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BOARD BUYER’S GUIDE
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elcome to the 15/16 Method Creative Shapes Board Buyer’s Guide. Within this booklet we’ve compiled a selection featuring some of the most innovative, unique and straight off-the-wall snowboards available this year, because a world without variation, is a boring world.
Snowboard design has rounded many twists and turns since the carving of the first, ground-breaking shapes, with models now on the market for every type of imaginable terrain, and then some. There’s no reason to bust your ass trying to keep that park twin afloat in the backcountry or to try and flex your tech game on that big-booter deck. While some of the boards in this booklet serve a specific purpose, others are built with a broader, yet equally important, mission in mind - to be the raddest earth-surfing vehicle on the market. As your snow-boner begins to swell, succumb to those dirty winter wishes and let that wild mind wander. Take an extra moment to envision the type of terrain you will be riding - and hope to ride - and explore the many options to do so, both in this guide and beyond. Spend some time hanging in the local shop and don’t be shy in asking questions. That’s the whole point! Snowboarding was built on experimentation and it’s only right that you do some of your own. See ya maniacs out there…
* RIDER: FREDRIK EVENSEN PHOTO : DANIEL TENGS
Cover credits RIDER: MARKUS KELLER & DAVID DJITE PHOTO : DOMINIC ZIMMERMANN SPOT: LAAX
BOARD BUYER’S GUIDE
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BRAND
NAME
LENGTHS
151
154
156
SHAPE
100% Twin
CAMBER|ROCKER
CAMBER with POW 3BT WEBSITE
bataleon.com Describe this board in a few sentences? The Magic Carpet is a new model in BATALEON’S ever expanding range. It is a truly unique shape that offers the ultimate blend between park board and powder board. Hand built in Austria using only the best available materials; this board is set to change the way you look at the mountain. Where did you draw your influences from to create this deck? The Magic Carpet was born from our WhiteGold PROTO project. We used customer and team rider feedback to create an entirely new shape. Everyone loves the Cameltoe, but the short tail has it’s limitations when landing or taking off switch. With this in mind, we created a new twin shape that blends powder and park-riding into one board, thus making the whole mountain fun for any style of riding. Best terrain to rip this board? We have ridden this board in slushy parks, Japanese powder and catboarding in Baldface, and it is fun just about everywhere. We wouldn’t recommend this as your street jibber or rail line charger but anything else is good to go on this board! If you could compare this board to one non-snowboarding thing what would it be? This board is what Alibaba would be cruising around the sky picking up virgins on.
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02.09.2015 16:57
RIDER: DENIZ CINEK PHOTO: DOMINIC ZIMMERMANN
SHAPE
Directional
CAMBER|ROCKER
Camber with POW 3BT WEBSITE
bataleon.com Describe this board in a few sentences? The Cameltoe is our twist on the classic directional powder shape. But instead of creating a board that works great in powder but ends up in your garage once the resort is tracked, we set out to build something that is equally awesome in powder as on the hardpack. POW 3BT, slightly wider outlines, and full length effective edge make this board stand out from the pack. Where did you draw your influences from to create this deck? We are powder junkies at heart, traveling the world hunting fresh snow. However we realize that booking a trip in advance often results in less than ideal powder conditions. Nothing can replace perfect powder, but we wanted to create a board that would save the trip! Our inspiration for the name was… well… you know… Best terrain to rip this board? It sounds ridiculous but we believe that this board excels on any terrain. We aren’t saying it’s a great park board or jibstick but for anyone who rides with the nose forward, this board will do it. If you could compare this board to one non-snowboarding thing what would it be?
NAME
LENGTHS
153
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158
162
The Cameltoe is our AUDI RS6 on steroids. Load up the dog and fishing gear for a family weekend, then unleash the beast and it becomes a monster that keeps up on the racetrack.
02.09.2015 16:59
BRAND
NAME
LENGTHS
151 MID
156
MID
161 MID
SHAPE
Directional (30 mm Taper) CAMBER|ROCKER
Flat Top
WEBSITE burton.com Describe this board in a few sentences? The current generation of Burton Fish continues to revolutionize the way we all ride pow thanks to a recipe that combines Directional Flat Top and massive taper in a downsized deep-day rocket. The surf-influenced design features a double swallow-tail shape for acceleration and cornering control, while the reduced rear sidecut lets the tail sink more naturally for smoother flow from edge to edge. Where did you draw your influences from to create this deck? Both Terje and JG (test and development guru) back the innovative shape with one word – “perfect” – which is why we’re positive your next pow day will be even better. The graphics fit to a board named FISH: An eating machine that’s here to devour all the powder; natural evolution has equipped the Fish to be the nastiest predator on the mountain. Or at least, we did by giving it a Great White graphic. (Brandoncole.com).
Best terrain to rip this board? Your perfect powder weapon for backcountry riding. If you could compare this board to one non-snowboarding thing what would it be?
