Salomon Assassin Snowboard - Review
Salomon Assassin Snowboard Specs:
- Type: All-Mountain/Freestyle
- Flex: Medium
- Profile: Rock Out Camber
- Core Material: Aspen Select Core
- Base: Sintered EG
- Laminate: BA MD Fiberglass
- Sidewalls: Royal Rubber Pads
Before we jump into the review - If you want to read our Best All Mountain Snowboards comparison article, you are welcome.
The Salomon Assassin Snowboard is a versatile powerhouse, adeptly bridging the gap between freestyle play and all-mountain prowess. Its Rock Out Camber profile offers a balanced feel, with flat sections between the bindings for stability, camber near the feet for response, and rocker at the tip and tail for a playful touch. This combination made every ride feel dynamic, whether I was carving down groomers or popping off natural features.
The Aspen Select Core, combined with the BA MD Fiberglass laminate, results in a board that's both lively and durable. It's evident that Salomon has prioritized both performance and longevity in the Assassin's design. The medium flex ensures adaptability, making it suitable for riders who want a board that can handle jumps, rails, and mountain terrains with equal aplomb.
A notable feature of the Assassin is its Royal Rubber Pads, strategically placed in the sidewalls. These pads effectively dampen vibrations, providing a smoother ride and reducing the impact on landings. This addition is particularly beneficial when riding on choppy terrains or when attempting larger jumps.
The Sintered EG base of the Salomon Assassin ensures consistent glide over the snow, reducing friction and maximizing speed. It's a board that feels swift and agile underfoot, promising a ride that's both exhilarating and controlled. Whether you're a park enthusiast or an all-mountain explorer, the Assassin is poised to deliver.
Diving into the Technical: An In-depth Review of the Salomon Assassin Snowboard
Having had the pleasure of riding the Salomon Assassin Snowboard on multiple occasions, I've come to understand its capabilities and unique features. This board, a gem in Salomon's collection, has consistently delivered performance that both surprised and impressed me. Let's delve into the technical details of this exceptional snowboard.
Key Features:
The Salomon Assassin is a fusion of Salomon's most progressive features. Designed as a versatile all-mountain board, it seamlessly blends the characteristics of a freestyle board with the prowess of a freeride board, making it a go-to choice for riders who crave versatility.
Snowboard Profile:
The Assassin features a Rock Out Camber profile. This design combines a flat section between the bindings, camber underfoot, and rocker at the tip and tail. This profile ensures stability, pop, and smooth turn initiation, making it adaptable to a variety of conditions.
Flex Rating:
With a medium flex, the Assassin strikes a balance between playfulness and control. This ensures that the board is responsive enough for technical maneuvers while retaining a forgiving nature for more laid-back rides.
Snowboard Shape:
The board boasts a true twin shape, which means it's symmetrical from nose to tail. This design is ideal for riders who love to switch between regular and goofy stances, as it offers a consistent feel in both directions.
Core:
The Assassin is powered by Salomon's Aspen Select Core. This core is crafted using hand-selected FSC certified wood strips, ensuring a lightweight yet durable construction. The result is a board that offers a lively feel without compromising on strength.
Laminates:
Incorporating Royal Cork Rails laminates into its design, the Assassin aims to absorb shocks and reduce vibrations. These laminates run along the sidewalls and are designed to enhance the board's durability while providing a smoother ride.
Base:
Equipped with a sintered EG base, the Assassin promises both speed and longevity. This high-density base material is known for its ability to retain wax, ensuring that riders experience a consistent glide across a range of snow conditions.
Edges:
The board features Salomon's Quadralizer edge design. This innovative edge technology amplifies the carving potential of the board, allowing for quick and precise turns. Whether on icy slopes or groomed runs, the Assassin's edges ensure reliable grip.
Binding Compatibility:
The Salomon Assassin is versatile when it comes to binding compatibility. While it pairs well with Salomon's proprietary bindings, it's also designed to work harmoniously with most major binding systems on the market.
Terrain Type:
The Assassin truly shines as an all-terrain board. From the park's jumps and rails to the mountain's powder-filled bowls, this board is adept at handling a plethora of conditions. Its design and features ensure that it remains responsive and agile, regardless of the terrain.
Ability Level:
While the Assassin is welcoming to intermediate riders, its array of advanced features also cater to the needs of seasoned snowboarders. Its balanced design ensures that riders across the spectrum, from intermediate to expert, can tap into its full potential.
The Salomon Assassin Snowboard stands as a testament to Salomon's commitment to crafting boards that cater to the modern rider's needs. With its blend of innovative technology and top-tier materials, the Assassin promises a ride that's both exhilarating and reliable, regardless of where you choose to take it on the mountain.
