K2 SLAYBLADE SNOWBOARD 2013/14 REVIEW

When it was first introduced in K2’s line, the Slayblade faced a tricky task. It was designed as the successor to (and the replacement for) the legendary K2 Zeppelin, one of their best-selling boards ever, so people were predicting big things. Four years later and its obvious that the Slayblade has more than met expectations. It’s now a brand in its own right, and having carried Britain’s best halfpipe rider Ben Kilner all the way to the 2010 Olympic semi-final in Vancouver, it will be doing the same this season in Sochi.

This board has been tweaked slightly since last year. This year’s model is built using “full hybridtech construction” a process that makes the sidewalls more efficiently and uses less material, making the board lighter overall. The profile is also different, with K2 opting to swap the previous completely flat incarnation for a ‘lifted baseline profile’. This raises the flat central section of the profile above the level of the snow slightly, giving the board increased snap and pop. The core is made of bamboo, which as well as being more environmentally friendly to produce than a classic hardwood core, is also lighter.

All in all this combines to make the Slayblade the perfect package for pipe riders like Kilner who need something lightweight, snappy and responsive. Our testers unfortunately didn’t get a chance to try this on a halfpipe, but we did find that the qualities which help it excel in the U-ditch also make it great on kickers and help it carve really well. If you’re an advanced freestyler, and/or looking for an all-mountain alternative to the Burton Custom, then put this on your “must try” list.

BUY THIS BOARD AT: granitereef.co.uk, boardwise.co.uk, subvertboardstore.com, snowfit.co.uk, thesnowboardshop.co.uk, snowfit.co.uk, snowlab.co.uk, theboardbasement.com

Have you ridden this board? Got any comments that your fellow riders might find useful? Please add your reviews below.