Ride this board on a powder day, on a slush day and on a hard pack day and you’ll know why most surfers can’t live without having a “Fish” in their quiver.
RIDER: TERJE HAAKONSEN PHOTO: ADAM MORAN
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RIDER: ETHAN DEISS PHOTO: BLOTTO
NAME
LENGTHS
148
151
155
158
SHAPE
Twin
CAMBER|ROCKER
Flat Top
WEBSITE
burton.com Describe this board in a few sentences? Let your riding speak for itself with the Name Dropper’s next-generation, park-tuned performance. Off-Axis means all of its key ingredients, from the edges to the soft-flexing Filet-O-Flex core profile, match the angles of your stance for enhanced grip, smoother takeoffs, and stomped landings. Flat Top pairs underfoot stability with the forgiving feel of rocker at the tip and tail, while the addition of effortlessly flexing Off-Axis Squeezebox Low enhances the overall soft, buttery, and jibby feel. Where did you draw your influences from to create this deck? Design inspiration: Known for cultivating one of the greatest mustaches on the planet, LA-based artist and ilustrator Michael Hsiung’s imagination puts everyone from pirates to punks to disco superstars onboard this party train to the mountain. Best terrain to rip this board? Best for a day in the park or hitting your favorite street feature.
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If you could compare this board to one non-snowboarding thing what would it be? A master butter knife. Sharp-pointed, dull-edged and used to serve not to spread.
02.09.2015 17:00
BRAND
NAME
LENGTHS
147 149 151 153 155 157 153w 155w SHAPE
True twin with a radial sidecut. CAMBER|ROCKER Freestyle FK – zero camber under feet to a reverse camber section outside of the inserts and flat kick on the nose and tail. WEBSITE www.capitasnowboarding.com Describe this board in a few sentences? As an award winner, team favorite and star of endless video segments, CAPiTA decided to beef up this jib and park workhorse even more this year. The new P2 Superlight Core with Kevlar/Titanal Body Armor in the shoulder areas, a 1.5mm Cork dampening system and an offset edge seam make this one of the toughest boards in the world and allow it to handle all the abuse you can throw at it. Where did you draw your influences from to create this deck? With a team-heavy influence on the construction of the board and a high demand for durability set by their riding styles, the Ultrafear has been packed and loaded with all sorts of tech guts to help it withstand the beating it takes in the park, in the streets, on jumps and on rails. Best terrain to rip this board? Parks, rails, jumps, streets and more as seen in the video parts of Phil Jacques, Brandon Cocard, Cale Zima and others. If you could compare this board to one non-snowboarding thing what would it be?
The CAPiTA Ultrafear is a gateway to previously uncontrolled dynamics. It is a magic wand of sorts that can channel positive or negative energy at the whim of its owner and project the power of the universe into an otherwise ordinary life.
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NAME
Where did you draw your influences from to create this deck?
LENGTHS
143
147
151
SHAPE An elongated Surf Rocker nose with a wide waist, mellow sidecut, and a tapered V tail. CAMBER|ROCKER
Surf Rocker
WEBSITE www.capitasnowboarding.com
Corey Smith developed this shape first as one of his handmade boards drawing inspiration from avantgarde surf shapers Bunker Sprekles and Bob Simmons as well as early ’80s skateboard shapes. All the riders loved the versatility and pure playfulness of riding a smaller directional “fun” snowboard and the Slush Slasher was born. The idea was to create a unique Spring Break board at a price that anyone and everyone could add to their quiver. Best terrain to rip this board? From mid-winter to the spring or summer, if the sun is shining and there’s something to slash, these boys want to do the slashin’. If you could compare this board to one non-snowboarding thing what would it be? A piña colada in space.
Describe this board in a few sentences? No snowboard in the history of snowboarding was designed to make party like these bad boys. The Surf Rocker camber type features zero camber through the inserts and a continuous arching tip and tail. The Spring Break Slush Slashers are your affordable tool to the most memorable and fun days spent ripping around with your bros.
RIDER: MIKE RAV PHOTO: JOEL FRASER
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02.09.2015 17:01
RIDER: DEVUN WALSH PHOTO: RYAN ANDERSON
BRAND
NAME
LENGTHS
154
158
SHAPE
Directional
CAMBER|ROCKER
Micro Camber WEBSITE
dcshoes.com/snow/ Describe this board in a few sentences? A directional freestyle powder vessel built to sail straight into the eye of the storm. Even riding switch! Developed by Devun Walsh, the Supernatant features a floaty Best terrain to rip this board? MicroCamber profile and the lightweight combo of It’s a freestyle powder board that is perfect for mid-toCarbon/Kevlar laminates under a FreshDeck topsheet. deep powder, but also handles wonderfully on the slopes, Where did you draw your influences from to create this particularly at high speeds, and is versatile enough to deck? occasionally take you through the park. Devun Walsh sat down with the team at DC and came up If you could compare this board to one with this board made to conquer the powdery non-snowboarding thing what would it be? backcountry fields in which he spends most of his time. It’s A surfboard on which you could pull the best backside 180 the perfect backcountry board with enough pop to launch no-grab the world has ever seen. you off of anything that gets in your path.
