• Sizes: 152, 155, 158, 161
• Flex: 7
• Profile: Hybrid Camber
• Shape: Directional
• Price: £359 / €439

The Nitro SMP snowboard is from the brand’s ‘Carver Crüe’ line of edge-friendly gear. It’s not as much of a precision tool as you’d think, however, so if you love getting your elbow down but don’t consider it the be-all-end-all of your shred life, then this could be the one.

Instead of an aggressive, progressive sidecut, the one on the Nitro SMP has larger radii at each end, with a tighter curve in the middle. It’s carve-friendly, for sure, but don’t expect crazy acceleration every time. If you want to ride this more mellow, you can.

“If you love getting your elbow down but don’t consider it the be-all-end-all of your shred life, this could be the one”

The profile is essentially camber, but the nose and tail both have a whiff of rocker about them. The result is edge hold and pop in spades, but without the occasional (and potentially calamitous) twitchiness that the classic bend can have.

The shape is fairly twin-esque too (although not quite), so you could take the Nitro SMP to the park without any troubles. The all-poplar core and biax glass ensure that it’s not too fierce, and the sintered base is pretty slick.

Carving purists will probably find that the Nitro SMP falls short of expectations, but it should meet the needs of the all-rounder who loves a piste blast, and wants something quality at a stellar price.