This is my chairlift review of the Never Summer 2013/4 Raptor snowboard:
What I like:
+ Easy to find the edge
+ Quick edge change
+ Pop – just right. It helps you out of the turn, great for the little jump between the carves.
+ Flex – the board is easy to flex and it’s easy to change the radius of the turn while riding
+ turn radius – easy to control, perfect for shorter blue and red runs as well as crowded slopes
+ Feels really light on the feet
+ Makes good trenches in the snow
+ It allows relaxed casual riding
What I don’t like:
– Torsional stiffness – Raptor does not hold the perfect edge on the steep black runs.
– To narrow – I’ve booted out in few turns, specially on the steeps. When I have the opportunity, I’ll try the Raptor X model.
Summary:
Great, if you want to take a single board on a family skiing trip. It is truly one of most versatile boards around.
For soft-boot carving on groomed slopes – Raptor is OK, but there are many better boards.
Setup:
– Flux SF45 Bndings
– Angles 33/18
– Stance 52cm
– Boots Vans Aura
– Weight 75kg
Here are a few pics: