Hello and welcome to my Never Summer Women's Proto Type Two review.
In this review, I will take a look at the Women's PT2 as an all-mountain-freestyle snowboard.
As per tradition here at SnowboardingProfiles.com I will give the PT2 a score out of 100 (based on several factors) and see how it compares with other all-mountain-freestyle snowboards.
NOTE: The 2020 model was the last model of the Women's Proto Type Two. It has been replaced by the Women's Proto Synthesis
Overall Rating
For this season, I found someone to test women's gear, so this review is based on my tester's (Ash's) experience with the board, as well as my own experience with the men's equivalent (Never Summer Men's Proto Type 2) of this board.
Board: Never Summer Women's Proto Type Two 2020
Price: $519
Style: All-Mountain-Freestyle
Flex Rating: Mid
Flex Feel on Snow: Medium (5/10)
Rating Score: 87.6/100
Compared to other Women’s All-Mountain-Freestyle Boards
Out of the 26 women’s all-mountain-freestyle snowboards that I rated:
Overview of the PT2’s Specs
Check out the tables for the PT2’s specs and available sizes.
Specs
Style: | All-Mountain-Freestyle |
Price: | $519 |
Ability Level: |  |
Flex: |  |
Feel: |  |
Turn Initiation: | Medium-Fast |
Edge-hold: |  |
Camber Profile: | |
Shape: | |
Setback Stance: | Centered |
Base: | Sintered |
Weight: | Normal |
Sizing
LENGTH (cm) | Waist Width (mm) | Rec Rider Weight (lb) | Rec Rider Weight (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|
139 | 232 | not available | n/a |
142 | 234 | n/a | n/a |
145 | 236 | n/a | n/a |
148 | 238 | n/a | n/a |
151 | 240 | n/a | n/a |
Who is the PT2 Most Suited To?
The PT2 is great for anyone looking for a board to predominantly ride the resort - and even better for those that like to ride freestyle over the resort and in the park - but also want to be able to lay down a good carve too.
A really versatile ride with the only real weakness being in powder.
Not for beginners, but good for intermediate and up.
The PT2 in More Detail
O.k. let’s take a more detailed look at what the PT2 is capable of.
Demo Info
Board: Never Summer Women's Proto Type Two 2020, 145cm (236mm waist width)
Date: April 14, 2019
Conditions: Great vis first thing but started closing in and then snowing 10:30. Then on and off throughout the day. But vis was never terrible – in patches good and in patches OK.
Groomers were quite smooth and fast, especially compared to the day before, which was nice.
Nothing crazy in terms of fresh snow, but 1cm (0.5") overnight and few more than that in the days leading up - some fresh patches still to be found.
Relatively cold with a little wind, but not much - wind not as strong and not quite as cold as the day before. -4 with wind. Still pretty cold for April 14th!
Bindings angles: +15/-12
Stance width: 490mm (19.3″)
Stance Setback: Centered
Width at Inserts: 244mm (9.61")
Rider Height: 5"6" (168cm)
Rider Weight: 130lbs (59kg)
Rider Boot Size: Women's US8.5 Ride Hera
Bindings Used: NOW Vetta, Small
Powder
Not the best for powder. Fine for shallow powder of course, like pretty much any board is. But once it gets a little deeper, the PT2 takes a bit of effort to prevent nose-dives!
Carving & Turning
Carving: Great carver that holds an edge well.
Maneuverability at slow speeds: Ash said that she found it really agile at slow speeds.
Overall a smooth board that was good for all style of turns - be it a normal S turn, short sharp turns or for holding a carve.
Speed
Really good at speed for a twin, mid-flex board. Ash said she felt quite stable at speed without it being an out and out bomber.
Uneven Terrain
Ash found that the PT2 absorbed bumps well and went well in crud too - and nimble enough to weave through bumpy terrain too.
Let’s Break up this text with a Video
Jumps
Overall an all-round great jumper - whether larger or smaller jumps.
Pop: Good pop and easily accessible.
Approach: Stable enough for bigger jumps and nimble enough for approaches to trickier access sidehits.
Landing: Solid but forgiving.
Side-hits: Good pop, good for spinning and nice and nimble. Great for side-hits.
Small jumps: Forgiving enough for small jumps, for those not used to jumps yet.
Big jumps: Good for big jumps too. I'd say it's sweet spot is medium jumps.
Switch
As good as it gets. True twin and an asymmetrical. If you like riding switch, this is the board to do it on.
