Construction and Materials
It’s KORUA Shapes, not KORUA Constructions; things are kept pretty simple in the build stakes, in order to let the differences in outline and profile really sing. Everything that isn’t in the ‘Plus’ category features the same ingredients, from topsheet to base.
That’s not to say that the process has been phoned in; far from it. KORUA just found a blend that works, and went all in on it. Biax fibreglass makes this easier to manipulate with your feet, which is great considering the extra girth in the waist. The core is made from lightweight poplar wood, and the absence of additives or stringers provides a consistent flex and keeps the cost down.
It’s all sandwiched between a snow-repellant UV lacquer topsheet, and a rapid sintered base. The split-specific hardware – nose and tail clips, plus hooks – comes courtesy of Union, and has a proven track record for keeping things secure on the descent.
“It’s KORUA Shapes, not KORUA Constructions; things are kept pretty simple in the build stakes”
Roundup
Despite having been around for ages now, KORUA still feels like a breath of fresh air. We’re always excited to see what’s new in the world of white-on-red, even if it barely changes from year to year.
There’s something to be said for that; the KORUA Transition Finder has earned its place on many a rider’s list of favourites – and indeed, in the Whitelines 100. Functionality meets stoke, in a package that genuinely has the potential to bring on a new generation of backcountry fans. What’s not to like?
Pros:
- Its all-rounder shape and simple-but-effective tech could make this your gateway board for stepping up to the backcountry
- The holes and notches make using the custom-fitted skins an absolute breeze
Cons:
- Serious freeriders may want something a bit more premium
Tester’s Verdict
Mike Brindley – Videographer, Whitelines
“As a fan of the Transition Finder boards in general (the TF+ is one of my favourite boards of all time), I jumped at the chance to try out the Transition Finder Split when the opportunity arose this season. And much like the regular range, the split has a premium but minimalist feel that brings everything on board that you need with no unnecessary frills
Small details in the skin attachment system are great, including the clean holes in the nose for hooks, helping to keep things speedy in transition. In comparison to the solid it’s obviously a little heavier, but doesn’t lose out too much on that nimble, freestyle-forward feel that the original excels at.”
Tester’s Verdict
Holly Burns – Snowboard Instructor
“I was super excited I got to take the Korua Transition Finder for a tour up through the trees and it didn’t disappoint. It was spring, and snowing lightly on the way up, the split felt solid and grippy in climb mode as we weaved up above the treeline. The transition from climb to ride mode, was quick and straight forward to put together, especially with fresh snow, the clips worked well without rime and ice getting stuck in the edge and metalwork.
On the down, the camber under foot and rocker in the nose made for a playful ride. It was super poppy off features, grippy to turn on the steeper slopes and as we rode lower into the slushy conditions, the rocker in the nose made for a surfy feel. This board rides like a solid, and would be suited to a backcountry rider who is looking to get away from the crowds but likes to turn the mountain into their playground.”
Trade Secrets
Geoff Brinkhaus – Marketing & Media, KORUA Shapes
“The overhauled Transition Finder Split with slightly less taper and setback is now more than ever the melting pot of human-powered freeride and freestyle snowboarding. Biaxial fiberglass, UV laquer topsheet, poplar light wood core, and a high-end perlatec base is the tried-and-tested combo of durable materials we use to enable that perfect soul turn in between hits off of natural features. The split version of the TF offers a specific flex pattern to make up for the lost torsional stability of the “split”, and this also offers more grip in climb-mode when crossing icy passages. A true all-rounder, the Transition Finder Split is a reliable partner out there and sure to deliver anywhere you take it!”
