Review: 2012 Never Summer Proto CT - Page 24 - Snowboarding Forum

Vman · 03-27-2011, 10:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mvandevegte

Hi All,

Just when I thought I had found the perfect board for me (the NS SL), I found out about the NS Proto CT. I am looking for advice from folks that have tried both on which would suit me best.

I am 6'1" and about 200lbs. I ride about 50/50 Mountain (freeride) / Park. I would consider myself an intermediate to advanced freerider, but I am relatively new in the Park (it is the only way to hang out with my son on the hill). My park riding is limited to the pipe and jumps.

Historically, I have ridden all Burton camber boards. After trying out some hybrid rockers this year, I knew it was time for a change. I tried the 2011 Burton Flying V, the 2011 Burton Sherlock, the 2012 Lib Tech TRS, the 2012 Lib Tech T.Rice and an older Never Summer SL (2010/2011 I think - a friends). I found the Burtons to be loads of fun, but too loose for serious carving and the Lib Techs to be too grabby (not sure if the MTX suits me). The Never Summer SL seemed just about right.

I would appreciate any thoughts from folks that have tried both boards on which would best suit my riding ... the Never Summer SL or the Never Summer Proto CT.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Many thanks,
Mike

Hey Mike,

With the versatility of our RC design I think your going to be happy with either board. However, unless you need the balanced swing weight of a true twin for spinning I think the SL is still the right board for you. With the slight set back of .5" on the effective edge it will give you a little more nose for float in deeper snow, having the extra damping will help smooth out the ride in variable conditions and provide more stability at speed. It's a little more solid freeride board while still being a super versatile freestyle board.

Hopefully lonerider will chime in. I think he would be able to give you some good insight.

Thanks for your interest in our boards.

Vince

mvandevegte · 03-28-2011, 11:50 AM

Thanks for the quick response.

To add more detail behind my thinking, my interest in the Proto CT is based on 4 factors (assuming I've read the reviews right):

1. Similar to the SL in many ways (I'm probably oversimplifiying)
2. Light vs. the SL
3. Carbonium Topsheet
4. True Twin (I often land jumps switch)

I guess the one concern I would have with the Proto for me is stability on longer carves at higher speeds and in worse conditions.

Thanks,
Mike

Leo · 03-28-2011, 01:32 PM

Just to chime in, although I haven't tried the SL, I have taken the Proto on a boarder X course and didn't have issues with it washing out. I also took it down a few steeps full speed. I will say the board feels lively underfoot, but holds its edge well.

If maching down steeps was my major concern, I'd definitely go with something more damp.

Vman · 03-28-2011, 02:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mvandevegte

Thanks for the quick response.

To add more detail behind my thinking, my interest in the Proto CT is based on 4 factors (assuming I've read the reviews right):

1. Similar to the SL in many ways (I'm probably oversimplifiying)
2. Light vs. the SL
3. Carbonium Topsheet
4. True Twin (I often land jumps switch)

I guess the one concern I would have with the Proto for me is stability on longer carves at higher speeds and in worse conditions.

Thanks,
Mike

You've interperted all the reviews correctly.

The Proto has the same flex as an SL
With our Superlight core it has a light and nimble underfoot feel
The Carbonium top-sheet is awesome and functional. It's strong and very scratch/chip ressistant. Plus it looks very cool with thet tech/carbon fiber visual.
True twin=f/s mobility. With the float of RC and our Vario sidecut for carving. This is a new age true twin that works as a great all around freeride board.

The powerful flex of the Proto CT combined with the Carbon X reinforcement underfoot it holds an edge amazingly well in a long turn and like all our boards is very stable at speed. A lot of the guy's here who normally ride the SL are now riding Proto's. Tony here who generall rides a 161 SL and is a powerful, fast, slashing, spinning off natural hits/rollers all mountain rider has been riding the 157 Proto. He loves the board at speed and for carving big GS sweepers.

WHOisDAN · 03-28-2011, 03:32 PM

Vman,

Do you plan on making the Proto-CT in smaller sizes in the near future? I ride a 151 SL and 148 EVO. The smallest is a 152 and it's a tad bigger than I would like for jibbing.

fatbob · 03-29-2011, 10:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vman

You've interperted all the reviews correctly.
The Carbonium top-sheet is awesome and functional. It's strong and very scratch/chip ressistant. Plus it looks very cool with thet tech/carbon fiber visual.

If I didn't know better, I'd say that was a quote from my review.