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NAME
LENGTHS
146 SHAPE
Twin Tip
CAMBER|ROCKER
Traditional WEBSITE
dcshoes.com/snow/
150
154
158
Describe this board in a few sentences? Hot Viking zombie chicks may seem like an odd theme for graphics, but Torstein Horgmo knows exactly what he wants and he packed it all into his park-tuned signature series. Highlighted by the sure-fire pop of Traditional Camber, a durable Impact Core, and catch-free Tips Up technology, it’s built for battle in all environments. Where did you draw your influences from to create this deck? Designed and ridden by Torstein, the board is inspired by what he loves and his personal universe. Together, DC & Torstein created a model that tailors to his needs, in any type of condition. The Tips-Up Technology gives the board a longer running length with a short tip and tail, giving you the most stable ride for a reduced length. Best terrain to rip this board? The Media Blitz is a park-oriented board which offers the versatility and stability to tackle any type of terrain. This board does it all! If you could compare this board to one non-snowboarding thing what would it be?
RIDER: JUSTIN FRONIUS PHOTO: OLI GAGNON
A Norwegian Viking ship eager to slay anything in it’s path, with hot zombie viking chicks on it.
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BRAND
NAME
LENGTHS
154
158
161
SHAPE
Directional Twin Blunt CAMBER|ROCKER
Classic Camber WEBSITE
northwavesnow.com/en/boards/team/
Describe this board in a few sentences? Our team came to us and asked us to build a board that would allow them to keep on killing it around the world in any terrain, under any conditions. It has a directional twin shape that will not only ride well in the park but also allow you to charge pistes and chase the pow without limitations. Where did you draw your influences from to create this deck? This board is literally made by our team. They wanted a regular camber board, really fast on the change from edge to edge, without losing stability while riding really fast. Victor De Le Rue and Kohei Kudo fine-tuned this board until we got it totally right. Best terrain to rip this board? The Team board is really good on big kickers, in the park and in the backcountry. Kohei rips it in Japan and Victor in Alaska. It’s a really good “all mountain”- freestyle board. If you could compare this board to one non-snowboarding thing what would it be?
RIDER: KOHEI KUDO PHOTO: PHILLIP STRAUSS
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We would compare it to a cheetah - the fastest animal on earth - with a narrow waist, above average stability at high speed (109km/h), and the ability to jump really far.
02.09.2015 17:02
RIDER: DAVID DJITE PHOTO: PHILLIP STRAUSS
NAME
LENGTHS
154
158
SHAPE
Directional
CAMBER|ROCKER
Pow Camber WEBSITE
www.northwavesnow.com/en/boards/guerilla/
Describe this board in a few sentences? The Guerilla, with its new surf-inspired shape, takes the form of a backcountry board, but has been specifically designed to handle the whole mountain.
Where did you draw your influences from to create this deck? We wanted to have a board that allows you to ride everything you find in front of you without neglecting any riding styles. With the Guerrilla you can float in powder, you can spin off kickers, jump cheesewedges, carve like there is no tomorrow, and even hit the park on your way down the mountain. Antti Autti was the man behind this awesome project and we totally believe in it. Best terrain to rip this board?
The Guerrilla performs amazingly on average powder days, on steep AK faces and in deep Japanese powder. If you don’t believe us have a look at Antti’s footage.
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If you could compare this board to one non-snowboarding thing what would it be? Versatility and style are the main characteristics for this board, so we compare it to a Swiss Army Knife: very sharp blades, clean design, really versatile. It’s a must have for every day on the mountain.
02.09.2015 17:03
BRAND
NAME
LENGTHS
SHAPE
149 Goofy and Regular 158 Goofy and Regular
Directional Asymmetric EC2 Freestyle/Freeride CAMBER|ROCKER
Rocker/Camber Hybrid WEBSITE
gnu.com/snowboards/zoid Describe this board in a few sentences? This year we pushed asymmetry to new levels of complication/sophistication in search of the ultimate easy ride. The ergonomically efficient, progressive, “Zoid” with directional asymmetry will take you forward and backward into the future. The unique asymmetric trapezoidal geometric contact, footprint, and refined galactic shape looks unreal! It somehow taps you right back into the pure joy of riding (Zoiding) the way that the first swallowtail did. Where did you draw your influences from to create this deck? Mike Olson‘s early ski and surf influenced the wide nosed, long contact, deep sidecut, resort riding focused shape. Best terrain to rip this board? The Zoid is to be enjoyed all over the mountain. While zoiding the pow and the corduroy, the slush day(s) will likely be the best you have ever had! If you could compare this board to one non-snowboarding thing what would it be?
