Hello and welcome to my Never Summer Funslinger review.
In this review, I will take a look at the Funslinger as a freestyle snowboard.
As per tradition here at SnowboardingProfiles.com I will give the Dipstick a score out of 100 (based on several factors) and see how it compares with other freestyle snowboards.
NOTE: The 2020 model was the last model of the Funslinger. It has been replaced by the Proto Slinger
Overall Rating
Board: Never Summer Funslinger 2020
Price: $539
Style: Freestyle
Flex Rating: Soft
Flex Feel on Snow: Medium-Soft (3.5/10)
Rating Score: 90.7/100
Compared to other Men’s Freestyle Boards
Out of the 38 Men’s Freestyle snowboards that I rated:
Overview of the Funslinger’s Specs
Check out the tables for the Funslinger’s specs and available sizes.
Specs
Style: | Freestyle |
Price: | $539 |
Ability Level: |  |
Flex: |  |
Feel: |  |
Turn Initiation: | Fast |
Edge-hold: |  |
Camber Profile: | Hybrid Rocker Never Summer's Ripsaw Rocker |
Shape: | |
Setback Stance: | Centered |
Base: | Sintered |
Weight: | Normal |
Sizing
LENGTH (cm) | Waist Width (mm) | Rec Rider Weight (lb) | Rec Rider Weight (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|
146 | 245 | 105-155 | 48-70 |
149 | 247 | 110-160 | 50-73 |
151 | 248 | 115-165 | 52-75 |
153 | 250 | 120-170 | 54-77 |
156 | 253 | 125-175 | 57-80 |
159 | 255 | 135-185 | 61-84 |
154X | 258 | 125-175 | 57-80 |
157X | 262 | 130-180 | 59-82 |
160X | 264 | 155-205 | 70-93 |
Who is the Funslinger Most Suited To?
The Funslinger is best for those wanting to spend a fair bit of time in the park and/or finding natural hits to play on. It's a little more aggressive than something like the Dipstick but it's still playful enough.
Just a little too much camber there to be beginner friendly but certainly fine for low end intermediate. And great for advanced riders looking for a freestyle oriented deck.
The Funslinger in More Detail
O.k. let’s take a more detailed look at what the Funslinger is capable of.
Demo Info
Board: Never Summer Funslinger 2020, 156cm (253mm waist width)
Date: April 13, 2019
Conditions: Snowing! A little dust on crust off piste in places but some really good fresh powder spots in other spots. On groomer good, getting a little cruddy later in the day.
Cold for mid-April. Around 20°F (-7°C), with wind chill. Visibility not perfect but not terrible either.
Bindings angles: +15/-15
Stance width: 550mm (21.7″)
Stance Setback: Centered
Width at Inserts: 263mm (10.35")
Rider Height: 6'0"
Rider Weight: 185lbs
Rider Boot Size: US10 Vans Aura
Bindings Used: Burton Malavita M
Powder
Not the kind of board I would get for riding powder. Sure any board can ride powder - and you could always set it back on deep days - but even setback, the Funslinger is still going to be an effort in deep powder. Fine for an inch or so, but otherwise not ideal.
Carving & Turning
For it's flex, you can get a decent carve out of this board. There's a good amount of camber there - so that really helps in this respect.
Regular turns are fun, quick and snappy. You can certainly skid a turn on it too. It's not quite as easy to skid turns on as the Never Summer Dipstick, for example, but still pretty easy.
Speed
It gets a bit wobbly when you get up to decent speeds, but that's certainly expected of a board of this flex. Gives you a little more at speed vs the Dipstick.
Uneven Terrain
Decent in bumpy terrain - really nimble for weaving through and forgiving going over. Doesn't monster through crud, but it's not super exhausting in crud either.
Let’s Break up this text with a Video
Jumps
Wow! That's all I can say with this board and jumps. Gosh darn was this thing fun! Certainly a small to medium jumper mostly, but larger jumps doable.
Pop: Plenty of pop - and really easily accessible pop too. Very little loading up required.
Approach: Nice and nimble for trickier approaches and solid enough up to certain speeds. Best for small to medium.
Landing: Again best for small to medium - solid enough landing platform that certainly has enough forgiveness too.
