The below is a breakdown of the 2021 Niche snowboards lineup.
First I will take a look at any new boards for the 2020-21 season, and any old 2019-20 boards that are exiting.
Then I'll look at each board and put them into the categories where I see them fitting best.
New 2021 NICHE Snowboards
The new boards for 2020-21 are:
Exiting 2020 NICHE Snowboards
The 2020 boards that aren't returning with a 2021 model:
* all 2020 models are returning with a 2021 model.
All 2021 NICHE Snowboards by Category
I have categorized Niche's 2020-21 collection below. This is according to the categories here at SnowboardingProfiles.com and not necessarily the same as how Niche categorizes them.
Of course these are only broad categories as every board is different, but this is a rough guide.
NICHE BEGINNER SNOWBOARDS
I wouldn't class any Niche board as being strictly beginner. The closest would be the men's Wraith and the women's Minx.
NICHE PARK/FREESTYLE SNOWBOARDS
Men's
Women's
NICHE ALL-MOUNTAIN-FREESTYLE SNOWBOARDS
Men's
Women's
NICHE AGGRESSIVE ALL-MTN-FREESTYLE SNOWBOARDS
Men's
Women's
NICHE ALL-MOUNTAIN SNOWBOARDS
Men's
NICHE AGGRESSIVE ALL-MOUNTAIN SNOWBOARDS
*No Niche boards match my definition for this category. The Story is very close though - it's on the more aggressive side of all-mountain, but not quite enough so to be in this category, IMO.
NICHE FREERIDE SNOWBOARDS
Men's
NICHE POWDER & SHORT/WIDE SNOWBOARDS
Men's
Women's
NICHE SPLIT BOARDS
*Niche don't make any splitboards
NICHE YOUTH SNOWBOARDS
*Niche don't make any youth boards
Summary
So there you have the 2021 Niche snowboards.
So not a lot changed for the 2021 lineup. Just the Hawthorn coming in. Though not a lot of change is expected with such a small lineup. Doesn't look like there are any notable changes to the existing models either.
The Hawthorn is a nice addition - a freeride option with a softer flex that will appeal to many.
I was able to get on the Niche Wraith this year, which was nice as it was one I hadn't ridden before. I will release my reviews for the 2021 boards I tested (including the Wraith), throughout the year. For all of Snowboarding Profiles' Niche reviews, check out the link below.
Hi Nate – was curious to see if you were able to ride the Hawthorn yet? I actually just purchased a 157 Hawthorn since it was 40% off on their website.
Im an intermediate rider at 6’0, 155 ish and currently ride a one mag tek that my friend gave me for free a few years back. I mainly ride blues and blacks (without moguls), have started going off some baby jumps and dabbling in the park at beginner boxes. Wanted a board that can somewhat do it all (ride fast and stable, take through powder and also have some fun with on jumps and boxes) but not be the same as the one mag tek since I’m keeping it. Hoping this fits the bill!
Hi Ayman
I wasn’t able to get on any Niche boards this season, unfortunately (was harder with Covid), so I wasn’t able to get on the Hawthorn, but based on other Niche boards (particularly the Maelstrom, which is essentially a stiffer version of the Hawthorn), I would say:
– For speed, at that size for your specs and as an intermediate rider, it’s going to be really really good, IMO – and definitely stable.
– For powder, also going to be awesome, IMO
– For jibs (boxes/rails) not going to be so good. I would say the One Mag will do a better job there, so if you find you struggle with the Hawthorn on jibs, then I would use the One for those predominantly
– For jumps, I think it will be fine. I wouldn’t consider it the ultimate jumping board, but will do the job there, I would say.
Size-wise, I think you’re spot on in terms of a freeride size – and I would consider the Hawthorn a freeride board. It’s probably a bit big as a park board for your specs, IMO, but for everything else, I think it’s a good size – particularly for powder, speed and big carves.
Hope this helps
Hey thanks for the reviews. I’m debating on what board to but end of season. Was originally thinking a Ride Algorithm or Jones Frontier but can’t find any in stock and then found the Niche Hawthorne and Capita Outerspace Living.
I’m at least an intermediate rider currently still on a 16 year old K2 Fuse. I get out west once a year, twice if lucky. Mainly cruise on blues and comfortable on blacks and like to find powder when I can. No park and no jumps. Looking for something to help me improve all over the mountain but not something I have to fight against since I’m only on the mountain for a limited time per year, that’s what I’ve liked about the Hawthorne. Seems to have a softer flex than the maelstrom, easier to turn but still can carve and improve my riding on hard snow and powder.
What do you think between the Hawthorne and Outerspace Living?
Thanks!
Hi James
Thanks for your message.
I haven’t ridden the Hawthorne yet, but hoping to get on one in the next couple of weeks. But on paper, and based on the Maelstrom and other Niche boards, I think it would certainly work for what you’re describing. I think the OSL would still be the more easy going board, but the Hawthorne is better suited to the style of riding you’re describing, IMO. And I would say that it’s not something you would have to fight too much, based on specs, but again, I haven’t ridden it, so couldn’t say for sure having not ridden it yet.
Hope this helps
Thanks! appreciate the reply and help.
You’re very welcome James. Happy riding!