"When I received the board, the first thing I noticed was the strange pimply top sheet. I can only assume this is the result of the Carbonium top sheet. On turning it over, the carbon stringers placed in a cross shape under the binding mounts were instantly noticeable. It was bizarre to see this having never had the tech so blindingly staring me in the face on other boards I’ve owned. I thought it was quite funky. I have heard that the bases will be either black or white so try and get the white one!"

Leo · 03-29-2011, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fatbob

If I didn't know better, I'd say that was a quote from my review.

"When I received the board, the first thing I noticed was the strange pimply top sheet. I can only assume this is the result of the Carbonium top sheet. On turning it over, the carbon stringers placed in a cross shape under the binding mounts were instantly noticeable. It was bizarre to see this having never had the tech so blindingly staring me in the face on other boards I’ve owned. I thought it was quite funky. I have heard that the bases will be either black or white so try and get the white one!"

Or mine

But alas, Vman works for Never Summer.

mvandevegte · 03-30-2011, 05:35 AM

Thanks everyone for your input.

I'm thinking a 157 Proto CT now. Sounds perfect for me.

How many more days until next season???

Cheers,
Mike

Vman · 03-30-2011, 02:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WHOisDAN

Vman,

Do you plan on making the Proto-CT in smaller sizes in the near future? I ride a 151 SL and 148 EVO. The smallest is a 152 and it's a tad bigger than I would like for jibbing.

Hey Dan,

Thanks for all the support. With the new shape in the smaller Evio sizes (147, 150) and the softer press flex core for lighter/smaller riders, we didn't think it would be viable to do the Proto in smaller sizes. We'll definitely consider adding a smaller Proto for 2012/13, especially if you and other riders demand it.

Thanks again

Vince

lonerider · 04-05-2011, 01:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mvandevegte

Thanks for the quick response.

To add more detail behind my thinking, my interest in the Proto CT is based on 4 factors (assuming I've read the reviews right):

1. Similar to the SL in many ways (I'm probably oversimplifiying)
2. Light vs. the SL
3. Carbonium Topsheet
4. True Twin (I often land jumps switch)

I guess the one concern I would have with the Proto for me is stability on longer carves at higher speeds and in worse conditions.

Thanks,
Mike

As mentioned, I was lucky enough to demo the Evo 155, CT 155, SL 153 and SL 155

1. Eh... sort of? The CT is the exact same shape as the EVO, but with that topsheet has a snappier nose and tail for more pop... that snappier tips also make it feel a bit stiffer. The CT is similar to the SL in that you can easily take it freeriding.

2. YES ... even though the 2012 SL is way lighter than my 2008 SLR... the CT is noticeably lighter. The drawback/difference is that it is livelier/less damp as you will feel crusty snow under your foot more. As you are 50 lbs heavier than me... that might not be as much of problem (i.e. you don't get bounced around like I do).

3. I definitely like the feel of the topsheet, but may not be for everyone.

4. True twin doesn't matter if you are just doing 180s... it matters a tiny bit for higher rotations (540s, etc).

To be honest... a 157 CT sounds a little short if you are 200 lbs and want to freeride with it, but that's just my opinion. I think a 159(?) SL or a 160 CT might be good for you... VMan would probably know better.

03-28-2011, 01:32 PM	#233 (permalink)
Leo -LIFETIME MEMBER- Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Detroit Area Posts: 6,212	Just to chime in, although I haven't tried the SL, I have taken the Proto on a boarder X course and didn't have issues with it washing out. I also took it down a few steeps full speed. I will say the board feels lively underfoot, but holds its edge well. If maching down steeps was my major concern, I'd definitely go with something more damp. __________________ www.aGNARchy.com Reviews and David Z's rants

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03-28-2011, 11:50 AM	#232 (permalink)
mvandevegte Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 4	Thanks for the quick response. To add more detail behind my thinking, my interest in the Proto CT is based on 4 factors (assuming I've read the reviews right): 1. Similar to the SL in many ways (I'm probably oversimplifiying) 2. Light vs. the SL 3. Carbonium Topsheet 4. True Twin (I often land jumps switch) I guess the one concern I would have with the Proto for me is stability on longer carves at higher speeds and in worse conditions. Thanks, Mike

03-28-2011, 03:32 PM	#235 (permalink)
WHOisDAN Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Bay Area, CA Posts: 113	Vman, Do you plan on making the Proto-CT in smaller sizes in the near future? I ride a 151 SL and 148 EVO. The smallest is a 152 and it's a tad bigger than I would like for jibbing.

03-30-2011, 05:35 AM	#238 (permalink)
mvandevegte Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 4	Thanks everyone for your input. I'm thinking a 157 Proto CT now. Sounds perfect for me. How many more days until next season??? Cheers, Mike