• Sizes: 153, 156, 159, 162W, 165W
• Flex: 7
• Profile: Camber
• Shape: Directional
• Price: £339 / €449

The guys at Nidecker certainly know how to get a crazy shape working, but they’re not above putting together some quality all-mountain boards too. Case in point; the Nidecker Platinum snowboard.

Despite the name, this isn’t a mega-pricey, ultra-high-tech weapon. The Nidecker Platinum is aimed more at the mid-price, mid-range customer who wants something that can deal with all conditions.

“The Nidecker Platinum is a fairly stiff-flexing number that is rapid from edge to edge”

Not that any corners have been cut; a hell of a lot of clever features are on show here. The core features no less than four species of wood to get the right balance of strength and weight, and carbon has been added to the sintered base for extra speed.

The topsheet has been designed to dampen the ride without making it feel lifeless or soggy. That’s just as well, as the Nidecker Platinum is a fairly stiff-flexing number that, thanks to the ‘Triax Plus’ fibreglass, is rapid from edge to edge.

The setback stance, camber profile and mildly directional shape add stability at high speeds, but switch riding isn’t out of the question. You won’t see dedicated park rats on one of these, but confident riders who like to hunt for features all over the mountain should find what they’re looking for in the Nidecker Platinum.