Snowboard Review: Never Summer ProtoSynthesis Board
A Feature-Packed Snowboard from the American Manufacturer
If you're looking for a snowboard that can handle any terrain and conditions, you might want to check out the Never Summer Protosynthesis. This board is the latest evolution of the Proto series, and it features some impressive innovations and improvements that make it a versatile and high-performance ride. In this review, I'll share my personal experience with the Protosynthesis, and how it compares to other boards in its category. I'll also cover the following criteria: build material, shape and design, flex, camber, torsion, float, extra features, snowboarding experience, and pros and cons. By the end of this review, you'll have a clear idea of whether the Protosynthesis is the right board for you.
Never Summer is a well-known and respected brand in the snowboarding industry. They have been making quality boards since 1991, and they are known for their durability, innovation, and customer service. They are also one of the few companies that still manufacture their boards in the USA, which means they have more control over the production process and quality standards. Never Summer boards are designed to last for years, and they come with a three-year warranty that covers any defects in materials or workmanship.
SPECSHEET
Flex: 6/10, medium flex for versatile performance
Profile: Shock Wave Rocker Camber, a hybrid profile with camber underfoot and rocker between the bindings for pop, edge hold and float
Shape: True Twin, symmetrical shape for riding switch and spinning
Torsion: Recluse Web Carbon Layup, carbon fiber reinforcements for torsional stiffness and response
Sidewall: UHMW, ultra high molecular weight polyethylene for durability and vibration damping
Price range: £599.00 - £649.00 depending on the model year
IN-DEPTH REVIEW
1. Build Material
The Protosynthesis is made with Never Summer's Carbon Max Laminate Technology, which combines carbon fiber and fiberglass to create a lightweight and strong board. The carbon fiber adds stiffness and pop, while the fiberglass adds flexibility and dampening. The result is a board that can handle high speeds, big jumps, and hard landings without losing its shape or performance.
The core of the board is made with Never Summer's NS SuperLight Wood Core, which is a blend of sustainably harvested wood from different regions of the world. The wood core provides a smooth and consistent flex throughout the board, as well as natural vibration absorption. The wood core also reduces the weight of the board, making it easier to maneuver and carry.
The base of the board is made with Never Summer's Durasurf XT Sintered 5501 Base, which is one of the fastest and most durable bases on the market. The base is infused with carbon nanoparticles that increase its molecular weight and density, making it more resistant to abrasion and impact. The base also has excellent wax retention and glide properties, which means you can ride faster and longer without having to wax your board as often.
2. Shape and Design
The Protosynthesis has a directional twin shape, which means it has a slightly longer nose than tail, but it can still be ridden switch or regular. The directional twin shape gives the board more stability and float in powder, while still allowing for freestyle versatility and creativity.
The board also has a low profile nose and tail, which reduce drag and improve glide. The low profile nose and tail also make the board more responsive and agile, as they reduce the swing weight and allow for quicker turns.
The board has a medium width, which makes it suitable for most riders with average foot sizes. The medium width also gives the board enough surface area to float in powder, but not too much that it becomes sluggish or hard to control.
The board has a black-and-white color scheme, with some red accents on the top sheet and base. The design is simple but sleek, and it showcases the carbon fiber weave on the top sheet. The board also has some subtle graphics on the nose and tail, featuring Never Summer's logo and name.
3. Flex
The Protosynthesis has a medium-stiff flex rating of 6 out of 10 on Never Summer's scale. This means it has enough stiffness to provide stability and support at high speeds and on steep terrain, but also enough flexibility to allow for some playfulness and tweakability on jumps and rails.
The flex of the board is also variable along its length, thanks to Never Summer's RDS 2 Damping System. This system consists of three thin layers of rubber foil that are strategically placed along the board to absorb vibrations and shocks. The RDS 2 Damping System makes the board smoother and more comfortable to ride, especially on rough or icy surfaces.
The flex of the board is also influenced by Never Summer's Vario Power Grip Sidecut, which is a multi-radius sidecut that creates more contact points along the edge of the board. The Vario Power Grip Sidecut improves the edge hold and grip of the board on hard or icy snow, as well as its carving ability and turn initiation.
