Share

Snowboards

Nidecker Concept 2017-2018 Snowboard Review

  • Price: £435 / €499
  • Sizes:153, 157, 161
  • Flex: 7
  • Profile: Camber
  • Shape: Directional
  • nidecker.com

UPDATE: Check out our review of the 2018/2019 Nidecker Concept here

With master shaper Thierry Kunz at the helm, and decades of heritage from which to draw, Nidecker’s most recent output has been amongst the most interesting on the market. For 2017/18 they’ve produced a whole mess of boards specifically for carving – but given that they released their first carve-specific stick in the late 1980s, it’s as far from a bandwagon-jump as you can get.

“The stiffness of the Nidecker Concept lends itself to full-throttle charging”

Every inch of the Nidecker Concept betrays the precision Swiss engineering that has gone into the design. The core, for example, features three different types of wood (poplar, paulownia and beech) laid out in a way that makes it strong enough to hold its line at even the highest speeds, but not so heavy that it’s sluggish through the turns.

As well as that, the core is designed to make the edges behave more appropriately as you ride. During a turn they are pushed down into the snow to grip even harder, so you can really give it all you’ve got in each swooping carve.

If things get bumpy, the topsheet soaks up a lot of the unwanted vibrations, smoothening out the ride. The stiffness of the Nidecker Concept lends itself to full-throttle charging, and it’s at those face-melting speeds that you need the most dampening.

The carbon-infused base is among the fastest around, and the ‘Triax PLUS’ fibreglass features a unique 35-degree layout that makes the Nidecker Concept seriously nippy from edge to edge. Small flat sections at the contact points of the camber profile help smooth out each edge change, but don’t leave you feeling short-changed when you really want as much grip as possible.

“Small flat sections at the contact points help smooth out each edge change, but don’t leave you feeling short-changed when you want grip”

Versatility isn’t this board’s strong suit – it’s been designed with a specific purpose in mind. Those interested in freestyle should steer well clear, but if you’re looking for nothing less than the ultimate in carving, take a look at the Nidecker Concept. It was built squarely with you in mind.

Tester’s Verdict

Ed Blomfield – whitelines.com

“This thing is the snowboarding equivalent of Jeremy Clarkson screaming “POWEEEEEERRR!”

“As you’d expect from Nidecker’s new carving range, the Concept holds a phenomenal edge”

Stiff as hell, with a longish nose, it excels on the piste and gets better the faster you go; in a straight line it feels effortlessly stable. The surface area up front means it floats well in powder too, favouring swift, sweeping turns rather than nimble footwork.

As you’d expect from Nidecker’s new carving range, the Concept holds a phenomenal edge on hard-pack thanks to that awesome shape, though be warned: it’s not what you’d call ‘playful’. Manipulating this board underfoot requires speed and aggression at all times.”

Trade Secrets

Thierry Kunz – Chief Marketing Officer, Nidecker

It goes without saying that Nidecker is the pioneer when it comes to carving, so this board was a must-have in our carving line.

We used all the best from our past experience, but updated the design with modern high-tech construction. The Concept delivers a stunning on-snow experience for soft-boot riders who love to carve rock solid, powerful turns on hard pack and in powder.

The Nidecker Concept is built for speed.
The crescent swallow tail on the Nidecker Concept is a thing of beauty.

Share

Newsletter Terms & Conditions

Please enter your email so we can keep you updated with news, features and the latest offers. If you are not interested you can unsubscribe at any time. We will never sell your data and you'll only get messages from us and our partners whose products and services we think you'll enjoy.

Read our full Privacy Policy as well as Terms & Conditions.

production