Hello and welcome to my Nitro Team Gullwing review.
In this review, I will take a look at the Team Gullwing as an all-mountain snowboard.
As per tradition here at SnowboardingProfiles.com I will give the Team Gullwing a score out of 100 (based on several factors) and see how it compares with other all-mountain snowboards.
Overall Rating
Board: Nitro Team Gullwing 2020
Price: $529 (USD recommended retail)
Style: All-Mountain
Flex Rating: Medium (6/10)
Flex Feel on Snow: Medium (6/10)
Rating Score: 88.9/100
Compared to other Men’s All-Mountain Boards
Out of the 34 men’s all-mountain snowboards that I rated:
- The average price was $495 (USD)
- The average score was 81.8/100
- The highest score was 92.0/100
- The lowest score was 66.7/100
- The Team Gullwing ranked 4th out of 34
Overview of the Team Gullwing’s Specs
Check out the tables for the Team Gullwing’s specs and available sizes.
Specs
Style: | All Mountain |
Price: | $529 |
Ability Level: |  |
Flex: |  |
Feel: |  |
Turn Initiation: | Medium-Fast |
Edge-hold: |  |
Camber Profile: | Hybrid Rocker (Nitro's Gullwing) |
Shape: | |
Setback Stance: | Setback 15mm |
Base: | Sintered (Speed Formula HD Base) |
Weight: | Felt Normal |
Sizing
LENGTH (cm) | Waist Width (mm) | Rec Rider Weight (lb) | Rec Rider Weight (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|
152 | 246 | 110-155 | 50-70 |
155 | 248 | 120-165 | 54-74 |
157 | 250 | 130-175 | 59-79 |
157W | 264 | 130-175 | 59-79 |
159 | 252 | 140-185 | 64-84 |
159W | 266 | 140-185 | 64-84 |
162 | 254 | 150-195 | 68-88 |
162W | 270 | 150-195 | 68-88 |
165W | 272 | 160+ | 73+ |
Who is the Team Gullwing Most Suited To?
The Team Gullwing is a great board for anyone who wants one board that is very versatile and can take them anywhere they want to go and ride in any style. It’s one of the better do-it-all boards I’ve ridden.
Also, if you want that one board quiver and like the feel of your board to be slightly on the looser more playful side of things (not in a huge way but just leaning there), then this will suit you well.
Not quite what I’d recommend for a beginner. Just a little too stiff for that. But certainly for an intermediate rider and up – or a higher level beginner rider who is quite athletic, you could definitely ride this.
The Team Gullwing in More Detail
O.k. let’s take a more detailed look at what the Team Gullwing is capable of.
Demo Info
Board: Nitro Team Gullwing 2019, 159
Date: April 15, 2018
Conditions: There was a little bit of fresh snow in the morning but just a few centimeters. There was still some left over fresh snow from the previous couple of days but not as much there as there was the day before.
Quite cold in the morning, especially for April, but warmed up in the afternoon as the sun came out.
Visibility was variable in the morning for the first couple of laps but cleared out pretty quickly with the sun coming out late morning.
There were a couple of harder spots but mostly pretty soft/medium all round.
Bindings angles: +15/-15
Stance width: 560mm (22”)
Stance Setback: 15mm (0.6“)
Width at Inserts: 260mm (10.2”) at the front insert and 262mm (10.3”) at the back insert
Flex
Nitro rates this a medium 6/10 in terms of flex and I can’t fault that. It felt like a 6/10 to me. Maybe bordering on 5.5/10, but certainly more than 5. But, no, I think 6/10 is pretty accurate.
Powder
There was a bit of powder left around when I rode this, though not heaps. But what I did find, it did well on. I mean it’s not a tapered, heavily setback board with a ton of rocker in the nose, so it’s never going to be a deep deep powder hound (nor is it designed to be that way)
But it does have a bit of setback and the nose is a little longer than the tail, and the rocker in the profile helps a bit with float – which explains why it felt pretty good in the pow.
Carving & Turning
In terms of turns, it felt like it had a really good balance between being able to hold a deep wide carve pretty well but could also perform short, sharp turns well. The feel is on the slightly more playful/loose side, rather than aggressive, but not overly loose. It’s a smooth turner overall.
You can skid your turns on it too if you get off your game or your just at a stage that you’re still skidding your turns. Not super beginner easy but pretty close.
Was something that was also pretty agile at slower speeds, which helped in technical spots in the trees. Overall a fun board to take into the trees.
