Below is a brief overview of all the 2020 Slash snowboards.
First I will take a look at any new boards for the 2019-20 season, and then any 2019 models that don't return with a 2020 version.
Then I'll look at each board and put them into the categories where I see them best fitting.
New 2020 Slash Snowboards
The new boards for 2019-20 are:
2019 Slash Snowboards Not Returning
All 2019 models are returning with a 2020 version. Some subtle name changes, but none actually exiting.
- The Splitboard, the Brainstorm Linehiker (2019 model) has been renamed as simply Linehiker
- The Narwal Floater (2019) and Narwal Straight (2019) have been renamed as simply Floater and Straight
All 2020 Slash Snowboards by Category
I have categorized Slash's 2019-20 boards below. This is according to the categories here at SnowboardingProfiles.com and not necessarily the same as what Slash labels them as.
Of course these are only broad categories as every board is different, but this is a rough guide.
SLASH BEGINNER SNOWBOARDS
Men's
SLASH PARK/FREESTYLE SNOWBOARDS
Men's
SLASH ALL-MOUNTAIN-FREESTYLE SNOWBOARDS
There isn't a Slash board that strictly fits this category, IMO, though the Brainstorm, or even the Happy Place could be used for this style of riding for sure.
SLASH AGGRESSIVE ALL-MTN-FREESTYLE SNOWBOARDS
There isn't a Slash board that strictly fits this category, IMO, though the ATV could be used for this style of riding.
SLASH ALL-MOUNTAIN SNOWBOARDS
Men's
SLASH AGGRESSIVE ALL-MOUNTAIN SNOWBOARDS
Men's
SLASH FREERIDE SNOWBOARDS
Men's
SLASH POWDER & SHORT/WIDE SNOWBOARDS
Men's
SLASH SPLIT BOARDS
Men's
SLASH YOUTH SNOWBOARDS
Summary
So there you have the 2020 Slash snowboards.
Still just a small line, but has expanded from 8 boards to 10 for 2020. And had gone from 5 to 8 between 2018 and 2019 - so they're line is now twice as big as it was for 2018 models. This is parly because Slash almost went under, but managed to survive and are now starting to create new boards again. Good to see.
I had the privilege of riding the Brainstorm, Happy Place & ATV in 2020 models - which was great as I hadn't ridden the trio for a couple of years. I will publish my updated reviews of those throughout the year. For all Slash snowboard reviews on Snowboarding Profiles, check out the link below.
Thanks Nate. Super helpful response. I’ve been looking more closely at the Super 8 and the Brainstorm. Thoughts on pros and cons between those two? They both seem like they would work pretty well for what I”m after. Brainstorm may be a little less aggressive than what I was thinking but still seems like a solid option.
Hi Brigham
I would say the following between those 2:
1. Brainstorm softer flexing – around 5.5/10 vs 6.5/10 on the Super 8
2. Super 8 more freeride oriented – more directional – it’s tapered (tail is 10mm narrower than tip), and has that directional camber profile. That said, the Brainstorm is a little more directional than a directional twin, even though it’s usually categorized as a directional twin. Most directional twins just have a longer nose than tail and a bit of a setback stance. In addition to those the Brainstorm also has a directional camber profile – with the rocker in the nose starting earlier (around the middle of the inserts) than it does at the tail (after the inserts) and the rocker in the nose is more pronounced than it is in the tail. Also since the Super 8 only has a flat section towards the tip after the inserts and it’s rockered on the Brainstorm – they both even out a bit in terms of powder, in my opinion/experience with the boards.
3. Like you alluded to, the Super 8 is the more aggressive of the two. The Brainstorms camber is quite subtle. That coupled with the softer flex makes it quite a playful ride – certainly compared to the Super 8. I wouldn’t say the Super 8 is uber-aggressive but certainly more so than the Brainstorm. The Super 8 can lay into a more aggressive carve.
4. The Brainstorm is a more nimble board than the Super 8, particularly at slower speeds
5. The Super 8 is a little more stable at speed. Which is expected with the extra stiffness and extra camber
6. The Brainstorm still has good edge hold in hard/icy conditions, and I would say is about the same as the Super 8 in that regard. Neither are the top that I’ve ridden in icy conditions, but both are decent – I would say 4/5.
I would personally be leaning towards Super 8 for, just based on what you’re describing – the only thing being the flex, whether you would find it a little on the stiffer side. That would be my only concern there.
Awesome. Thanks so much for you time. Last hassle: If I went with the Super 8, would you do 163 or 166? They’re both rated for the same weight, so I guess it’s just the width and length that are in question. The 166 powder snake never felt too big but the Super 8 is quite a bit wider and more aggressive.