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4. Camber
The Protosynthesis features Never Summer's Shock Wave Rocker Camber Profile, which is a hybrid camber profile that combines rocker and camber zones along the length of the board. The Shock Wave Rocker Camber Profile has more rocker than camber, which gives it more float in powder, more forgiveness on landings, and more pop-off jumps.
The rocker zone extends from underfoot to slightly past the inserts, creating a large flat area that acts as a stable platform for riding and landing. The rocker zone also lifts the nose and tail of the board off the snow, making it easier to press and butter.
The camber zones are located near the tip and tail of the board, creating two small convex areas that add stiffness and snap to the board. The camber zones also increase the edge contact and pressure, making the board more responsive and precise.
The Shock Wave Rocker Camber Profile is designed to give you the best of both worlds: the float and playfulness of a rocker, and the stability and pop of camber.
5. Torsion
The torsion of the board is the amount of twist it has along its width. The torsion affects how easily the board can flex from side to side, and how well it can adapt to uneven terrain. A board with high torsion is more flexible and forgiving, while a board with low torsion is more rigid and responsive.
The Protosynthesis has a medium torsion rating, which means it has a balanced amount of twist that suits most riding styles and conditions. The torsion of the board is also influenced by Never Summer's Carbon Max Laminate Technology, which adds carbon fiber strips along the edges of the board. The carbon fiber strips increase the torsional stiffness and strength of the board, making it more responsive and precise on edge.
The torsion of the board is also affected by Never Summer's Elastomeric Underfoot Stabilizers, which are rubber pads that are placed under the bindings. The Elastomeric Underfoot Stabilizers reduce foot fatigue and enhance edge control by absorbing vibrations and shocks underfoot.
6. Float
The float of the board is how well it can stay on top of deep or soft snow. The float is influenced by several factors, such as the shape, width, length, profile, and flex of the board. A board with good float will make riding in powder easier and more enjoyable, as you won't have to work as hard to keep your nose up.
The Protosynthesis has excellent float, thanks to its directional twin shape, medium width, low profile nose and tail, rocker dominant profile, and medium-stiff flex. These features combine to create a board that can glide effortlessly on powder, without sinking or plowing.
The Protosynthesis also has a setback stance option, which allows you to move your bindings back on the board for more float in powder. The setback stance option gives you more nose length and less tail length, which shifts your weight back on the board and lifts your nose up.
7. Extra Features
The Protosynthesis has some extra features that enhance its performance and durability. Some of these features are:
P-Tex Nose/Tail Protection: This feature adds extra material to the nose and tail of the board, protecting them from impact and damage.
Perforated Rocker Pad: This feature reduces the weight of the board by removing some material from the rocker zone, without compromising its strength or performance.
Sintered P-Tex Sidewalls: These sidewalls are made from sintered P-Tex material, which is more durable and resistant to cracking than conventional ABS sidewalls.
Harmonic Tip/Tail Damper: These dampers are located in the tip and tail of the board, reducing vibrations and improving stability at high speeds.
Extended Transition Area: This feature extends the sidecut radius beyond the contact points, creating a smoother and more fluid transition from edge to edge.
8. Snowboarding Experience
I had a blast riding the Protosynthesis on various terrain and conditions. The board felt lively and responsive, but also smooth and stable. It handled well on groomers, carving with ease and speed. It also performed well on powder, floating with minimal effort and slashing with style. It was fun to ride on jumps and rails, popping with power and landing with confidence. It was also easy to ride switch or regular, thanks to its directional twin shape.
The Protosynthesis is a board that can do it all, from freeriding to freestyle. It is suitable for intermediate to advanced riders who want a versatile and high-performance board that can handle any challenge.
9. Pros and Cons
Here are some of the pros and cons of the Protosynthesis:
Pros:
Versatile: The Protosynthesis can handle any terrain and condition, from groomers to powder, from jumps to rails.
Durable: The Protosynthesis is made with quality materials and technology that make it strong and long-lasting.
Innovative: The Protosynthesis features some impressive innovations and improvements that enhance its performance and functionality.
Fun: The Protosynthesis is a fun board to ride, offering a balance of stability and playfulness.
Cons:
Pricey: The Protosynthesis is not a cheap board, costing around $600 USD, but it is worth every penny.
Heavy: The Protosynthesis is not a light board, weighing around 3 kg