Speed
Feels stable when going a good clip. Certainly not an out and out bomber but pretty good – like most things with this board, it can handle a bit of everything.
A good balance between being agile enough at slow speeds and being stable enough at high speeds.
Let’s Break up this text with a Video
Uneven Terrain
Didn’t even think about it in undulating terrain or in crud – it just takes it in its stride. Very consistent regardless of the terrain.
Jumps
It’s got reasonable pop and that pop’s easy to extract as well (doesn’t take too much effort to get spring out of it). And landings and approach felt stable. So overall a solid board for jumps, be they in the park or on natural terrain.
Good for spins too.
Switch
Totally fine riding switch. Not identical in terms of the shape (directional twin) and has a 15mm setback. But you could hardly feel that when riding or landing switch to be honest.
Jibbing/Butters
Certainly not a jibbing star but perfectly fine to take on jibs. I felt comfortable hitting jibs on it.
Butters pretty easily – not noodle board easy, but you can definitely butter with it.
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 | 3.5 | 10.5/15 |
SPEED | 3.5 | 10.5/15 |
UNEVEN TERRAIN | 4.0 | 12/15 |
SWITCH | 3.5 | 7/10 |
JUMPS | 4.0 | 8/10 |
SPINS | 3.5 | 3.5/5 |
BUTTERS | 3.5 | 3.5/5 |
JIBBING | 3.0 | 3/5 |
PIPE | 3.5 | 3.5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 88.9/100 |
Nitro have done really well to create smooth turning board that has a good amount of snap and pop but a good amount of dampness too. They’ve managed to really get a board that can do a bit of everything to a really decent level.
It’s consistent across terrain and capable for any style. The true definition of a one board quiver, this one.More Info, Current Prices and Where to Buy Online
If you want to learn more about the Team Gullwing, are ready to buy or want to research prices and availability, check out the links below.
If you want to see how the Team Gullwing compares to other men’s all-mountain snowboards or want to check out some other options in that category, check out the next link.
5″10, 78kg, sz 9,5 – would 157 be about right?
Hi JK
Yeah I reckon the 157 would be spot on for your specs, assuming at least an intermediate level of riding
Hope this helps
Hi Nate, I bought the 2019 team gullwing last year (after some much appreciated advice from you). I am finally going to be using it when I go away next weekend. I just wanted to ask your advice on whether it needs detuning at all as I seem to read a lot of conflicting information. I’m low level intermediate and will mostly be riding groomers, hopefully a bit of powder and trying to learn a little bit of freestyle.
Thanks, Mark
Hi Mark
Thanks for your message.
Personally I wouldn’t detune unless you were going to be predominantly riding in the park. If you’re going to be on a lot of boxes and rails, then yeah. Otherwise you don’t need to, IMO. No harm in detuning the tip and tail though. As far as I know a lot of boards are already detuned tip and tail out of the factory. But yeah, I don’t think there’s any harm in detuning tip and tail, but I wouldn’t detune all over unless you’re going to be riding a lot of boxes and rails. Detuning will lessen your edge-hold in harder and icy conditions. If you do get the tip and tail detuned I would get someone to do it for you (like in a shop) that knows what they’re doing, unless you already know what you’re doing with it.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate,
I am looking into picking up a Nitro Team Gullwing as well and was wondering if I could get away with the 159 or if I would have to get a wide. I am 5’9 175lbs with size 11 US Boots. I would ride this board with +15/-12 at a 22 inch stance. I am afraid the 159 might be a little narrow, but that the 159 wide would be a little too wide and I am worried I would lose some response. I really want this board for just cruising around the resort when it’s not a pow day, carving, hitting side hits, jumps and riding switch. Just a nice playful ride while waiting for the next storm cycle, but also a board that I could take in powder to play with too. Do you think I could get away with the 159 or would I need to go wide? Thanks!
Hi Joel
Thanks for your message.
I would say in most cases the 159 would be too narrow for 11s. But in some situations you might be able to squeeze it. Your binding angles help – but I would also need something else to feel comfortable on that width 11s. If you have low profile boots that would help – if you can let me know the make, model and year of your boots, I can let you know (if it’s a boot I’ve measured) how low profile it is. On top of that it depends on how deep/aggressive you carve. If you’re quite casual/don’t get that deep on carves, then that’s another thing that can help you to get on a narrower board.
