Hello and welcome to my Never Summer Proto Synthesis snowboard review.
In this review, I will take a look at the Proto Synthesis as an all-mountain-freestyle snowboard.
As per tradition here at SnowboardingProfiles.com I will give the Proto Synthesis a score out of 100 (based on several factors) and see how it compares with other all-mountain-freestyle snowboards.
Overall Rating
Board: Never Summer Proto Synthesis 2021
Price: $619
Style: All-Mountain-Freestyle
Flex Rating: Medium (6/10)
Flex Feel on Snow: Medium (5.5/10)
Rating Score: 88.5/100
Compared to other Men’s All-Mountain-Freestyle Boards
Out of the 28 men’s all-mountain-freestyle snowboards that I rated:
Overview of the Proto Synthesis' Specs
Check out the tables for the Proto Synthesis’ specs and available sizes.
Specs
Style: | All-Mountain-Freestyle |
Price: | $619 |
Ability Level: |  |
Flex: |  |
Feel: |  |
Turn Initiation: | Medium-Fast |
Edge-hold: |  |
Camber Profile: | Hybrid Rocker - Never Summer's new "Shock Wave Rocker Camber" |
Shape: | |
Setback Stance: | Centered |
Base: | Sintered (Durasurf XT Sintered 5501) |
Weight: | Felt Normal |
Sizing
LENGTH (cm) | Waist Width (mm) | Rec Rider Weight (lb) | Rec Rider Weight (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|
152 | 252 | n/a | n/a |
155 | 254 | n/a | n/a |
158 | 255 | n/a | n/a |
161 | 256 | n/a | n/a |
157X | 263 | n/a | n/a |
160X | 265 | n/a | n/a |
159DF | 280 | n/a | n/a |
162DF | 282 | n/a | n/a |
* note that the 2022 model dropped the 149, 154X and 163X sizes
Who is the Proto Synthesis Suited To?
The Proto Synthesis is best for those who want to be able to carve up the groomers and still be able to ride at good speed, but also want to be able to slow it down and play around at times. Treating the mountain like a park is where this board really flourishes too. And good for actual park laps as well (more so for the jump line than the jib line).
Not particular good in powder, but otherwise it's a very versatile ride.
Not for the beginner, but works well for intermediate and up.
The Proto Synthesis in More Detail
O.k. let’s take a more detailed look at what the Proto Synthesis is capable of.
Demo Info
Board: Never Summer Proto Synthesis, 158cm (255mm waist width)
Date: February 29, 2020
Conditions: Cloudy with some blue sky and sun at times. Perfect visibility.
Quite cold at -4°C (24.8°F) and was supposed to be -11°C (12.2°F) with wind chill, but didn't feel as cold as that.
20cm (8") of fresh snow overnight, so plenty of fresh to test in. Conditions were awesome on and off groomer.
Bindings angles: +15/-15
Stance width: 545mm (21.5″)
Stance Setback: Centered
Width at Inserts: 264mm (10.39")
Rider Height: 6'0"
Rider Weight: 175lbs
Rider Boot Size: US10 Salomon Lo-Fi
Bindings Used: Burton Malavita M
Changes From the Proto Type 2
Unlike the Proto Slinger, which was very similar to the Funslinger that it replaced (the Shock Wave camber being the only real change), the Proto Synthesis has a few changes from the Proto Type 2 that it replaces.
- The Shock Wave Rocker Camber (taking over from the Ripsaw rocker camber on the Proto Type 2) is the first change - adding longer, more pronounced camber - and a shortened rocker section.
- The PT2 was an asym - the Synthesis looses that asymmetry.
- The effective edge is slightly longer on the Synthesis, the Synthesis is slightly wider overall, the Synthesis has a slightly tweaked sidecut radii. All of these things are relatively subtle changes, but all add up to make a difference.
- The Synthesis has a different carbon layup
- The sizings are different.There is a 152 in common, but otherwise, the sizes are slightly tweaked (e.g. 157 becomes a 158, 161X is a 160X etc)
- The Synthesis has new DF (drag free) sizes - basically ultra wide sizes for those with bigger feet that want something they can really lean into their carves on.