Spins
Great for landing and taking off switch, good pop, the spin gets around quickly - can handle bigger and smaller tricks alike. A great spinner.
Jibbing
Jibbing isn't it's forte but definitely doable, especially for those that have a solid jib game.
Butters
Not the most buttery in the world, but decently buttery.
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 |
SWITCH | 5.0 | 10/10 |
JIBBING | 3.0 | 6/10 |
CARVING | 4.0 | 8/10 |
POWDER | 2.0 | 4/10 |
SPEED | 3.5 | 7/10 |
UNEVEN TERRAIN | 4.0 | 8/10 |
SPINS | 4.5 | 9/10 |
BUTTERS | 4.0 | 4/5 |
PIPE | 4.0 | 4/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 87.6/100 |
Overall, the PT2 is a great option for riding the mountain like the park, riding the park like the park or riding the mountain like a mountain. It's a great middle ground between being playful and aggressive too - making it a really good all rounder, if you take powder out of the equation.
More Info, Current Prices and Where to Buy Online
If you want to learn more about the PT2, 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 women's all-mountain-freestyle snowboard options, or if you want to compare how the PT2 compares to other all-mountain-freestyle snowboards, then check out the next link.
Hi Nate!
I realize they aren’t making this board anymore, but I’m curious to know what you think about a really advance beginner to low intermediate rider riding the PROTOSYNTHESIS vs the Infinity? I rode 20-30 days a season from the mid 90’s to early 2000’s, then moved to a warmer climate, had kids… etc, etc. I got back on the mountain last season and rented a super inexpensive Burton Cruzer for this season, but I lack the confidence of my youth which probably has more to do with me than the beginner board.
I’m much more of an all mountain girl that wants to explore at this point than ride the park and I’m in Nor Cal, so we have a mix of all snow conditions fairly regularly.
I’m 5’9, 150 lbs and wearing size 9 Ride Hera boots. Do you have a recommendations between the two Never Summer boards, or do you think something like a Burton Hideaway might be a better option?
Hi Meg
Thanks for your message.
If you’re at that high-end beginner to low-intermediate level and looking to get your confidence back, then I would go Infinity over the Protosynthesis. The Infinity is a really accessible all-mountain board. An easy to ride board but still good performance, IMO. The Protosynthesis is a little more advanced. I have no doubt you’d get there pretty quickly, but if you want something that’s going to be easier to ride and build confidence on, but still really good quality, then I would go Infinity.
If you need any sizing advice I would be happy to help (would just need your height, weight and boot size).
Hope this helps
Thank you Nate! I appreciate your help.
I’m 5’9, 150 and wear a woman’s size 9 boot. (Ride Hera, currently)
The guy at my local shop was trying to selling me on the Jones Dream Catcher as another option. Would you still recommend the Infinity?
Thanks again for all of your time!
Hi Meg
My apologies just noticed in your original post you did provide your specs. Must’ve glossed over it!
I would say go 151 for the Infinity. You could ride the 149 as well, and whilst that’s going to be even more easy going, I think the 151 is going to be the better size long term and still should be just fine for getting back on the board too. Also, the 149 might be pushing it in terms of being too narrow for your boots. So I think 151 would work really well.
The Dream Catcher could work, but will be a steeper learning curve to start with, IMO. It’s not super advanced or anything like that but it would be a step up from something like the Infinity. I think you’d quite quickly get up to speed given your experience in the past, but the Infinity would be the easier transition, IMO. If you did go Dream Catcher I would go 151 for that as well.
Thank you so much!
I think I’ve decided to go with the Dream Catcher so it will last me the next few seasons as I hopefully progress. (And my local shop has it in hand… which is appealing.) I appreciate all of your help!
Would the 154 be too aggressive? Just asking since i’m right at the top of the jones sizing for 151. The shop has both, so I’m mostly just asking out of curiosity.
Hi Meg
Typically I would say 154 is a bit long for your specs, but with the Dream Catcher it is a board that you can ride a little longer (feels small for its size). So it’s a possibility. I would probably still be leaning 151, just because I think it would be a better balance between having something that’s going to work well for you now and still work for you as you progress. The 154 would work for you once you’ve progressed more, but it will make it harder to get to that point and harder to build confidence on, IMO, so I’d still be leaning 151.
Also, With the dream catcher board and Ride boots, would you recommend Burton Escapade, Flux GS or Lexa? I have access to all three.
Thank you again for all of your help!