With 11s, I would want a combo of your binding angles, low profile boots and a not too aggressive riding style, to be comfortable, personally. Otherwise I would go wide. However, if you’re going wide, I think going to the 157W would work. You’re getting something that’s on the wider side, but sizing down a little will give you back some maneuverability.
I think this board would be suitable for what you’re describing for sure though. Just which size is most suitable is the only questions – hopefully this gives you more to go off for your decision
Thanks for the thoughtful response Nate! I have a pair of Vans Verse and a pair of k2 Maysis. I think the 159 would be pushing it based on what you’ve told me here. I think I could probably have a really good time on the 157 wide, but I do wish their wides didn’t jump up quite so far! I actually just emailed them directly to see if they were planning any changes in sizing for next year. Anyway I really appreciate the feedback and I do think this would be a really fun board to have in the quiver!
You’re very welcome Joel.
The Maysis not particularly low profile, but the Vans Verse reasonably so (though not quite as much as other Vans boots I’ve measured) so I think 157W would be the better bet.
Hi,
I would like to know can I move both bindings one position towards tip and make it true twin, because I ride both regular and switch
Thanks
Hi Vlad
Thanks for your message.
With the 15mm setback it can be tricky to center up. Depending on the bindings, it might be doable, but for some it won’t be. And it would be a case of either moving the front binding towards the tip and moving the back binding towards the waist. If you move both equidistant apart, the setback will remain. But even with a 15mm setback, it’s still pretty good for riding switch. It’s not a massive setback.
Hi Nate,
First of all thank you for such an in depth review!
I was lucky to win this board in a raffle the other day. However, I am not sure if I should keep it or sell it and I would like your opinion on it.
So I have been riding a 153W Lib Skate Banana and I was looking to change it for a directional twin more focused on freeriding when I got this board. I know it is more for freestyle rather than freeride but I suppose it will also do the job.
The thing is I got the 155 size which is too narrow for me (10.5 US size boots). I got in touch with the shop and they said there may be a chance of getting another size. If that is possible do you think I should go for the 157W? I am 180cm (5.9ft) and weight around 70kg(155lb). I ride with my backfoot at around 4 degrees and together with my 10.5 US boot it makes me have quite a bit of overhang. However I am afraid that the 157W is then too wide…
My point is, if I cannot get a larger board I will sell it straight away. If I am able of getting lets say a 157W would it be a smarter move to sell it or to keep it? Maybe a width of 164 is too much for me…
I look forward to hearing from you!!
Hi Guillermo
Congrats on your raffle win!
I think the 157W is just on the big side for you overall. I would say more like 155 for length. Width-wise, the 155, with your binding angles particularly is probably too narrow, like you say. The width of the 157W is on the wide side for 10.5s, but it’s doable. But I think the combination of the length and width, make it overall too big to be ideal. If it was me I’d probably sell and look for a slightly better size. It’s not way off, but not ideal either, IMO. The Team Gullwing is what I would call a do-it-all. It is good for freestyle but also decent for freeride. It’s not a specialist in either, IMO. But yeah, if it was me, I’d probably sell and try to look for something in a 154W or 155W.
Hope this helps with your decision
These articles and all the comments really do make things a little easier. Thank you.
I bought the classic team and the gullwing as I could not make up my mind (162W). I only have one season under the belt so I am a new comer for sure. But I am extremely athletic and have been doing other boards sports for the past 30 years (35 now). I was going down the steepest slopes and linking turns my first day. I also love an hours drive from great resorts like Kitzbuhl and St Johann.
The only reason I got the classic was because my first season was on a sort of full camber board (Salomon Pulse). I loved the feel and control of it.
But then after reading many reviews I thought maybe I was a bit brave/stupid so I ordered the gullwing and will now send the classic back.
I am only worried a little bit about the loose feel.
I am 6foot3 and I weigh 100kg. Would my weight help to secure the board a bit more and help to make it feel “stiffer”?
Even as a kid bombing hills on long boards I hated it when things got wobbly. But from other reviews I think the classic camber is a stretch for me and I will be making the classic mistake of trying to grow into a board.
Hi Ewald
Thanks for your message.
Yeah, I think that the Gullwing is probably the better bet, if you have just one season, even if you are progressing well.
