Proto FR
The Proto FR (Freeride) is new to the Proto family for the 2021-2022 season. Never Summer continues to innovate with a new Rocker Camber Profile with the Triple Camber Profile on the FR, with 3 camber sections and 2 rocker sections and early rise in the tip and tail, you will notice a firm difference in performance in this board immediately. Being this board being part of the Proto family it will handle any condition from powder, groomers, chop, and park. It’s a powerful tool for any mission you choose to take it on.
Snowboard Tested and Rider Specs:
- Never Summer Proto FR 2021-2022
- Proto FR Size: 160cm (waist width 25.8 cm)
- MSRP: $619.99
- Bindings: Union Falcor (Medium)
- Boots: Adidas Tactical ADV size 9
- Stance: approximately 22.5″
- Rider Height: 5’9″
- Rider Weight: 180
Conditions/Terrain Tested: Groomers, all mountain, moguls, and some powder.
Recommended for: The freerider who wants to rule it all! From carving up groomers and floating through powder like a pro, the Proto FR features Never Summer’s all new Triple Camber Profile for power, precision, and bombing the hill through any conditions.
Features from Never Summer
- Co-Extruded Polymer Topsheet
- Carbon Max Laminate Technology
- Triple Camber Profile
- Extended Transition Area
- Power Grip Sidecut
- Front End Rise/Float Mechanics
- STS Pre-tensioned Fiberglass
- Bi-Lite Fiberglass
- NS WooBoo Wood Core
- RDS 1 Dampening System
- ECDS-Elastomeric+ Carbon Dampening System
- Elastomeric Underfoot Stabilizers
- Sintered P-tex Sidewall
- Durasurf XT Sintered 5501 Base
- P-tex Nose/Tail Protection
- Full Wrap Metal Edge
Special Features on the Proto FR:
- WooBoo Core (Wood and Bamboo) incredibly light and durable
- Triple Camber Profile: Three camber sections and 2 rocker sections, making this board responsive, stable and playful. You have to ride it to feel how powerful it really is.
Review:
The Proto FR is the 4th addition to the Proto family of snowboards at Never Summer, and it rounds out the group nicely, I was always a fan of the Proto and for me this board pays some homage to that design, however it’s nothing like any other board in the Proto family. It’s like having a V12 engine and the handling of a Formula 1 race car under your feet.
I initially was not sure what to make of the Triple Camber Profile, but once you experience it on groomers and in powder you really understand how progressive this new profile can be. I felt like I could go faster, carve deeper, point it in pow and slash turns easily whenever, even in choppy snow. Somehow Never Summer has found a way to introduce even more power and control within a multi-camber profile without sacrificing the playfulness of the board.
Riding the Proto Fr in powder was everything I wanted it to be, the 160cm floated incredibly well. It was nimble and stable over little rock drops and I felt like I could maneuver this board effortlessly even when it got choppy. I really felt I could push this board to go faster than I did and it would continue to be stable at any speed. On groomers it really wanted you to point it, and turn initiation was smooth and fast, you can dig even deeper trenches with this board than you ever imagined, like into the earth if you wanted!
Being that the Proto FR is a “Proto” you can rest assured you can hit up the park on your way down from some pow runs, and press or slide any rail you want to through the park as well,. Although I’d say you’ll really want to go back up and point it straight down the steepest run just to see how fast you can go and grin ear to ear.
Finally, the WooBoo Core makes this board extremely light and the abstract artwork on the topsheet stand out from most other boards on the mountain, it’s truly a beauty to look at. The topsheet is very durable, as you’d expect, and will stand up to normal wear and tear while riding in any conditions.
Overall Impressions:
The Proto FR is for you if you love to Freeride the whole mountain, make no mistake it will rip outside the resort as well. This board is on the stiffer side at an 8 out of 10, but it’s forgiving as well. This is the board you want to ride all day when there’s fresh snow with pow lines to be had, cliff/rock drops are easy on this board, and finally you can go carve up some groomers or put it through the park. It will Freestyle-rider it all, I highly recommend this board for the rider that likes to go fast and have a playful ride anywhere you want to roam on the mountain.
Pros
- Stable at high speeds and landing jumps and rock drops
- Floats amazingly well in power
- For a freeride board it has freestyle characteristics
- Carves amazingly well for all mountain and in powder it’s fast and responsive
- Incredible pop
- Durable topsheet and base
- 3 year warranty
Cons
None
| Price: |  (4.5 / 5) |
| Performance: |  (4.8 / 5) |
| Design: | (4.8 / 5) |
| Overall: |  (4.7 / 5) |
Read more reviews on Never Summer Prototype family of snowboards here
I got one of the Proto FR Limiteds last year, loved it. From the time I rode it beginning of last March I didn’t ride any of my other boards. Went to Brundage for a late winter storm, White Pass for more of the same, and then Tamarack in spring conditions and Bluewood until their last day (40°+ and slushy). It killed it all. Plus i have my own blog https://www.autoriding.com/ where i write reviews about skateboards if you like checking it out
That’s great! It’s such a responsive fun board, and nice site too, thanks for sharing!
I’m 50 and started riding about 15 yrs ago. I like to go fast down runs – harder blues and black runs, I don’t go in the park or off piste. I’m 5’10” 210lbs with some back issues.
Just came across your site and really appreciate the reviews. I have an older NeverSummer board and looking for something new. I was given a recommendation for the Nitro Banker board you reviewed and the Proto. If you don’t mind I had some questions.
Since you’ve ridden both I was curious about two things:
-which is easier to carve in and hold an edge?
-which has the least chatter as your get to higher speeds?
Thanks!
Tom