- Price: CHF729 / €629 / $729
- Category: All-Mountain
- Ability Level: Intermediate, Advanced
- Size: 152, 154, 156, 156W, 158, 158W, 162
- Flex: 6-8/10
- Shape: Directional Twin
- Profile: CamRock
- Base: Sintered
When something remains unchanged, is it a sign of laziness or confidence? Well, if it’s the buttered slice of white toast you’ve made for every breakfast over the last three years, we’d have to say the former. If, on the other hand, you’re talking about West Snowboarding’s flagship model, the La Hache, we’d put it firmly in the latter camp. This all-mountain snowboard has been on the roster since year one and has remained unchanged since 2017. Here’s why that’s such a good thing…
After the false prophecies of the rocker-profile hype of the early 2000s, the camrock rose from the ashes and remains the go-to profile for an all-mountain snowboard that delivers on pop, power and stability as well as aiding with float in deeper conditions and providing a more forgiving and freestyle focussed feel around the ends of the board.
“If you’re willing to part with a little extra cash, it will probably be the only snowboard you need this seasonIf you’re willing to part with a little extra cash, it will probably be the only snowboard you need this season”
The La Hache has a positive camber running well outside the insert pack – something that should appeal to commanding intermediate riders and up – but still has enough rocker in the nose and tail to deliver on versatility in all-season conditions.
The woodcore is where much of the cost comes into play. The La Hache ain’t cheap, after all, but the combination of poplar, paulownia, beech and spruce wood stringers make for an incredibly lively and durable snowboard that’s going to retain its pop and rebound long after the first few months of hard riding. Not to mention, it makes it impressively light, too.
That’s bolstered up with two carbon stringers that run from the tip to tail, through the centre of the snowboard. This helps to store up energy through the full length of the core if you’re railing a carve and keeps things stable at higher speeds. If you’re taking the La Hache through the park, you’ll certainly feel how stable take offs and landings are. Even with its 20mm set back stance and slightly stiffer tail, you’ll struggle to feel too much difference when riding it in switch.
With sizes running down to a female friendly 152, the La Hache makes a quality option for a huge variety of riders providing you divvy up your time across the whole mountain, rather than stick to one style. However, if you’re willing to part with a little extra cash, it will probably be the only snowboard you need this season.