Flex
Whilst some have mentioned a feel that's noticeably stiffer than the Proto Type Two, it felt about the same to me. Now I didn't test the two of them side by side, so it's hard to say for sure. But compared to my test board, they both felt very similar. If anything maybe the Synthesis is pushing 5.5, but in any case it didn't feel significantly stiffer to the PT2, to me. In terms of butterability definitely still as good as PT2, IMO.
Powder
The Proto Synthesis' biggest weakness. But, like any board, if you're playing in shallow powder for brief periods, it's all good. It's just when it starts to get deeper and you're in it for longer, that it will start to feel like an effort to keep the nose up.
That's the feeling I got from it in the powder I had - and the specs also suggest it too.
Carving & Turning
Carving: A nice board to carve on. It's not like the fattest carves you'll ever do, but still really decent and couple that with a nice snappy turning feel and it's a great balance of being a good carver and fun for regular turns.
Turning: Fun and snappy on a turn. Whether you're looking to ride short/sharp turns in tight spaces or open it out for longer drawn out turns, the Synthesis does both well, and everything in between.
Maneuverability at slow speeds: Nice and agile at slower speeds. Maybe not quite to the extent of it's little bro - the Proto Slinger - but still nice and agile.
Skids: Maybe got just a little harder vs the Proto Type Two and vs the Slinger, but still definitely skid-able.
Speed
It's not like a point and shoot, out and out bomber, but it can handle a good amount of speed. It's got it over the Proto Slinger in terms of speed for sure.
Uneven Terrain
Felt good weaving through bumps, going over them and felt good in crud. A good board in most conditions/terrains.
Jumps
Good for most sizes of jumps and all-round a very good board for jumping.
Pop: Doesn't quite have the pop of the Slinger. Well, probably about the same, but you have to put more effort in to get the full pop out of the Synthesis. Whereas the Slinger it felt like you could get every ounce of pop with next to no effort, the Synthesis you've got to work a bit harder to extract it. But there is still a good amount there that is easily accessible.
Approach: Good on approach to any size jump from small to large. A good balance of being stable but nimble.
Landing: Good solid landing platform. Can stomp landings on this board for sure.
Side-hits: Fun for sidehits and all the traits you'd want for them - easy to setup and easy enough pop. Preferred the Proto Slinger for side hits, but that's a tough comparison as the Proto Slinger is one of the best boards for side hits for me, that I've ridden.
Small jumps/Big jumps: Good all round. If I had to say, then medium to large, but still great for small jumps.
Switch
Really good, as expected. It's not asym like the PT2 was - and I really like asym for riding switch, but apart from that it's the next best thing for switch.
Spins
Great for setups and landing switch and normal stance, good pop and easy to get the spin around. All round a great spinner, IMO.
Jibbing
Not an amazing jibber but not bad either. I'm not a very strong jibber, and I felt relatively comfortable on it. Not ideal, but definitely doable.
Butters
Nice and buttery. And more buttery than I would have expected for the flex. It's not to the level of buttery that the Slinger is, but that thing is ultra buttery.
Score Breakdown and Final Verdict
Check out the breakdown of the score in the table below.
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
JUMPS | 4.5 | 18/20 |
SWITCH | 4.5 | 9/10 |
JIBBING | 3.0 | 6/10 |
CARVING/TURNS | 4.0 | 8/10 |
POWDER | 2.0 | 4/10 |
SPEED | 4.0 | 8/10 |
UNEVEN TERRAIN | 3.5 | 7/10 |
SPINS | 4.5 | 9/10 |
BUTTERING | 4.0 | 4/5 |
PIPE | 4.0 | 4/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 88.5/100 |
Overall, whilst the Proto Syntheis is an evolution of the PT2, it's not a hugely different board. It's got a little more oomph, if that makes sense, but it's certainly not worlds different.
It's still that nice balance of aggressive and playful and still can tackle most things you want to do on a board really well. A really fun, lively, all-rounder resort board.
