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Bataleon Feelbetter 2021-2022 Women’s Snowboard Review

  • Price: £380 / €450 / $450
  • Category: All-Mountain
  • Sizes: 138, 140, 143, 146, 149, 152
  • Flex: 3/10
  • Shape: Directional Twin
  • Profile: Camber
  • 3D: Yes
  • Base: Extruded
MORE INFO:
BATALEON.COM

The Feelbetter has been a staple of Bataleon’s women’s line for years, and features an updated shape for 2021/22. It’s an all-mountain directional twin with a soft heart, so riders of any ability can get to grips with it – especially with Triple Base Tech ready to bail you out of any edge-catching trouble.

“The Feelbetter has been a staple of Bataleon’s women’s line for years, and features an updated shape for 2021/22”

Who Is The Bataleon Feelbetter For?

Riders who want one board for all eventualities from piste cruising to powder laps. It’s way more than a beginner’s board, but the mellow flex and raised edges will definitely help less experienced shredders build confidence and get creative.

Shape, Profile and Sidecut

Bataleon have started to put a little more emphasis on the directional element of their directional twins (see the latest iteration of the men’s Whatever). The Feelbetter’s new silhouette is in line with this trend; it’s still got a mirror image flex and plenty of tail – so you can ride it switch with no problems – but the rear has been subtly blunted, and the nose rounded, so it’s clear which end is which. With the stance set back 10mm too, you don’t have to work very hard to sink the tail in powder, while the extra volume up front (combined with 3BT) helps it surf the deep stuff nicely.

Speaking of 3BT, the Feelbetter deploys a fairly relaxed version of Bataleon’s famed 3D tech. The centerbase is quite wide, providing a stable platform for going straight and landing tricks, but a gentle bevel towards the nose and tail means it’s pretty damned hard to hang your edge. The board also includes SideKicks at the wide points which accentuate this uplift, smoothing out turns and transforming the nose into a proper powder boat.

From tip to tail there’s some traditional camber to keep it feeling lively, but it’s a low arc – nothing too aggressive or twitchy. Ultimately, this board is a chilled ride that any level of rider can jump on and feel instantly comfortable.

“Ultimately, this board is a chilled ride that any level of rider can jump on and feel instantly comfortable”

Construction and Materials

The Feelbetter is constructed around a full length wood core, made from traditional poplar with beech stringers for extra strength. The sidewalls are made from urethane rather than standard hard plastic, which dampens the ride a little and is less prone to getting scratched by rocks, rails or stray tree roots.

The topsheet features a biax weave to help give the Feelbetter its signature soft flex pattern. OK, if you’re really charging then you’re going to notice some flapping, but the payoff is that you really feel in control of this board at all times – you don’t need legs of steel to initiate edge changes, load ollies or practice some butters.

The base is made from extruded P-tex. That makes it easier to look after, but a little slower than sintered equivalents. If we’re being nice (and hey, we always like to be nice!) we’d say it adds to the easygoing nature of this board.

“Not every rider wants to have to concentrate 100% on every turn, or work their ass off just to pop an ollie. Some of us just want to relax and have fun. That’s what the Feelbetter is all about”

Roundup

Not every rider wants to have to concentrate 100% on every turn, or work their ass off just to pop an ollie. Some of us just want to relax and have fun. That’s what the Feelbetter is all about. With its mellow flex and raised edges you can stick this thing on autopilot if you feel like it, but those same qualities will also give you the confidence to push yourself to learn new tricks or venture beyond the ropes when you’re ready to switch it on.

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