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Review: Arbor Blacklist 154

33K views 94 replies 24 participants last post by  Nivek 
#1 ·
Took this review style from BA as it is my first board review for the masses.


Board: Arbor Blacklist
Size: 154
Camber Option: The Park System Rocker.
Bindings: Ride Delta 2011
Stance: 23
Angles: 15 Negative 15 Regular
Boots: Burton Imperial sz 10
My Weight: 180
Resort: Sugar Mtn

Conditions: Man made base with a fresh 2 inches that gave way to 40ª temps for 5 days. Stiff groomers that turned into spring slush and small mounds by midday.

Preconceived Notions: Not going to lie about this one, BA sold me on the board with all the great reviews he gave. I was a little worried as the last true rocker I rode was a banana that I hated.

Flex: Softer than the 2012 evo when pressing or buttering on the trail. It has more stiffness in the flex when carving down the hill at speed. I know this sounds crazy but it is true, maybe it is being a midwide that helps it flex like this.

Stability: All I can say is WOW I wanted to ride this board everywhere (granted only 7 trails were open) that I could. It kept me planted all day and the grip tech seems to be in just the right place when you need the sharp turn.

Ollies/Pop: I hate to say it but almost perfect predicable snap right in the middle of the road. While there are boards with more pop, I felt this board placed me right in the zone I needed to be every time.

Butterability: As said before this board loves to butter, when you slow it down. I could get 8 to 12 inches without really trying every time with my butters on the flats.

Cruising: Felt amazing when riding flat or on edge the whole way down. I was taken by surprise by how much faster it got to speed. Only problem I had is getting used to the midwide size of the board but that only took ½ a run to shake off.

Jibbing: I was lucky to have snow so no jibbing.

Personal Thoughts: I am in love with this board, from the time I read about it on BA’s page until I put it back on my wall today. It is amazing how one board can change what you think. Before this board I was all about NS RC tech and loved riding the evo. Now while I still love RC and my SL I don’t think I will ride the evo again (ok I will but waiting till the park opens up). The Blacklist is just way to playful and stable as a park board to overlook. It is like I stepped back on my old k2 comet and everything just clicked when I rode. I could not believe how stable the board was over the other park boards I’ve owned at speed. While I could feel the split second longer it took to change edges. It never once made me feel like I was not in control. I was really torn over getting this board or the NS 2012 Evo and I am glad I got both so I could see what one I liked the best. Blacklist won cause at the end of the day it just felt better, as a bonus the blacklist comes pre detuned tip and tail wish the evo did.
 
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#85 ·
15 dollars that is all the base costs to change , dont really see 15 making that much difference. I agree with BA having alot to do with me getting the board, and backcountry also being able to return it at anytime. They end up being my board test center as I cant make demo days and my hill only get limited numbers of companies.
 
#86 ·
Well, I'm taking the coda to Squaw and Alpine. I'm no crazy snowboarder, but I think I'll be hitting some shit there, so let's see how it holds up. I directed my buddy to get a Blacklist so we'll see how both do.

Another friend needed a suggestion, I pointed him towards a Riders Choice. But he's 200lbs, I wish he was lighter so I could hop on it :laugh: 158 is just too much board for me.
 
#87 ·
I think the concern about Arbor's base is getting a little overblown. Yes, it's softer. I ride at Mountain High where coverage has been spotty this whole season and my 2011 Coda's base isn't much worse than my Heritage. Tahoe is going to get dumped on, don't over think it and just enjoy the ride.
 
#89 ·
I would love to try out the blacklist or the coda,

Seems people are saying the blacklist can do most of what the coda can. Would I be right in thinking the coda is a little stiffer and more all mountain oriented, while the blacklist has more of a park oriented all mountain feel?

Any other differences?
 
#93 ·
Honestly, if you can't 5-0 the Westmark, you shouldn't be worried about the differences between the Blacklist and it. Grab whichever one you can find in your size unless you are truly limited by boot size. As in like maybe less than 8.5 (probably stick to Westmark) or bigger than 11.5 (stick to BL). Other than that, if you want a true all-mountain board (especially if you ride lots of deep powder) the Coda will be a better board.

If you ride nothing but low speed jibs and S/M jumps, the Draft is an option.
 
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