A material called ‘Hexagonalcore’ has been placed right at the extremities to reduce the swing weight of the board and make it easier than ever to initiate turns and get those spins round. The Framewall sidewalls play their part too, designed to require less power to get the same level of control, with fewer of the vibrations that cause foot fatigue.

“Anyone wanting to use this in the park would be better off on the bigger features, or in the halfpipe”

That about does it for the tech – but what about the actual board that it’s all wrapped up in? Well, the Head Instinct i.KERS is very much an all-mountain snowboard. The twin shape caters for the freestyle fans, although the directional elements of the build mean that you’ll still want to spend most of your time in your regular stance. Given the stiffness and the emphasis on powerful riding, anyone wanting to use this in the park would be better off on the bigger features, or in the halfpipe.

With their decades of experience in the ski game, and now with well-earned respect in the snowboard world, Head aren’t to be ignored – and the Head Instinct i.KERS is the jewel in their formidable line.

The Instinct was my first snowboard when I joined the Head Snowboards team. I instantly connected to its shape and specs. Jumps, rails, park or pow – when I go up to the mountain the Instinct i.KERS behaves perfectly in any conditions. It’s my favourite all-mountain board.

Even though it’s a little stiffer, the double camber torsion (with its great pop beneath the bindings) makes it super fun and extremely reliable in every situation. I enjoy the very direct and precise edge control that lets you feel like a World Cup racer on groomers, as well as the surfy behaviour in deeper snow.

The Instinct always puts a very big smile on my face – no matter where I ride it.