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Snowboards

CAPiTA Kazu Kokubo Pro 2016-2017

  • Price: £450
  • Sizes: 151, 154, 157
  • Flex: 6
  • Profile: Setback Camber
  • Shape: Directional Twin
  • CAPITASNOWBOARDING.COM

It was only a matter of time. In 2016/17, CAPiTA pay tribute to team linchpin and a longtime Whitelines favourite, Kazuhiro Kokubo. The Japanese legend now has a new backcountry-focused trick stick: the CAPiTA Kazu Kokubo Pro.

 The CAPiTA Kazu Kokubo Pro is built for the kind of riding that he’s been specialising in ever since he turned his back on the halfpipe circuit. The stunt-ditch’s loss was powder’s gain, and everything about this is aimed at sticking heavy tricks in the backcountry.

“The core is augmented by eight bamboo rods that make this lively as hell without weighing it down”

Its freestyle chops are obvious from the start. While it boasts a few directional elements such as a backseat camber profile and tapered tail, they’re all quite subtle, so landing that back 5 off the beaten track won’t mean getting a faceful of pow seconds later. Of course, when you are pointing it in the right direction, there’s just enough extra rocker at the nose to make things more comfortable.

There’s some all-new tech featured in the CAPiTA Kazu Kokubo Pro, in the form of curved carbon rods. According to CAPiTA these are the fruits of an extensive R&D process that aims to make such additives perform better than ever before. In the case of the Kazu, four lengths of carbon begin at the inserts and move out towards the contact points, arcing out towards the edge all the while. Naturally this affects both the torsional and longitudinal flex, with the aim of making the board better at carrying out what you ask of it.

It goes without saying that the Kazu’s remit includes the ability to pop to the moon, so the core is augmented by eight bamboo rods that make this lively as hell without weighing it down. Furthermore, thanks to the resin used in the production process, the core is thinner than normal (and therefore lighter) without being any less strong.

A unique board designed for a unique rider, the CAPiTA Kazu Kokubo Pro will nevertheless win over plenty others this year. If you think you might be one of them, go check it out.

Tester’s Verdict

Sam Oetiker – Onboard

With their very first pro model for Kazu, it was clear that CAPiTA were looking to build something special. We were blessed with powder when I took this out, and had an absolute blast riding this board.

It definitely falls on the stiffer side of ‘mid-flex’ and is clearly aimed at more advanced riders who are looking to charge all over the mountain but who have an emphasis on off-piste and powder riding. The reverse camber in the nose really helped it float, but the board still packed a huge amount of pop thanks to the camber underfoot and bamboo stringer construction.

“I would have been comfortable taking this thing over some of the bigger jumps in the park”

It was also lightening fast edge to edge – so stable and poppy that I would have been comfortable taking this thing over some of the bigger jumps in the park. As a shorter, lighter rider (like Kazu!) I also appreciated the fact that this was a powder board that is also available in shorter lengths.

If you’re looking for a high quality board packed with tech and optimised for absolutely slaying backcountry with more of a freestyle focus, I’d highly recommend checking this one out. Only the best for Kazu!

Trade Secrets

Kazu Kokubo – Team Rider, CAPiTA

I feel that this board is for people who want to ride the mountains and backcountry like you’re riding a resort park.

Since CAPiTA started manufacturing boards at the Mothership, they are even better than before; lighter, more durable, and the performance is the best I’ve ever ridden. This is exactly what I was looking for in my board.

The graphic is an image of a samurai trying to capture a Koi fish. This is a very personal graphic for me and one that I’m very proud of.

This is a board that exceeds any fish model on the market and can be ridden anywhere, anytime. Steep lines, jumps, powder, anything. Only if you can handle it though, so be prepared.

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Selected for The 2016/17 Snowboard 100

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