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Nidecker Escape 2020-2021 Snowboard Review

  • Price: £370 / €400 / $420
  • Category: All-Mountain
  • Ability Level: Intermediate, Advanced
  • Size: 152M, 156L, 159L, 159W, 162W, 162XW, 165W, 169XW
  • Flex: 7/10
  • Shape: Directional Twin
  • Profile: Camber
  • Base: Sintered

There comes a time in every person’s day, year, life and, yes, season, where it’s all about chill. Whether it’s that well-earned beer after a hellish day in the office or a holiday to anywhere but home, no matter how much of a balls-to-the-wall party charger you are, you’re gonna want to take the foot off the accelerator every once in a while. And when that moment comes on the snow, Nidecker’s Escape will be ready to steadily step up and help out.

To say Nidecker have ‘gone a little soft’ with the Escape might come across like we’re dissing the Swiss giants – what we mean is, they’ve taken a softer approach to its construction, in order to create a ride that’s comfortable, pleasurable, and super chillin’ right across the mountain.

“It wants nothing more than to keep you out there from first lift to last, first light to first orders at the bar”

Let’s be straight here though – we’re not talking slow. Whoah no, buddy. With the brand’s super tough sintered N-7000 base kissing the snow for you, you’re getting an exceptional gliding sensation under foot, thanks to the carbon nanoparticles that’ve been crammed in there.

No, instead this is a snowboard for the intermidiates and up that wants nothing more than to keep you out there from first lift to last, first light to first orders at the bar. A traditional full positive camber means a better energy transmission and greater power underfoot, and that really classy, grown-up wood veneer top layer is going to soak up any unwanted shocks and vibrations, whilst helping with the responsiveness, for a stress-free, knee-pleasing sesh.

Whilst you might think this thing is erring on the side of ‘respectable old vet’ in its construction, don’t be fooled entirely – Nidecker have also pumped the Escape full of carbon and Kevlar to keep the powered up from tip to tail. Liking the look of this doesn’t mean you’re passed it. It means you like the finer things in life. And if there’s anything finer than the perfect sesh on snow, we’d like to know about it.

Tester’s Verdict 2019/20

James Blogg Ultimate Snowsports

“I got to ride this board in some quite variable conditions and it was a lot of fun. It’s got a nice medium flex that was more forgiving but didn’t feel lifeless either. Turns felt controlled and easy, with the nose and tail rocker helping with the float and you could feel it gripping well between your feet.

“It is a directional, but it’s not set back too much at all, so popping in and out of switch with it felt surprisingly good”

It is a directional, but it’s not set back too much at all, so popping in and out of switch with it felt surprisingly good.

It’s a board than leans more towards piste cruising and freeride, but because it’s not super stiff it was actually pretty good on the side hits and some basic presses felt OK on it too.

With the Escape, Nidecker are aiming for intermediates who want a board to cruise around the whole mountain but that will also perform when you want it to. I think it’s a great pick for those who are looking for something that will handle most riding conditions well without being too much like hard work to ride.”

Tester’s Verdict 2018/19

Dan Wilsonsnowfit.co.uk

“Nidecker has been crafting boards for a number of years for some big names and it’s good to see the passion is still there. I was really drawn to the traditional wood finish, and how smooth the Escape looked in a line up of so many wild and wonderful offerings currently out there.

“It held up well on groomers and through the trees, and wasn’t fazed by end- of-day slush pockets”

Relative to Nidecker’s more advanced boards, the Escape is a softer option that leads to a more forgiving and comfortable ride. I found it super easy-going, giving you a sense of confidence when cruising down the mountain. It held up well on groomers and through the trees, and wasn’t fazed by end- of-day slush pockets.

The Escape is a directional all mountain board ideal for a pleasurable day on the hill, and a solid option for any quiver.”

Tester’s Verdict 2018/19

John Wellswhitelines.com

“Nidecker came out swinging in the 2017/18 season with the most impressive collection of carving boards the snowboard world has ever seen. With modern legends like the Concept and the Gun – exquisite shapes packed with revolutionary technology – it is clear Nidecker are clearly not willing to step down as kings of carve.

With such a line-up of fancy boards with fancy price tags, it’s easy to overlook Nidecker’s impressive entry-level and mid-range collection, the latter of which is epitomised by the Escape; a true all-mountain board that is brimming with amazing tech features, all at a flabbergasting low price.

“I was truly surprised by the board’s stability and reliability during aggressive carves at high speed”

The expertly-crafted hybrid camber profile holds an edge like you’d expect from a Nidecker, offers forgiving stability at the same time. This coupled with a middle-of-the-road stiffness makes this a serious consideration for anyone wanting all the mountain can offer.

I was truly surprised by the board’s stability and reliability during aggressive carves at high speed – something you’d usually expect to only find in stiffer, true camber boards. The ‘reliable’ theme followed me throughout floaty power runs and park kickers, all the way through to choppy stuff.

Reliability means trust, which in turn, leads to confidence and progression. This is why this board should be a major consideration for both intermediate and advanced riders alike. What it lacks in uniqueness and quirks it makes up for via sheer versatility and performance across the board. The price tag is outstanding too – great value for money!’

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