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Bataleon 2012 Q & A

199K views 752 replies 138 participants last post by  Robisten8 
#1 ·
Hi guys,

Back from SIA in Denver and just visited a long and winding thread here full of questions about 2012 Bataleon.

I spent a bunch of time with Bataleon guys and will be happy to answer any Q's abot the upcoming line.

As an up front, Bataleon had a breakthrough year in 2011 and is going to explode in 2012. TBT has come of age! On a graphics front, the boards look insane (way better even than the pictures I am seeing). A new pressing process allows the TBT to show through the topsheet. This is not a performance thing, but it does help riders to visualize the tech.

The Evil Twin SE and the Women's FeelBetter (yeaaahh!) look ill.

STOKED!!!!!
 
#448 ·
hi guys, props to you all for this thread, especially wiredsport for your amazing advice, read the whole thread but just wanted to ask a question myself.

i work in val thorens in france during the winter season, will be season 7 in a month or so and i'm after a new board, pretty much convinced myself i want a bataleon and am set on the ET. we're pretty high up in resort so the snow is usually decent, good pow to be found but no trees as we're too high for them, don't necessarily park too much but looking for a board to play around on, presses, flat tricks, spinning off of the lips off the sides etc.

currently riding a pretty stiff rome board but cannot for the life of me remember which - it's still in france while i'm at home in england, only got it cause my agent was stolen from my flat as we slept one night and a mate was selling it real cheap. if needs be i'll use that for the pow but probably aim to ride just the new board.

i'm 6'3", 190 pounds but do lose weight over the winter and foot size US 10 going by the method Wiredsports has provided.

i'm pretty sold on the ET 157 but am considering the 58 whatever aswell. what do you think?

looking forward to your advice!
 
#450 ·
Sweet! Was hoping you'd say that, can't wait to get hold of it and start to ride it, should be on the slopes in 52 days, fist lifts of the season. we've got a new cable this season so will be cool to check out a couple of new runs before the public are let loose on them!

Thanks so much for your advice.

Stoked!!!
 
#452 ·
If anything it's the exact opposite.
First ride on my Jam and I had to tweak my style a fair bit. Until then I'd been gently leaning into turns using the edges, the raised edges on TBT don't catch so easily and you are forced to be more definite. It forced me to commit to the turn more and has made me a much more solid and stable rider as a result.
There is no instability as you suggest, just a good solid stable ride and very few nasty surprises. It's pretty rare for you to spend much time with the board flat to the ground when riding, unless you're just pointing the nose straight downhill and letting go, so most of the time the stability of a flat base is only used when you're standing still at the bottom of the chair lift.
 
#461 ·
Hi Hoops,

No, but I uderstand the concern. The reason is that TBT is very subtle (a lot more subtle than many who have seen/felt it might imagine). It is not a drastic enough transition to affect stability, even if you are sliding fully weighted right on the transition. the contact points are lifted just enough to get the edge to keep from snagging, and that can help you avoid hard rail take-downs.

Thanks!
 
#459 · (Edited)
hi Wiredsport, really appreciate what you're doing for the community with all your feedback! So now.. I must.. ask :D

So last season I had a YES Great Dudes then picked up late season a fun.kink US edition. Needless to say I sold the YES. This season, looking to add another Bataleon to my collection. I'm leaning towards the 153 or 156 Whatever (despite the extruded base). I like steeps, bombing, tree runs and just random fun.. just all around fun really..I'm 5'8, 157lbs, size 7 Salomon boots.. -12/9 (I dont recall, too lazy to look for my board since in storage). Can you recommend a sizing? THANKS! :D

It was either this, or get a 2011 154 (?) Riot .. what do you think?
 
#460 ·
Hi OL.

The Whatever 153 will be incredible for you but my question is what would you be looking for it to add/change to your quiver. Will it replace you Funkink? If so, it is the right choice for the riding that you have described. The core moves frome tough core to Core Core, which means more pop and response. As always a size 7 foot brings its problems so I would definately opt for the smaller size (over the 156).

Thanks!
 