Hi Meg
I would go either Lexa or Flux GS with the Dream Catcher, just because they provide a little more response than the Escapade and the Dream Catcher is a board that works better with something a little more responsive. The Escapade would have been the best match to the Infinity, IMO.
Thank you so much for your time! I appreciate it!
You’re very welcome Meg. If you think of it at the time, let me know what you end up with and how you get on, once you’ve had a chance to get it out on snow. Happy riding!
Hi Nate! I am currently looking at the NS proto synthesis 151 to replace my Salomon Lark 151 board. I ride on thirty-two lashed boots and union contact pro bindings. I like to ride switch often and like to freestyle ground tricks, as well as hit the park; I guess I pretty much love it all! I rode 77 days last season and am already on day 17 this season, so I feel like I can pretty much ride whatever is in front of me…
It seems like the NS synthesis will be a nice upgrade, but I have a couple questions if you have a minute. First, at a height of 5’6” and a weight of 124lb-130lb, boot size 8, do you think that I should be ok sticking with the 151 size? My second question is in regard to powder: I love it, but conditions are more variable here on the east coast. Will I be doomed on powder days if I get this board? I’m not sure I understand how this board wouldn’t be good in powder. I do love my powder days and kinda like buttering it up, lol.
Do you think moving to the NS proto synthesis is a good move? If not, any suggestions? Sizing?
Thank you so much! My lark board has reached the end of its life and I’ve never really had to consider all of these factors before! I really appreciate any input you can provide!
Warmly,
Sarah
Hi again! I forgot to mention that my current board is a lark rocker, if that helps! Thanks again! :).
Hi Sarah
Thanks for your message.
Firstly size-wise, I wouldn’t go as long as 151 for your specs – and not how you describe your riding either. I would be weighing up between the 145 and 148. Ordinarily I would probably say 145 for you for this board. But given that you’re used to riding a 151, the 148 might be the better bet. But I wouldn’t go 151.
In terms of powder. You can ride any board in powder and any board will be fun in powder (it’s powder after all!) But the Proto Synthesis isn’t optimal for it. Which means, if you were riding powder a lot, particularly deep powder, then it would start getting really hard work on your back leg and make things more likely to take a nose dive into the powder (and digging your way out of deep powder is hard work!). So for occasional pow, particularly if it’s not that deep, it will be fine. Things like a setback stance, lots of rocker in the nose, a tapered shape, a directional shape etc are all things that help for more effortless float in powder – none of which the Proto Synthesis has. You could still set it back on powder days if you wanted to – and that would help a little. But I wouldn’t be too concerned unless you’re going to be riding deep powder quite regularly.
Overall, I think the Proto Synthesis will work for what you’re describing. It will be a little stiffer than the Lark based on what I just read on the Lark, but it’s not super stiff or anything. It’s also got quite a lot of camber and the Lark Rocker was all rocker, so that will be a very different feel for sure. Something you’ll have to get used to, but after riding it for a while, you shouldn’t have any issues, given how much you ride.
If you wanted to make it more playful, then going to the 145 size would certainly mellow it out more.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate,
Currently the price fo the NS Proto 2 women is a great price. My wife’s current setup:
Board: 16/17 Arbor Cadence 143
Bindings: 16/17 Union Trilogy Bindings medium
Boots: 17/18 Lashed and I think size 7 or 7.5
She is a pretty good rider, rides about 20 days a season with me and enjoys a playful board that can butter well but also hit jumps as well. She occasionally dabbles with boxes and a rail every now and then. She is great at riding switch and not bad at 180 spins but wants to progress with 360s at some point. She also loves powder and quick turns in the trees but the 143 doesn’t do too well past 6 inches of pow.
She was looking at the Proto type 2 and leaning towards the 145. Would this be a good setup for her, would this be a good board to move up her progression? Any recommendations or tips would be helpful!
Thanks!
~Enzo
Hi Enzo
Thanks for your message.
Firstly Cadence vs Proto Type Two. The PT2 is going to be a step up. Looking at a similar flex, but with the Cadence being all-rocker, the extra camber in the PT2 is going to be a slightly more technical ride and will give more in terms of pop spring out of turns, stability at speed and stability on landings. Maybe not quite as quick edge-to-edge but not far off. In terms of buttering, the PT2 will likely feel at least as good or maybe slightly better in that respect, from my experience with the male equivalents of those boards.
For the likes of progressing to 360s, I would say the PT2 is a little better in that respect, just because you’re likely to get a bit more spring out of the PT2 vs the Cadence.
