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Never Summer Proto Type Two 2019-2020 Snowboard Review

  • Sizes: 152, 154, 155W, 157, 158W, 160, 161W, 164W
  • Flex: 5
  • Profile: Hybrid Rocker
  • Shape: Asymmetric Twin
  • Price: £599 / €699
  • BUY FROM SURFDOME

This all mountain maverick is made to please the riders out there who like to rip. The Never Summer Proto Type Two is an aggressive all-mountain board, which will take you through the deep stuff, hold an edge on the iciest of slope,  and swing you through the park with ease – all in one day.

When you take a closer look at the board, its shape resembles something of a Tom Selleck-like moustache. Never Summer calls this moustache-like profile a ‘ripsaw rocker camber profile’ – rocker in between the feet and camber both underneath and outside the feet.

What this means is that you’ll have less pressure over the contact points, so rather than the board being pushed against the snow you’ll be allowed more float . The camber provides tremendous pop and aggressive edge hold so basically, you’ll get all the things you’d want from a camber board while also getting the playfulness of a rocker.

“The sidecut on the heel side is deeper than on the toe side and thus makes the heel edge more aggressive”

The Proto Type Two has got an asymmetrical shape, with asymmetrical sidecuts (the dynamics between heel and toe side turns varies as a result). The sidecut on the heel side is deeper than on the toe side and thus makes the heel edge more aggressive.

This thing is light too thanks to Never Summer’s super light wood core. The combination of durable and lightweight wood makes the board strong without feeling heavy. With added laminated dampening, you can charge through any bumps without feeling like a like newborn deer that’s six-pints deep.

The Never Summer Proto Type Two is an aggressive board. This thing offers a lot of stability, pop and impressive edge hold no matter what kind of snow conditions you’re facing. It might not be the cheapest board out there, but all the tech makes it well worth the price.

Tester’s Verdict

Paul WoolProfessor

“Straight up this board looks sick. It has got a mild asymmetrical shape with different sidecuts on each side, the toe-side has a deeper cut. This mixed with a solid poppy rocker camber felt great for carving and ripping around on the piste. Classic Never Summer edges burrowing into the slope for a great hold on fast low carves, this is bolstered by the noticeably accentuated contact points on the toe side. What a treat.

“It has a rockered middle, which felt nice to butter and wasn’t a bitch to get off the ground”

I’m not sure what tech they’re running but the Proto, like all Never Summers I’ve been on, feels really comfortable and stable to ride. There is some serious dampening going on in that core; charging through choppy terrain, fast carves and sketch landings all get absorbed well. My knees applaud you.

Like most all-mountain boards, it is around a medium flex, which seems to be even throughout. It has a rockered middle, which felt nice to butter and wasn’t a bitch to get off the ground. It ollies and works the kickers well. I didn’t hit any rail or boxes, but I’m sure it would manoeuvre in and out well as it is pretty light underfoot.

I only got out on this board for a day, which is a shame as it was a lot of fun and it seems bomb proof. The Never Summer crew know what they’re up to. I’d recommend this Proto Type Two to anyone who wants an all-mountain board that carves particularly well. It would suit a beginner/intermediate looking for a long lasting board that will aid progression and allow you to enjoy all the mountain can offer.”

Tester’s Verdict 2018/19

Joy Dutchsnowboard-asylum.com

“The Proto felt very stable on piste, if a bit heavy, although it was a bit longer than I’d usually ride, which probably didn’t help with the weight.

“You could really feel the asymmetrical sidecut as you put in heelside turns”

You could really feel the asymmetrical sidecut as you put in heelside turns, just making the whole process a bit smoother. I like the fact that it was really quick from edge to edge, and this paired with the asym left you putting in mega carves with very little effort.

It’s a bit stiffer than what I usually choose to ride, but this would definitely be nice for more aggressive riders.”

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