More Info, Current Prices and Where to Buy Online
If you want to learn more about the Proto Synthesis, 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-freestyle snowboard options, or if you want to compare how the Proto Synthesis compares to other all-mountain-freestyle snowboards, then check out the next link.
Ok Nate, I’ve labored long enough between choosing either the Yes Greats or the ProtoSynthesis. Which would you recommend as the best of the two options for the All-Mountain/Freestyle experience?
Context: I’m an intermediate snowboarder, primarily at home on icy groomers in Midwestern resorts. I avoid rails, but love hitting kickers and side hits. I love cruising/carving and riding switch. I need something that can hold an edge and yet not be “catchy” (I got rid of my CAPiTA DOA last year because I kept catching an edge in the icy terrain and getting slammed to the ground.)
It looks like your previous reviews would give the Yes Greats a slight advantage given the context… For the record, I have the ProtoSlinger as well – so the Synthesis might be a badass combo. Ya know, branding. But not necessarily the better All-Mountain/Freestyle board. And I don’t see myself doing double backflips off A-Basin very often. :-/
Help a brutha out!
Hey Taylor
Thanks for your message.
You really can’t go wrong with either for what you’re describing – so you can’t make a wrong choice, IMO. But a couple of things to consider:
– The Greats is a little better in icy conditions in my experience. But that’s not a deal breaker – the Proto Synthesis (PS) is good in those conditions as well, but the Greats just a little better, in my experience.
– I found neither overly catchy – less catchy than the DOA in my experience.
– Given that you have the Proto Slinger, going to the Synthesis is bit more of a sure bet, because it will be a more familiar feel. The Synthesis and Slinger certainly don’t feel the same, but if you went Synthesis you’d be going closer to a “stiffer Slinger” than you would be if you went Greats. Saying the Synthesis is just a stiffer Slinger, isn’t completely accurate of course, but it’s closer to that description than the Greats is (if that makes sense!).
– On the flip side of the argument, going the Greats would give you a greater contrast in your quiver – with a different feeling board.
So, again, I don’t think there’s a wrong choice for what you’re describing, but hopefully that gives you more to go off
Nate, thanks for all you bring to our learning! Could you give me your top 3 bindings to match perfectly with the ProtoSynthesis?
A brief explanation why you chose these 3 bindings would be super helpful too.
I’m thinking Burton Genesis, Union Stratas maybe?
Hi Ryan
Thanks for your message.
Union Strata for sure. A really good flex match for the Proto Synthesis (PS) and assuming you’ll be doing some freestyle or just like to have good board feel, then Strata really good for that – good shock absorption too. Definitely a top 3 for the PS for me. Nice and responsive too – particularly for it’s flex.
Burton Malavita – again a good flex match and also got good qualities for freestyle, like board feel and shock absorption. Not quite as responsive as Strata, IMO, but not far off.
K2 Lien At – for the same reasons really.
Genesis would also definitely work. The only reason I wouldn’t include it in the top 3, is that it’s a little less responsive than the 3 listed above and I like something just a little harder driving for the PS. That said, the Genesis definitely matches the PS – and would be in the top 5 options, IMO.
Hope this helps
Hey Nate,
I am 6″ 1′, 260lbs, size 9.5 boot, advanced to expert freerider. Currently my go to board is a Neversummer Westbound 163 (which I love). I am looking for a good true twin board for buttering and side hits, to add to my quiver. I wanted to pick up the Peacemaker, but the largest it comes in is a 155 and I am afraid that will be too small for me.
Do you think the Proto Synthesis 161 would be a better fit and still give me the softness to play with more buttering, jumps, and spins? Or do you have a better board suggestion? I am partial to Neversummer, Ride, K2, and Burton.
Hi Elijah
Thanks for your message.
Yeah, it’s a shame Never Summer dropped the 158 Peacemaker for the 2022 model. They had a 158 for the 2021 model. They dropped quite a few sizes for the 2022 models.
I think the Proto Slinger would have been a really good bet for what you’re describing too, and a great compliment to the Westbound. But they also dropped what would’ve been the best size for you – the 159. If you can find a 2021 model in the 159, that would be a great option, IMO. Without going wide, which you won’t want to do with 9.5 boots, IMO, the largest size in the Proto Slinger is now 156.
