Shape, Profile and Sidecut

The outline is more traditional than some of the Ride line, but this doesn’t mean it’s boring by any stretch of the imagination. The Shadowban combines a directional twin shape that has slightly more volume in the nose with a grippy Quadratic Sidecut. So while you can certainly ride it switch, it’s gonna feel more comfortable and smoother in and out of carves riding in your preferred stance.

We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: camber is king for pop and power. And while a full positive camber can sometimes be a bit too aggressive with the tendency to catch around the contact points, Ride have mellowed it out with a long pocket of rocker in the nose and a shorter uplift in the tail. It’ll float better in the pow (especially when you set your bindings back), it’s more forgiving when you’re locking in new tricks, and you’ll get more flow in your turn initiation.

“We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: camber is king for pop and power”

Construction and Materials

Ride use their Performance Core, a tri-blend of wood that combines lightweight strands with dynamic bamboo. While the tip to tail flex might be mellow, Ride have used carbon stringers underfoot to channel rider input directly to the contact points. So, you’ll get a little more pop and performance off your toes and heels, but the overall board feel will still be super playful.

Durability is key, especially when you’ve got a sick new board you want to throw around. Ride have a multi-pronged approach for ensuring that the Shadowban is built to last. Double Impact Plates sit underfoot and beef up the construction in this vital area, they also use their Slimewalls sidewalls.

These urethane puppies are practically indestructible, absorbing impacts and dings with the 3D Roll-In construction preventing topsheet damage (thank god, if you hadn’t noticed we love this graphic and will protect it at all costs).

“You’ll get a little more pop and performance off your toes and heels, but the overall board feel will still be super playful”

Roundup

Ride haven’t quite thrown the whole kitchen sink at the Shadowban, but they have given it a helluva lot of high-end tech. Despite this, it’s not an overly aggressive charger that’ll kick your arse when you’re having a down day. It’s easy going and playful, with the internal layup ensuring you’ll still be able to push the performance when you want to. If you’re after something much more fierce, then perhaps look towards the Ride Superpig or the Peace Seeker. He-Man or She-Woman, you’ll love this unisex Skeletor-inspired shred stick.

Pros:

• A really versatile shape for all-mountain antics
• Tech-wise you’re getting a lot of bang for your buck

Cons:

• Aggressive riders might find it a bit too soft

“This brand-new model has been in development for the last 3 years and thanks to hundreds of different prototypes Ride have created what they believe to be the most versatile board on the planet. To really bring this board out from the shadows, Ride have used their pre-cured fiberglass. It doesn’t rely on applying wet resin when laying up the board. It allows Ride to create a snappier, more consistent flex pattern throughout the entire board. This pre-cured glass also allows for an entirely smooth top sheet onto which Ride can print super poppy graphics designed by in house graphics designer Dave Banks.

This is one board to do everything. A consistent, predictable easy to ride board that will perform in everywhere; side hits, booters, pow and groomers. The Shadowban does it all.”

Buy the Ride Shadowban: £445 at Blue Tomato UK 

Buy the Ride Shadowban: €510 at Blue Tomato EU