Hello and welcome to my Arbor Bryan Iguchi Pro Rocker review.
In this review, I will take a look at the Bryan Iguchi Pro Rocker as an all-mountain snowboard.
As per tradition here at SnowboardingProfiles.com I will give the Bryan Iguchi Pro Rocker a score out of 100 (based on several factors) and see how it compares with other all-mountain snowboards.
NOTE: The 2020 model was the last model of the Byran Iguchi Pro Rocker.
Overall Rating
Board: Arbor Bryan Iguchi Pro Rocker 2020
Price: $599
Style: All-Mountain
Flex Rating: Medium-Stiff (7/10)
Flex Feel on Snow: Medium bordering on Medium-Stiff (6.5/10)
Rating Score: 84.0/100
Compared to other Men’s All-Mountain Boards
Out of the 34 men’s all-mountain snowboards that I rated:
Overview of the Bryan Iguchi Pro Rocker’s Specs
Check out the tables for the Bryan Iguchi Pro Rocker’s specs and available sizes.
Specs
Style: | All-Mountain |
Price: | $599 |
Ability Level: |  |
Flex: |  |
Feel: |  |
Turn Initiation: | Fast |
Edge-hold: |  |
Camber Profile: | Continuous Rocker Arbor's System Rocker |
Shape: | |
Setback Stance: | Centered |
Base: | Sintered |
Weight: | Normal |
Sizing
LENGTH (cm) | Waist Width (mm) | Rec Rider Weight (lb) | Rec Rider Weight (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|
156 | 251 | 120-200 | 54-91 |
159 | 252.5 | 128-208 | 58-94 |
162 | 254 | 134-214+ | 61-97+ |
Who is the Bryan Iguchi Pro Rocker Most Suited To?
The Bryan Iguchi Pro Rocker is great for anyone looking for a high performance do-it-all snowboard that has a looser feel underfoot, with quick edge-to-edge transitions and a smooth feel in crud and bumps.
Great for anyone who rides trees as well as groomers, wants some stiffness but also some butterability and doesn't necessarily need to get too aggressive on carves and likes a surfy feel in powder.
Not for a strict beginner, but a low-end intermediate rider could handle this board - it's a little stiffer, but it's very easy to turn still and not catchy.
The Bryan Iguchi Pro Rocker in More Detail
O.k. let’s take a more detailed look at what the Bryan Iguchi Pro Rocker is capable of.
Demo Info
Board: Arbor Bryan Iguchi Pro Rocker 2020, 156cm (251mm waist width)
Date: February 27, 2019
Conditions: Overcast but perfect visibility.
Snow was nice medium to medium-firm on groomer. OK off-groomer but a little crunchy and icy in patches.
Bindings angles: +15/-15
Stance width: 540mm (21.3″)
Stance Setback: Centered
Width at Inserts: 265mm (10.43")
Rider Height: 6'0"
Rider Weight: 185lbs
Rider Boot Size: US10 Vans Aura
Bindings Used: Burton Malavita M
Powder
Didn't really have much to test it in but I did find a patch and it felt like it would be really good in powder. A fun surfy feel in powder.
There's a bit of taper in it's shape and the nose is 2cm longer than the tail. That plus all the rocker make it quite good specs-wise for powder. It has a centered reference stance which takes away from it's powder prowess a little - but you could certainly set it back on powder days.
Carving & Turning
Carving: Not the biggest carver. You could certainly carve on it, but wasn't anything amazing. A looser feel - so kind of wanted to skid out a bit, even when looking to carve. Without any camber that wasn't a big surprise.
Maneuverability at slow speeds: Really nimble at slow speeds, especially for it's flex. Felt really confident and fun in the trees.
Overall edge-to-edge speeds: Fast or slow it responded well
Smooth or snappy: In the middle. It's quite smooth but also very quick edge to edge.
Speed
Certainly not an out and out bomber. But it's good at speed for a rocker. It's got a slightly stiffer than medium flex-feel, which helps for sure.
Uneven Terrain
The Bryan Iguchi Pro Rocker felt great in uneven terrain. It floated over top nicely and because it's nice and nimble, that helped when trying to navigate around/through bumps.