The Proto Synthesis (PS) is softer feeling in terms of flex than the Westbound (WB) (by my feel PS is 5.5/10 flex and WB 7/10 flex). And it butter pretty well for the flex too. So it’s definitely a viable option for what you’re describing. It’s less of a contrast to the WB than the likes of the Slinger and Peacemaker, but does still complement it and will be better for butters, jumps and spins, IMO. Also, if you do go with a smaller size, like the 161 or even 158, then you that difference will be more exaggerated. In fact, if you went 158, it will likely feel quite buttery (more buttery than I found it, given I was only applying 175lbs to it. So, in some ways it might be a better fit than something like the 158 Peacemaker or 159 Proto Slinger, just because you might almost over butter those boards).
If you did want something softer flexing than the likes of the PS, then something like the Burton Kilroy Twin 159. There’s the K2 World Peace too (but I haven’t ridden it and the longest non-wide size is a 157, which I think is going to be too small). The Ride Kink is another but longest is 155, so too small, IMO.
Plenty of other options from those brands too, if you wanted to look at similar flex to the Proto Synthesis.
Hope this helps
Hello Nate,
I am deciding to pick up this or the Super Doa 2022 or even Yes The Great. Any suggestions ? i like to hit jumps and butter when i ride. Also, just wanted a board that can literally do everything and playful at same time. I Am 5’10” and about 72 kg ish.
Thanks
Dean
Hi Dean
Thanks for your message.
From what you’re describing I would be looking at either this or the YES Greats. Super DOA is less playful, IMO. I wouldn’t say the Proto Synthesis (PS) or Greats are super playful either. But they’re not not-playful – they’re in between playful and aggressive. The Super DOA is more on the aggressive side of things, IMO. It’s not like far end of the scale aggressive, but more so than the other 2. Both the PS and Greats are better for buttering than the Super DOA too, IMO. The Super DOA is awesome for jumps and I have no doubt you’d love it for that, but the Greats and PS are also great for jumps and from what you describe about buttering and playfulness, I think they’d be a little better suited.
Between the PS and Greats, I personally favor the Greats, but both are really nice decks and I would probably decide with sizing. If you can let me know your boot size, I would be happy to give you my opinion as to which sizes I think would work best for you – and if one particular size from either board is likely to work the best.
Hope this helps
Hey Nate thanks for the review
I’m 6’3 195lbs 10.5 boot
Would I be ok with a 161 for this board?
I didn’t want to go the 157wide as I think it’s too wide for my boot and 158 may be too short?
I like side hits but also carving and a bit of speed
Hi Steve
Thanks for your message.
I think the 161 would be just right for your specs. The right length and the right width. I wouldn’t consider anything else for this board for you. 161 is just right, IMO.
Hope this helps
Ok cool I’ll go with that, cheers!
You’re very welcome Steve.
Great review! What size would you recommend for 5’10 190 and size 10.5-11 depending on the boot? Always hard since I’m in the grey area with a wide board. Thanks!
Hi Brian
For your specs, I would go either 158 or 157X.
It’s a tough one with that boot size, but I would say:
– If you’re in relatively low profile 10.5s, with binding angles similar to +15/-15 (something with a decent angle on the back foot, doesn’t have to be as much as 15 degrees), then you should be OK with the 158.
– If you’re in 11s OR if you have bulky 10.5s OR you have relatively low profile 10.5s and ride with a pretty straight back binding angle, then I would go 157X.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate,
rode my new Proto Synthesis yesterday for the first time. To my surprise it was extremely hooky between the bindings. Could’nt rail a good carve without having that hooky feeling under and between the bindings. The less stance width the more hooky it felt. Friday I had my proto tt under my feet, no Problem at all. It’s not a Boot out, I ride a 157 x with boots size 10. I always ride wider boards … my proto f.e. is a 161 x. I ride now since 2006 and never had similar problems. Have you experienced similar with this board?
Hi Richard
Thanks for your message.
I didn’t have that issue with the Proto Synthesis, but have experienced what you describe on other boards before, but didn’t get that feeling myself on the PS.