The flying Delorian
RIDER: BLAKE PAUL PHOTO: TIM ZIMMERMAN
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NAME
LENGTHS
157 SHAPE
Swallow Tail XC2 Directional Freeride/ Freestyle CAMBER|ROCKER
Rocker/Camber Hybrid WEBSITE gnu.com/snowboards/original-swallow-tail-carver Describe this board in a few sentences? Gnu’s original finless resort-focused directional swallow tail snowboard design brought back to life with modern XC2 contours and construction.
Where did you draw your influences from to create this deck?
“Our old boards look like new boards and our new boards are unreal.” - Gnu pioneered ski influenced, hardpack focused, finless snowboard designs in the early ’80s as snowboarding emerged from the backcountry into ski resorts. Today, 30-year-old Gnu shapes that were met with scepticism in the ’80s look just like modern snowboards.
Best terrain to rip this board? Resort focused, but not bound to any run in particular. It’s the perfect slope tool for backcountry pillow lines, making deep trench carves in the resort, or taking banked slalom berms at high speed! If you could compare this board to one non-snowboarding thing what would it be? ’57 Ford Thunderbird.
RIDER: FORREST BURKI PHOTO: TIM ZIMMERMAN
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BRAND
NAME
LENGTHS
146 149 153 156 159 162 SHAPE
Twin Directional
CAMBER|ROCKER
Hybrid Camba DCT WEBSITE
ridehead.com
Describe this board in a few sentences? The INSTINCT i. KERS is an all-mountain directional twin, packed with pop and responsiveness. In addition to a KERS chip and Hybrid Camba DCT the board is also equipped with Framewall, which delivers shock absorption and even power distribution for enhanced control and response. Where did you draw your influences from to create this deck? If you’d ask what HEAD Snowboards stands for, I’d hand you this board. This starts with the techy looking design direction, paired with the latest innovations from our intelligence loop. Fredrik Evensen has ridden this board at the Air & Style in Innsbruck as well as in the steeps and deeps of Alaska as seen in Pirates’ Distorted Reality. Best terrain to rip this board? It is an all-mountain board, works perfect for backcountry freestyle as well though.
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RIDER: FREDRIK EVENSEN PHOTO: FLO JÄGER
If you could compare this board to one non-snowboarding thing what would it be? Imagine an Audi R8 combined with a monster-truck bottom. That’s what it is really.
02.09.2015 17:04
RIDER: SINA CANDRIAN PHOTO: FLO JÄGER
NAME
LENGTHS
138
142
146
149
153
SHAPE Twin Directional CAMBER|ROCKER Hybrid Camba DCT WEBSITE ridehead.com Describe this board in a few sentences? The HOPE is Head’s top-of-the-line women’s board and carries the brand new Libra Board Architecture III, featuring the revolutionary compound Graphene. A lightweight layer of 2D material has been added to the centre of this Hybrid Camba DCT shape to further accentuate edge hold and control of this top end combine camber profile.
Where did you draw your influences from to create this deck?
Our main rider on the HOPE is Sina Candrian, who takes this stick basically everywhere. It is a high-performing ladies board, that works in everyday conditions. This makes it the perfect bread and butter board, the one to rule them all. Best terrain to rip this board? The HOPE is an all-mountain board, so you can take it really everywhere. The torsional flexibility makes it super fun to play around with, the double camber bites into groomers and gives you the support needed.
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If you could compare this board to one non-snowboarding thing what would it be? Probably a Range Rover Sport. Gets the looks, sporty on the outside, full of power on the inside. It works off road but performs best when cruising around in town.
02.09.2015 17:05
BRAND
RIDER: STEPHAN MAURER PHOTO: THOMAS STOECKLI
NAME
LENGTHS
156 SHAPE
Apollo; Pointy nose and asymmetrical swallow CAMBER|ROCKER
Float Camber WEBSITE
koruashapes.com Describe this board in a few sentences? The asymmetric swallowtail, which is the main feature on this board makes your frontside and backsides turns feel more aligned. This gives you a more harmonic riding experience overall, especially on groomers. The swallow also allows you to carve a tighter radius when shifting your weight to the back foot at the end of your turn. The set back camber makes it carve well with good response and the long rocker in the nose section gives you the lift you want in powder. E-Glass Biaxial and Poplar Light Core make it a solid board with a medium-stiff flex. Where did you draw your influences from to create this deck? Inspired by the snow-surfing culture we encountered in Japan, Me (Nicholas Wolken) and Stephan “Mu” Maurer drew up all the shapes based on what boards we would like to try in different conditions. We tried to create a line where each board has different characteristics and advantages in a specific condition. The main concept behind the Apollo was to be short, to float and have a surfy feel to it. If you could compare this board to one non-snowboarding thing what would it be? Best terrain to rip this board? Basically everywhere that requires short turns and quick changing of direction like trees, spines and steeps. We rode it on big, super-steep AK spines but I would also bring it to the Japanese forests. What we did not expect was how well it carved! The extra width of 269 mm allows you to get extremely low without dragging your feet in the snow. This keeps you from sliding out and brings the speed out of your turn.
