$499 Advanced to Expert Freestyle Directional Twin Camber Shape The Popstar is a new board for 2012. It's almost like camber is a new concept after 2 years of mostly rocker or hybrid shapes. The Popstar is lively and pretty much lives up to it's name. It runs rather small, is snappy and made for the park. The Popstar can do ok outside of it if you don't have high expectations. It's kind of a jib all over the mountain kind of board. It's no where near as buttery as many of it's rocker competitors but you get a lot more spring and stability out of this little guy. The Popstar is a fun non powder ollie off of everything kind of board. It's a great quiver board but not a one board for everything kind of ride.
Boards Salomon is small compared to some companies but they have the complete line up and a very strong following. You will either love or hate a Salomon board. Salomon makes a very fast and damp all mountain to freeride board that seems to feel best at high speeds. It is really scary how fast it is. They have also made a solid effort to make some pretty good park boards as well and won some Good Wood Award's in the park and pipe. If you are looking for something a bit off the beaten path Salomon might work for you. Boots It is almost undisputed amongst most knowledgeable riders that Salomon has some of the best boots out there. They have spent a lot of time making a boot that fits well and that won’t pack out much. Even though there is a semi-traditional lacing system it still has a speed lace tightening system and it can lock at each rung on the upper part of the boot. Some complain that the Salomon boot runs a bit narrow so if you have wide feet think twice. Also others complain that it can take longer than some boots to make them comfortable for your feet. Bindings Salomon’s bindings are not as popular as their boards and boots but still do a good job competing with the other big name brands. They are reliable and well made and have a more traditional old school feel compared to the leading companies. That being said the turn initiation and general feeling is good so these could work for you.
Popster, Alien Light Core and Royal Rubber -- the triple-threat tech for blasting 20 feet out on quarter pipe walls and hauling ass through everyday park and pow.
If you want lightweight freestyle, look no further! The Official’s Alien Light Popster Core helps amplify ollie power and makes those last couple of rotations come around with ease. Equilizer offers stability and edge hold to this perfect flex. Just Youtube David Benedek or check out the Transworld Snowboarding Good Wood Awards to see what we mean.
