Ride Machete
The Ride Machete is a versatile freestyle snowboard that took home the top spot in Snowboarder's Best of Test. It also earned a mention in Transworld's Top Men's Boards Over $400. The board features Ride's LowRize rocker, which reviewers cited as a top feature, providing the pop and float of rocker while still offering stability for turns and at higher speeds. The board comes in sizes 152 to 164, and wide sizes are available in 157, 161 and 164. Flex is rated at a 6 of 10, and the board features a twin shape. Retail price is $429.
K2 Slayblade
Also appearing simultaneously on Transworld's and Snowboarder's top-pick lists, the K2 Slayer is an all-mountain freestyle board based on K2's Zeppelin. The board features Flatline zero-camber design, and K2 claims that it has ultra-lightweight construction. The board includes K2's Harshmellow dampening to take the sting out of bumps and big landings. Testers for Snowboarder appreciated the Slayblade's stability and snap. The Slayblade is available in sizes 153, 156, 158, 161 and 164. A wide version is also available. The Slayblade's retail price is $549.99.
Never Summer SL-R
A popular board from 2009 makes its return in 2010 with the same great Rocker and Camber (R.C.) construction that Never Summer has made a name for. The SL-R is an all-mountain freestyle board that features medium damping and flex (5 out of 10). It was featured on Snowboarder's Best of Test West Coast list, with testing done at Mammoth Mountain. It was also a Snowboard Magazine Platinum Pick. The board is designed to be an aggressive, all-terrain performer, and Snowboarder's reviewer found that it tackles high speeds and powder with ease. Paired with R.C. design is Vario Power Grip, which combines several different sidecut radii to increase stability and response. Sizes range from 151 to 164, and the SL-R retails for $499.99.
Venture Storm
Venture is an independent snowboard company based in Silverton, Colorado. The Venture Storm took home a spot in Snowboarder's Best of Test Rocky Mountains as well as an Editor's Choice in Backcountry Magazine. The board is a backcountry weapon of choice, designed for big lines and powder. It comes in both solid and splitboard varieties. The board features rocker construction, as well as a soft nose for better flotation in powder. A firm tail and midsection provide increased stability on big terrain. Testers enjoyed the board's stability and response. The board comes in sizes 148 to 182. The solid version retails for $565, while the splitboard carries an $895 price tag.
