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Snowboards

Borealis Shaman 2021-2022 Snowboard Review

  • Price: €629
  • Category: Freeride + Powder
  • Sizes: 159, 162
  • Flex: 6/10
  • Shape: Directional Twin
  • Profile: hybrid
  • 3D: No
  • Base: Sintered

Borealis’ self-proclaimed ‘weapon of mass destruction’, the Shaman is geared up for big days in the backcountry. Not just a one trick pony, the construction of the Shaman opens it up to playful days on the piste when it hasn’t been puking. A powder board that isn’t just for the deepest days. Dreamy.

“A powder board that isn’t just for the deepest days. Dreamy”

MORE INFO:
BOREALIS-SNOWBOARDS.COM

Who Is The Borealis Shaman For?

You’re the kind of rider who likes to go big, no matter where on the hill you end up. Piste? For sure. Pow? Hell yeah. Park? Go on then. It would suit those who like to bring some playful freestyle in their riding but wouldn’t necessarily spend the day sessioning the jib line, think more big hits off of natural features.

Shape, Profile and Sidecut

The Shaman’s hybrid profile runs a short rocker section in the middle of the board, this acts as a pivot point allowing rapid transfer of weight from nose to tail. This is flanked on either side by camber sections which run up to the contact points with a smidge of early rise in the nose and tail. Together, they create a platform that allows for float in deeper snow, and power on the hardpack.

Shape-wise the Shaman’s elongated nose and tail add a bit more volume for keeping you afloat, add this to the tapered outline and 20mm setback and you’ve got a board that might not look like a powder cannon, but can sure hold its own outside the resort boundaries.

Borealis’ Sidewaves 5.0 technology does exactly what it says on the tin. The strategically placed waves down the sidecut help to increase traction when you’re up on your edges by increasing the amount of contact points on the snow. A nice addition at any point, but especially helpful when it’s icy out.

“The Shaman’s hybrid profile runs a short rocker section in the middle of the board, this acts as a pivot point allowing rapid transfer of weight from nose to tail”

Construction and Materials

Part of what gives the Shaman its unique look and feel is Borealis’ use of a 100% natural bamboo topsheet. As a material bamboo is lightweight and dynamic with a high tensile strength, making it ideal for a lively and snappy topsheet. As a bonus, the use of bamboo also cuts down on plastic usage in the Shaman by 40%. It’s a win-win.

Working with the bamboo topsheet to reduce chatter and soak up vibrations, you’ve got the new Element Core. It combines poplar with basalt beams for an explosive result, targeting specific areas to deliver a dynamic and powerful ride.

Instead of two layers of fibreglass, Borealis switch one out for their special Basaltech Natural Volcanic Fibre, not only is this a lightweight and high-performance alternative, but it also is a more sustainable option. Top it all off with a high-end sintered base and you’ve got a board that’s as rapid as it is responsive.

“Part of what gives the Shaman its unique look and feel is Borealis’ use of a 100% natural bamboo topsheet”

Roundup

By cherry picking the best materials they have on offer, Borealis have ensured the Shaman can roll with the big boys. A powerhouse across the whole mountain, this is a board for experienced riders who seek out their thrills anywhere and everywhere.

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