Let’s Break up this text with a Video
Jumps
Overall a decent jumper without being insane.
Pop: There's not heaps of pop - and that was expected given there's no camber, but what pop there is, is super easy to extract.
Approach: Fine for small to medium, but some may not like the looser feel of the rocker for approaching large jumps.
Landing: Again, fine for landings off small to medium. And that extra stiffness helps - but the rocker can feel a bit loose and less suitable for larger jumps.
Side-hits: Really good - pop doesn't require much effort to extract and being nimble helps it with trickier approaches.
Small jumps: Great for smaller jumps.
Big jumps: Not ideal. A little on the looser side, so maybe not stable enough to be ideal for larger jumps.
Switch
It's centered but it does have that little bit of taper. It's not a huge amount, but it's enough that it's noticeable. It also has that nose that's 2cm longer than the tail - but that's outside the contact points, so you don't really notice that on groomers at all.
It felt fine riding switch without being ideal.
Spins
You can certainly spin this board. It's got decent pop, which is easily accessible and the board gets around fairly easily. It's not ideal for landing and taking off switch and it's not the most solid landing platform in the world for big tricks, but doable for spins overall.
Jibbing
Again not ideal, but doable.
Butters
This board is actually quite easy to press/butter, especially given it's flex. Perhaps the tip/tail are softer than the flex between the feet?
Score Breakdown and Final Verdict
Check out the breakdown of the score in the table below.
RATING | Contribution to Final Score | |
|---|---|---|
POWDER | 3.5 | 10.5/15 |
CARVING/TURNS | 3.5 | 10.5/15 |
SPEED | 3.0 | 9/15 |
UNEVEN TERRAIN | 4.0 | 12/15 |
SWITCH | 3.5 | 7/10 |
JUMPS | 3.5 | 7/10 |
SPINS | 3.0 | 3/5 |
BUTTERS | 4.0 | 4/5 |
JIBBING | 2.5 | 2.5/5 |
PIPE | 2.5 | 2.5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 84.0/100 |
Overall, I found the Bryan Iguchi Pro Rocker to be the most fun in trees, and off-groomer generally. It handled uneven terrain really well and has a nice surfy feel in powder/softer snow.
It's not the poppiest or most aggressive board going around, but it's really nimble especially for it's flex and it's really versatile for doing a bit of everything. Great for anyone that wants a looser/surfier feel but wants to be able to do a bit of everything, everywhere on the mountain.
More Info, Current Prices and Where to Buy Online
If you want to learn more about the Bryan Iguchi Pro Rocker, or if you are ready to buy, or if you just want to research prices and availability, check out the links below.
If you want to check out some other all-mountain snowboard options, or if you want to compare how the Iguchi Pro Rocker compares to other all-mountain snowboards, then check out the next link.
Hi Nate:
Thanks again for advice and insight, I really appreciate it.
Sean
You’re very welcome
Hi Nate:
Just wanted to thank you for your insight. I ended up with a Jones Mountain Twin 157. This board looks even better in person, and I was able to get a 2019 model for almost half price.
I am wondering if you can help me with size and board recommendations for my wife and my eldest daughter. My wife is approximately 5’9.5 and around 155 pounds. She would be an advanced to expert rider and is what I would call a free rider/bomber (she’ll cruise if the kids are around),. My daughter is almost 7 and weighs 55 pounds and is approximately 4’ 2 tall and this will be her third year of lessons.
Again, primarily riding on east coast groomers, but there will likely be the occasional trip out west.
Thanks
Sean
Hi Sean
Nice one getting it for a good price!
For your wife, I’d say something around 154, 155 as an experienced rider. I think something like the YES Hel Yes would be a good option. Good in icy conditions and able to bomb on it. Not an out and out bomber, but something that still bombs decently – but will also be forgiving to cruise on when she needs.
Other options could be the Jones Dream Catcher or GNU Klassy. Or she could go with the Jones Flagship – which would be the best bomber/freerider – but less suitable as something to also be able to cruise on.
For your daughter, I’d say something around 120cm would be a good bet. She could also go 115 (kids boards tend to be in 5cm or even 10cm increments. But going 120 would still be suitable, I would say and would allow her a little growing room at the same time. Probably ideally, more 115-117, but you’ll prob struggle to find anything in 117, and 115 she might grow out of relatively quickly. If you’re happy to buy her another board after a season or 2, I’d say go 115, but if you want it to last a bit longer 120.
