Snowboard Review: Never Summer Protoslinger

If you're looking for a board that can handle any terrain and condition, you might want to check out the Never Summer Protoslinger. This board is designed to be a hybrid of a freestyle and a freeride board, combining the best features of both styles. In this review, I'll share my personal experience with the Protoslinger, and how it performed on various criteria such as build material, shape and design, flex, camber, torsion, float, technical specs and extra features, and on-track behavior. I'll also list the pros and cons of this board, and give you my final verdict on whether it's worth buying or not.

Never Summer is a reputable company that has been making high-quality snowboards since 1991. They are known for their innovative and durable boards that can handle any challenge. The Protoslinger is one of their latest models, and it's aimed at riders who want a versatile and fun board that can do it all.

1. Build Material

The Protoslinger is made of high-quality materials that make it strong and lightweight. The core is made of NS SuperLight Wood, which is a blend of hardwood and softwood that provides strength and pop. The top sheet is made of Carbonium Laminate Technology, which is a carbon fiber matrix that adds stiffness and durability. The base is made of Durasurf XT Sintered 5501, which is a fast and hard material that can withstand abrasion and impact. The edges are made of Rockwell 48 Steel, which are tough and sharp for carving.

2. Shape and Design

The Protoslinger has a true twin shape, which means it's symmetrical from nose to tail. This makes it ideal for riding switch and doing tricks. The board also has a medium width, which gives it stability and maneuverability. The design of the board is sleek and stylish, with a black and white color scheme and a geometric pattern on the top sheet. The logo of Never Summer is also visible on the nose and tail.

3. Flex

The Protoslinger has a medium flex, which means it's not too stiff or too soft. This gives it a balanced feel that can adapt to different riding styles and conditions. The board has enough flex to be playful and forgiving, but also enough stiffness to be responsive and stable. The flex is also consistent throughout the board, which makes it predictable and easy to control.

"Don't forget to click on the links in the article to check out this board for yourself!"

4. Camber

The Protoslinger features Never Summer's Ripsaw Rocker Camber profile, which is a hybrid of camber and rocker. This means the board has camber zones under the feet for power and edge hold, and rocker zones between the feet and at the tips for float and catch-free turns. This profile gives the board versatility and performance in all situations. The camber zones provide pop, stability, and edge grip, while the rocker zones provide float, forgiveness, and smooth transitions.

5. Torsion

The Protoslinger has a moderate torsion, which means it's not too rigid or too flexible along its length. This gives it a good balance of edge-to-edge control and torsional playfulness. The board can handle quick turns and carves, but also allow for some twist and tweak when doing tricks.

6. Float

The Protoslinger has a good float in powder, thanks to its rocker zones at the tips and its medium width. The board can glide over fresh snow without sinking or dragging, and maintain speed and momentum. The board also has a slight setback stance, which means the bindings are slightly closer to the tail than the nose. This helps to lift the nose up in deep snow, and improve the balance and stability of the board.

7. Technical Specs and Extra Features

The Protoslinger has some technical specs and extra features that enhance its performance and durability. Some of these are:

Vario Power Grip Sidecut: This is a sidecut that has multiple radii along the edge of the board, creating more contact points with the snow. This improves the edge hold and grip of the board on hardpack and ice.
Low Profile Tip/Tail: This is a feature that reduces the thickness of the tip and tail of the board, making them lighter and more aerodynamic. This reduces swing weight and drag, and improves pop.
Bi-Lite Fiberglass: This is a fiberglass layer that adds strength and smoothness to the board without adding weight or stiffness.
RDS 2 Damping System: This is a damping system that absorbs vibrations and impacts from rough terrain or landings. It consists of three layers of rubber foil that are strategically placed along the board.
Elastomeric Underfoot Stabilizers: These are rubber pads that are placed under the bindings, to reduce foot fatigue and enhance stability.
P-Tex Tip/Tail Protection: These are plastic caps that cover the tip and tail of the board, to protect them from damage and delamination.

8. On-Track Behavior

The Protoslinger is a board that can handle any terrain and condition, thanks to its hybrid profile and versatile flex. The board is fun and easy to ride, and can perform well in any situation. Some of the on-track behaviors of the board are:

Carving: The board can carve smoothly and sharply, thanks to its camber zones under the feet and its vario power grip sidecut. The board can hold an edge well, and transition from edge to edge quickly and smoothly.
Jumps: The board can pop high and land softly, thanks to its camber zones under the feet and its low profile tip/tail. The board has enough stiffness to provide stability and support, but also enough flex to absorb impact and reduce rebound.
Rails: The board can slide and press easily, thanks to its rocker zones between the feet and at the tips and its medium flex. The board has enough forgiveness to prevent catching or hooking, but also enough stiffness to provide control and balance.
Powder: The board can float and surf well, thanks to its rocker zones at the tips and its slight setback stance. The board can keep the nose up, and maintain speed and flow.

Some of the most relevant features of the Protoslinger are:

Hybrid Ripsaw Rocker Camber profile for versatility and performance
True twin shape for symmetry and switch riding
Medium flex for balance and adaptability
Vario power grip sidecut for edge hold and grip
Low profile tip/tail for reduced swing weight and improved pop
RDS 2 damping system for vibration absorption and impact reduction

Conclusion

The Never Summer Protoslinger is a versatile and fun board that can do it all. It's a hybrid of a freestyle and a freeride board, combining the best features of both styles. It's a board that can handle any terrain and condition, thanks to its hybrid profile and versatile flex. It's a board that can carve, jump, slide, and float with ease, thanks to its technical specs and extra features. It's a board that can suit any rider who wants a balanced and adaptable board that can perform well in any situation.

If you're interested in the Protoslinger, you can check it out on this website. You won't regret it, as this board is one of the best all-mountain boards on the market. Trust me, I've tried it myself, and I loved it.