Why We Chose The Bataleon Goliath: It’s the board that kicked off Bataleon’s 3D revolution and remains a benchmark for playful all-terrain versatility.
Few models can match the legacy of the Goliath. This perennial bestseller isn’t just a snowboard; it’s the spark that ignited Bataleon’s 3D revolution (and inspired many other brands to experiment with ‘spoon’ noses etc.). Year after year, the Goliath continues to get better, refining its blend of park-friendly flex and go-anywhere shape. A giant of the game, indeed.
“The Goliath isn’t just a snowboard; it’s the spark that ignited Bataleon’s 3D revolution”
Who Is The Bataleon Goliath For?
In a nutshell, progressing snowboarders who want a board that can handle whatever conditions and terrain the mountain throws at them. If you’re the type of rider who starts your day hunting for freshies, migrates to some afternoon park laps, and finishes with some high-speed straight-lines on the home run, the Goliath is calling your name. Need something stiffer? Advanced riders can take a look at the specced-up ‘plus’ version.
Shape, Profile and Sidecut
As with every Bataleon, at the heart of the Goliath’s is the brand’s signature 3BT (Triple Base Technology) with steeper SideKick scoops at the widest points. This innovative 3D shaping features a low uplift in both the nose and tail, which our test team praised as “arguably Bataleon’s most balanced triple base flavour.” The result is a board that offers exceptional stability when riding straight, coupled with smooth, intuitive turn initiation.
“Year after year it continues to get better, refining its blend of park-friendly flex and go-anywhere shape”
The Goliath sports a directional twin shape, giving you the freestyle feel of a true twin with just a touch of directional performance for those powder days. Its medium camber profile strikes an excellent balance between pop and forgiveness, while the raised edges at the contact points provide that crucial “get-out-of-jail-free card” when landings aren’t quite perfect. Together with its relaxed flex, this is a board that begs you to butter, spin and jib your way down the hill with zero fear of hanging-up.
Construction and Materials
Bataleon has thrown plenty of premium features at the latest Goliath. Its Ultra Light Core, made from a blend of poplar and paulownia, provides an excellent strength-to-weight ratio that contributes to the board’s agile feel. This is backed up by carbon stringers in the layup, for pop and responsiveness, as well as Dual Radial Super Tubes (D.R.S.T). The latter is a system of six hollow carbon cylinders inserted directly into the core, parallel to the board’s radius, delivering extra power to the edges and enhancing overall board control. Basically, anyone who likes to boast in the pub about how much carbon their board contains is well catered to with the Goliath.
“Raised edges at the contact points provide that crucial get-out-of-jail-free card when landings aren’t quite perfect”
Up top, a triax laminate (consisting of a three-way fibreglass weave) stiffens things up torsionally, while underneath, the Ultra Glide sintered base ensures you’ll be first back to the lift for another lap.
Roundup
The Bataleon Goliath continues to earn its spot on any shortlist of quiver killers. Despite the intimidating name, it’s a pretty playful model that refuses to be pigeonholed, blending park prowess with all-terrain creativity.
For those transitioning from traditional boards, you’ll immediately notice how it feels less twitchy – that 3D shape definitely helps you relax on rails and straight-lines alike. And while serious rippers might find it a little soft for tackling the biggest features, beginners and intermediates alike will enjoy the chill vibes. And with sizes ranging from 153 to 167W, including wide options, there’s a Goliath for almost everyone.
Pros:
- Versatile and playful performance across all terrain types
- High-end construction with premium materials like D.R.S.T Super Tubes
- 3BT + SideKick technology offers stability and smooth turn initiation
Cons:
- A bit too soft for advanced riders
- Premium features come with a higher price tag