I’m not really expert in recommending kids boards, but you could look into:
– GNU Playdate
– Arbor Helix
– Never Summer Starlet
– Lib Tech Banana Blaster
– Roxy Inspire (which actually does come in a 117)
Hope this helps
Hi Nate:
I thought I had responded to your message, but I guess it did not go through. After reading what seems like every review you have written, I am leaning towards the Mountain Twin, but wonder if you could tell what the significant differences are between the Mountain Twin, the Explorer, the Niche Story and the Team Gullwing.
In terms of size the Mountain Twin would be either a 157 or a 155W; the Explorer would be a 159, the Niche would be a 156 and the Team Gullwing would be a 155 or 157.
Which do you think would be the best bet?
Thanks,
Sean
Hi Sean
Apologies for the slow response. I’m overseas on vacation and was feeling the jet lag!
The Explorer is something you can ride a little longer, since it has less effective edge – it has the same effective edge as the 157 Mountain Twin, so size-wise, that’s a good bet, IMO. The extra length is outside the contact points (i.e. longer nose/tail). Explorer 159 23.5cm nose and 21.5cm tail. 157 Mountain Twin 22cm nose, 20cm tail (though the 2020 Mountain Twin looks like they’ve twinned it up with a 21cm nose and 21cm tail on the 157. Either way, more outside the contact points, but same effective edge between the contact points on 157 Mountain Twin and 159 Explorer. Meaning you can go a little longer on the Explorer (good for powder) without it feeling longer on groomers.
Another difference is that the Explorer has a directional camber profile – where the MT has even amount of rocker before the tail contact point and nose contact point, the Explorer has more rocker before the nose contact point than it does before the tail contact point. Another thing making it a more directional, bordering on freeride kind of board. Flex-wise, the Explorer is supposed to be a little softer than the MT, but I’ve found it to be the other way around, in terms of feel on snow – though very close flex-wise overall. Maybe with less rocker in the tail makes the Explorer feel a little stiffer on snow?
I rode the 2020 Niche Story in the winter just gone – and it’s stiffer than I remembered it – so I will likely actually up that to 6.5/10 or even 7/10 in terms of stiffness, when I update that review. It would otherwise be suitable for sure, but just whether it’s a little on the stiff side for what you’re looking for (I rode the 156).
The Team Gullwing is also a good option. Vs the Mountain Twin it’s ever so slightly on the looser/easier going side, mainly due to that rocker between the feet. But a very good do-it-all option, IMO. In a lot of ways it feels similar to the Mountain Twin, except just with that slightly, but not hugely, looser feeling underfoot. I’d say 157 would be the better bet for you.
Based on everything, I think the Mountain Twin 157 or Team Gullwing 157 would be your best bets. And which one you go for would depend on whether you wanted a slightly more easy going feel or slightly more precise feel underfoot, if that makes sense.
Hi Nate:
Thanks for the response. I am torn between the Jones Mountain Twin and the Explorer. They seem to be very similar. Which would be the better choice for mostly riding groomers on the east coast (no park, jumps, etc). The Mountain Twin would be 157 and the Explorer would be 159. I am also worried that the 159 would be too long.
Interested in your opinion.
Thanks
Sean
Hi Nate:
Thanks for the insight. I have been spending a lot of time on your site and wanted to get your thought s on a couple of other boards to see if you thought they might be a better choice for me, as I think an all mountain board might be better than an all mountain freestyle ( although I will leave the Assassin Pro in consideration).
Jones Mountain Twin
Jones Explorer
Nitro Team Gullwing
Lib Tech Terrain Wrecker
Do you think that any of these would be a better choice than the Hyperkyarve or Assassin Pro?
Thanks
Hi Sean
Yeah absolutely, those options would certainly work. I haven’t ridden the Terrain Wrecker yet, so I couldn’t say first hand about that. But the others are good options, IMO. You can find reviews for all 3 on this site – and the Mountain Twin and Team Gullwing make my Top 10 All-Mountain. The Explorer is more on the freeride side – kind of part way between all-mountain and freeride.
