Salomon Assassin Pro Snowboard - Review
Salomon Assassin Pro Snowboard Specs:
- Lengths Available: 150, 153, 156, 159, 162cm
- Profile: Rock Out Camber (flat between feet, camber near feet, rocker tip & tail)
- Shape: Directional Twin
- Flex: Medium-Stiff
- Base: Sintered EG
- Edges: Freestyle Edge Bevel
- Core: Aspen SLCT
- Laminates: Triaxial Fiberglass
Before we jump into the review - If you want to read our Best All Mountain Snowboards comparison article, you are welcome.
The Salomon Assassin Pro Snowboard is a versatile beast, designed to tackle a variety of terrains with ease. From the first moment I strapped in, I could feel the responsiveness and precision that this board offers. The Rock Out Camber profile provides a balanced feel, allowing for playful turns in softer snow while maintaining stability at higher speeds.
The board's medium-stiff flex is perfect for those who want to push their limits without compromising on control. Whether carving on groomers or navigating through tree lines, the Assassin Pro delivers consistent performance. The sintered EG base ensures that you'll glide smoothly over any snow condition, and the freestyle edge bevel gives that extra bite when you need it.
One of the standout features for me was the Aspen SLCT core, which offers a lightweight feel without sacrificing strength. This, combined with the triaxial fiberglass laminates, ensures that the board is both durable and agile. Whether you're hitting jumps in the park or exploring off-piste, the Salomon Assassin Pro won't let you down.
Lastly, the directional twin shape of the board is a game-changer. It offers the perfect blend of freestyle freedom and freeride stability. Whether you're riding switch or regular, the Assassin Pro provides a symmetrical feel, ensuring that every ride is both fun and predictable.
Diving into the Technical: Salomon Assassin Pro Snowboard Review
Having had the opportunity to ride the Salomon Assassin Pro Snowboard multiple times, I've gathered a comprehensive understanding of its features and performance. Let's delve deep into the technical aspects of this board.
Key Features:
The Salomon Assassin Pro Snowboard is a versatile all-mountain board designed to tackle a variety of conditions. With its unique blend of precision, pop, and responsiveness, it stands out as a top choice for riders looking for a board that can do it all.
Snowboard Profile:
The board features a Rock Out Camber profile. This means it has a flat section between the feet, camber underfoot, and rocker on the tip and tail. This profile offers a balanced ride, ensuring stability on groomers, responsiveness in turns, and float in powder.
Flex Rating:
With a medium-stiff flex rating, the Assassin Pro offers a blend of responsiveness and playfulness. It's stiff enough to hold an edge on hardpack and icy conditions, yet flexible enough to allow for playful maneuvers in the park and off natural features.
Snowboard Shape:
The board boasts a directional twin shape. This means that while the board has a symmetrical shape between the nose and tail, the stance is set back slightly. This shape offers the versatility of riding switch while still providing a bit more nose for powder days.
Core:
The Assassin Pro is equipped with a Popster Eco Booster Bamboo core. This core design maximizes the natural snap and pop of wood, giving riders a lively feel underfoot. Additionally, the bamboo adds strength and sustainability to the board's construction.
Laminates:
The board incorporates carbon in its laminates, specifically in the form of carbon beams. This ensures that the board remains lightweight while adding torsional rigidity, making it responsive and quick edge-to-edge.
Base:
The sintered EG base on the Assassin Pro ensures that the board glides smoothly over a variety of snow conditions. Sintered bases are known for their durability and ability to absorb wax, ensuring long-lasting performance.
Edges:
The board features Salomon's Quadralizer edge design. This innovative edge design allows for precision and quick turns at high speeds while still being forgiving at slower speeds. It's a perfect blend for riders who want control without feeling locked into their turns.
Binding Compatibility:
The Assassin Pro is equipped with a 2x4 insert pattern, making it compatible with most major binding brands on the market. This ensures riders have a wide range of choices when it comes to pairing their board with bindings.
Terrain Type:
This snowboard is truly an all-mountain weapon. From groomed runs to powder stashes and even park laps, the Assassin Pro handles it all with grace. Its design features cater to a variety of terrains, making it a versatile choice for those who want one board to do it all.
Ability Level:
While the Assassin Pro is designed with advanced features that seasoned riders will appreciate, its forgiving nature makes it suitable for intermediate riders looking to progress. Its versatility ensures that as riders improve, the board will continue to meet their evolving needs.
Overall, the Salomon Assassin Pro Snowboard is a technical marvel that offers a balanced ride for those looking to conquer the mountain. Whether carving groomers, floating in powder, or hitting jumps in the park, this board delivers consistent performance.