Side-hits: So fun for sidehits. Good, easy pop and nice and nimble for tricker approaches.
Switch
I find asymmetrical twins to be the most comfortable riding switch - and the Funslinger is no exception.
Spins
Awesome for spins. As good as it gets taking off and landing switch, great pop and easy to get the spin around.
Jibbing
Really good on a jib. I'm not the world's best jibber, I'll be the first to admit, but I felt comfortable on this board on jibs.
Butters
Ultra buttery. This board has a great ability of being super buttery, but at the same time be nice and poppy.
Changes from the 2019 Model
As far as I can tell the 2020 model is the same as the 2019 model - apart from a new top sheet I think (and the graphic of course). Which has been the same for a couple of years.
Changes from the 2018 Model
The 2018 and 2019 models are virtually the same, as far as I can tell, except for the graphic.
Changes from the 2017 Model
The 2018 and 2017 model are virtually the same board – only the graphics have changed.
Score Breakdown and Final Verdict
Check out the breakdown of the score in the table below.
RATING | Contribution to Final Score | |
|---|---|---|
JUMPS | 4.5 | 18/20 |
JIBBING | 4.0 | 16/20 |
SWITCH | 5.0 | 15/15 |
BUTTERING | 5.0 | 10/10 |
SPINS | 4.5 | 9/10 |
UNEVEN TERRAIN | 3.5 | 3.5/5 |
POWDER | 2.0 | 2/5 |
CARVING/TURNS | 3.0 | 3/5 |
SPEED | 2.5 | 2.5/5 |
PIPE | 3.5 | 3.5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 90.7/100 |
Overall, the Funslinger is a super fun board to ride. It's not a bomber, but it gives a bit more for carving than you would expect. Don't get me started about jumping and spinning on this board. Holy! It was mean. A fun sharp, snappy overall ride.
More Info, Current Prices and Where to Buy Online
If you want to learn more about the Funslinger, 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 freestyle snowboard options, or if you want to compare how the Funslinger compares to other freestyle snowboards, then check out the next link.
Hello and welcome to my Never Summer Funslinger review.
O.k. let’s take a more detailed look at what the Funslinger is capable of.
When it comes to switch the Funslinger is about as good as it gets. And that’s no surprise given it’s asymmetrical twin shape and centered stance.
Hello from norway, very informativ review.
Im 150lbs and 5.9 tall.
I have found a not used funslinger 2017 in size 156.
Is that a good size for me? Not really going to use it in the park, maybe 20%.
Want to cruise down the hill, some tree runs.
Not shure if 153 would be better for me :/?
Hope you can share some insight.
Btw what weight where you when you ride the 156?
Hi Ole
Thanks for your message.
I’d probably go 153 for the Funslinger, ideally. I don’t think the 156 is super big for you, but I think it’s just slightly too big and the 153 would be better. I was 185lbs when I rode the Funslinger in 156. I’m now pretty consistently closer to 175lbs and I own the 156 Proto Slinger (the follow on from the Funslinger).
Hi I am 5 10 tall and 190 pound ,should I go for 153 or 159 on funslinger??
Hi Alex
As per my other response, I think the 156 is probably the best size for you. If you were to be using it for all-mountain riding, then the 159 would certainly work, but if you were mostly freestyle/all-mountain-freestyle, then 156 would be a better bet, IMO.
Hi I am currently thinking on the protoslinger and funslinger ,is there really a big different between them?? And I am 5 10 tall and 190 pound ,size 9-9.5 boot . What length of snowboard would u recommend ???thank you!
Hi Alex
Thanks for your message.
Not a massive difference between the Funslinger and Proto Slinger but there is some difference. It’s just a little better carving and a little better at speed. But overall feel/personality is very similar. See more on the Proto Slinger in my Proto Slinger Review
If I had to choose, I’d go Proto Slinger, but the Funslinger is still an awesome deck and it’s a super close call, and you should be able to get it a good bit cheaper than you’d get the Proto Slinger for, right now, if you can find it in the right size.
