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Bataleon Fun.Kink 2021-2022 Snowboard Review

  • Price: £380 / €450 / $450
  • Category: All-Mountain
  • Sizes: 149, 151, 154, 157, 159w, 162w
  • Flex: 4/10
  • Shape: Directional Twin
  • Profile: Camber
  • 3D: Yes
  • Base: Extruded
MORE INFO:
BATALEON.COM

If you want an all-mountain snowboard with a little je ne sais quoi, the Fun.Kink is it. Fast becoming an icon of the Bataleon range, it’s a super versatile directional twin with enough carbon and 3D tech to spice up the ride and give you plenty of ammo in those “who’s got the best board?” conversations.

“If you want an all-mountain snowboard with a little je ne sais quoi, the Fun.Kink is it”

Who Is The Bataleon Fun.Kink For?

Riders of all levels who spend most of their time in the park and resort – but who will prioritize fresh lines and powder kickers as soon as the snow gods allow.

Shape, Profile and Sidecut

The Fun.Kink boasts a new shape for 21/22 that’s a little more angular at the nose and tail compared to the old version. Essentially, however, it’s still a twin silhouette with a subtle set back stance which makes it easier to ride in deep (or rough) snow. Looked at from the side, the profile is cambered – nothing too aggressive, but enough bend to ensure the board feels lively edge to edge.

Hook-ups are minimised with the addition of Triple Base Tech to lift the side of the base off the snow towards each end, including SideKicks at the wide points which accentuate the bevelled effect. The result of all this is that you can get away with some sloppy-ass landings in the park, and when you take the Fun.Kink off-piste there’s noticeably more float than flat boards with an equivalent surface area. It might not be a straight-up powder gun, but it’s a legit all-rounder.

“The Fun.Kink boasts a new shape for 21/22 that’s a little more angular at the nose and tail compared to the old version”

Construction and Materials

There’s a careful mix of premium tech and classic construction in the Fun.Kink that make it a great value offering. The Core Core, as Bataleon describe it, is made from good ol’ poplar, with some beech stringers to help it take a beating in the park. Into this are milled two carbon tubes, positioned on either edge between the inserts. These reinforce the camber profile, boost pop and help deliver a dampened ride at high speeds.

The biax weave topsheet keeps it simple and ensures the Fun.Kink’s flex is mellow enough to appeal to a wide range of riders; even beginners will feel comfortable on this board, and it certainly has plenty of underlying performance for them to grow into.

An extruded base and urethane sidewalls bring a little extra durability to the party – perfect if you like to chuck yourself onto the occasional rail.

“What we dig about the Fun.Kink is its relaxed flex; this snowboard is super easy to get on with from the moment you strap in”

Roundup

Boards designed to do it all – munch miles around resort, shred the park AND tackle freeride lines – tend to come in on the stiff side. What we dig about the Fun.Kink is its relaxed flex; this snowboard is super easy to get on with from the moment you strap in. That’s only going to make it appeal to more riders, and give them the confidence to get creative – especially with 3BT acting as a get-out-of-jail-free card. It’s well priced, too, and with a little carbon under the hood, it’s still most definitely got the cojones to hit some steeps.

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