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Riding the banks at Laax, it felt like surfing clean waves. With a kind of retro fish look to it, it always reminds me of this guy I saw in France absolutely dominating the lineup on his retro fish in some perfect head-high. When I ride it, I tend to imagine myself as that guy flowing down the wave and setting up a nice bottom turn just to send powerful spray off the lip. It’s really fun and my turn style has improved a lot from it.
02.09.2015 17:05
RIDER: NICHOLAS WOLKEN PHOTO: THOMAS STOECKLI
NAME
LENGTHS
157 SHAPE
Tranny Finder
CAMBER|ROCKER
Float Camber WEBSITE
koruashapes.com Describe this board in a few sentences? The Tranny Finder complements a surfy riding style while still allowing you to integrate freestyle in your run. We were quite surprised to see how well it works on groomers and especially in slushy conditions. Definitely a board ideal for many conditions and a creative freestyle oriented riding style. It also works well for those bigfoots out there. So far it is the most versatile board in our line. Where did you draw your influences from to create this deck? Basically “Mu” wanted a board that he could take up the mountain on any given day that would fit his creative riding style, which includes a lot of tranny finding (that’s were the name comes from). Having worked on many boards over the years, he knew exactly where to go with this one.
Best terrain to rip this board? I would take it to a resort with very wavy terrain; be it natural or park that offers many options to get creative on. Allowing switch landings and takeoffs in powder, it also works well for those side hits and a creative run threw the park or the pipe.
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If you could compare this board to one non-snowboarding thing what would it be? Maybe skating from your home to the local skatepark, popping ollies along the way and then riding your favorite line all day.
02.09.2015 17:06
BRAND
NAME
LENGTHS
5’2” SHAPE
Directional C3 Rocket CAMBER|ROCKER
Camber
WEBSITE lib-tech.com Describe this board in a few sentences? This is legendary surf shaper Matt Biolos’ directional rocket. It’s short and wide for float through pow, and equipped with the World’s Best Camber for power and stability through the most aggressive hacks, slashes and laybacks. Where did you draw your influences from to create this deck?
Matt has been snowboarding since the early ’80s. A lifetime of shaping surfboards has given him an incredibly trained eye for aesthetic, functional design, line, and detail brought to you in this surfy pow slasher. Best terrain to rip this board? Find your dream lines on an all-time pow day and the Rocket’s elliptical sidecut will keep you afloat. Or harness your style, power and flow, while ripping aggressive carves all over the mountain on the World’s Best Camber. If you could compare this board to one non-snowboarding thing what would it be? A day on your dream board at your favourite surf break.
SHAPER: MATT BIOLOS PHOTO: TIM STANFORD
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Describe this board in a few sentences? Jamie built this one for the good days and everyday. The taper angle makes it a pow floater, but it will rip whatever is in front of you.
NAME by Jamie Lynn
LENGTHS
159 SHAPE
C3 Directional Freestyle CAMBER|ROCKER
Camber
WEBSITE lib-tech.com
Where did you draw your influences from to create this deck?
The shape is inspired by Jamie’s hometown crew skate days, tail shape by “One who breathes through tooth” and the art is nothing short of badass. Best terrain to rip this board? This is Jamie’s Directional Freestyle Aggressive Awesome Everywhere board. Floats through pow and rips with power and stability over resort groomers. If you could compare this board to one non-snowboarding thing what would it be? The hair styling of Jamie Lynn
RIDER: JAMIE LYNN PHOTO: TIM ZIMMERMAN
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02.09.2015 17:07
BRAND
NAME
LENGTHS
Small and medium SHAPE
Up to you
CAMBER|ROCKER
CAMBER with JIB 3BT WEBSITE
lobstersnowboards.com Describe this board in a few sentences? Instead of a round tip and tail, the Nose Job comes with big blunt tips you can cut into any shape you want. Give it spikes, carve a swallowtail, cut a camel toe, or shape a wiener! Whatever pattern you create, the board is backed with wide and stable Jib 3BT shaping, poppy wood core, and a hard and fast sintered base. Where did you draw your influences from to create this deck? We thought it would be awesome if people could go crazy cutting up their boards without damaging them. We acheived this by adding ABS nose and tail plates which are easy to cut and won’t cause delam or water damage issues like if you cut a regular board. Best terrain to rip this board? This board can work everywhere. We designed it with wide and stable JIB 3BT so it works great in the park. Halldor likes to ride it in pow because it’s such a nice, floatable platform. If you could compare this board to one non-snowboarding thing what would it be? Your hairdresser on acid.