#466 ·
Goliath or Jam

I want to praise you guys at wiredsport for sharing all this knowledge among us all, it's a great thing you're doing and is helping boarders everywhere get the most out of snowboarding and their buck.

So I have a Goliath 157 08/09 (being sold) and a Libtech Skate Banana 156 08. I want a replacement/step up for the Goliath. Foot-25.5cm wearing a size 9 Salomon F22, height-5'8", weight-150 to 154lbs. I ride Union Force M/L bindings. I had a go indoors on the Goliath 153 and felt great but that's just indoors. I ride all mountain, Like to hold a high speed and hit natural kickers and carve but also want to be able to ride and improve powder off piste riding when its good, and roll through the park hitting jumps mainly but some rails too and possibly press and butter. But I am in the military and want to make the team which involves races like slaloms, boardercross and slopestyle. I am in Scotland so ride whatever I can and get to Europe or wherever my wallet will allow me to go a few times a year. I was thinking Goliath but with the racing I'm thinking Jam but scared it won't be playful enough or forgiving enough on landings and that.

Please help.
 
#467 ·
I want to praise you guys at wiredsport for sharing all this knowledge among us all, it's a great thing you're doing and is helping boarders everywhere get the most out of snowboarding and their buck.

So I have a Goliath 157 08/09 (being sold) and a Libtech Skate Banana 156 08. I want a replacement/step up for the Goliath. Foot-25.5cm wearing a size 9 Salomon F22, height-5'8", weight-150 to 154lbs. I ride Union Force M/L bindings. I had a go indoors on the Goliath 153 and felt great but that's just indoors. I ride all mountain, Like to hold a high speed and hit natural kickers and carve but also want to be able to ride and improve powder off piste riding when its good, and roll through the park hitting jumps mainly but some rails too and possibly press and butter. But I am in the military and want to make the team which involves races like slaloms, boardercross and slopestyle. I am in Scotland so ride whatever I can and get to Europe or wherever my wallet will allow me to go a few times a year. I was thinking Goliath but with the racing I'm thinking Jam but scared it won't be playful enough or forgiving enough on landings and that.

Please help.
STOKED that you are digging the Bataleon / Mervin combo!

Are you going to keep or update the SB as well? Your description is very broad from presses to races, and yes, if it is one board only the Goliath would be it, but if you are keeping a rockered out playboard in the quiv then I would suggest a Jam without hesitation.
 
#471 ·
Hi,
I'm around 200-210lbs and have size 12uk boots. I usually get to the alps for a week a year and ride in the local icy freezer a few times each month for the rest of the year. I'm learning to hit rails and boxes and love just messing around cruising down the hill. I'm not really fussed about getting massive air or straight-lining every run - so I guess i'm more of a relaxed rider.

I have a deck for hitting the alps with (ride antic 165w) so am after something that's going to be mainly used in the freezer.

What do you guys think would be the shortest/best board for me? I've been looking at the 157w goliath or the 156w evil twin; do you think these would be too short?

Cheers.
 
#472 ·
For indoor riding the 156 Wide ET will be a fun choice. You could easily ride the 159 wide and at 210 size 12 UK, you are really the guy that they make that board for. I hesitate to tell you to go to the 156 because I know yolu are going to love the board and will want to ride it on the mountain as well. The Goliath would not be my first choice for indoor riding.
 
#473 ·
I just wanted to stop in and say how much I love my Fun.Kink. Picked it up at an end of season sale, but still got a good month of riding in on it. Prior to purchasing it, I was riding a Capita Stairmaster 156 (still my current allmountain deck). I got the fun.kink in a 153 primarily for park, and wow, what a difference. During my previous park exploits, I found myself in combinations of faceplants, assplants, and full out yardsales if attempting anything other than a simple 50-50. The fun.kink changed everything. First run I hit a boardslide no problem, and didn't even think about catching an edge. By the end of the day, I was doing both fs an bs slides, as well as nose and tail presses on boxes. Even my park rat friends were amazed at how much I had progressed in a day, lol.

And TBT! I love it, its like riding a boat on the snow, just floats along so effortlessly, and even makes flatland tricks easier. I find myself hoping for an unforseen accident to occur to my Capita in the early season so I can replace it with a Whatever 156, lol.
 
