• Price: £370 / €450
• Lengths: 151, 157, 162
• Flex: 6
• Profile: Hybrid Camber
• Shape: Directional
• salomon.com

UPDATE: Check out our review of the 2018/2019 Salomon First Call here

Wolle Nyvelt may be getting on a bit, but he’s playing just as vital a role in snowboarding as ever. As well as having a hand in revamping the classic Salomon Sick Stick, he’s also designed this new snowboard for 2017/18: the Salomon First Call.

“This is Salomon’s highest-quality edge calibration, which grips firmer snow in several places for a smooth, even carve”

The Salomon First Call is available in the same sizes as the Sick Stick, and has the same ‘different shape for each length’ approach – the idea being that you pick a board for the style of riding you’re after, not for its vital statistics. The 151 is actually the widest of the lot, making it ideal for nippy tree runs, whilst the 162 is better suited to gnarlier lines.

Tech-wise, it’s essentially a simplified version of the Sick Stick – there’s still lots of attention to detail, but at a lower price. If you’re looking for a slightly mellower ride, then this would be the one to get.

The main DNA that the Salomon First Call shares with its techier older brother is the mostly-camber profile (ideal for all-mountain riding), and the ‘Quadralizer’ sidecut. This is Salomon’s highest-quality edge calibration, which grips firmer snow in several places for a smooth, even carve.

On piste or off it, the Salomon First Call will deliver for any rider who picks the right shape for their style.