Size-wise, it’s a tricky one. Extra length helps with float in powder, but typically decreases quick turns – e.g. in the trees. Also typically makes spinning a little harder. It might be that 145 is a good size for her anyway, and that going longer makes sense, but it may not too. If you can let me know your wife’s height and weight I could give you my opinion on sizing – or you could also check out – >>Choosing Snowboard Length.
Size isn’t everything for powder either – the Cadence, nor the PT2 are really setup for riding powder. Even in the same length if you had something directional, with taper, setback etc, then it will float better in powder. However, in this case, since your wife likes to ride switch, do spins etc, then I think sticking with a twin makes the most sense. But it will never be, even in a longer size, optimal for riding powder. More length would certainly help, but like I said before you’ve got to also weight that up with other factors. Of course ideally, you have a separate board for powder days, but of course not everyone can or wants to have more than 1 board.
But yeah, I think the PT2 would definitely help in terms of progression. A step up from the Cadence Rocker, IMO.
Hope this helps
Hey Nate,
Thank you for the quick and thorough response! Her height is 5’4″ and weighs 127 pounds. I definitely don’t want to go too large for her where spinning would be more difficult than her current set up but also thought maybe a 142 might be too small.
Definitely agree with you on the powder point – hence why I am riding a Funslinger and Mind Expander. I think at some point I’ll get her a more pow specific board at some point as well.
~Enzo
Hi Enzo
Funslinger/Mind Expander – nice quiver!
Yeah I don’t think 145 is too long for your wife’s specs. It’s about what I would say for an all round size for her. If she was using it predominantly as a freestyle board, then I think 142 would work best, but for an all-rounder, I think 145 is a good size for her.
Hey Nate,
Thanks for the input! We ordered her the 145 just the other day and got a great price. I had a different question as well. Have you by any chance been able to test out the ProtoSlinger yet? My Funslinger is 3 years old now and decently banged up so was going to upgrade either to the 19/20 Funslinger (great pricing right now at 380) but also know the ProtoSlinger is coming out this coming season. Unfortunately not many reviews have come out with COVID-19 but from what I have gathered, it has more camber and is a notch stiffer now. Something I have loved about the Funslinger is how playful it can be, soft on jibs, but can still be sent on larger jumps (some may disagree but the board takes the large jump line at Mammoth just fine). Any insight on the ProtoSlinger and how it compares?
Thanks!
~Enzo
Hi Enzo
Awesome you were able to get a great price!
The Proto Slinger vs the Funslinger. It’s a tough call. I would say the Proto Slinger’s got that little bit more pop and a little more at speed and on a carve, but still super buttery, maneuverable, snappy etc. Those things are a subtle difference, but there is a difference. But I wouldn’t say that that the Proto Slinger felt noticeably stiffer. Still a playful board, but just that little bit less playful vs the Funslinger. Hope that makes sense.
Hi Nate, is this NS women PT2 a mid-wide board? I check the specs, the tip/tail width is big comparing to other boards in same length.
I am 166 cm, 49-52kg without gear and i am wearing women size 7 boots. I am learning switch, sidehit jump and butter skills. I will pair the board with Burton Escapade bindings, is that a good fit or other choice you recommend?
Also, what size should I pick for the board for my specs? As it will be my daily running board on groomer and all mount freestyle, all in one maybe but not for powder i have a Rossi Frenemy for that, not really need a pow expert board, cause i am not an expert, :-p.
Last, how is the PT2 edge hold on ice performance compared with Frenemy or Full magne board from Lib Tech/GNU, like Ladies Choice?
thanks,
Linda
Hi Linda
Thanks for your message.
I would say it’s pretty average, maybe even slightly narrower than normal, in terms of waist width and width at inserts, which are the most important things to look at really, in terms of width. The tip/tail width looks pretty normal to me as well, comparing it to other all-mountain-freestyle boards. So I wouldn’t say it’s mid-wide at all. Comparing size for size, it’s very similar to the Frenemy in terms of tip/tail width and has a narrower waist. e.g. 144 Frenemy is 239mm waist and 279mm tip/tail. The 145 Women’s PT2 has a 236mm waist and 280mm tip/tail. Note that there is a men’s PT2. Are you sure you’re not looking at that for the specs. Which boards in similar lengths were you comparing, out of curiosity?
Size-wise for you, I would say the 142 would be a really good size for you. You could also consider the 139, given that you would be using it to learn some freestyle skills and won’t need it in powder. As an all-round length I would be leaning towards the 142, but if you wanted it to favor more freestyle riding, then I would strongly consider the 139.
