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Bataleon Surfer 2017-2018 Snowboard Review

  • Price: £1,000 / €1,199
  • Sizes: 159
  • Flex: 4
  • Profile: Camber
  • Shape: Directional
  • bataleon.com

UPDATE: Check out our review of the 2018/2019 Bataleon Surfer here

Bataleon has a new home – the world renowned SWS factory in Dubai is where the 2017/18 line has been constructed, and it’s looking like it’ll be the best one yet. One thing that hasn’t changed, however, is the brand’s fondness for experimenting with new shapes.

“The triple base is way more pronounced at the nose than at the tail, giving you necessary stability at the back and unparalleled float at the front”

[monetizer101 search=’bataleon surfer’]

Standing out from the crowd this winter is the Bataleon Surfer. Given the suitability of their Triple Base Technology in the powder, Bataleon have never shied away from backcountry-friendly sticks – and this one steps things up further still.

Just look at it: the Bataleon Surfer has a massive nose, a wide waist and the swallowiest of swallowtails. It’s not just about what you can see, though – a lot of stuff is at work that you might miss unless you examine it closely. Or better yet, take it for a spin in the powder.

The triple base is way more pronounced at the nose than at the tail, giving you necessary stability at the back and unparalleled float at the front. The sintered base is racer-ready, and both the core and fibreglass are high-quality blends that are strong yet light.

“You’ll enjoy the shape in thick slush, as the video above demonstrates, but ideally the Bataleon Surfer is for the snorkel days”

While it’s not as stiff as a lot of pow boards, that means it’s a bit more forgiving if you’re down to get a bit spontaneous down a pillow line. Carbon stringers run from the inserts to the edges, so there’s no lack of response when you want it.

You can also ride it on the piste, of course, where the mellow camber profile will give you enough bite for making long turns on hard-pack. You’ll also enjoy the shape in thick slush, as the video above demonstrates, but ideally the Bataleon Surfer is for the snorkel days.

It doesn’t come cheap, and it’s only available in very limited numbers, but the Bataleon Surfer is certainly amongst the most head-turning snowboards of 2017/18.

The nose on the Bataleon Surfer deploys serious amounts of Triple Base Technology for maximum float in deep snow.

Tester’s Verdict

Sam McMahon – whitelines.com

“The Surfer’s chip-shop fork of a back end is one of the most ridiculous board shapes we’ve ever seen. Yeah, it looks great – but how does it ride?

Like a dream boat. And by boat, I mean one of those catamaran things that could get you across the Channel in about thirty minutes – with speed, and in style.

“The amount of spray this thing kicks up is incredible”

The new Triple Base at the front keeps you well above powder or slush, and not only does the tail keep your back end both sunken and balanced, the amount of spray this thing kicks up is incredible. Yes it’s a ton of money, but if you have it to spare then there are few things that’ll give you as much satisfaction per penny than this.

It’s wide enough that even big-footed riders like myself can get low in the turns, but the volume underfoot appears to stay about the same as a ‘regular’ board, so there’s no sluggishness or extra baggage to carry.

The main concern I had was that I might crack one of the tails off, but after a couple of days of burning around on slush, cranking turns and even hitting the odd rail (sorry, Bataleon) they were holding up just fine!”

Trade Secrets

Danny Kiebert – Creative Director, Bataleon

We set out to produce a powder-specific showcase board with maximum 3BT uplift that would grab attention from a mile away.

After riding the first samples, we immediately recognised its incredible all-mountain and undeniable carving capabilities.

You really have to ride it to believe it.

[monetizer101 search=’bataleon surfer’]

Bataleon's 'Side Kicks' off increased bevel at the wide points for even smoother turn initiation.
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