Another trait that tells the Pro apart from the standard Assassin is is the stiffer flex. The Assassin Pro has a flex rate of eight while the Assassin sits at seven. A stiffer flex provides a more responsive ride and makes it easier to connect with the board. It also offers stability while at high speeds and in the air, while allowing for quicker turns and better edge hold. This board is more aggressive than the regular Assassin so it does require more effort if you want to ride it to its full potential.

“What makes the Assassin Pro even more of an all-mountain trooper than the traditional Assassin, is the wider insert range for the bindings”

What makes the Assassin Pro even more of an all-mountain trooper than the traditional Assassin, is the wider insert range for the bindings. While the Assassin has the range possibility of 5×2, the Assassin Pro offers a 6×2 variety, and thus makes it possible to set your bindings back even further when heading out on a powder day. With the back foot being placed further back on the board you’ll avoid putting your leg through any sort of major discomfort, something which makes riding powder noticeably more pleasant.

You might be intimidated by the slightly higher price tag but trust us when we tell you that this manoeuvrable masterpiece is worth every penny. The Salomon Assassin Pro isn’t something you ought to pick out as a beginner, but the more advanced riders who are looking to take things to the next level will be in for a real treat.

“This thing is a pure weapon – a samurai sword of snowboard. I rode the regular Assassin and it was great; it handled powder and a backcountry kicker with ease. But that’s what it designed for so that shouldn’t surprise anyone.

“I thought the funky profile might be a bit squirrelly in a big pipe, but it was the opposite”

What did surprise me, though, was when I borrowed the Pro off Tim Warwood in Korea and went to ride the Olympic halfpipe. I thought the funky rocker/flat/camber profile might be a bit squirrelly in a big pipe, but it was the opposite. It’s way stiffer than the normal board, and super light, so it held an edge effortlessly.

I am anything but graceful in a pipe but I did manage to elicit a cheer from the volunteers for one particularly nice frontside air, the credit for which should go as much to board as to anything I did.”

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