In terms of versatility, I would say that they would be better than the Hyperkyarve and Assassin Pro – the Explorer maybe similar to Hyperkyarve in terms of versatility. But the Assassin Pro still versatile, just a little less in terms of powder. And the Hyperkyarve and Explorer less freestyle oriented, especially Hyperkyarve. The Mountain Twin and Team Gullwing what I would deem “do-it-all”ers.
Hi Nate:
Thanks for your feedback, it is really helpful. Based on your comments I have really narrowed down my list to:
Proto 157 (122)
Hyperkyarve 157 (117)
Assassin Pro 156 (118)
Which of these do you think will be (a) the least catchy; (b) the most forgiving; and (c) the best in hard or icy snow (ie East coast snow)?
Also, I saw the specs on the 2020 Hyperkyarve which say that it will be a little narrower, but have less effective edge (25.7 (19) vs 25.2 (20) waist and 117 (19) vs 115 (20) effective edge). If I decided on the GNU would it be better to get a 2019 to have more effective edge?
Thanks
Sean
Hi Sean
Good spotting with the specs of the 2019 and 2020 Hyperkyarves. In terms of the better option, I would say that the 2019 is probably better – to have that bit more effective edge in there for your specs. More isn’t always better of course – and more effective edge is more board to handle – but in saying that 117 isn’t going to be a lot of effective edge for you, IMO. The 2020 model is likely to be a little more nimble – being a little narrower and that reduced effective edge, but from what I’ve found out about the Hyperkyarve is that it’s really quick edge to edge anyway (2019 model) – so I don’t think that would be an issue on the 2019 model. It also seems like the Hyperkyarve is quite forgiving for a freeride board, and might be a little softer flexing than what the specs suggest.
So, below is based on my experience with the Assassin Pro and PT2, but just going off specs and what I’ve read for the Hyperkyarve as I haven’t ridden it yet.
(a) I didn’t find either the Assassin Pro or PT2 catchy. I also wouldn’t say they’re the least catchy boards going around, but certainly not overly catchy. If I had to say I think the Assassin Pro is just a touch more on the catchy side vs the PT2. The Hyperkyarve, from what I can tell, isn’t a catchy board either. And based on other GNU/Lib Tech boards with the C2X camber profiles, I’ve never found them to feel catchy – so prob on par with the PT2.
(b) I would say the PT2 is the most forgiving. A little more forgiving than the Assassin Pro. Not by giant amounts but just a touch. The Assassin Pro isn’t completely unforgiving either. But it is a little more aggressive, a little more dialed in. The Hyperkyarve based on other similar GNU/Lib Tech, specs and what I’ve read, is probably somewhere in between. Camber profile maybe a touch more forgiving than the Assassin Pro (and possibly even slightly softer flexing, though I’m not sure there) – but likely a little stiffer than the PT2, even if it’s a bit softer than it’s rating.
(c) Based on other similar GNU/Lib Tech, specs and what I’ve read the Hyprekyarve is likely the best in hard/icy. But both the PT2 and Assassin Pro are good in those conditions too. Maybe 4/5 for Assassin Pro and PT2 and 5/5 or 4.5/5 for Hyperkyarve. Maybe the Assassin Pro just a little better than the PT2, but not much in it.
Hope this gives you more to go off to help narrow it down
Hi Nate:
Thanks for the response. Based on your comments the Westbound doesn’t seem like it would be a good choice for me. Also, from your comments the Assassin Pro seems to be a better choice than the Proto (which makes me wonder why it did not make your top 5 and the Proto did?).
Will the stiff flex on some of the boards be less of an issue if I were to size down? For example, would it be an issue if I got the Heritage in a 155 as opposed to a 158? Here is what I was thinking it terms of sizing:
Proto – 157
Heritage – 155
West (although I hate the top sheet) – 156
Hyperkyarve – 157
Iguchi – 156
Assassin Pro – 156
Which do you think would be the best and will the fact that I have somewhat stiff bindings (Salomon Quantums) make much of a difference?
