Arbor Draft – Snowboards: Reviews

Good for Resort

Four years ago, Mervin Manufacturing (the owner of Lib Tech and Gnu) introduced so-called multiple sidecut—and turned the industry on its head. Instead of one continuous sidecut, these new boards have multiple contact points along their edge, which improves edge hold and gives you more control, especially on reverse-camber boards. Don’t know what we’re talking about? It’s time for a new stick. This year, more than half of our seven favorite boards feature the technology, though none employs it better than our Gear of the Year winner, the Arbor Draft.

1. Same name, completely redesigned board. Arbor updated this true twin with a bit of reverse camber (an upturned tip and tail) and a varying, progressive sidecut that puts two contact points under your toes and heels, where you push the hardest. The result? Rock-solid edge grip. “It held on groomers surprisingly well,” said one tester. “I felt very comfortable going exceptionally fast.”

2. The Draft’s new rockered shape means even more control and fewer edges to catch. But unlike with some reverse-camber boards, its aptitude for pop isn’t compromised. The board’s sustainably harvested Australian lacewood spine—which improves durability and eases presses and butters—
ensures the board leaves the ground with as much power as it did pre-rocker.

3. Soft copper edges take some of the bite out of a park’s hard surfaces, making the Draft an especially forgiving freestyle board. But it’s also a lot of fun in the trees. The raised tip and tail help keep you afloat in the fluffy stuff while the soft flex—a by-product of the rockered shape and tapered wood spine (visible through the topsheet)—makes for effortless powder turns.

(149.5, 153, 155, 158.5) arborsports.com