Bataleon Party Wave 2018-2019 Snowboard Review - Whitelines Snowboarding

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Buyers Guide 2017/18

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Bataleon Party Wave 2018-2019 Snowboard Review

UPDATE: Check out our review of the 2019/2020 Bataleon Party Wave here

Bataleon has form in the short ‘n’ stubby department – for the proof look no further than the Magic Carpet. The new Bataleon Party Wave snowboard, however, is an entirely different beast. Foregoing any kind of twin-shaped freestyle compromise, this one is all about freeride fun.

Given its mellow flex and relatively simple construction, you won’t see the Bataleon Party Wave at the drop-in for the Bec de Rosses – but then if you were expecting a board with that name to be all about serious, potentially deadly descents, then we suggest you get a carbon monoxide detector fitted pronto.

“It’s absolutely ideal for powder, and runs better than you’d think on groomers too”

[monetizer101 search=’bataleon party wave’]

This is unashamedly a fun-mobile, with a wide-as-hell directional shape that will float like nothing you’ve tried – especially once you consider the Triple Base Technology. As with all Bataleon powder boards, the 3BT on this one has been tweaked for maximum float.

The side-bases dominate, with only a sliver of flat base running down the length of the board. At the tail, the uplift is barely noticeable, which gives you a stable platform at the back, while the nose is positively boat-like. Combined with the shape, it’s absolutely ideal for powder, and runs better than you’d think on groomers too.

Indeed, you won’t need to stash this until the deep days arrive; The fully cambered profile means that you’ll be able to hold a strong edge on piste. The 3BT gives it a looser, surfier feel when you change edges, but that’s no bad thing on a board like this.

“At the tail, the uplift is barely noticeable… while the nose is positively boat-like”

Then, when the late-season slush comes, expect to be the envy of everyone on the mountain. There’s still enough power in the tail to launch off moguls and side hits, as well as beech stringers for extra pop, and the nose is ripe for ploughing through the corn.

Then there’s that price. The absence of fancy carbon additives has helped make this a serious contender for the year’s best value snowboard, so there’s one less reason not to get the Bataleon Party Wave for your quiver.

Tester’s Verdict

Ed Blomfield – whitelines.com

“OK, there’s some impressive 3D tech in this board, but the basic silhouette is brilliantly simple. It’s short, it’s fat, and the tail looks a bit like Pac-Man. It’s also brutally effective.

The mad amount of width allows you to just bully pillows and heavy landings, like smacking someone on the arse with a cricket bat. Woomph! Thwack! Wuppah! “Thou shalt not sink!”, it screams as you plough through the powder.

“Despite its diminutive length, it’s super stable at any speed”

Despite its diminutive length, it’s also super stable at any speed. The way it mowed over lumps and bumps reminded me of a Hawaiian longboard, cruising effortlessly down the line.

Like a surf log, though, it’s relatively slow edge to edge, so don’t jump on this expecting to perform lightning carves. But hey, with that little swallow tail you can wheelie it for days down big open faces – and at this width, there’s practically room for two. Party!”

Trade Secrets

Tyler Chorlton – Team Rider, Bataleon

“I first saw the new Bataleon Party Wave at the Bataleon Lodge last year, and immediately fell in love. I told the Bataleon crew I was going to ride it the entire season, and I kept that promise. I had to dump my old girl, the Surfer, but she took it well and we’re still friends.

The Party Wave swept me off my feet, taking me to new heights I never thought reachable on a board. She has the sturdiness and stability to launch you to the moon and back, with loads of padding for a soft landing.

Her mega wide waist works perfectly with the 3BT; even though you have 28cm of girth under foot, she still responds very fast edge to edge and gives you tons of grip where you need it – even mid elbow carve.

[monetizer101 search=’bataleon party wave’]

Topics:

Bataleon Reviews 2018/19 Buyers Guide 2017/18 Buyers Guide 2018/19 - Snowboards Buyers Guide 2018/19. The Whitelines 100 2017/18 The Whitelines 100 2018/19 The Whitelines 100 2018/19 - Snowboards

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