Size-wise, I think the 156 would be the best size for you for this board. If you were wanting to use it as more of a daily driver/all-mountain board, then you could certainly ride the 159. But I would be leaning towards the 156 for you, assuming you will be riding predominantly freestyle/all-mountain-freestyle on it.
Hope this helps
Thank you ! And yes funslinger can get coupon hundred off since it’s not this season stuff , what about 153 is it fine to go with ??and
Hi Alex
You could ride the 153, but just don’t expect it to feel very stable at speed. It’s going to be a very playful option and would really be best in that size for playful park riding, and casual all-mountain-freestyle. At 190lbs, the 153 will very likely feel softer than how I felt the 156. To me the 156 felt around a 3.5/10. The 153 for you will likely feel softer than that – so quite soft. If you’re looking for something super playful and aren’t that concerned about stability at speed or float in powder or even big air (where a bigger landing platform helps), then it could work, but just know the personality will be a little different.
Ok thank you very much !!! Will have to consider 153 or 156 I am not the speed type ,and love to do jumping haha
So if I am not really looking for speed ,and want to learn trick and some jumping ,153 will be fine to go with ?
Hi Alex
Yeah would be fine to go with, but not going to have a huge amount of stability on landings. For smaller jumps should be fine, but if you’re going to be getting bigger air, it’s not going to offer much stability on landings in that size/flex for you, IMO.
Hi Nate, great reviews my man and than you!
What size would you recommend for me.
6′-2
205 lbs
Size 13 boots
Rob
Hi Rob
Thanks for your message.
For your specs, I would go 160X for the Funslinger. If you have a strong preference for shorter boards, are used to riding shorter boards and are going to be using it for predominantly park/freestyle riding, then you could potentially look at the 157X, but otherwise I’d go 160X for you.
Hope this helps
Thanks Nate, that is what I am leaning towards! I am actually looking at the Proto Slinger and really looking forward to your review! I want something light and easy to spin, but also like a wide base. I want to get into more park/freestyle stuff next year, but I am sure the PS will end up being a daily driver, so I think the smart money is on the 160X. I have a 161 Mercury and 159 Orca, so I think the 160X would fit in nice.
Thank you again for your help!
Hopefully they will open the mountains up again soon….#COVID-19
Hi Rob
The Proto Proto Slinger is one awesome board. It’s hard to say that it’s better than the Funslinger was, given how much fun it is. But it’s also hard to say it’s not. I would say it’s got that little bit more pop and a little more at speed and on a carve, but still super buttery, maneuverable, snappy etc.
Keeping fingers crossed that the season isn’t done, for sure!
First of all – thanks for the great review – you really nailed it with this board.
The Funslinger is a surprising board. For a freestyle-oriented board it has MASSIVE edge hold and you can carve really well with it. It also handles speeds rather well. I didn’t push it on powder but it was definitely okay, the rocker allowing easy float. It is forgiving and easy with switch, jumps, buttering or just messing around like you’d expect from a freestyle board, obviously.
Altogether a really sweet freestyle board, and it can definitely work as an all rounder board. You can have a good time on this board almost everywhere on the mountain.
Hi Oscar
Thanks for your input and insight. Much appreciated. A sick board for sure!
Hi Nate,
Im looking at getting the FS as an all mountain fun board mostly aimed at flat ground, butters and sending side hits, but still after a decent bit of stability and control, im about 75-80kgs and 6’1″ with 10.5 TM-2 boots with large bindings, just wondering what size you’d recommend, tossing up between the 154X and the 157X
Also considering the proto type 2 but im not sure if its got the pop and the fun side of things compared to the FS, really not sure what direction to go
Hi Connor
Thanks for your message.
I would say that the Funslinger is the more playful and just that bit more pop – and just that little bit easier pop too – takes less effort to get the pop out of it. The PT2 is a better carver and more stable at speed, so that’s something to consider. I would say that the Funslinger is a little better for side-hits and smaller jumps with the PT2 still great for side-hits and smaller jumps, just that it’s sweet spot is more around medium jumps. The Funslinger more buttery.
Size-wise for the Funslinger, I would say the 157X would be the better bet, particularly if you still want it to have some stability there. That would still be sizing down a little for your specs, so it would still be a fun size, but I think going down to the 154X would make it loose too much in terms of stability for you.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hey Nate,
First of all I want to thank you for the amazing reviews.
