Board: Nidecker Blade

Buy it here:
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3Ud2GKh

Size: 158

Camber Option: Traditional Camber.

Bindings: Rome Black Label

Stance: 21.5 Wide 15 Negative 12 Goofy

Boots: K2 Thraxis Size 10

My Weight: 200lbs

Resort: Arapahoe Basin

Conditions: A mix of clouds, sun, wind, cold temps, and a couple inches of fresh snow on top of perfect corduroy.

Flex: The big thing to note about this board is that it’s not overly stiff it’s just responsive from the camber and the construction. If anything it’s slightly past a middle of the road flex with a little more give in the nose. The torsional flex is there and relatively easy to engage but it does snap back more than other boards.

Stability: There’s a bunch of chatter in this board when you get into variable snow. You can just feel it shaking right underfoot. At high speeds the nose gets a little chatter and that does resonate back underfoot so be aware of that.

Ollies/Pop: This has some of the most unique snap I’ve felt in a board in a long time. While you do have to load up the camber to get it to engage and it does take a little effort as you roll back onto the tail to spring it immediately disengages right off the tail. That abrupt upkick and the smaller contact point really have a lot to do with this.

Carving: So lets talk about what this board was designed for and how this is a unique ride. This board is meant for leaving a pencil thin line all over the mountain, but there’s one thing you need to be aware of. The reduced tip shape changes the amount of bite you get at the contact points. This can cause it to kick out abruptly when doing certain types of carves. I noticed it the most when I would lay the board over and try to flex the center of the board back off the tail to give it added power, it would just disengage. It was when doing bit swooping laid over carves that took you from one side of the run to the other that it stood out. Short tight quick carves that you throw your hip into would also sometimes kick out. What’s nice about this board is that on edge with very subtle ankle flexion you can change the carve.

Rider in Mind: Resort carver.

Personal Thoughts: This board was just so unique to ride, it’s not going to be for everyone. The dynamic of how you carve changes due to the shape of this board coupled with the sidecut and camber profile. It disengages the carve easier than I’ve ever had any other board do and doesn’t feel as locked in. This is a total niche type of board and I think the people that are actively seeking it out will enjoy it bust most people who are reading or watching this review it’s not for them.

Comparable Boards:
Amplid UNW8: https://bit.ly/3otfIF9
Korua Otto: https://bit.ly/3sEnONM
Nitro Pantera: https://bit.ly/3fiUbhS

Binding Recommendations:
Nidecker Kaon X: https://bit.ly/3SMpjUv
Rome Cleaver: https://bit.ly/3gNdD6F
Burton Cartel X: https://bit.ly/3FsTvRC