hhaidar

First of all, i'm new here, so hello everyone! I've been lurking for a bit and its a very cool forum. I have been lucky enough to ride a proto for the past week, here is my review...which I also posted over on easyloungin.
OK, Here's my Proto CT Review.
Me 5'10, 150 lbs. I normally ride a NS EVO 155.
Board NS Proto CT 157 w/cartels.
I've finally gotten enough time on this board to feel confident writing a review of it. Overall I like it...a LOT. While the same shape as the evo Its a good deal stiffer, both longitudinally AND torsionally. As such it feels a lot more stable at higher speeds, and on edge. The board feels damper than my evo for sure... there is a lot less chatter going on in choppy conditions. I really enjoyed carving on it and the pop. oh my god the pop. I got a LOT more snap out of the tail than on my evo, on small side hits I was consistently getting much more of a boost of of the proto than I would on my evo.
Today I took it to the park and lapped a 20' park jump on it and I found the stability and pop to be really nice. The landings had some ruts on them that the Proto absorbed really nicely...like I didn't really have to think about it much. In contrast, when I hit the same jump afterwards on my Evo, the landings had a lot more chatter to absorb and I felt like I had to be a little more mindful of not getting bucked.
What didn't work out well for me on the Proto CT was the size of the one I'm on. I weigh 150 lbs and couldn't manipulate the board in presses the way I would like to. I enjoy butter combos and presses on my evo, and there was no way that was happening comfortably on the Proto. I'm chalking this up to the size of the board I was on. Some of my larger friends were able to press the Proto very nicely. I am strongly considering buying one for next year, as I think its a great "does everything board", but I think I would be looking at the 152.
Overall I think the Proto CT is a great board that will suit a lot of riders, especially those looking for an all mountain, do-anything twin. It has everything I like about the shape of the Evo, but with just a bit more of everything. More snap, more pop, more stability, more dampness. It also weighs a lot less.
I would highly recommend this board to intermediate+ riders looking for an all mountain freestyle board, especially those who find the evo to be too soft.. I hope this review is helpful, I've never really written one before. If i can give any more info, please let me know.

Leo

Hey buddy! This be my review section. Why you all in my hillz!?! Get off!

Just kidding

Good review. Seems you and I are in agreeance with this board.

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hhaidar

Yeah Leo, just read your review and it seems like we are pretty much in agreement on most things. I got a chance to take it through some deep snow in the woods and it definitely delivered. Even more interesting was watching another instructor ride it yesterday. He weighs 200 lbs and was SLAYING it on this board. Makes me want a smaller one .

Leo

Yea, I almost asked for the 155, but I feel 157 is my best size. 157 is hard to come by since most go from 156 to 158. I don't know why that 1cm difference makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside lol.

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park_rider

Does anyone know for certain how much this thing is going to cost?, because I'm trying to decide to buy this Proto CT or just buy a marked down 2011 Evo this summer.

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B.Gilly

Could always email NS for definite prices but it is more then the Evo and SL for sure.

Just took a couple runs on one of these myself. Pretty smooth ride and enjoyed the ride.

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kimchijajonshim

I think Vince (or maybe one of the Cannadays) in a Transworld interview said that manufacturing costs will drive up the price on a lot of product. Given the dynamic between SL and Evo pricing ($510 vs. $490) and price on the Heritage ($540), I'd expect it to fall in the $520-540 range).

park_rider

yeah i just emailed the, but im definitely looking forward to see everything this board has to offer. it looks sick

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nerve

So the Proto is more freestyle than freeride I'm assuming?

Basically I own an EVO and owned a Custom forever. I'm looking to replace my custom for the days I'm not in the park but still want to have a little fun. Go with the SL or the Proto?

Mysticfalcon

Ive read that the Proto is supposed to be between the evo and the SL so if you already have an evo I would go with a SL or maybe even a heritage.

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