2015 GEAR GUIDE EDITORS’ CHOICE SNOWBOARDS

COLD SMOKE SPLITBOARDS VOODOO$850 - COLDSMOKESPLITBOARDS.COM SIZES (cm): 158, 163 WEIGHT: 7 lbs. 6 oz. (158)

This first-year splitboard from Crested Butte, Colo.-based Cold Smoke netted the greatest number of all-star reviews at the test. Cold Smoke built what one tester called “an all-mountain backcountry machine.” “Inspires confidence at high speeds,” another said. The early-rise shovel-nose elevates it above deep snow while camber and so-called “just the right flex” stabilizes landings and improves control in steep terrain. Testers found the reverse “camber bubble” behind the rear inserts improved traction in skintracks and boosted pop on the way down. One tester reported “effortless turns, even through trees while wearing a heavy backpack.” “Probably the most beautiful topsheet I’ve seen,” another added. It was a crowd pleaser for men and women alike.

“Good platform for cliffs, pillows and steeps. Easy to climb on slick slabs.”

“Doesn’t come in a solid version for resort days.”

An ideally flexed board built for all speeds on any mountain.

ICELANTIC GEMINI$999 - ICELANTICSKIS.COM SIZES (CM): 158, 161, 163 WEIGHT: 7 lbs. 13 oz. (161)

Denver-based ski manufacturer Icelantic calls their four-year-old splitboard project the Gemini, and it continues to be as bombproof as their skis. This impression is mostly credited to Icelantic’s partnership with Never Summer, and their industry-wide reputation for consistently producing ultra-durable rides. The Gemini blends NS’s wood core with carbon reinforcements to increase strength and dampen blows from chop and surprise obstacles. Testers noted that the Gemini rode on the stiffer end of the freestyle spectrum, and two called it “burly” and “hard-charging.” “She’s not the easiest to guide,” another commented, “but commit to your moves, and she’ll respond accordingly.” A third called the Gemini “a new best friend when carving hard or landing airs in powder.”

“Just what you want for steeper, gnarly lines. Trippy topsheet graphics.”

“It requires lots of pre-loading to get pop out of the tail.” A hard-charging board that will support aggressive riders through big, fast turns and technical lines.

JONES CARBON SOLUTION $1,199 - JONESSNOWBOARDS.COM SIZES (cm): 158, 161, 162W, 164, 168W WEIGHT: 6 lbs. 3 oz. (161)

The ride that Jones Snowboards crafted their name around got a carbon-fiber facelift…on its topsheet and in its core. Testers noticed the Solution’s rigidity, but, one added, “The superlight weight makes up for the stiffness.” “Fun to slash on spines and wind lips,” another remarked, adding that the Solution is surprisingly maneuverable. Testers thought the wavy Magne-Traction on both the outer and inner edges gripped the slope well on the ascent, and the inner-edge Magne helped lock the planks tightly together, improving responsiveness on the way down. “The tail has good energy; enough to boost obstacles,” one tester said. Directional rocker, however, kept testers floating. “Camber underfoot gives enough play to dig deep and carve hard, then move fluidly into your next turn,” a tester concluded.

“Easy to whip around. Awesome while breaking trail.”

“Stiff torsional flex and not much pop.” An all-around powerhouse

without the weight.

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