Thanks again
Sean
Hi Sean
My comments regarding the Assassin Pro are based on what I think is going to be most suitable for you. The Top 5 All-Mtn-Freestyle list is based on giving certain weightings to certain aspects – based on what I think are the more and less important factors for an all-mtn-freestyle snowboard – powder is one thing that doesn’t get much weighting for that style of board. Also, I have classed the Assassin Pro as an aggressive all-mtn-freestyle board (different category). All that said, I did ride the 2020 Assassin Pro and really enjoyed it, even more than the 2018 model I rode for the review – so it’s score is likely to go up, when I update it’s review.
Sizing down will change how the flex feels for sure. So going shorter and a board won’t feel as stiff. The other thing to consider is effective edge – a board with more effective edge – even given the same length, will feel longer. The effective edges of those on your list:
Proto – 157 (122cm)
Heritage – 155 (121cm)
West (although I hate the top sheet) – 156 (120cm)
Hyperkyarve – 157 (117cm)
Iguchi – 156 (114.8cm)
Assassin Pro – 156 (118cm)
So the Heritage in the 155, though that’s going quite short for you – it still has a good amount of effective edge – and the shorter length will feel not as stiff.
The Iguchi Pro I would be leaning slightly towards 159 for that option (117.5cm) or you might feel the lack of effective edge.
The Hyperkyarve I think is good at 157 – not heaps of effective edge vs some of the others – but it’s also a little wider – and if you’re wanting to size down from that 161-ish length, then for that board I think 157 is right on.
Assassin Pro – I agree 156 – you could go 159 too, but I think 156 is better if you’re looking to reduce that flex feel.
West – prob no need to reduce the flex on this one, so 159 comes into play – but it does have a good amount of effective edge vs overall length. 50/50 on the 156 v 159 on this one.
Proto – I agree 157 – good amount of effective edge, but no need to reduce the flex feel.
It’s best to try to match flex between board, bindings, boots as much as possible, but doesn’t have to be exact (and it’s not an exact science comparing between the flex of bindings and boards). But if you bindings are a little stiffer than your board selection, I find that’s OK – I’d rather have it that way around than having softer bindings on a stiffer board. And since none of these boards are super soft, they should match well enough to the Quantums.
Hi Nate:
I really appreciate your feedback, as I was all set to order the Proto (it seems that it is everyone’s default board recommendation). Just to make sure that I am reading your comments correctly, you are saying that the Arbor Iguchi and NS West are the best options, the Assassin Pro, Hyperkyarve and Heritage could be good options, but could be too stiff. Is the only issue with the Proto the fact that it isn’t great in powder?
With the Arbor would you only recommend the rocker version or the camber version as well. Also would your advice be different if I said I rode groomers 95% of the time?
Do you have any other board recommendations? Have you ridden the NS West Bound, and would that be a good choice or is it too powder focused?
Thanks
Sean
Hi Sean
Yeah, based on what you’re describing I would say the Iguchi Rocker and NS West are the best options from the at list. The only thing with the PT2 is powder. But if you were very seldom in powder, then it would be fine. And any board can ride powder – but it’s just going to be more effort to keep the nose floating. Particularly if you’re riding deep powder it can get frustrating if you keep nose diving!
I haven’t ridden the Iguchi Pro Camber yet, but based on the other Camber Arbor boards I’ve ridden, that’s an option – but it won’t be as good in powder – probably not quite as good edge-to-edge speed, at least not at slow speeds – and even though it’s technically the same flex, will likely feel a bit stiffer than the rocker version on snow. But yeah for 95% groomers it’s certainly an option – just going to be a bit more aggressive and not as suitable for riding at slower speeds as the rocker version.
Assassin Pro, Hyperkyarve and Heritage – yeah pretty much just the flex that could be an issue with those – the Assassin Pro a step behind in powder – but if you’re not seeing it that much would be fine (and still better than the PT2).
I rode the Westbound in March and loved it. But it is a stiffer board – and certainly freeride focused. I didn’t get any real powder to test it in, but based on how it rode and it’s specs it would be a good board in powder, but certainly not a powder specialist – it was great to carve up the groomers. But my biggest concern there would be the flex. It’s not ultra-stiff, but it’s certainly a step up from medium – and a step up from the likes of the West and Iguchi Pro. The Westbound is quite different to the West – even though it inherited it’s name – it’s quite a different board.