Extra weight on a board will actually make it flex more – so make it feel softer flexing rather than stiffer flexing. But I didn’t find the Team that loose feeling overall. It has a feel that’s just on the looser side of stable (by my feel) – certainly not as loose as a lot of other boards with rocker between the feet. How loose it will feel for you, is hard to say, but yeah, I didn’t find it overly loose, when I rode it.
If you’re really worried, then going for something that’s camber between the feet and rocker tip and tail might be the way to go. That typically gives a bit more stability but also doesn’t have the consequence of a full camber board.
But yeah, I usually don’t recommend growing into a board.
I think the 162W is a good size for you though (assuming you need a wide board, which I’m guessing you do?). You could go longer when you’re more advanced but at this stage, I think it’s a good length.
Hope this gives you more to go off for your decision
Thanks for your reply. I ended up with the gulwing version and will be heading to Hintertux to try it out next week for the first time.
Yes I need a wide as I have a size 13 boot. I am busy trying to find a good boot now and using your guides for that.
Thank you again.
Hi Ewald
Thanks for the update. Awesome you have a new deck! Let me know how it goes when you get it out on snow. Let me know if you have any questions re boots too.
Taking it out this Saturday for the first time. Will definitely let you know. I haven’t bought boots yet as I have no idea what to get. I tried on the Vans Implant As I liked the combination of Boa and Laces. They were comfortable in the store and gave me good support.
I wear a size 11 and half US in normal shoes and I tried a US 13 on in the Vans. Width is always the thing I need in any shoe.
Boots I have really been waiting on as I feel that there is no room for error with this decision.
Your input would really appreciated.
P.S. I used a pair of Salomon boots last season and they were OK. Didn’t have any foot pain but I can’t remember which ones.
Hi Ewald
When buying boots, I usually find that your size is going to be similar to your normal shoe size, so I feel like 13 is going quite big. Are you finding that your toes just brush the ends of the boots when you try on 13s. There shouldn’t be too much pressure on your toes, but you should be able to feel them just brush the end. I am just wondering if potentially if you’re finding that size more comfortable in order to get them feeling comfortable width-wise – as you mention width being important in your comment.
If you have wide feet, then going with a wide boot is a good idea. You can check out the following for some guidance on looking for wide boots – you might find the comments section there helpful.
Wide Snowboard Boots for Wide Feet
You could also check out the following, for more. I know you mentioned previously that you were looking at the guides, but just to make sure you’ve seen these ones.
>>How to Size Snowboard Boots
Sizing Snowboard Boots: The Different Brands
Hi Nate, thanks again for all the help, I have only managed 6 days on the board thus far this season and it has been great. Here are my key take aways.
Used with Nitro Team bindings on snow and blue bird days, on and off piste.
The board felt very stable at higher speeds, a lot more than I thought it would and I am very happy with that.
I was able to turn and carve rather nicely on it, even if I slightly misalign my carve I would be able to make small corrections mid-turn or easily get out of the turn altogether.
The flex was stiffer than I thought it would be too, which was a good thing for me personally. I could not butter it that well but that would be more due to me just not being able to butter that well yet.
The few powder sections we had on the mountain was an absolute blast on this board. However I needed a fair amount of speed as I am a heavier and bigger guy. Powder sections were between 30cm to 50cm deep.
Cornering was a dream on the narrower runs, I could easily charge into corners and make great turns without losing too much speed.
The bottom sheet took a beating off piste but manged to hardly show any wear or damage at all. I think its a very well built board.
The thing I do not like about the Exposure version I have is the very high gloss finish at the top. The thing is a magnet for skiers waiting inline at the chairlift. Its already scratched all over the top sheet. This doesnt necessarily bother me, but it might bother someone else.
Thanks again for all the help. Super stoked with my choice.
Hi Ewald
Thanks for the update. Always enjoy hearing others experiences on boards and their insights. Much appreciated.
PS: Yeah I hate when skiers (and sometimes snowboarders too) doing that at the chairlift. Not that hard to avoid others if you’re paying attention. I’m not that worried about the aesthetics of my top sheet either, but it’s just courtesy.
Hi Nate,
First of all thank you for helping me on my decision. I just unstrapped myself from the Nitro Team Gullwing and I am pleasantly surprised with the build quality and the flex pattern.
It looks like it is exactly what I was looking for and I just wanted to inform you and maybe help also other readers to choose.
The 159W is perfect for my size 11US Nitro Team boots. The angles I use are +12/-9. The overhung I have is 1.5 cm at the toes and 2 cm at the heels. Just Perfect!
