Review: Arbor Blacklist 154 - Snowboarding Forum

readimag · 01-03-2012, 08:50 PM

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.

casper3043 · 01-04-2012, 08:05 PM

thanks again readimag...

my blacklist should be here friday. heading up to keystone saturday and will add my 2 cents in as well.

JVee · 01-04-2012, 08:16 PM

I purchased the 160 and will be riding in Japan in 3 weeks. Will definately comment on how it goes. I was thinking of purchasing a Revolver as a backup, but maybe I'll do fine using the board as my quiver

Nivek · 01-04-2012, 09:25 PM

So finally people are realizing why he calls it the greatest snowboard ever built to date, and I mostly agree.

doktrin · 01-04-2012, 09:30 PM

This isn't necessarily relevant to the review, but where does Arbor manufacture their boards?

Redmond513 · 01-04-2012, 09:36 PM

Good review. I got the Blacklist and I love it so far. No complaints yet.

BurtonAvenger · 01-04-2012, 10:45 PM

Only board I ever cried over when it broke can't wait for my 2013.

JVee · 01-05-2012, 12:11 AM

Another Blacklist for 2013 BA? Is it possible Arbor can capitalise on the current model?

BurtonAvenger · 01-05-2012, 11:13 PM

I'm riding it since nothing changed but there are some new things I've seen from other companies I can't wait to ride K2 reinvented the wheel for 2013.

doktrin · 01-06-2012, 12:09 AM

bummer. last blacklist 154 i could find online looks like it just sold. don't suppose anyone has any leads?

01-03-2012, 08:50 PM	#1 (permalink)
readimag Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Posts: 429	Review: Arbor Blacklist 154 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.

01-04-2012, 09:25 PM	#4 (permalink)
Nivek Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Mountains of Mordor Posts: 5,373	So finally people are realizing why he calls it the greatest snowboard ever built to date, and I mostly agree. __________________ Snowboarding Sucks.

01-04-2012, 10:45 PM	#7 (permalink)
BurtonAvenger Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Mountains Posts: 8,051	Only board I ever cried over when it broke can't wait for my 2013. __________________ Angry Snowboarder Because someone has to call it how they see it!

01-05-2012, 11:13 PM	#9 (permalink)
BurtonAvenger Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Mountains Posts: 8,051	I'm riding it since nothing changed but there are some new things I've seen from other companies I can't wait to ride K2 reinvented the wheel for 2013. __________________ Angry Snowboarder Because someone has to call it how they see it!

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

01-04-2012, 08:05 PM	#2 (permalink)
casper3043 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Posts: 133	thanks again readimag... my blacklist should be here friday. heading up to keystone saturday and will add my 2 cents in as well.

01-04-2012, 08:16 PM	#3 (permalink)
JVee Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 178	I purchased the 160 and will be riding in Japan in 3 weeks. Will definately comment on how it goes. I was thinking of purchasing a Revolver as a backup, but maybe I'll do fine using the board as my quiver

01-04-2012, 09:30 PM	#5 (permalink)
doktrin Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Posts: 52	This isn't necessarily relevant to the review, but where does Arbor manufacture their boards?

01-04-2012, 09:36 PM	#6 (permalink)
Redmond513 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Posts: 189	Good review. I got the Blacklist and I love it so far. No complaints yet.

01-05-2012, 12:11 AM	#8 (permalink)
JVee Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 178	Another Blacklist for 2013 BA? Is it possible Arbor can capitalise on the current model?

01-06-2012, 12:09 AM	#10 (permalink)
doktrin Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Posts: 52	bummer. last blacklist 154 i could find online looks like it just sold. don't suppose anyone has any leads?