#474 ·
Dear WiredSport & All - Right size Evil Twin for 160lb + 11shoes?

What is the right size 2010/11 or 2011/12 Evil Twin for me? 151, 152 or 154cm? I'm about 160 pounds with size 11 feet. I ride duck-footed with big stance angles (like +30 -30, cuz I'm naturally duck-footed), so toe overhang ain't much of an issue.

I would be riding the Evil Twin at my local crap hill for working on switch/butters and small jumps. Love the concept of TBT. I'm not really into rails or super huge jumps at this point. Ideally the ET would complement my NS SL 155, which has been absolutely awesome for all-mountain charging and powder out West. However, I have found that the SL is HEAVY and is too much board for our local hill. It's crazy fast too...it takes less than 10 seconds from top to bottom of our hill. What's the point of riding an amazing *all-mountain* board when you don't have *any* mountain?

So hopefully the Evil Twin will make a great "commuter" board...it's now just a question of 151 vs 152 vs 154. Thanks@!
 
#475 ·
What is the right size 2010/11 or 2011/12 Evil Twin for me? 151, 152 or 154cm? I'm about 160 pounds with size 11 feet. I ride duck-footed with big stance angles (like +30 -30, cuz I'm naturally duck-footed), so toe overhang ain't much of an issue.

I would be riding the Evil Twin at my local crap hill for working on switch/butters and small jumps. Love the concept of TBT. I'm not really into rails or super huge jumps at this point. Ideally the ET would complement my NS SL 155, which has been absolutely awesome for all-mountain charging and powder out West. However, I have found that the SL is HEAVY and is too much board for our local hill. It's crazy fast too...it takes less than 10 seconds from top to bottom of our hill. What's the point of riding an amazing *all-mountain* board when you don't have *any* mountain?

So hopefully the Evil Twin will make a great "commuter" board...it's now just a question of 151 vs 152 vs 154. Thanks@!
The 154 will be the one. You may be surpised at how much fun you have on this thing. Have a great season!
 
#476 · (Edited)
Hi!

I'm looking at picking up a new board this season, was previously learning (done 2 seasons now, but would consider myself still with a lot more to pick up) on a camber board more aimed towards parks (Burton Seven) and this was maybe not my best choice. I really love the sound of the Bataleon TBT tech, I was having issues with catching edges on the Seven and to be honest I don't think it's the right board for what I do, I'm yet to even enter a park. The TBT seems to add that extra safety-net and would be a bit more forgiving perhaps.

I mainly ride groomers and love to catch powder when I can, some tree runs (nothing TOO crazy), would see myself getting more into freestyley stuff on the mountain eventually, some jumps etc.

I'm a reasonably big guy 200lbs, 6ft 2ins and a US size 13 boot, was looking at perhaps a Goliath fitting the bill for me as a board? What size would you in your expert opinion recommend? :p (And am I write in my thoughts that a Goliath is aimed at my kind of riding? I also looked at the "Whatever" or "Jam" too.)

Thanks!

/Graham
 
#482 ·
Hi, I'm in a similar situation to Corvonas is - only difference being height and weight (5'10 and 150lb, size 9 boot). Looking for a board which would mainly be used on groomers, powder when I can find it and general mountain stuff but maybe starting to head down the more freestyle route also.

Looking mainly at the Jam 156 and the Evil Twin 154/157. The Jam seems the slightly more sensible choice for the style of riding (as was said in reply to Corvonas, better to get something to suit the style or riding you are doing!) but thinking it might be a bit stiff considering my experience and weight which is why I was looking at the Evil Twin also.

Any help appreciated!
 
#484 ·
At the moment no, just on the mountain. In the future I'd want to start getting in there and having a play around, but it will be more mountain focused I would say. Also looking for something that I can progress on and last for a while without suddenly being too flexy etc (hence looking at the Jam).

Cheers!
 
#486 ·
Yeah, I think that sounds like a great choice. The resort I usually go to is mostly mountain stuff anyway so even if I wanted to do park then it would be quite difficult! I reckon a Jam for mountain riding and then something more park orientated in the future when I want to get into properly would be the best bet. Can never have too many boards!

