$599 Intermediate to Expert All Mountain to Powder Snowboard Flat Rocker Tapered Twin Like shape Salomon calls the Sick Stick a tapered twin which doesn't make much sense. It's more like a directional twin or even twinish board. From what we see is the board is rather twinish in shape but has a slight taper at the tail. The point they are trying to make is this is a very powder friendly board that can handle switch or regular riding very well. Every company seems to create their own definitions. This is very similar to the Lib Tech Travis Rice Pointy but with a more narrow waist for people with normal feet as the T.Rice has more of a mid/wide waist. However the Sick Stick doesn't have the all conditions abilities that the T.Rice has. The edge hold is good but it's not going to have the grip that other side cuts do when the conditions get pretty hard. It has pow rocker that is a little less crazy than some of the park rockers so it keeps you a float when it's deep. You can also take a more freestyle approach to powder with the sick stick and not worry which foot is forward. The flat between the feet makes for a stable ride when the conditions are firmer and it isn't bad when it comes to laying out a more serious turn. It's not super poppy but it isn't dead by any means. Edge to edge transitioning is pretty fun. For 2011 the Sick Stick had a few minor refinements. There are some minor changes like a faster base but it is mainly the same board. For 2012 the Sick stick made some little refinements again and added a size 166 that has a set back. If you like riding powder but want a board that can handle medium to good conditions when it's not dumping the sick stick might be a good choice.
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.
The Sick Stick floated above traditional powder boards from day one and invented the All-Mountain eco-board segment. First with bamboo-based ABC Wrapper construction. First with Pow-Rocker and Popster for pow-ollie power. We are claiming it right here; the Sick Stick is the best powboard in the world!
The Sick Stick continues to gain a cult following throughout the globe, after a season of headlines and word-of-mouth hype. Its unique shape and RLNK help you float effortlessly in pow and land switch like it’s no problem. ABC Wrapper gives your ride unbelievable pop and the lightweight snap of bamboo. We use less to be less harsh on the earth. For us, that huge grin after fresh tracks is reason enough.
The Sick Stick continues to gain a cult following throughout the globe, after a season of headlines and word-of-mouth hype. Its unique shape and RLNK help you float effortlessly in pow and land switch like it’s no problem. ABC Wrapper gives your ride unbelievable pop and the lightweight snap of bamboo. We use less to be less harsh on the earth. For us, that huge grin after fresh tracks is reason enough.
This board will make you a better rider... You can smoke your skier friends whether in bumped up death-cookie chunk or in virgin pow... get stoked for the gnar
*Depending on size the sick stick does have a 10-15mm taper. By "twin", Salomon means the flex isn't directional.
I'm 5'10" 165lbs and just got done riding my 160cm Sick Stick on vacation at Northstar and Heavenly in Tahoe. They'd been getting pounded with 8+ feet of snow and conditions were knee to waist deep all over. This board rides so damn good! The flat camber helps it turn like a much shorter board (turned as easily as my 155 Capita Horrorscope) which was a huge bonus on those tight tree runs. The slight taper keeps the tail sunk but it still maintains control on groomers. I rode it setback and centered on different days and while you can attack the pow with a centered stance I preferred the extra float of a slight setback. I was also pleasantly surprised how light the board was. I thought because of the low weight and thinness of it that it would be a bit uncomfortable on lumpy terrain but it actually held up pretty well. Not the dampest ever, but good enough. On the few soft groomers I rode, it still felt great and was able to ride switch decently, but this is a board that will probably only come out on the days with 8-10+ inches of fresh and will mostly be ridden forward, but it can handle landing and taking off switch. The only downsides of the board to me is the price. I planned on getting the Charlie Slasher for almost $200 less, but the Sick Stick came in a better size for me and now that I've ridden it I have no regrets.
Overall this is a very surfy, very playful, good looking board that helps make those dream days even better. When this one wears out I'm sure that I'll get another.
_337x600.jpg)
_337x600.jpg)
_337x600.jpg)
_337x600.jpg)
