Long noses, set back stance, and weird tails. These are some of the defining characteristics that make up a directional powder board. But for all their uniqueness there’s one thing that remains true, these boards shine when you’re in the steep and deep powder. 2016 wasn’t an overly abundant year for powder shredding, but when the goods hit these boards were tested and thoroughly enjoyed. Below you will find a closer look at why each of these were stand outs and how they compare.
Rossignol XV: Are any of you reading this or myself included ever going to ride like Xavier De Le Rue? Honestly no. But that doesn’t mean we can’t ride his board. This deck is tried and true. Over the last few years this board has consistently managed to be timeless with its powder functionality. You can count on this board to rip deep pow, fly off cliffs with ease, and give you edge hold in sketchy situations. With its camber rocker profile you get the traditional load of camber while better tip and tail float. For traditionalists this board will feel similar to a standard camber board. While it is true this board is not exactly the best for ripping trees due to the long nose and set back, if you know what you’re doing you will still have a good time. That’s why it was our number one pick for 2016. This board is recommended for the more serious powder chasers that are going to be charging couloirs. Plus it does make one hell of a park deck as you can see below.
Arbor Shreddy Krueger: If Freddy Krueger ever left the dreams of the children of Elm Street he might find that haunting deep snow fields would be far more rewarding. But he’s fictional and we live in a world of reality where we need proper functioning equipment. The Shreddy Krueger is more than a one trick pony and you can see members of the Arbor team utilizing its versatility all over. It does stand out above the Rossignol XV though due to its nimbleness in tight trees. The center reverse camber is possibly the easiest camber profile to utilize when riding powder. If you want to float just lean back a little and don’t worry about leg burn. When you get on to firmer snow or even ice the Griptech (extra contact points under foot) helps you lock in and not wash out. While not as wide open powder charging as the XV this board is a top pick for a resort or slack country snow chasing enthusiast, especially if they’re after the snow in the trees.
Flow Darwin: The Flow line of boards seems to get overshadowed by their binding line. Whether you like those or not shouldn’t matter when you look at their boards. The Darwin is one hell of an amazing powder deck. The wide nose coupled with the slight swallow tail only add to the fun of the camber profile. Whether you’re in the trees or a wide open bowl you can count on this board to stay on top of the snow and slash with the best of them. This is a true jack of all trades directional powder board with a more “traditional” look compared to the Arbor Shreddy Krueger. So if you’re the type of rider that needs a powder deck to round out your quiver this board should be looked at.
Salomon Sick Stick: The Sick Stick, is well as you can guess SICK! If you enjoy slashing pow and buttering then the soft playful nature of this deck is for you. It’s a very similar ride to the Arbor Shreddy Krueger and the DC Supernatant. This deck as well as those two blend the freestyle side of snowboarding into the directional powder slaying we all long for. There are a few things that set this board apart like its sidecut and materials. If you’re a resort ripper this could honestly be your all in one deck and you could be satisfied.
DC Supernatant: Last but not least is the DC Supernatant. This is Devun Walsh’s deck. While we can’t ride like him we can still continue to try to do backside 180’s into powder. A playful yet snappy profile is what makes this board fun in powder. It’s most at home doing mini golf lines where you’re popping off small hits, slashing berms, and then throwing a method or two off a natural hip. In my opinion it is most comparable to the Sick Stick and then the Shreddy Krueger. Due to its playful nature it really excels in the trees and as it’s built with weight reduction in mind you can throw it around.
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