Arbor Westmark Snowboard Review |
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The Good Ride TakeThe Arbor Westmark Review by The Good RideSize 156
Days- 5 Rider- 5'10" 195lbs size 9 shoe, 6' 160lbs size 10.5 shoe
Bindings- Rome 390 Boss, Burton Cartel Re:Flex
Boots- Burton SLX
Well it is not always easy to take out a continuous rocker snowboard without preconceived notions despite the fact that a bunch of friends who ride arbor say it's sick. The rocker on this board has a very small radius so between the feet it's almost flat and then it curves up a little bit past the bindings. Still it's a continuous rocker board but might lean towards the flat/rocker side of things. So here is the breakdown.
Groomers- The conditions we tested the Westmark in were pretty good. There was some flat light but the snow was soft on top with some hard pack below. Even though the westmark has a pretty loose playful feel it was surprising to find how stable it felt crusing around regular or switch on any type of groomer. From very steep fast runs to almost flat track beginner runs the Westmark did a good job. It would be good to see how the west mark would react in hard pack. Powder- There was no powder but based on the mellow rocker the Westmark should perform very well for it's size and plane very well. If you compared this to a camber board of this size the rocker it has would blow it away. The Westmark's rocker and fast base would plane very well above the snow. Turn Initiation- The Westmark 156 has a waist width of 25.1 which is about average for a park board of this size. The turn initiation was quick but not super quick like some. You can get where you want to go in a hurry if you need to but it's not effortless. Some (like the editor) like to work a bit for their turns and feel super quick turn initiation is too much. Others like to have the least resistance when it comes to turning. Speed- At first we thought the 156 would not be enough for our size and somewhat strong riding style but it was more than enough board for both of us. Even though this base was freshly waxed it was still surprising how fast this 156 could propel a 195lb to 205lb rider (I fluctuated in between tests) down the hill. Even in the flats and on long traverses the 156 Westmark did a good job keeping speed. To sum it up the Westmark rides pretty big for it's size. Weight- Not a featherweight but pretty light. There is no tugging feeling when on a chair lift. Edge Hold- The Grip Tech technology does a very good job with helping your edge hold on to the snow. Grip Tech is basically an extension of the edge at each binding. It doesn't feel catchy but grips very well. It might be a minor step below Magnetraction in terms of edge hold but the ride has a more smooth traditional feel to it. Even on an icy pipe wall or hard pack the Westmark will hold it's edge. Flex- The Westmark is on the soft side of medium. Carving Ability- This is one of the best experiences you can have with a continuous rocker snowboard when it comes to carving. It holds very well and no matter how hard the carve was the tail would not wash out. That being said it didn't have that springy feel that camber snowboards or even some hybrid shapes can generate. All in all the Westmarks carving ability was very impressive for it's shape and ridning style. Switch- There was no noticeable difference riding either direction. Rails/Jibbing- A little to stiff for full time rail/jib work but it isn't bad for a visit. When it comes to playing around in the jib park it's not great but isn't terrible. Pipe- No pipe is up yet this season but the solid edge hold and forgiving nature of the Westmark should make it very fun for most people in the pipe. Jumps- The Westmark is a solid board when it comes to jumps. It's not super springy but also isn't dead. If you are hitting mainly mid sized jumps you will have a great time. It's debatable as to if the Westmark will handle going really big. Yours Truly (editor) won't be caught dead approaching a 60 foot kicker so that's why we say it will be debatable. Some friends of The Good Ride who go big say it will be just fine and others prefer a camber or hybrid shape so as always it's personal preference. In 2012 Arbor seemed to add some spring to the board to give it a bit more ollie power.
All in all the Westmark was a nice surprise for a continuous rocker snowboard and should fit many all mountain freestyle snowboarders needs. The Good Ride Take on Continuous Rocker This is where it all started or re-started in the Mid 2000’s. In the beginning Continuous Rocker was mainly for park and powder. Today it's still pretty much made for the same 2 functions. There are a few boards that are made for all mountain to freeride use but most of those have migrated to hybrid shapes. Continuous Rocker helps you maintain a catch free forgiving ride which is excellent for beginner riders or those who ride at slower playful speeds through the park. Almost every one we have tried has to be on edge or it will wander giving you that squirrely feeling like a skateboard with loose trucks. The biggest issue is it isn't very stable flat basing or one footing in firmer snow. Continuous rocker is for the most part really poppy and helps you generate your own air. There are many styles of this shape so this could be a good choice for beginners, park rats and people who only ride powder. Company InformationArbor Westmark 2012 Updated technical info and profile video coming very soon! A multidimensional rocker design for park-oriented riders who utilize the whole mountain; the Westmark delivers a higher level of pop, jump, spin, slide, and press performance, while providing the park-level durability you demand. 
THE PARK SYSTEM A FUSION OF INTERDEPENDENT TECHNOLOGIES THAT SUPPORT SUCCESSFUL ROCKER PERFORMANCE Make no mistake, rocker represents a completely different approach to snowboard design. It requires a total rethink of long held ideas of how flex, materials, and shape interact and affect performance. In response, Arbor developed The System to address the new physics of riding rocker. In our opinion, the award winning “System” has proven itself to be the best rocker design yet offered.
CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT "THE ARBOR SYSTEM"
OTHER FEATURES & TECH THE TOPSHEET WOOD POWER PLY - Arbor’s wood Power Ply works like a 3rd layer of fiberglass - during construction resin locks the dense natural fibers in place, creating a composite layer that structurally enhances a board for added return and improved durability, while allowing for important weight reduction. The Power Ply technology allows Arbor to reduce our overall reliance on chemically treated fiberglass and petroleum-based resin by up to 20%. The Power Ply is produced using sustainably sourced, natural wood veneer. The variance of real wood grain creates a one-of-a-kind look on each board made with this technology. BIO-FILM - Every board in the Arbor line is now built with an ultra thin protective top foil made using 30% caster bean based bio-plastic. This top sheet protects the board from damage caused by loose bindings, out-of-control skiers, or other unforeseen impacts. Its natural glossy nature also eliminates the need for environmentally harmful clear coats. WOOD CORE MEDICINE CORE - Arbor’s principle all-mountain core, built from 100% FSC certified, sustainably produced poplar. Poplar remains the industry’s standard for reliable return and lasting durability. BASE ROCKET BASE - A higher molecular weight, wax-infused sintered base that provides unmatched durability and speed SIDECUT UNBLENDED PROGRESSIVE - Arbor’s unblended tri-radial sidecut technology; better known as “Grip Tech.” Please see “The System” Section for more details. SIDEWALLS RHYTHM RAILS - Made from an advanced blend of ABS and urethane; delivers durability, a clean, acoustically damp ride, and solid edge performance. GLASS BALANCING BUTTER GLASSING - A biax over biax lay-up that’s designed for park and street inspired all-mountain and urban riding INSERTS 2X4 14-PACKS - An insert system that provides a wide stance range and amazing micro adjustability; used to create Arbor’s: Sumo Stance - Max Stance 25.2" / 64 cm SHADOW FLEX DEEP SHADOW - Delivers JIB and street performance. A slight tapered thinning of the core profile between the bindings, improves: turn and spin initiation; tracking in mixed conditions, on the flats, and during landings; and performance on rails, boxes, and naturals. EDGES RECYCLED STEEL - Built with hardened steel edges made with 60% recycled steel; provides maximum edge performance. 2-YEAR WARRANTY Every board in the Arbor line comes with a two-year warranty on material and workmanship. We stand by everything we make. Arbor Westmark 2011
A multidimensional rocker design for park-oriented riders who utilize the whole mountain; the Westmark delivers critical pop, durability, and control, with a higher level of jump, spin, slide, press, and on-edge performance.
Wood Power Ply / Rocket Base / Medicine Core / Sumo Stance
THE PARK SYSTEM A FUSION OF INTERDEPENDENT TECHNOLOGIES THAT SUPPORT SUCCESSFUL ROCKER PERFORMANCE Make no mistake, rocker represents a completely different approach to snowboard design. It requires a total rethink of long held ideas of how flex, materials, and shape interact and affect performance. In response, Arbor developed The System to address the new physics of riding rocker. In our opinion, the award winning “System” has proven itself to be the best rocker design yet offered.
CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT "THE ARBOR SYSTEM"
OTHER FEATURES & TECH THE TOPSHEET WOOD POWER PLY - Arbor’s wood Power Ply works like a 3rd layer of fiberglass - during construction resin locks the dense natural fibers in place, creating a composite layer that structurally enhances a board for added return and improved durability, while allowing for important weight reduction. The Power Ply technology allows Arbor to reduce our overall reliance on chemically treated fiberglass and petroleum-based resin by up to 20%. The Power Ply is produced using sustainably sourced, natural wood veneer. The variance of real wood grain creates a one-of-a-kind look on each board made with this technology. BIO-FILM - Every board in the Arbor line is now built with an ultra thin protective top foil made using 30% caster bean based bio-plastic. This top sheet protects the board from damage caused by loose bindings, out-of-control skiers, or other unforeseen impacts. Its natural glossy nature also eliminates the need for environmentally harmful clear coats. WOOD CORE MEDICINE CORE - Arbor’s principle all-mountain core, built from 100% FSC certified, sustainably produced poplar. Poplar remains the industry’s standard for reliable return and lasting durability. BASE ROCKET BASE - A higher molecular weight, wax-infused sintered base that provides unmatched durability and speed SIDECUT UNBLENDED PROGRESSIVE - Arbor’s unblended tri-radial sidecut technology; better known as “Grip Tech.” Please see “The System” Section for more details. SIDEWALLS RHYTHM RAILS - Made from an advanced blend of ABS and urethane; delivers durability, a clean, acoustically damp ride, and solid edge performance. GLASS BALANCING BUTTER GLASSING - A biax over biax lay-up that’s designed for park and street inspired all-mountain and urban riding INSERTS 2X4 14-PACKS - An insert system that provides a wide stance range and amazing micro adjustability; used to create Arbor’s: Sumo Stance - Max Stance 25.2" / 64 cm SHADOW FLEX DEEP SHADOW - Delivers JIB and street performance. A slight tapered thinning of the core profile between the bindings, improves: turn and spin initiation; tracking in mixed conditions, on the flats, and during landings; and performance on rails, boxes, and naturals. EDGES RECYCLED STEEL - Built with hardened steel edges made with 60% recycled steel; provides maximum edge performance. 2-YEAR WARRANTY Every board in the Arbor line comes with a two-year warranty on material and workmanship. We stand by everything we make. Arbor Westmark 2010West coast thinking.
Progressive - Standard A blended tri-radial sidecut that provides tighter turning and quicker initiation, while maintaining stability at speed and during landings.
Protecting the planet is about the environments we utilize everyday. We need clean air to skate, clean water to surf, and snow to ride.
SpecsArbor Westmark 2012
Arbor Westmark 2011
Arbor Westmark 2010
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Arbor Westmark Snowboard Review
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