Arbor Element Rocker Snowboard - Review
Arbor Element Rocker Snowboard Specs:
- Shape: Directional Twin
- Profile: The System Rocker
- Flex: Medium
- Base: Sintered
- Sidecut: Mixed Radial/Progressive
- Fiberglass: Biax Glassing
- Core Type: Double Barrel I Core LT
Before we jump into the review - If you want to read our Best All Mountain Snowboards comparison article, you are welcome.
From the moment I strapped into the Arbor Element Rocker Snowboard, I was met with a sense of familiarity and comfort. The System Rocker profile, with its parabolic rocker shape, ensured that I had a forgiving ride, reducing the chances of catching an edge. This made for smooth transitions and a playful feel, especially when navigating through tree lines and softer snow.
The sintered base of the Element Rocker was a standout, providing consistent glide and speed across various snow conditions. Paired with the mixed radial/progressive sidecut, carving and turning felt intuitive and precise. Whether making wide arcs on open runs or tight turns in technical sections, the board responded with ease.
The Double Barrel I Core LT, made from a blend of poplar and paulownia, offered a lightweight yet robust core. This translated to a lively feel underfoot, allowing for dynamic movements and pop. The biax glassing further enhanced the board's torsional flex, making it adaptable to a range of terrains and riding styles.
The Arbor Element Rocker Snowboard is a testament to Arbor's dedication to quality and rider-centric design. It's a versatile board that caters to a wide spectrum of riders, from those looking to cruise and carve to those seeking to push their limits in more challenging terrains. The Element Rocker truly shines as an all-rounder on the mountain.
Diving into the Technical: A Comprehensive Review of the Arbor Element Rocker Snowboard
The Arbor Element Rocker Snowboard and I have shared several memorable rides down the mountain. Each descent has given me a deeper appreciation for its design and performance. In this review, I'll break down the technical aspects of this board, drawing from my personal experiences on the slopes.
Key Features:
The Arbor Element Rocker is renowned for its System Rocker design, which provides an incredibly surfy ride with natural float and cleaner tracking. This feature ensures that riders can navigate through varied terrains with ease and confidence.
Snowboard Profile:
The board boasts a rocker profile, which means the center of the board is the highest point, allowing for a catch-free ride. This design is especially beneficial in powder, as it helps the board float effortlessly on top of the snow.
Flex Rating:
With a medium flex, the Arbor Element Rocker strikes the perfect balance between playfulness and stability. This ensures that riders can pop off jumps and play around in the park, while also having the stability needed for carving and tackling steeper terrains.
Snowboard Shape:
The board features a directional twin shape, which offers a slightly longer nose than tail. This design provides added float in powder and ensures stability, making it versatile for both freestyle and all-mountain riding.
Core:
The heart of the Element Rocker is its Single Malt core, crafted from 100% sustainably grown poplar wood. This results in a board that's both durable and offers a consistent flex pattern, ensuring a predictable and smooth ride.
Laminates:
The board is reinforced with Mixed Glassing, a combination of triaxial and biaxial fiberglass. This ensures that the board remains responsive, allowing riders to make quick and precise turns when needed.
Base:
The sintered base of the Element Rocker is known for its durability and speed. It offers excellent wax retention, ensuring that riders can maintain a smooth glide, regardless of the snow conditions.
Edges:
The 360-degree, fully wrapped sidewalls provide robust edge protection, ensuring longevity and consistent edge hold. This design ensures that riders can carve with precision, even on icier terrains.
Binding Compatibility:
The Arbor Element Rocker features a 2x4 10-Pack insert pattern, providing compatibility with a wide range of bindings. This flexibility ensures that riders can optimize their setup based on their preferences and riding style.
Terrain Type:
The Element Rocker is a true all-mountain board. Its design and features make it suitable for everything from park laps to powder-filled backcountry runs. Its versatility ensures that riders can confidently tackle a wide range of terrains.
Ability Level:
The Arbor Element Rocker is designed to cater to a broad spectrum of riders, from beginners to advanced. Its forgiving rocker profile combined with its technical features ensures that riders of all levels can harness its potential and have a fulfilling ride.
The Arbor Element Rocker Snowboard is a testament to Arbor's commitment to quality and performance. Its intricate design, combined with its sustainable construction, ensures that riders not only have a top-tier snowboarding experience but also ride with a clear conscience. Whether you're looking to make fresh tracks in the backcountry or show off your skills in the park, the Element Rocker promises to be a reliable companion.