The width at the reference point is 27.6 cm at the front foot and 27.8 cm at the back foot (The width of my stance is 59cm) and the weight of the board without the bindings is exactly 3125 grams. It feels normal to light.
Just for the record and for comparison my Jones Explorer 161W is 3286 grams and the width at the reference point is 27.8 cm at the front foot and 28.1 cm at the back foot.
The flex of the Nitro is more like a 5 to me but maybe because my weight is 87 kg, so I am at the end of the spectrum for this size. Especially at the middle section is sooooo easy to play with this board. Maybe because it is thinner between the bindings.
The Jones Explorer is stiffer and way less playful. More for freeride and speed for sure.
So overall the Nitro Team is what I was looking for. Way more playful for a fun freestyle ride. I could bent it very easily and pop it with no effort as you said.
Your review is spot on. Only the flex for me it feels slightly a bit softer than 6. Although you were also not very sure 🙂
Thanks again Nate! I love the board!
Hi Chris
Thanks for your input!
Always awesome to hear others experiences with the board and awesome to get those weight details and the width at inserts details for that size. Definitely helpful for other readers out there.
Hey Nate,
I have a US men’s boot size 8.5 and I am thinking of getting the team gullwing 152cm. Is a 246mm waist width too narrow for me?
Hi Colton
With 8.5s, I’d say that would be a great width for you. Not likely to be too narrow at all. The width at the inserts on the 152 Team Gullwing is likely to be around 25.6cm. An 8.5 has a mondo print of 26.5cm and the average difference between outerboot and mondo print for snowboard boots is around 3cm. So assuming average, you’re looking at about a 3.9cm total overhang – around 2cm on heel edge and 2cm toe edge (assuming you’re riding with a flat back foot – with any angle on that foot, you get a bit more leeway again) which is pretty much ideal overhang (you want a bit of overhang).
Hi Nate,
So I finally decided to go with the nitro gullwing but I am not sure about the size. 157w or the 159w?
Height 186.5cm
Weight 86kg
Boot size 11US
70% groomers
20% park (only small and medium jumps)
10% pow
Any thoughts?
Thank you!!
Hi Chris
It’s a tight call. 159 is the length I would go for for you, for sure out of the 2. But the width would be the only question. It’s on the wider side for 11s, so whether or not that makes sizing down to 157W a good idea. The 159W not going to be ultra wide for your boots of course, but just on the wider end of the range. Also good to note that it will be very similar in width to your 161W, so if you’re used to that and feel comfortable with that, then that’s another thing to consider.
And of course, I think you would appreciate the 157W more, when in the park and the 159W more when in powder, but the 159W will be doable in the park and the 157W doable in powder. On the groomers, I think you would prefer the 159W – assuming your wanting to carve and get a bit of speed (as opposed to riding more casually, finding side-hits, flat land tricks etc). So overall, I would be leaning towards the 159W, largely because I think you’ll prefer that 80% of the time. But if your groomer time is different to how I predicted that might change what you think, if that makes sense.
Hope this gives you more to go off for your decision.
Thanks for your reply Nate.
It is indeed a very tight call that’s why it is giving me a headache.
The width is my only concern but I am used riding wide boards.
I have been to a 155 midwide board in the past and I didn’t like the feeling at all. Tricky landings, no speed, a bit of a heel and toe drag, not stable in high speeds and no float at all so I am afraid to go to a board only 2cm longer than that. So I guess I should follow the specs chart and do it right.
A 159 board will check all the boxes. I only hope that 2mm extra waist width from what I am used to, will not bring the end of the world.
I ll go for the 159w. One board to rule them all.
Thank you again for your help.
You’re very welcome Chris.
I think that’s a really good call, based on the new info you provided there. Hope the board treats you well!
Hi Nate,
Excellent! I will make my decision later on depending on if I can still carry the explorer with me.
In case I can, I will go with the Arbor Westmark 157W. It looks very fun to ride in the park and I don’t mind about the wobbling in high speeds because it is not built for that.
In case I can carry only one, I will go with Nitro Team Gullwing 159W. It looks like a good choice for groomers and Park and just a bit of powder but not deep. I can put some extra effort to make it float with no problem. My legs will survive.
Very quick question between the team gullwing and westmark rocker: in which board did you have more fun in jumps and popping and ollie?
Thank you!!!
Hi Chris
Good call.