I’m considering the Funslinger as my 2nd board.
Which size would you recommend for me?
6ft 1, 180lbs, Shoe size 11.
I’m Beginner/intermediate level, this would be my first time in the park and trying jumps.
I can see that most people prefer smaller boards for park. Why is this?
I currently ride a NS Maverick which I love and is an amazing mountain board.
Thank you
Hi Ben
Thanks for your message.
Shorter for the park helps in a few ways. Firstly for spins it’s easier to get the board around. It’s easy to butter a shorter board. It’s easier to pop and get air on a shorter board too. Also more maneuverable and easier to throw around – onto rails etc. Also, park boards tend to have a shorter overall length because they don’t tend to have much tip/tail outside the contact points (but there might be just as much effective edge as on a longer all-mountain board for example) – because usually having a longer tip/tail (particularly) tip is useful for riding powder. If it’s a specialized park board, then it’s not designed to do that. So to save on weight, particularly swing weight, the tip and tail are usually shorter than on an all-mountain or freeride board.
Size-wise for the Funslinger, I would be weighing up between the 154X and 157X. 156 is a possibility too, if you wanted to squeeze onto a regular width board. I would only do that if you have low profile boots though. I would be leaning towards the 154X for you, depending on the size of your Maverix. If you look at the effective edge, the 154X Funslinger has 1cm more effective edge vs the 157 Maverix, so you wouldn’t even be downsizing on effective edge (if you ride the 157). Also, since it’s going to be a park/freestyle specific board for you, going smaller is a good idea, since you already have your other board for everything else. And as a beginner in the park, going smaller would make learning tricks easier too.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi Nate,
Thank you for your detailed reviews, I’m currently in the middles of a season and looking to purchase a new board.
Currently have a K2 raygun and has been great for learning and good for powder. Looking to get a higher spec board that will help with freestyle.
I’m an intermediate rider but only starting out with freestyle.
77kg, 185cm boot size 11uk (12US)
Would you recommend this board for me and what size? Looking at 157x due to width which is same as my raygun, do you think the 155x is a possibility?
Thank you,
Mike
Hi Mike
Thanks for your message.
If you’re looking to focus on freestyle, then the Funslinger is a great option, IMO. Even though you’re just starting out with freestyle, and it’s not a complete beginner board, I think you would be fine with it, if you have your fundamentals down. I think it would work fine for learning more freestyle aspects on, so long as you can ride to an intermediate level.
Size-wise, I think if you’re going to be using it predominantly for riding freestyle with – and have another board for riding powder, riding fast etc, then you could get away with the 154X. Width-wise, I think you’ll get away with it, if you won’t be ripping any hard carves on it or anything. If you’re going to want it to be something that’s a little more all-rounder (will never be completely all-rounder as it’s a very freestyle focused board, but more all-rounder) and if you think you’ll want to lay down some bigger carves on it (to the extent that it can), then the 157X would be the better bet, IMO.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hey Nate,
156 or 154x?
I’m adding this to quiver for slower speed days and to work on butters, low speed land tricks, switch riding and just having fun down easier runs. No park for me.
Do you think having the wider base of the 154x would provide more stability for buttering or would the 156 width be plenty?
Thanks!
Hi Sean
Thanks for your message.
Looking at your specs from your previous comment on the YES Greats post, I would say go 156. With 9.5s it should be plenty wide enough. And at 156 it’s short for your specs, but that’s a good thing, given it’s going to be your butter/tricks/low speed board.
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi Nate,
I am 1m87cm, i have boot size 11.5 US and weigh 78kg.
What size do you recommend? 157X, 159..?
Cheers
Hi Laurens
Thanks for your message.
I would definitely go wide with 11.5s, and I think the 157X would be the best length for you too. Assuming you’ll be using it mostly for freestyle riding?
Hope this helps with your decision
Hi Nate.
I bougt my Funslinger 2016 (160x I’m 191cm 80 kg bootsize 13.. ) What a awesome board! One year later I got another Funslinger 149 for my daughter. She loves it-and she rides better than ever on this board.
