Shape, Profile and Sidecut

Yes, this is directional, but you’ll have to look pretty closely to confirm that (especially as the Twin version shares its starkly monochrome topsheet graphic). The combination of the 2cm setback and subtle tapering makes your own stance feel seriously intuitive, with only a minor trade-off when riding switch.

Before you go thinking that the Twin version should be the obvious choice of the freestyle fan, consider that the Directional was actually developed by some of Vimana’s most legendary stunters. The shape (combined with the camber profile) makes it a dream for riding pipe and other transitions, and would definitely be our go-to for backcountry booters. It’s also a joy on piste, giving you proper power out of turns despite not being super stiff. Sure, in the park you may want the classic popsicle stick outline, but for everything else this one has the edge.

The wide, voluminous nose and tail shape on the Continental Directional is Vimana’s secret weapon. These ‘V-Tips’ are big enough to blast through crud and give you a little extra buoyancy in the powder.

“The wide, voluminous nose and tail shape on the Continental Directional is Vimana’s secret weapon”

Construction and Materials

It’s not just the shape of the ends that’s clever; they also feature urethane sections that reduce weight and add a little extra flexibility, allowing the front to bend upwards more easily in deep snow and keep you afloat. Urethane has natural shock-absorbing properties as well (which is why you often find it in sidewalls), so you can bet the farm that it’ll silence some of the chatter encountered at high speeds on rough terrain.

Carbon additives make the Continental Directional nice and reactive, and compliment the all-poplar core for a light yet robust feel. For bonus eco-points, that wood comes from a sustainable source not far from the Vimana factory.

Unless you’re a lycra-loving loon with a ready supply of magic-dust wax, the base is as fast as you’ll ever need it to be. For this rider-driven brand, only quality sintered material cuts the mustard, so that’s what you get on the Continental Directional.

“You may well be looking at your new quiver killer””

Roundup

As you might expect, the Vimana Continental Directional epitomises the brand’s whole ethos: considered characteristics and construction in a sleek, unfussy package. Rather than jumping on any aesthetic or design trends, it’s looked at the elements of snowboarding that – if there is a God up in that flying chariot, anyway – will never go out of fashion.

Whether you’re warming up the legs on a rolling motorway piste, hunting for natural features on a pow day, or tweaking with the best of them in the park, this one really can do it all with aplomb.

Pros:

• The shape and profile make it a dream for riding pipe
• Directional elements in the construction really make a difference when you’re hooning it in your natural stance

Cons:

• For pure freestyle, the Twin version of the Continental has the edge over this

Buy the Vimana Continental Directional: £445 at Blue Tomato UK 

Buy the Vimana Continental Directional: €500 at Blue Tomato EU