Hi Nate:
Love your site and thanks for all of the work you put into it.
I am looking for your recommendation on a new board. I was an intermediate rider (but have just started riding again now that my kids are getting to the age where they have or are soon to be getting into it). I am 5’11 and approx. 190 and wear size 9 or 9.5 boots.
My current board is a 2010 Gnu Danny Kass C2 btx 153, and this year I got new boots and bindings (Salomon Quantums and Vans Aura Pro). I like the way the Gnu rides, but it seems a bit small (I weighed a fair bit less when I bought it) and the graphic is a little “off” for a 42 year old with 2 young kids.
I mainly cruise groomers on the east coast, but would the board to be decent/serviceable in powder in the event we take trips out west. I don’t do any park, jumps, etc., but I found a bit shorter board to be more maneuverable. The boards I am considering (but I am open to any other suggestions you have) are the Arbor Iguchi (probably the rocker), Never Summer Proto TT, Never Summer West, Never Summer Heritage, Salomon Assassin Pro and the Gnu HyperKyarve.
Very interested in your thoughts on board and size.
Thanks in advance
Sean
Hi Sean
Thanks for your message.
Yeah, size-wise, I would certainly look to going a bit longer than your current 153, for your specs – and especially if you’re not really doing any freestyle. But maybe temper how long you go with the fact that a. you’re used to something shorter b. sounds like you have a preference to go a little shorter c. if you’re mostly riding with your kids you’re probably not going to be bombing it (at least not to begin with, and if you even have any inclination to ride fast) d. because of a roughly intermediate level. At an advanced level, for an all-mountain kind of board (which I think would suit you best), I would say something around 160, 161. But taking everything into account, I think looking between 157 and 159 is probably going to suit you more, by the sounds of it.
Some comments on each board you’re considering.
Arbor Iguchi Pro Rocker: As you’ve probably read in this review, I found this board to be quite maneuverable, so it ticks that box, IMO. And if you go for something like the 156, then I’d say you’ll definitely be fine maneuverability-wise. Usually it’s nice to have a bit of camber in the profile for hard/icy conditions (as I’m sure you experience a lot out East?) – but I found the Iguchi Pro Rocker (and other Arbor rocker boards) to have surprisingly good edge hold in hard/icy conditions. Still not going to be the ultimate in those conditions – but if you keep the edges sharp, I don’t think you’ll have any issues with it in that respect. So definitely an option, IMO. It would just be whether you would go with the 156 or 159.
The Proto T2 would certainly work but may leave you wanting in powder for any trips out West or for when you get local pow. The NS West would be the better option. Both boards are relatively similar with the West just being more directional – which would suit what you’re describing better anyway, IMO – the PT2 is closer to the freestyle end of the spectrum.
I haven’t ridden the Heritage but it looks like it’s on the stiffer side. The only issue with this is that if it feels too stiff for you, then it might not be that fun to ride slow, when you might need or want to sometimes – and can affect maneuverability when riding slower too. Otherwise could work, but I think the West is the best of the Never Summer options, based on my interpretation of what you’re describing. Like the Iguchi Pro Rocker, the debate would be whether to go 156 or 159.
The Assassin Pro is another which is relatively stiff, but a super-fun board too. It’s not going to be killer in powder – but is pretty good in powder for an all-mountain-freestyle board. Better for powder than the Proto T2, IMO, so this would be the better option if you were going to go for an all-mountain-freestyle option. The biggest thing would be whether it’s slightly too stiff. Being a little stiffer, I would be leaning towards the 156 vs the 159 for that particular board for you.
The Hyperkyarve is another that I haven’t ridden. I would consider it something that’s more freeride than all-mountain – which isn’t in itself an issue for what you’re describing. But a couple of things that would be concerns for me – 1. again, it’s a little on the stiffer side – possibly doable – not ultra-stiff, but just a little more than medium by the looks of it (but I couldn’t say first hand – just going off specs). The other thing is that it’s a little wider. So getting on the 157 (which would be the length I’d go for for you) might feel a little wider for your boot size. It’s not hugely wide, but not ideal in terms of width either, IMO. And the 154 is probably a little too short.
Hope this helps to narrow down your options.