• Price: £430, $530
• Category: Park/Jib
• Ability Level: Intermediate, Advanced
• Size: 148, 151, 153W, 154, 156W, 157
• Flex: 3.5/10
• Shape: True Twin
• Profile: 3BT Camber
• Base: Extruded
• BUY DIRECT FROM BATALEON

There was a time when the term ‘jib board’ was synonymous with ‘plank of wood and topsheet’. But when Bataleon released the Global Warmer it shook up the status quo of what was possible for snowboards in this category. While it’s fine-tuned for the rail or box line, this one can still throw down on the bigger jumps. Better yet, it’s not a complete fish out of water once you leave the confines of the park.

The outline, profile and flex pattern are all true twin – no real surprise for a snowboard that’s designed to be ridden switch as often as regular. Where it breaks from convention, is just how much performance is packed into a core that only reaches 3.5/10 on the flex rating scale.

“While it’s fine-tuned for the rail or box line, this one can still throw down on the bigger jumps”

For the 2021 season, the GW’s been upgraded to the Super Ultra Light wood core. Heavy on hyperbole; light on materials, this is the most premium offering in Bataleon’s line and makes it ideal for chucking about on park features without it ever feeling cumbersome or lifeless.

The rest of the core is configured with mid-flexing bi-ax fiberglass and a couple of carbon additives. Firstly, there are stringers concentrated on either side of the bindings to provide a solid platform. Edge changes are quicker and more stable, while vibrations underfoot are slightly dampened – all benefits you’ll be thankful for when you’re dropping into the XL line.

“Once it finds its way into the park, boy, does it deliver”

Secondly, there’s a hollow carbon tube running down the centre of the snowboard, between the inserts. Without interfering with the torsional forgiveness, it does manage to liven up that mellow full-length camber when it’s time to pop.

Then, as always, there’s Bataleon’s kicker card – Triple Base Technology. The Global Warmer features a jib specific profile, utilising the widest possible centre base and only a subtle uplift in the side bases of the nose and tail. While it proves less capable for carving or riding powder like other Bataleon models, it does make it incredibly stable for pressing and popping, coupled with the advantage of being less prone to edge catches around the contact area.

If early intermediates have enough budget to push the boat out, the Global Warmer would be a very accessible snowboard to progress freestyle riding on. Really, though, this one’s all about the rider who already knows exactly what they’re looking for. And once it finds its way into the park, boy, does it deliver.