riders around on flat terrain. As an added bonus, the length of the retractable cord can be adjusted to accommodate a variety of riders.

How to Install the Burton Riglet Reel

Installing the Riglet Reel is very simple and should take less than five minutes. All you need is a compatible youth snowboard, the included hardware, and a hand-held Phillips-head screwdriver. Note that the Riglet Reel comes pre-installed on the Riglet board, but if your child is graduating to the Mini Grom or After School Special, this would be a scenario where you might want to switch the Riglet Reel over to their new board.

Step 1: Place the Riglet Reel on the snowboard. Position the snowboard on a solid surface and align the screw holes of the Riglet Reel with the pre-drilled holes in the nose or tail of the snowboard. Make sure the Riglet Reel is facing forward.

Step 2: Secure the Riglet Reel to the snowboard. Using a hand-held Philips-head screwdriver, insert the two included screws through the snowboard and into the holes of the Riglet Reel. Tighten them down until you feel some resistance.

Pro tip: Using only a screwdriver, hand tighten each screw. Never use power tools to install snowboard components.

How to Remove the Burton Riglet Reel

Removing the Riglet Reel is very simple and should take less than five minutes. All you need is a hand-held Phillips-head screwdriver.

Step 1: Remove the screws. Using a hand-held Philips-head screwdriver, remove the two screws that secure the Riglet Reel to the snowboard.

Step 2: Remove the Riglet Reel. Once the screws are free, simply lift the Riglet Reel off the snowboard.

Pro tip: If you plan to stash the Riglet Reel away for future use, we recommend placing the screws in a small bag and taping them to the Reel to prevent them from getting lost.

How to use the Burton Riglet Reel

Using the Riglet Reel is even easier than installing it. With your child standing on their snowboard, simply grab the handle, extend the cord until it is taught, and pull.

This allows you to lead your child across flat terrain, over small obstacles, or even up gently sloping terrain. Because they don’t need to skate, or worry about moving themselves, your kiddo can focus on balance, making turns, or just having fun standing sideways.

And because the Riglet Reel is compatible with a variety of kids’ snowboards, you can move it from smaller snowboards to larger snowboards as your child’s riding progresses.

Taking Care of Your Riglet Reel

For a long and reliable service life, don’t allow the handle of the Riglet Reel handle to snap back into place, out of control. Instead, allow it to rewind gently. Additionally, we do not recommend shock-loading (aggressively jerking) the Riglet Reel cord. Instead, extend the cord until there is some tension on it, then begin pulling.

Additionally, it’s always a good idea to put away gear that is clean and dry. So, take a quick minute to wipe down everything (including the cord) when putting it away for the day. This will prevent dirt and debris from getting into the rewind mechanism of the Reel.

Other Burton Riglet Accessories

In addition to the Riglet Reel, Burton offers a range of other Riglet accessories to help enhance your child’s learning experience from day one. These include the Burton Riglet Hover Cover, The Handlebar, and the Burton MDXONE Harness. For more information on getting kids standing sideways, head over to the Burton Riglet Snowboard hub.