Board Exam: 09-10 Never Summer Heritage-R

The Rep Said: This one's got a lot of sidecut and it's his favorite board in the line this year. Let's see if I agree.

Stats/Setup: I'm around 6'1" and 170# with size 10.5 boots which are 32 Focus Boas inside Union Force SL bindings. I tested the 158 board.

First Sight: My bindings look sweet with that topsheet and it's average to a little heavy dangling from my foot on the lift

The Conditions: Resort, icy groomers to slushy pockets

The Ride: I wanted to test the board edge to edge since the rep made sure to note the sidecut, but this thing just wanted to haul. I obliged. So stable. Poppy takeoffs and damp landings. Enough to make me get all Keanu Reeves and let out a spontaneous "Whoa" a la Ted 'Theodore' Logan. When it did come time to test the sidecut, the thing went back and forth like a ping pong game sponsored by Cocaine No Name energy drink. The straight-line stability carried over to turns of any radius. The Vario Power Grip sidecut kept me upright through the icy spots. In fact, when I went back to a board with a normal, radial sidecut after this one and tried to rail a quick heel-sider, I immediately teleported to my back. Wiggly sidecuts are for real, kids. Take this board into the tightest trees and come out with a wide smile from the adrenaline, not the lacerations.

The places I didn't get to test this board were rails, pipe and powder. One I blame on Ma Nature, the others just don't seem compatible with the board (or my riding style, honestly). I'd agree with Never Summer's assessment of a 6 out of 10 on flex (1 being al dente linguine, 10 being hardwood flooring). Couple that with a directional shape and make what logical leaps you will. Never Summer's Rocker Camber system should increase flotation in pow, but I can't speak to it specifically. Some may take issue with its weight, but once I unloaded from the lift it was hardly noticeable.

I've always felt like I have a wooly mammoth between my legs.

Bottom Line: Freeride with a dash of freestyle. Straight bomb a run so fast your cheeks pull back or get after it in the trees like a couple of horny squirrels. The Heritage loosens things up from the Premier F1-R for those of us who like a little more play in the ride. For me, that's a step in the right direction. This is a board I could use as my everyday resort board. It evens out the choppy, icy, nasty conditions and has a nice, medium-firm flex. Jibbers need not apply.

Check out Never Summer's site for their take on things.