Never Summer West Bound 2020 Review

Snowboard Tested and Rider Specs:

Never Summer West Bound 2019-2020
Never Summer West Bound Size: 155cm (waist width 25.3)
MSRP: $589
Bindings: Union Falcor (medium)
Boots: Adidas Tactical ADV size 9
Stance: 21.5″
Rider Height: 5’9″
Rider Weight: 180

Conditions/Terrain Tested: groomers, some park, and all mountain terrain (carving) and drops

Key Features from Never Summer Snowboards:

Coextruded Polymer Topsheet
Reclusive Web Carbon Layup
Fusion Rocker Camber Profile
Extended Transition Area
Power Grip Sidecut
Early Rise Nose
STS Pre-tensioned Fiberglass
Bi-Lite Fiberglass
NS SuperLight Wood Core
RDS 2 Dampening System
Elastromeric Underfoot Stabilizers
Sintered P-Tex Sidewall
Durasurf XT Sintered 5501 Base
P-Tex Tip and Tail Protection

Review:

The Never Summer West Bound is a new offering in the freeride line up from Never Summer, taking the place of the West. The West Bound boasts Never Summer’s Fusion rocker camber profile, 5 mm of taper, a recluse web carbon lay up, a super durable polymer topsheet and many more tech features all packaged nicely into a slick looking ride.

Right away you’ll notice the quick turn initiation on this board. I rode the West Bound in powder, a pow- ice mix, and slush. This board is able to float superbly and holds an edge on the most intimidating conditions without compromising performance and stability. I felt this board was very easy to ride comfortably right away, it has a directional shape and a slightly set back stance. I rode the West Bound as close to centered stance as possible at around 21.5 inches.

The 155cm West Bound was a good size for most days, however if you are looking for this to be a powder specific board I would recommend moving up to a 157 or 160 (wide versions 158X and 161X) or even larger if you’re over 180 lbs. The coextruded polymer topsheet art work is outstanding and very durable. If you’re the type of rider who likes to rip around the mountain the West Bound is the ticket, it’s playful, poppy and a great mix of freeride and all mountain freestyle fun!

Overall Impressions:

The West Bound is a versatile freeride powerhouse that will take on the mountain with ease, it’s a great option for an intermediate rider looking to build their skills, or for an advanced rider looking to carve, pop, and crush every aspect of the mountain. The West Bound knows no bounds, and will serve you well for any freeride mission.