Sorted. Credit card sting for me as well then....
 
#487 ·
quick question. For a 6'1", 205lb before gear guy, do you think there would be a noticeable difference from the trees to the park when comparing the 159W Riot vs. a 161W Jam? They both have nearly the same width and effective edge, similar flex numbers and are both twins (and probably have similar surface area). the major difference seems to be the width of the TBT. because of my weight and size 12 feet, i am usually on a wide board over 160. again, because of my weight, i suspect the difference between the ride on these two boards will be negligible for me. thoughts?
 
#490 ·
Hi TDC,

There is actually a very noticable difference between the two boards.

The Basalt stringers in the boards are placed differently. On the Jam they are tip to tail. On the Riot they are tip to inner insert (at both tips). Also the cores are different with the Jam getting the Reactor core (hardwood at the sidewalls) to enhance edging and the Riot getting the Core Core with hardwood at the insert rows to enhance pop. Also the TBT differnce that you mentioned.

Thanks!
 
#491 ·
Excellent. You get all of the effective edge that you would on a conventional cambered board. Once even the slightest deck angle and pressure is applied you have full contact point to contact point edge contact. TBT tears up icy days!
 
#497 ·
Hey Wiredsport,

I am looking at the Disaster or Airobic for this upcoming season. I'm 5'6" (still growing) and 140 pounds. I am an intermediate rider who knows the basics of park (boardslides, 180 on/off boxes, 50-50 down rails, etc) but want to get really good at jibs/boxes/rails this year and also learn 360s (no big booters). I think I will be doing about 75% boxes/rails, 10% smaller jumps (under 30 or so feet), and 15% cruising the groomers/slush/some ice and jibbing side obstacles (East Coast). I want something REALLY pressable and buttery since I never really have learned to press and want to progress a lot at jibs (considerably softer than for example a Lib Tech Skate Banana), but I still want a lot of pop (nothing noodley like the Rome Artifact Rocker).

Should I go with the Airobic for the added pop? Would it still be very easy to learn and progress my presses and butters?
Or should I go with the Disaster? I know it is soft enough to press the hell out of but will it have enough pop to really get me up onto high boxes/rails and help me learn air tricks?

Also, what size?

Thanks,
-Joe
 
#500 ·
Hey,
I have size 9 ThirtyTwo boots and yes I am still growing. That boot size should should not change for a while because they are a bit too big (around a half size) and I have to wear insole things. So even as my feet grow the boots will just become more of a better fit instead of becoming too small.

Thanks,
-Joe
 
#502 ·
Got it. You will want the Airobic 151. This deck can be pressed and buttered all day long at your weight but will have a bit more substance on landings and more pop when you want to blow it up a little.
 
#501 ·
Hey I'm new to the forums and new enough to snowboarding I guess. Was really into it as a kid and only picked it up again last season. After reading through this thread, I'm pretty sure the Goliath is the board for me. I'm just not sure what size to go with. I'm 5'11", 170-175 pounds, size 12 in Burton Moto boots. I was thinking I'd need the 160W but I'd like to know what everyone else thinks?

I should add, most of the riding I'm going to be doing is groomed trails and I'm gonna be getting into the park this season too. I'm planning on a few trips to Vermont to see if I can get some powder but, thats not really my main concern.
 
#517 ·
Sorry there,

I thought when you had written, "I'd like to know what everyone else thinks" that you were looking for opinions other than mine (which would be welcomed and perfectly OK by me). The Goliath 160 W will be an excellent choice for your specs. It is the do everything Bataleon and will certainly set you up for a great winter.

Sorry again to leave you hanging out there :)
 
#504 ·
Could you tell me where to find a comprehensive review of the Airobic?
I am thinking of buying a second hand 2010 version so I realize it will have changed. A lot or just a little change since the 2010?

I am looking at a 155 I am 170-175lbs and 6ft with a size 11 (reduced footprint tech).

I am assuming it will be sweet for jibbing around the mountain?

thanks.
 
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