Lastly, I’ve also been looking at the k2 overboard and the gnu Hyper Kyarve, They both look like pretty cool options. Thoughts on either of those? Doesn’t look like they’ve been reviewed yet. Thanks again.
Hi Brigham
For the Super 8, I would go with the 163 for you. I think you’ll prefer the flex-feel of that size more – and with the extra width – and given that you feel you could ride narrower boards, I think the 166 might be getting too big overall for you, with the combination of width and length. Ordinarily, I might even lean towards the 160 for you, but given your history of boards and your particular case, the 163 is probably the right size.
I haven’t ridden the K2 Overboard, but my biggest concern would be whether it’s stiffer than you might like. Since I haven’t ridden it, I’m not sure how it feels on snow. But it’s rated 4/5 by K2 (which in my head translates to 8/10). Of course, those ratings aren’t always accurate but having not ridden it, I couldn’t say for sure.
Did I miss the Hyperkyarve off my earlier list? But yeah that’s definitely an option too. Oh yeah, I think my biggest concern there was whether you would find the 160 too short (which is the longest size it comes in).
Hi Nate, great work on the site. A decade ago I was steeped in the snowboard industry but slipped away while living in Arizona. I just moved to southern Oregon and I’m looking at getting a new board. Curious your thoughts. I’m after a board to ride in the backcountry (but not a split board, I will he using Drift boards on the ascents) so here’s the deal: southern Oregon doesn’t see a ton of powder. Sometimes icy, often spring type conditions with slush/mashed potatoes. So I think over all I would want a board that can handle the occasional powder, a strong carver that can hold an edge on steep harder snow, and be stable and able to handle crud. As for me, I’m 6’ 3” and only 170 pounds (size 12 feet). I have really long legs and rock a pretty wide stance. I often find that high end boards that are long enough for me are almost always too stiff for how lightweight I am compared to my height. I ride fast and hard but I need a relatively softer board. For example, here are some boards that have felt really good to me in the past: K2 Parkstar (161 for average resort days) Salomon powder snake (166 for pow days but could’ve been longer for how wide my stance is), and never summer SL (164 for everything). I’ve found if I buy a little lower-end sintered boards I often end up with the softer flex I like. Right now I’m trying to capitalize on 2019 left overs before the season begins and these three boards look solid: Slash Brainstorm, Salomon Assassin, Niche Story. The brainstorm is a 163 and the hybrid camber profile seems like a good fit. The assassin in 165 looks like it has the right amount of flex but I’m worried about it having no setback. The Story has a solid profile and I like the magnetraction but 162 seems a bit short. Any thoughts on these for my situation? Thanks so much.
Hi Brigham
Thanks for your message.
Size-wise, I would usually say that something around 161, 162 would be a good length for your height/weight as an all-mountain ride. But since you like to ride with a wide stance, are used to longer boards, and since you’ll be riding in the backcountry, then going a little longer than that is probably a good idea. Going shorter does usually mean a softer feeling in terms of flex, but we should be able to find something that’s longer and softer so you don’t need to size down just to get a softer feel.
The Assassin is what I would usually be looking at to go into the backcountry. The Story is probably the most suited but it’s a little stiffer (and I rode the 2020 model and will be upping my flex rating for that once I update the review for it) – which sounds like you’re looking to avoid. For the Brainstorm see below.
It’s true that typically freeride boards tend to have a stiffer flex, but these days there are softer flexing options.
I would take a look at something like:
– Jones Frontier (previously called the Explorer): It’s about a 6.5/10 flex, in my book, so not as stiff as other freeride oriented boards – it’s what I would say is all-mountain but more on the freeride end of the scale.
– Salomon Super 8 – also a 6.5/10 in terms of flex, I would say. A good slightly softer freeride option.
– Slash Brainstorm – After riding the 2020 model, it’s a more playful feeling ride than I remember it being, but if that’s something you’re looking for, then this could suit what you’re after. Will be adjusting my flex rating for this to 5.5/10. It’s a little softer than I remember (previously rated it 6/10). The 163W would be a great size for you too, based on what you’re describing.
– Ride Wildlife. It’s got a more directional orientation than most all-mountain boards, making it freeride-esque but it’s softer flexing – I’d say 5/10 – or maybe even a touch softer than that. A really easy going freeride-esque ride. Biggest downside of this option is not necessarily great in icy conditions.
– GNU Hyperkyarve – The Hyperkyarve on the other hand great in icy conditions. Biggest downside probably that you might find the 160 too short (it’s longest size), if you’re used to longer boards.
– Never Summer Insta Gator – but again the sizing might not work for you (159 longest size)
Hope this gives you some options to consider