Why We Chose The Bataleon Cameleon: It’s a beautifully refined new design from the masters of 3D shape that adapts well to any terrain or snow conditions. If you’re looking for a modern all-mountain board in winter 2024/25, the Camaleon is a standout choice.

Bataleon has never been afraid to shake things up, and the all-new Cameleon is proof positive of that ethos. Combining a directional outline with plenty of 3BT goodness, it’s a shape-shifting stick that lives up to its reptilian namesake – fitting right in whether you’re hitting icy groomers, deep pow or anything in between.

“We’re stoked to see a new snowboard from Bataleon; these guys always bring something different to the game”

Who Is The Bataleon Cameleon For?

The Cameleon is built for the rider who craves variety (and something sexy-looking) but doesn’t want a quiver full of specialist decks. Its mid-range flex and directional shape make it ideal for those looking to progress beyond the basics and explore the whole mountain. While it’s fun to carve (especially if you enjoy the rolling feel you get when switching edge on a Triple Base board) powder hounds in particular will appreciate the surf-like float this thing offers, thanks to that wide, hull-like nose. It’s also soft enough to butter and play around on, even if it’s not the perfect shape for park.

Shape, Profile and Sidecut

From nose to tail, the Cameleon features a classic camber bend – which means spring-loaded pop and excellent grip once on edge. This is combined with a pretty aggressive form of Bataleon’s signature Triple Base tech, with a high uplift in the nose and a medium uplift in the tail. Together with SideKick scoops right at the widest points, the result is a three-dimensional board that transitions smoothly from edge to edge when carving on hardpack and is fully surf-like in powder. If you’ve never been on a Bataleon before, the feeling will take some getting used to, but as their army of fans will testify, it works.

“The Cameleon is built for the rider who craves variety but doesn’t want a quiver full of specialist decks”

In terms of outline, the Cameleon sports a directional shape that’s optimised for going forwards. That said, it’s no Hovercraft – there’s enough tail to ride (or even land) switch when the occasion demands. Its long and relatively wide nose enhances float in deep snow, and keeps the dreaded back leg burn to a minimum.

Construction and Materials

As befitting its new position towards the top of Bataleon’s lineup, the Cameleon is jam-packed with tech. The Ultra Light Core blends poplar and paulownia in a 70/30 mix, striking a perfect balance between shaving weight and maintaining strength. This core is sandwiched between layers of triax fiberglass, which provides a torsionally responsive yet forgiving flex pattern that’s ideal for intermediates (even if hard chargers might prefer something a little stiffer).

Perhaps the coolest element of the Cameleon’s construction is its Dual Radial Super Tubes (D.R.S.T) – a system of six hollow carbon cylinders inserted into the core. These run parallel to the board’s radius, delivering extra power to the edges and reinforcing the camber without adding unnecessary weight. Additional carbon stringers within the layup boost pop further and help keep this lounge lizard feeling relaxed even at high speeds.

“While it performs well as a piste cruiser, it’s in deep snow that this board truly comes alive”

The base is Bataleon’s top-shelf Ultra Glide S, a sintered 7000-grade material that’s dense, black, and lightning fast. Like every sintered base it needs regular waxing to perform at its best, but if you want to maintain speed through flat spots in the backcountry – or just outpace your buddies on the cat track – accept no substitute.

Added to this recipe are Bataleon’s Step Down Rails, which create a thinner profile towards the edges for improved board feel and quicker turn initiation, and Flex Walls – a malleable material that allows for a more natural flex pattern throughout the board.

Roundup

We’re stoked to see a new snowboard from Bataleon; these guys always bring something different to the game, and can be counted on for some eye-catching artwork – and the Cameleon is no exception.

While it performs well as a piste cruiser, it’s in deep snow that this board truly comes alive. The set back stance, wide nose and 3BT work together like magic, creating effrotless surf-like float. And while the flex is on the soft side, those premium carbon enhancements ensure it can hold its own when the time comes to open up the throttle or boost off natural hits.

Available in sizes from 149 to 161cm, the unisex Cameleon is a solid choice for any progressing intermediate rider that prioritises making the most of the mountain’s natural terrain over spending the whole day in the park.

Pros:

• Goes well on almost any terrain
• High-end construction with plenty of fancy carbon and a rapid base
• 3BT + SideKick technology offers superior float and smooth turn initiation

Cons:

• Premium features come with a higher price tag
• Shape is sub-optimal for the park

“I was looking forward to how playful this board might be – and it was – but you did have to be super assertive, you really had to dive into the turn due to the wide nose, but the carbon stringers in the tail did stop it washing out, so it is very much a usable board on mountain. But, this board really comes to life when you get it into deeper snow. I had a smile on my face from top to bottom of our heli-run on test. The moment that nose gets into deep snow, it just roles away – it’s an effortless turner. Even in spring corn it was just a joy to ride.
This is a powder specific, unlimited fun machine. If you’ve got room in your quiver for a powder slayer then this is definitely worth consideration.”