Snowboard Tested and Rider Specs:
- Horizon 2022-2023
- Horizon Size: 155cm (waist width 25.6 cm)
- Sidecut: 7.5
- Bindings: Union Falcor (Large)
- Boots: Adidas Tactical ADV size 11
- Stance: approximately 22.5″
- Rider Height: 5’11″
- Rider Weight: 195lbs
Conditions/Terrain Tested: Groomers, park, chop, and some pow!
Features from United Shapes
- 4mm Taper
- Directional Twin
- Seamless Urethane sidewalls
- Bio Resin laminates
- Fiberglass Binding Reinforcement
- carbon stringers
- Classic Core
- Deep Days Inserts
- Sintered 4000 base
- Flex: 5/10
Review:
The United Shapes Horizon Snowboard is a great all-mountain, versatile snowboard that is perfect for intermediate to advanced riders. It is designed for all-mountain riding, meaning it is suitable for various snow conditions and terrain types, including groomed runs, powder, and park. The Horizon is also very stable at high speeds, making it a good choice for riders who like to go fast.
The board features a directional twin shape, offering a slightly longer nose than tail, which provides stability and float in deeper snow. The Horizon also features Deep Days set-back inserts, allowing you to mount your bindings further back on the board, putting you in a more natural position for optimal float on the deepest of days. Being a slightly shorter board than I typically ride, I was a little worried about the size in powder but the deep days inserts allow you to ride set back and float with ease.
In terms of construction, the United Shapes Horizon features a core made of sustainably harvested poplar wood, reinforced with fiberglass and carbon fiber. The Horizon has carbon stringers from tip to tail providing torsional flex and overall strength. Having carbon fibers exclusively down the center of the board gives more torsional flex than most boards I have come across. They give the board a lightweight, yet strong and durable feel. The Horizon also has a medium flex end to end, making it responsive and forgiving. Compared to previous versions, this year’s is a touch softer and more playful. The shape is also less tapered, yielding better switch performance.
The United Shapes Horizon uses a camber profile, with traditional camber underfoot and a rocker nose. This combination, along with the torsional flex provides the board with excellent edge control and pop, while the rocker tip improves turn initiation and helps prevent catch when riding in softer snow.
The United Shapes Horizon is an absolute rocket! It’s fast, nimble and just fun to ride. I found it to be very responsive and quick edge to edge. It holds really well when carving and is snappy coming out of turns. The Horizon is just a very playful board. It is fun to press and butter around on this board. The Horizon was great in the park as well, it had plenty of pop off jumps and was very stable on landings. There is nothing out there that the Horizon does not excel at and is an exceptionally fun board to ride straight out of the gate and all over the mountain.
Overall impressions
The United Shapes Horizon is a versatile snowboard that can handle a range of riding styles and conditions. Rip the resort, lay trenches on groomers, sending in the jump line, to overhead powder turns, the Horizon does it all. Overall, the United Shapes Horizon Snowboard is a great choice for intermediate to advanced riders who are looking for a versatile and stable board that can handle a variety of terrain.
Pros:
- Carving ability
- Versatile all-mountain board
- Fast
- Responsive
- Excellent float
Cons:
- Not available in sizes over 159
| Price: |  (4.2 / 5) |
| Performance: |  (4.8 / 5) |
| Design: | (4.8 / 5) |
| Overall: |  (4.6 / 5) |