• Price: €425
• Category: All-Mountain
• Ability Level: Intermediate, Advanced
• Size: 151, 154, 157, 159w, 160, 163w
• Flex: 6/10
• Shape: Directional Twin
• Profile: CamRock
• Base: Sintered
• BUY ONLINE

The Brainstorm is described by Slash Snowboards as their freestyle all-mountain board – which it is, of course – but for a board that spins, presses, pops and launches as well as it does, riders might be surprised to see how well it handles the deep stuff, too.

Take the profile, for example. Slash have utlised a Backseat Camber which runs from just behind the rear inserts to the mid-point of the front inserts. There’s enough positive bend here for the Brainstorm to have plenty of pop and deliver solid response on the edge, but the rocker at either end – especially the longer section in the nose – will play a part in keeping you afloat in powder, not just locking onto presses.

“For a board that spins, presses, pops and launches as well as it does, riders might be surprised to see how well it handles the deep stuff too”

There’s no taper on the Brainstorm, however. So while the increased lift in the nose might help with smashing through sidecountry freshies, this one is very comfortable taking on the entire mountain in switch.

Similarly, the flex is given an even dosage of additives under the front and rear inserts. Slash’s Buried Treasure consists of carbon, Kevlar and basalt fibres the are configured in an ‘X’ formation that intersect underfoot and run out towards the edges of the snowboard. The result is a responsive and powerful feel underfoot, while unwanted vibrations and chatter get soaked up before they have a chance to reach your boots.

The positioning of these additives also means that the Brainstorm retains a relatively soft flex right in the centre and at the very ends of the board which will make any flatland jibbing and buttering pretty doable.

Slash are known for their durability, and their signature Kick Stand outline in the nose and tail is reinforced with aluminium to protect the board from impacts – be them in the trees leaning outside against the wall of the aprés establishment. The Brainstorm also features and an extra layer of armour with rubber strips which down the length of the sidewalls to help prevent the possibility of any delamination.

“The Brainstorm stands out as one of Slash’s most versatile weapons of all-mountain domination”

While we’re huge fans of the super affordable, freestyle focussed Happy Place, the Brainstorm strikes a perfect middle ground between that and the ATV. For riders looking for a reliable workhorse to take just about anywhere on the mountain, but with enough of a forgiving and playful feel to keep you frothing right through to closing day park laps, the Brainstorm stands out as one of Slash’s most versatile weapons of all-mountain domination.