BATALEON WHATEVER SNOWBOARD 2013/14 REVIEW

Like the Evil Twin and the Global Warmer, the Bataleon Whatever features the brand’s patented Triple Base Technology (TBT). The base at the nose and the tail of the board is divided into three lengthwise sections, with the outside sections angled upwards. This means the rider is less likely to catch an edge which (as the popularity of rocker boards has shown) is something that riders of all stripes, but particularly rail riders and beginners, can appreciate.

The advantage of TBT over rockered snowboards is that Bataleon’s technology can be combined with a conventional camber shape, so boards like the Whatever still have all the pop associated with conventional camber. As with any profile variation TBT has its critics. But for every rider who doesn’t enjoy the feel, there are probably ten more who swear by it, and will preach almost religiously about its benefits.

If you fancy joining the ranks of the believers and you’re looking for an intermediate all-rounder, then the Whatever (so called because you can ride “Whatever” on it) may well be your saviour. Its relatively soft flex and slightly directional shape makes it easy to turn and butter, so it’s great for learners. There’s still enough snap in that camber profile and the ‘Core core’ that you can hit medium-sized kickers with ease too.

The base is extruded, so it’s not the fastest, but it’ll take a proper punishing before you have to repair it so you can hit rails and boxes without fretting too much about damaging your precious. It says a lot about this board’s qualities that this year’s awesome South Park-themed graphic is merely the icing on a very tasty cake.

BATALEON WHATEVER SNOWBOARD 2013/14 – VIDEO REVIEW – BY TSA

BUY THIS BOARD AT: snowboard-asylum.com, ss20.com, cabfive.co.uk, boarderline.co.uk, thesnowboardshop.co.uk, snowlab.co.uk

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