Really not sure why it would be doing that, but a couple of things you could look into a. detuning the edges at the contact points, even just a little b. giving it a good scrape and wax (if you haven’t already). Other than that, I’m not sure what the issue would be, but yeah, I didn’t feel that on this board, and I know the feeling from other boards.
Hope this somewhat helps
Hey Nate,
I’m torn between this board, the Capita DOA and the Jones Mountain Twin. I like to carve groomers, get a little speed at times, play around all mountain, small side hits, not much park as of right now. Any Suggestions?
Hi Patrick
All 3 would certainly work for what you’re describing. Some things that might help you decide.
If you see powder a bit and want some decent powder performance, then I would be leaning Mountain Twin from those 3. MT still a good option if you don’t see powder much, if at all, but if you do, then I think it’s an easy choice.
If no powder: The MT both has what I would call a stable feel (on a scale of loose to locked-in, stable is in the middle). The Proto Sythensis is very subtly on the looser side of stable. It’s closer to stable than it is to loose, but the rocker in the middle, just gives it a subtly looser feel. The DOA has a stable feel but just to the “locked-in” side of stable, if that makes sense. If you check out the little graph in the specs table in the review, this will make more sense. So if you want something just on the slightly (but very subtly) surfier side, then I’d be looking at the Proto Synthesis, if closer to more locked-in (but again subtly more locked-in than right in the middle) then DOA.
I slightly preferred the Proto Synthesis for carving over both the DOA and Mountain Twin, but all pretty similar at speed.
Hope this gives you more to go off for your decision
Hey Nate love the reviews! Making it difficult to decide between this and the Trs or Terrain wrecker. Does the Proto Synthesis edge hold up in icy conditions? I mainly ride the local mountains in Vancouver but head out and around BC when i get the chance. I’m an intermediate rider looking to push my riding more but factoring in icy conditions for an all mountain board. Would you still recommend the proto synthesis or one of the lib techs? Thanks!
Hi Rah
Thanks for your message.
I didn’t get any icy conditions to test this particular board in, but based off every other similar Never Summer board I’ve had in icy conditions, I’d say it holds up pretty well. It’s not what I would call a 5/5 icy conditions board, but a 4/5. The TRS, IMO has a little more edge hold in icy conditions, but I would say the Terrain Wrecker is similar, from my experience to the Proto Synthesis. Maybe just a fraction better, but not much in it.
So, if you want the best in icy conditions out of those 3, then I’d be leaning TRS, but the TW and Proto Synthesis are easily good enough in those conditions, IMO. It would only really be if you were seeing those types of conditions like every other day or 2/3 days kind of thing, that I would really want the step up.
Between those boards, my biggest question would be powder. The TW, IMO, is the better option in powder out of the 3. If you don’t really ride powder that much, or never really deep powder, then that’s less of a factor, but if you do, I would be leaning TW. If you don’t see that much pow and you like to ride switch a lot, then the PS or TRS, as they’re better for riding switch. There are some other subtle differences, which you can check out in the reviews, but those are a couple of the main things between those boards.
Hope this helps
Hey Nate!
Another great review!
I was wondering what length would you recommend for 5’10.5 height , 159lbs weight with boot size US 9. For an intermediate all mountain rider. It would be paired with Cartels M, unless you think its not a good setup. 🙂
Many thanks
Marcin
Hi Marcin
I think the 155 would be spot on for the Proto Synthesis for you. And the Cartel’s are a good match, IMO.
Hope this helps
Thanks for the advice Nate, really appreciate it.
I also had a look on the Yes Standard, which tops your all mountain board list. Starting to think that it might be a better option, as it seems to be more versatile, without really lacking anything compared to the Synthesis. I guess 153 would work for me?
Would Burton Rulers be too soft for the Standard with cartels? Are the Photons a better option?
Many thanks!
Hi Marcin
Yeah, I would go 153 for you for the Standard.
Cartel’s a good match the Standard, IMO. Rulers would definitely work too. If you were being really fussy, then I think the Photon’s would be more ideal, but the Ruler’s certainly work.