Nitro Slash Snowboard Review SideWays Gears Guys EP004
Nitro Slash Snowboard Review · Board: Nitro Slash 163 (one size only) · Bindings: Nitro Team · Boots: K2 Ender (MM), Burton Ion (SS) Smooth and nimble, surfy and responsive. The Nitro Slash is a board packed with subtle tech and tons of surprises. The 3-D balsa wood core with noticeable raised top sheet rails and Nitro’s cam-out camber to rocker profile combine to make a board that rides much differently than how you’d expect on first looks. Though it looks like a powder board, and will definitely slay in the deeps, we were blown away at the versatility of this board for straight up resort lap shredding. We rode the Slash in the trees getting pow stashes, wide open on groomers and rollers, and even some park and boardercross laps. We found the board rode (felt) smaller than a 163; it felt more like a 157-159; it makes sense when you look on the board top down to see the actual contact points. As a result of the shorter effective edge, the Slash is quick edge to edge and felt right at home in tight trees. On the groomers it felt comfortable pushing top speeds with surprisingly little chatter for a board with such a long nose, it also felt very natural hammering roller ollies and side hits. At lower speeds the medium flex of the board allows the rider to push tight carves. The shorter tail and tapered shape feel really good carving without feeling awkward switch. Regardless of speed or terrain, we found the Slash smooth and playful. The flex is something worth noting on this board also. Because of what the designers have been able to do with the 3-D profiling of the balsa wood core and the camber profile, it allows the board to have a softer lengthwise flex while keeping the torsional flex solid. The result of this is a board that is easy to work, initiate a turn, and load with power, and it holds an edge and line extremely well. Overall feeling: The Nitro Slash was really smooth and really fun. It handled everything we threw at it with surprising ease, and you never really had to work for it. Definitely, a fun board when you don’t know what the resort is going to throw at you. We both felt a little unsure of the long-term durability of the board considering the balsa used in the core, but my experience with Nitro boards has always been well built and long lasting quality boards, so that is nothing more than opinion. One thing we both agreed on 100% is that this board is light and felt great under our feet. Do you have any thoughts or questions you want to be answered on this board? Comment below and we will do our best to give you the info you are looking for. Please also visit your LOCAL SNOWBOARD SHOP, those guys want to get you set up on something rad that you’re going to enjoy. Huge thanks to: @mtseymour for providing us with a ‘Home Mountain’ and ideal multi-terrain testing ground for season 1 @cariboobrewing for keeping us hydrated, talking is thirsty work @sandboxland for the sweet lid and goggle combo (safety first!!) Gear in this episode: @Nitro Snowboards Slash Board @Nitro Snowboards Team Binding @k2snow Ender boots @burton Ion boots @sandbox Legend Apex helmet @sandbox Kingpin Shift lens goggle @salmon arms mitts @gopro Hero 5