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02.09.2015 17:08
SHAPE
NAME
100% Twin
CAMBER|ROCKER
Camber with ASYM 3BT
LENGTHS
153
156
WEBSITE lobstersnowboards.com RIDER: HALLDOR HELGASON PHOTO: CYRIL MULLER
Describe this board in a few sentences? The HALLDOR PRO MODEL features a newly designed ASYM 3BT base shape. It’s a positive camber board with a beefier flex to support aggressive fast riding and heavier landings. Using the best available materials, we created a board that Halldor or any other rider can totally rely on! Where did you draw your influences from to create this deck?
When the man himself comes to Amsterdam with a list of features he expects from his pro model, you go that extra mile to make it happen. Halldor wanted something that would hold on heavy heelside landings, but at the same time, be forgiving and easy to throw around in the park. We designed ASYM 3BT to be the best of both worlds. Best terrain to rip this board? The HALLDOR PRO MODEL really excels in the park. No matter how big or sketchy the feature, this board allows you to throw yourself around as if it’s a 151 but have the solid feeling of a 158. If you could compare this board to one non-snowboarding thing what would it be? Halldor’s pro model is like Snoop Dogg in Mr T’s body. (Super smooth yet solid as fuck).
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02.09.2015 17:08
BRAND
NAME
LENGTHS
160.6
166.6
SHAPE
Asymmetrical Twin CAMBER|ROCKER Cam-Out Camber
P
WEBSITE
Describe this board in a few sentences? The greatest backcountry freestyle board we have ever made. This twin shaped asymmetrical float master has returned from the past. What makes this board different than most asymmetrical twins is the length of the nose and tail - they are longer than most for improved float. The Diablo is also equipped with our Cam-Out camber for additional stability underfoot and an early rise on the nose and tail contact points making this board ride smaller than it is. The sizes are 160,6 and 166,6, but with the camber and tighter sidecut it feels like you are riding a 157 or a 159.
Where did you draw your influences from to create this deck?
This board was inspired by one of the founders of Nitro, Tommy Delago, years ago and now he wanted to bring it back with improved technology and performance for the level of riding today. This board was developed to stomp any trick off of any cliff or jump in the deepest of pow or slush with ease. This is the ultimate freestyle snowboard for snowboarders.
RIDER: THOMAS FEURSTEIN PHOTO: MARKUS ROHRBACHER
nitrousa.com
Best terrain to rip this board? This is the ultimate all-mountain freestyle board, built to excel in any terrain, from the deepest of pow to the most progressive parks. The asymmetrical sidecuts allow you to lay down some of the deepest carves you have ever experienced on your toe and heel side. For the snowboarder who likes everything about snowboarding, turning, spinning, floating, and hauling ass! If you could compare this board to one non-snowboarding thing what would it be?
The name says it all, Diablo. Satan´s shred stick. Built for the guys who don´t want to follow the rules of the ski resorts, ducking ropes, hauling ass, and never looking back!
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02.09.2015 17:09
PHOTO: MARKUS ROHRBACHER
NAME
LENGTHS
SHAPE Tapered Swallow Tail
183
CAMBER|ROCKER Cam-Out Camber between the bindings and out to the contact point and than a little rocker on the tip and tail for more float. WEBSITE nitrousa.com Describe this board in a few sentences? This 183 cm swallow tail big boy toy allows you to make quick turns, and the long nose will keep you from going over the front no matter how deep the snow or how big of a cliff you drop. Where did you draw your influences from to create this deck?
This board was inspired by Bryan Fox and Austin Smith. They were missing the big boy board in their Quiver line that can be used on the deepest of days and the steepest of runs, with a nose so big it looks like a surfboard. It´s big, but it turns like a 159, because of its carefully engineered sidecut, therefore a lot of the team riders have been riding the Cannon in the park and the pipe. (see Markus Keller´s European Open Youtube video). Best terrain to rip this board? Obviously a 183 swallow tail was designed for the deepest of pow days. The Cannon will keep you stable on the steepest of mountains, and keep you floating by all your friends on the flattest of runs. Get ready to surf any mountain.
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If you could compare this board to one non-snowboarding thing what would it be? Well, you know what they say about guys with big trucks right? The bigger the truck the smaller the penis. But with the Cannon, it’s the opposit. It takes someone with balls to ride this beast. “Magnum style!”
02.09.2015 17:09
Describe this board in a few sentences?
BRAND
The Powder Division is a collection of boards designed for slashing winter waves of snow. In this collection we control the geometries of the different models to control the amount of Snow Displacement (SD). Similar to volume in surf board design, the Snow Displacement (SD) design parameter allows us to control for a board that is playful and surfy at slower speeds on the one hand, and also control for a board that arcs big, slashy turns when you straight-up point it. The result is a collection of powder tools that includes tighter-turning pow boards, as well as a more gun-like charger. Powder Division ST The shortest and widest board in the collection, the Swallow Tail maximizes Snow Displacement in the zone under and in front of the front foot. From there back, the board tapers into a swallowtail. The result is a nimble, soulful powder board that slashes and weaves with style.