I’d say that the Westmark Rocker has a little “easier” pop. And by that I mean, it’s really easy to extract the pop – you don’t have to much effort in. It pops effortlessly. That’s not to say that the Team Gullwing is hard to extract the pop from – not at all, it has quite “easy” pop too, but just not quite as easy. When you really put it in to get pop the Team Gullwing might have just a touch more, but not by heaps. So for ollies, I prefer the Westmark Rocker – and for side-hits and small jumps and that kind of thing. But I’d take the Team Gullwing for bigger jumps – a more solid landing platform and when you need more speed on approach for a jump the Team Gullwing feels more stable.
Hi Nate.
My height is 1,86cm and my weight is 85kg. I wear the nitro team tls boots 11US. I ride for 15 years. I have the Jones explorer 161W (26.4cm ww). My riding style is basically 60% groomers 30% pow and 10% Park. Mainly I stick to the medium jumps.
Last year I tried to change a bit and focus more in the park but the explorer is a bit too heavy and stiff for that. In the pow is amazing though. I am thinking to try out a more playful board and a bit more maneuverable just for a change and if it is possible something more lightweight. The weight of the explorer without the bindings is 3284grams. in my opinion is normal but on the heavy side.
So anyway, would you recommend the Nitro Team Gullwing 157W or the 159W or something else like the Arbor Westmark rocker 157W as a do it all board but more lively with some very light jibbing here and there?
Thank you!
I forgot to mention that I am also considering the gnu riders choice 158W but I am afraid it is too wide although 4mm more of what I am used to ride it shouldn’t be that big of a deal. Or maybe I can step down to 155W but then it might be too short. That board confuses me 🙂
Hi Chris
Thanks for your messages.
Firstly re weight: I weighed the Jones Frontier 2020 (essentially the Explorer, but with a new name for the 2020 model) in the 156 and it was 2880grams – and 18.46grams per cm. This is pretty much right on the average of all the boards I’ve weighed. At 3284 grams the 161W is 20.39 grams per cm. Which is certainly significantly heavier, but that is to be expected being a wide board. Since I don’t test wide boards, I don’t weigh them, so I’m not sure of how much difference there usually is due to the extra width. Of course with wood cores, there is variance even between the same board. But I suspect that, given it’s a wide, it’s about normal, but maybe just slightly heavier than normal. I haven’t actually weighed the Team Gullwing, so not sure of it’s actual weight but felt normal on snow. That’s the other thing a board can weight more than another board but still feel lighter on snow. So absolute weight doesn’t always translate.
I wouldn’t say the Gullwing is any softer flexing than the Explorer – but it’s a little looser feeling, so that might be something that helps – and can help to make a board feel a little lighter on snow too. I would say that the Gullwing maybe felt slightly lighter on snow but there’s not that much in it, IMO. And I haven’t ridden those 2 boards side-by-side, so it’s hard to get a real feel, but from my notes, I would say they’re not too much difference in terms of how they feel in terms of weight.
If you are looking at keeping the Explorer for powder days – and for charging groomers. And using your new board for park and riding more freestyle over the mountain, then I would look at going for something even more freestyle oriented than the Gullwing, to give you that bigger contrast. Something one of these:
>>My Top 10 Men’s Freestyle Snowboards
Look out for something with a softer flex (maybe around 4/10), to give you that contrast to your current board and for an easier going ride.
But if you are looking to replace the Explorer and want something to do a bit of everything, then the Gullwing is certainly an option – as are some of the following:
>>My Top 10 All Mountain Snowboards
The Rider’s Choice is what I consider all-mountain-freestyle and would work well as a replacement board too, except that it’s going to be a reasonable step down in terms of powder. As a compliment to the Explorer it could work too. It’s not that much softer flexing but still certainly softer – 5/10 vs 6.5/10 for the Explorer.
In terms of width, the Rider’s Choice, like a lot of GNU/Lib Tech boards isn’t that wide at the inserts vs at the waist, so I wouldn’t be worried about going wider. I would imagine the Explorer is around 281mm at the back insert and 278mm at the front insert (it’s wider at the inserts vs the waist than normal). The Rider’s Choice 158.5W on the other hand is likely to be around 273mm at the front and back inserts. These predictions are based on measuring other sizes, but usually it holds true. Part of the reason the Explorer is wider at the inserts is the wide reference stance, but even if you ride it narrower than the reference stance, it would still be wider at the inserts than the 158.5W Rider’s Choice. So, I wouldn’t worry about the width on that – it’s a good width for 11s.