We can recommend this board. Weather expert or beginner – this board is so versatile and take you on a higher level. True deep love!
Hi Hendrik
Thanks for your input. Definitely a sick board!
What boot size are you Nate? I’m 10.5(acutally smaller than my last sz10’s though). Was going to pick up a 154x FS but there’s a 156 demo I’m wondering if I could get away with and save some money
Hi James
Thanks for your message.
I wear 10s. They’re quite low profile too, but I still think you would be fine with 10.5s on the 156. The 156 was plenty wide enough for me. It’s 263mm at the inserts. And with angles on both bindings (and as an asym board it’s recommended to have a mirror duck stance) you should have plenty of leeway
Hi Nate
Thanks for the review!
I wanted to ask if there would be any issues in terms of board weight and waist width if a female was to use this board?
Some people have also commented on other posts that I should get a soft flex if I’m looking at men’s boards, which will be the equivalent of a medium flex female board. Is this true?
Cheers
Hi Cindy
Yeah typically women’s boards are softer flexing. So roughly a medium-soft men’s flex might be similar to a women’s medium flex. A men’s soft flex more like a women’s medium-soft, roughly speaking.
I wouldn’t be too concerned about the boards weight, but waist width could certainly be an issue – and whether there would be an appropriate length for you as well. And flex isn’t the only consideration. Style and ability come into it as well. So, if you were someone who likes to ride fast, ride powder etc, then this wouldn’t be the best option. But if you like to ride park, do tricks etc, then its a better option.
But yeah waist width might be an issue, depending on your boot size. If you could let me know your boot size, weight and height, I can give you my recommendation of an appropriate size for you for this board, if any.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate
Thanks for great site!
I recently purchased the 17/18 Funslinger.
I upgraded from a 2006 Ride DH, and wow what a difference it made for me!
My riding style is really all mountain but my 7 year old son is mainly riding in the trees and parks so wanted something more maneuverable.
The Funslinger has delivered big time.
I asked you advice last year between the Funslinger, Ultrafear and later the Proto Type 2. I ended up getting the FS :-). Thank you for your great advice last time around…
I purchased the FS as there were a few things that tickled my brain more than the others (asymmetrical side cut, ripsaw profile, softer flexing).
I’m an intermediate all mountain rider 6,1″ 185lbs with 9,5 boots.
Currently riding with a 22″ 12/-12 stance (going to try 15/-12 and 15/-15 during this season).
I got the 156 FS.
Now to my actual question…
I’ve been using Flow Fuse Hybrid bindings the last few seasons, and even though I like the speed entry I’m feeling that I want to go back to traditional bindings.
I currently have Northwave Decade boots but will change brand next replacement (most likely to a pair of Adidas).
Do you have any recommendations for a suitable binding to match the FS for all mountain riding, with the intention to progress in the park (and butters)?
I love the canted footbed on the Flows and wish to continue with canted footbed as my knees are quite bad (even though there still is a lot of debate to wether it serves a function or not).
I’ve seen descriptions like “autocanting” and “allows for natural canting”, and honestly don’t understand what this means.
Sorry for long post…
Regards
Peter
Hi Peter
Thanks for your message. Awesome that the Funslinger is treating you well!
Firstly, “autocanting” or “allowsfornaturalcanting” as far as I’m aware, usually just means that the material on the inside part (the part that the inside of your foot sits on) of the baseplate is softer than it is on the outside part – so you naturally cant inwards. As opposed to actually having the same density of material but having the binding actually sloping to the inside part. If that makes sense.
In terms of matching the Funslinger, I think anything from either one of these posts would do the job. The latter options, if you want to lean more to all-mountain (but they’re what I would consider all-mountain-freestyle) or the first list if you wanted to lean more to freestyle.
>>Top 5 All Freestyle Bindings
>>Top 5 All Mountain Bindings
Of those 10 bindings, the following have Canting of some description:
Burton Cartel
Burton Malavita
Burton Genesis
Ride Rodeo
K2 Lien FS
K2 Lien AT
The following don’t have any canting, as far as I know
Flux DS
Burton Custom
Union Ultra
Union Contact Pro
Hope this helps