NAME
LENGTHS
148 SHAPE
Fish, Pin, and Moon-Tail CAMBER|ROCKER
Powder-S 3D WEBSITE
154
160
Powder Division MT With our Moon Tail, we spread out the Snow Displacement evenly between the front foot and rear foot for a balanced feel. Its somewhat short length and wider width keeps it agile in tight terrain, but the combo of the Snow Displacement and the medium taper results in a floaty board that is happiest planing at medium speeds. It’s a board that handles a wide range of powder terrain, delivering mellow, surfy turns as well as faster, explosive slashes.
romesnowboards.com
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02.09.2015 17:09
Powder Division PT This is the gun in the collection. The Pin Tail combines a mellow taper with greater length and a more traditional waist width. Though able to float slower lines, it’s happiest at speed where it planes on top of the snow and allows the riders to initiate with the front foot and explode off the rear foot.
Best terrain to rip this board? Testing these boards over the past winter we’ve seen our riders and in-house people ripping these boards in any terrain and always with a big smile on their faces. Some were throwing 7s over park jumps and others were carving them on the slopes but the true advantage of these boards is definitely the incredible amount fun they make in any kind of Powder.
RIDER: THOMAS DELFINO PHOTO: PHILIPP KAMMERER
Where did you draw your influences from to create this If you could compare this board to one deck? non-snowboarding thing what would it be? We designed these boards in a very close collaboration with our distribution and riders in Hokkaido, Japan. The Surfing J-Bay on a perfect day. Without sharks! goal was to create the perfect boards for hip-deep powder in any terrain.
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02.09.2015 17:10
RIDER: TORAH BRIGHT PHOTO: MATT GEORGES
BRAND
NAME
LENGTHS
146
149
152
SHAPE
True Twin
CAMBER|ROCKER
XC2 BTX
WEBSITE
roxy.com/women-snowboards Describe this board in a few sentences? The Torah Bright XC2 BTX is a high-performance, ultra-lightweight, true twin board. It’s made in the USA by Mervin mfg. with Banana tech (BTX) to offer a smooth ride, and extended camber on the tip and tail for increased response, stability and massive pop. Silky Smooth bio fibers add dampening for the smoothest ride and clear Bio Beans topsheets show off the Light Hearted core. Mountain inspired graphics by Stephanie Smith. (madebysmith.com)
Best terrain to rip this board? The XC2 contour makes it responsive and lively in pipes and parks - it has pop for controlled amplitude and Where did you draw your influences from to create this stability for landings. Those same tech features, along with Magne-Traction, make it great for carving steep deck? terrain and staying in control while on edge or just going The Torah Bright is designed for, and inspired by, fast. multi-medalist Torah Bright’s progressive style. It’s for girls who want to lead the charge carving up steeps or If you could compare this board to one boosting out of the pipe. Ridden by Torah Bright and non-snowboarding thing what would it be? Aimee Fuller in the world’s most elite competitions, it’s The Torah Bright is like a sunset dream. One that the choice of riders who are inspired to lift their abilities represents renewal and promise of a bright future! to new levels.
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02.09.2015 17:17
NAME
SHAPE
New elegant pulled point True Twin CAMBER|ROCKER
LENGTHS
142
EC2 Elliptical Camber combo
146
149
153
WEBSITE
roxy.com/women-snowboards Describe this board in a few sentences? The Banana Smoothie EC2 BTX is a true-twin all mountain freestyle board featuring a responsive blend of elliptical camber and rocker for float in powder, stability in chop and precise handling at high speeds. It has a new pointy nose and tail for classic freeride style, a Full Heart core, Magne-Traction, and sparkly Bio-Beans topsheets. Art design by National Forest and Kim Keever. (nationalforest.com and kimkeever.com) Where did you draw your influences from to create this deck? The Banana Smoothie is inspired by Robin Van Gyn and her silky-smooth freeriding style. It’s a versatile freeride board with a shape that’s fresh and ready to ride. Robin takes the Smoothie deep into the backcountry and counts on it to keep her stable. The same tech that gives it float in the pow makes it playful enough to ride all over the mountain. Best terrain to rip this board? From peak to parking lot - tree runs to powder fields to hard-packed groomers - the Banana Smoothie rips the whole mountain. If you could compare this board to one non-snowboarding thing what would it be? Obviously, the Banana Smoothie is compared to a fresh, (organic of course!) banana smoothie. The kind with ice-cream, whipped cream and a cherry on top!
RIDER: ROBYN VAN GYN PHOTO: ASHLEY BARKER
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02.09.2015 17:18
Where did you draw your influences from to create this deck? The influence came from the Johnnie Paxson board that you maybe know from my previous line. To update this I created a new identity shape, shortened the tips and widened the waist unsignificantly. The softer flex should give this board more room to play where really there isn’t.
BRAND
Best terrain to rip this board?