In some cases, with 11s, regular width rather than wide can work too – depending on the specific board. Something to keep in mind.
Hope this gives you more to go off – and if you narrow down some options/clarify if you are replacing the Explorer or adding a second board to compliment the Explorer, let me know and I’ll be happy to help you further narrow it down.
Hi Nate. Thanks for the quick reply.
Alright, so basically this year I have room only for one board to take with me to Laax Switzerland. Over there I am gonna focus to the park but sometimes the powder is calling my name and I don’t want to miss the chance to hit a lap or two. So yes, I would like to replace the explorer with something more park oriented but still be able to have a bit more flow than a typical twin board if the weather is bad for park if you know what I mean.
A hair of a softer flex feeling is what I want and a more forgiving profile so I can quickly correct some bad landings. That is why I look to the v shape for sure so I can still get that pop as well. Also more maneuverable 157 minimum to 159 maximum.
I hope I made it more clear 🙂.
Thanks again for the amazing work you have done here.
Forgot to mention the boards I am looking into.
-Nitro team gullwing 159W (Maybe this is a playful version of the explorer and hopefully more lightweight core since I have the 2017 explorer in 161W)
-Gnu riders choice 158W (I think it is doing okish in pow for a twin and maybe the width will add smthing extra)
-Niche Aether 159 (maybe too narrow? I have also heard the latest model has a very lightweight construction)
-Arbor westmark 157W rocker (the extra bumps at the contact points I ve heard are doing very good job together with the parabolic rocker)
Hi Chris
Thanks for your message.
See my other comment for Gullwing and Rider’s Choice.
The Aether, IMO, just a small step down from the Rider’s Choice in powder. That’s just the feeling I got from it. It’s not quite as nimble – and despite having that Hyrbid Rocker shape, just doesn’t that slightly looser feel that you normally get from a hybrid rocker – almost feels more like a hybrid camber strangely. But a good board nonetheless. I rode the 2020 model and that’s changed a little from the 2019. I didn’t get a chance to weigh it but I didn’t note it feeling any lighter in the 2020 model. I rode the 156 – which was 262mm at the inserts (256mm waist). So I suspect the 159 would be roughly 266mm at the inserts (260mm waist). Which would be borderline for 11s. Quite a few boards with a 260mm waist would be fine for 11s, but in this case the difference at the inserts isn’t a lot. Doable but pushing it. The 2019 model 159 has a 262mm waist, but when I measured the 2019 model it was only 2mm wider at the inserts – so that might be actually slightly narrower.
The Westmark Rocker: I rode the 2020 model of this too. In powder was surprisingly fun – a loose surfy feel. Would likely run into issues in deeper powder, but a good option if you’re wanting to ride both directions in powder. Flex – similar to Rider’s Choice – about 5/10. Overall a really fun, nimble board but gets pretty wobbly at speed. It’s the most freestyle/park oriented on your list. It’s like a park board that does OK in powder, if you’re wanting to ride pow in both directions. I think it would be a good compliment to the Explorer. But stand alone, I’d probably be leaning more towards Rider’s Choice or Team Gullwing. Weight-wise, it’s just a little lighter than normal – the size I weighed was around 18.05 grams/cm ( a non-wide) but vs the non-wide Explorer (18.46g/cm) it’s a little lighter. And felt really light on snow to me. Width-wise (based on measuring a different size, of course) I would predict the 157MW to be roughly 274mm at the inserts. It’s one that’s quite wide at the inserts vs the waist.
Hope this gives you more to go off for your decision
Hi Chris
Thanks for the clarification.
In that case, yeah the Team Gullwing is a hair softer and yeah a little more of a looser feel. Slightly more leaning towards freestyle but still a do-it-all kind of board. The Explorer a little more freeride oriented. And like you say, sizing down a little would also make it a little more different. Width-wise looking at roughly 276mm at the back insert and 274mm at the front insert (at reference). So a little narrower than the Explorer (at reference) and a little wider than the Rider’s Choice. The combination of factors should make it noticeably different from the Explorer – but not massively. But a good option as a do-it-all board that’s a little more park oriented than your current.
The Rider’s Choice a little more different again, being softer and more freestyle oriented than the Team Gullwing. A little less in terms of powder, but not the worst twin in terms of powder. Definitely doable in powder – but if it gets really deep, not as suitable – though if you set it back on a powder day, that would help.