In terms of edge hold in icy conditions, I’d say that it’s just a step down from something like the Ladies Choice, but it’s still really good. To put it in number format, I’d say PT2 4/5 in icy conditions and Ladies Choice 5/5, to give some perspective.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate, I think I made a mistake on the waist width. Now I am clear. Just wondering what is the biggest different from GNU Ladies Choice and NS PT2? For my specs, which one should be more suitable, or really they are close each other? For GNU LC, should I still consider 139.5 more than 142.5?
thanks,
Linda
Hi Linda
Whilst they certainly aren’t the same board, they do share a lot of similarities. Similar flex, similar camber profile, both asym twins etc. There are some differences in specs (and feel) like different side cuts and the Ladies Choice is a little narrower overall. But in terms of what’s more suitable for you, I think they are both equally as suitable.
Again, in terms of sizing, I would say the same thing. 142.5 is a more all-round length, if you want to ride it for everything, but if you wanted it to mainly focus on freestyle riding, and wouldn’t be riding it ultra fast or anything, then the 139.5 would certainly be an option.
In general, when deciding between the sizes for either board:
– The longer size will be subtly better in terms of stability at speed and float in powder
– The shorter size will be subtly better for freestyle (butters, side-hits, jibs etc), trees and easier maneuverability in general
Out of curiosity, Ash was on a 145 with size 8.5 boots? 236mm waist width seems hella narrow for those size boots. I am a size 7.5/8 boot and I try to go with a 238 waist width. Did she feel any drag while carving?
Size-wise I am either the 145 or the 148 and curious as to which she would go with should she have the choice due to the boot length and board maneuverability.
Thanks!
Hi Skythetri
Thanks for your message.
236mm with +15/-15 angles on the bindings is very doable with 8.5s. Ash didn’t feel any drag whilst carving, and I’m not surprised about that either. The width at the inserts on the 145 is around 244mm. The length of her boots around 285mm. So that’s a boot overhang of around 41mm, which is roughly 20mm per edge, which isn’t excessive by any means, IMO. A good amount of overhang. And that would be straight across the board. At 15 degree angles, there’s even more leeway there.
I think 145 is about right for Ash, for her specs and for this board in particular. The 148 would be a possibility too, but I would be leaning towards 145 for her.
With 7.5/8 boot, I don’t think you should have any issues with drag on the 145. In terms of which size would be best for you, I’m not sure without knowing your specs. I’m happy to give my opinion for sizing for you, I would just need your height, weight, ability level and how you like to ride (i.e. fast?, aggressive?, jumps? jibs? butters? powder? carving? and what you spend most time doing).
Hope this helps
Hi Nate,
Thank you for the detailed reply.
Indeed, it is my first twin board in the past 8 years and I rode the PT2 for around 10-15 days last season.
“I wonder if it’s having to make an adjustment from usually feeling setback on your directional board – and your body is feeling like it’s too close to the front of the board” <—this is exactly how I feel!
Based on your advice, hope I just have to take some time to get use to the board. I really like how light and playful this board is comparing to my old one.
Thanks again for your help!
You’re very welcom Olympe. Hope you have a great season!
I know it is an old review but thank you so much for doing this as there are so little review out there for the women PT2 .
I come from classic directional camber board and find PT 2 a bit unstable at high speed. I also find myself having difficulty to “commit” and lean towards the front as I do “trip” due to nose dive even on groomed piste when comparing with my old board.
Is that normal and would you be kind to give any suggestion that can improve the experience?
Thanks!
Hi Olympe
Thanks for your message.
I haven’t experienced what you’re describing on the Men’s PT2 and didn’t get any feedback to this effect from Ash re the Women’s PT2. I wonder if it’s having to make an adjustment from usually feeling setback on your directional board – and your body is feeling like it’s too close to the front of the board and isn’t used to it. How long have you been riding it for now? I wonder if it’s something that just needs a little time for adjustment. Have you ridden any other twins before? Or is this the first twin you’ve ridden?
It might be the case that getting a lesson might help, where you can work with an instructor to take a look at your technique to see if there’s any little adjustments that can be made. Otherwise, I’m not sure what else you could do apart from giving it time. Since the PT2 is an asym board it’s not really something you want to set back on. Otherwise, that could have been an option, to see if you preferred it with a little bit of setback. But that might feel a little strange with the asym tech. You could always give it a try though, if you wanted.
Hope this somewhat helps