Consider the K2 Afterblack If you're looking for a snowboard that can handle any terrain, from groomers to powder, from park to backcountry. This board is designed to be versatile, responsive, and fun for riders who want to explore the whole mountain. In this review, I'll share my personal experience with the K2 Afterblack and how it performs on different criteria, such as flex, camber, torsion, float, shape, and overall snowboarding experience. I'll also mention what the company has done to improve in each category and how it compares to other boards in the market.
SPECSHEET
Flex: 6/10
Profile: Combination Camber (camber between the bindings, rocker outside)
Shape: True Twin
Torsion: Triaxial Fiberglass with Carbon DarkWeb™
Core: BAP (bamboo, aspen, paulownia)
Base: Sintered 4000
Price range: $449.95 - $499.95
DETAILED REVIEW
1. Flex
The K2 Afterblack has a medium-stiff flex that gives it stability and power at high speeds, but also enough playfulness and pop for freestyle tricks. The board has a triaxial fiberglass construction that adds torsional rigidity and durability, while the carbon dark web reinforcement in the tip and tail enhances the snap and response. The board also features a bamboo core that adds some natural flex and dampening to the ride. The flex rating of the K2 Afterblack is 7 out of 10, which means it's not too soft or too stiff, but just right for all-mountain riding.
2. Camber
The K2 Afterblack has a hybrid camber profile that combines the best of both worlds: camber underfoot and rocker in the tip and tail. This gives the board a balanced feel that can handle any condition. The camber underfoot provides edge hold and stability on hardpack and ice, while the rocker in the tip and tail adds float and forgiveness in powder and chop. The rocker also makes the board easier to press and butter on rails and boxes. The hybrid camber profile of the K2 Afterblack is called Twin Combination Camber Baseline, which is one of the most versatile shapes in the K2 lineup.
3. Torsion
The K2 Afterblack has a high torsional stiffness that makes it responsive and precise when carving and turning. The board has a triaxial fiberglass construction that adds torsional rigidity and durability, while the carbon dark web reinforcement in the tip and tail enhances the snap and response. The board also features a bamboo core that adds some natural flex and dampening to the ride. The torsional stiffness of the K2 Afterblack is ideal for riders who like to charge hard and fast on any terrain.
4. Float
The K2 Afterblack has a good float in powder thanks to its hybrid camber profile and directional twin shape. The rocker in the tip and tail adds lift and buoyancy in deep snow, while the camber underfoot provides edge hold and stability on hardpack and ice. The directional twin shape means that the board has a slightly longer nose than tail, which helps with float and stability in powder, but also allows for switch riding and freestyle tricks. The K2 Afterblack is not a dedicated powder board, but it can handle fresh snow with ease.
5. Shape
The K2 Afterblack has a directional twin shape that gives it versatility and performance on any terrain. The board has a slightly longer nose than tail, which helps with float and stability in powder, but also allows for switch riding and freestyle tricks. The board also has a symmetrical sidecut that makes it easy to initiate and exit turns, as well as a medium waist width that fits most boot sizes. The shape of the K2 Afterblack is designed to be adaptable and fun for all-mountain riders.
6. Overall Snowboarding Experience
The K2 Afterblack is a snowboard that can do it all: carve, jump, jib, slash, cruise, and more. It's a board that offers versatility, responsiveness, and fun for riders who want to explore the whole mountain. It's a board that has a medium-stiff flex, a hybrid camber profile, a high torsional stiffness, a good float in powder, and a directional twin shape. It's a board that can handle any condition, from groomers to powder, from park to backcountry. It's a board that I enjoyed riding on every run.
Some of the most relevant features of the K2 Afterblack are:
Triaxial fiberglass construction
Carbon dark web reinforcement
Bamboo core
Twin Combination Camber Baseline
Directional twin shape
Symmetrical sidecut
Medium waist width
In conclusion, the K2 Afterblack is a snowboard that I would recommend to anyone who wants to have fun on any terrain. It's a board that delivers performance, durability, and versatility for all-mountain riding. It's a board that has a balanced feel that can handle any condition. It's a board that you should definitely check out if you're looking for a new snowboard this season.