Go play in the park, hit the streets or impress everyone with your moves on any slope. If you could compare this board to one non-snowboarding thing what would it be? A double sided dildo. Dare to complicate your relationship and do it switch. NAME
LENGTHS
148
151
153W
154
157
SHAPE
Twin with Slash ID kickstand CAMBER|ROCKER
Zero Camber WEBSITE
slashsnow.com
RIDER: JOHNNIE PAXSON PHOTO: DARCY BACHA
Describe this board in a few sentences? A jib/freestyle board for the rider that appreciates full contact. The Zero Camber profile has no camber nor rocker, so you get the combination between both. The reactive flex gives the board the ability to also flex across the width, so the board edges lift up - minimizing your chance of catching an edge on rails.
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02.09.2015 17:13
NAME RIDER: GIGI RÜF PHOTO: PIRATE CREW
LENGTHS
151 154 156 158 159W 161 163W SHAPE
Directional Twin with Slash ID kickstand CAMBER|ROCKER Full Camber WEBSITE
slashsnow.com Describe this board in a few sentences? This so called All-Terrain Vehicle is powerful, lightweight and a very reactive ride. The camber profile is designed to distribute weight evenly and increase pop. Where did you draw your influences from to create this deck? “This is the original board I shaped as my pro model with the vision of creating a directional twin with full camber for full control. My board’s unique but functional shape has a minimalistic approch that saves material and weight but also stands up without tipping over like rounded boards can do!“ - Gigi Rüf Best terrain to rip this board? Look for soft snow to try new tricks. If you could compare this board to one non-snowboarding thing what would it be? It’s like letting go of a full balloon and it starts farting in each and every direction just to land quietly on the ground again.
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02.09.2015 17:13
BRAND
NAME
LENGTHS
154
159
164
CAMBER|ROCKER
Pro-Camber with Nose Rocker WEBSITE volkl-snowboards.com Describe this board in a few sentences? The name says it all! All-Mountain Freestyle Camber … The Pro Camber Shape with a stiffer flex and loads of POP guarantees maximum control in all terrains, while the Nose Rocker combined with a Fish Tail deliver perfect floatation and stability in powder. The square Pointed Nose can cope with difficult snow conditions in the backcountry and cuts effortlessly through crust.
RIDER: MARIO KÄPPELI PHOTO: PATRICK STEINER
SHAPE
Directional Freestyle with Fish Tail
Where did you draw your influences from to create this deck? Mario Käppeli had a precise conception of what the AFC should offer. Coming from big park kickers he is now transferring his tricks and style into the backcountry. Whenever the conditions allow he wants to ride cool terrain as well spin-off backcountry booters. Not an easy task but we managed to fuse different shape concepts into this revolutionary combination. Best terrain to rip this board? The target was to have “one” for every day. It’s not about counting the number of rotations but doing stylish tricks in any terrain. Besides good floatation it offers an easy ride when conditions are no longer perfect... If you could compare this board to one non-snowboarding thing what would it be? Dedicated and always on fire. The AFC is the party king – clubbing every night. So let the nights merge into days…
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02.09.2015 17:14
RIDER: MICHI STANSCHITZ PHOTO: PATRICK STEINER
NAME
LENGTHS
155
162
167W
SHAPE
Playful Freeride Sidecut with Tapered Nose CAMBER|ROCKER
Freeride Hybrid (camber in between the bindings, nose & tail rocker) WEBSITE
volkl-snowboards.com
Describe this board in a few sentences? The specific Freeride Hybrid shape turns and plays as easily as a short park stick. The widest part of the board is shifted back reducing the effective edge - the 167 version has the same edge length as a regular 140 freestyle board! A mellow camber between the bindings provides great edge hold on ice despite its softer flex.
Where did you draw your influences from to create this deck? For Michi Stanschitz it’s the #1 board in backcountry freestyle. From switch tricks in powder to speed checks in steep terrain - this board is versatile in all runs. Thanks to the Tapered Nose, the Alright can plough through powder like the biggest big mountain board and deal with even the meanest bomb holes. If you could compare this board to one non-snowboarding thing what would it be? Best terrain to rip this board?
Powder kickers, pillows or tree runs, the Alright has one The Alright is the jackalope (Wolpatinger in German). purpose only - to play in powder! With the Tapered Nose May look strange at the first sight, but offers a it never catches an edge, not even in the most challenging combination of the best qualities‌ conditions of crust.
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02.09.2015 17:14
15
AVAILABLE NOW
SHOP AT SHOP.METHOD.TV
16
PHOTO: KUSKE
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02.09.2015 20:45
AVAILABLE NOW
SHOP AT SHOP.METHOD.TV
YEAR SUBSCRIPTION
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02.09.2015 21:05
Tor Lundstrom When Tor isn’t popping bottles in the VIP, or travelling the world filming for his acclaimed web series “BYNDxMDLS”, he’s stomping triple corks at Air & Style on The Jam 156 or Boss 154.
photo: Dominic Zimmermann
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portrait: Lucas Nillson
05.09.2015 16:33