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Review: 2012 Never Summer Proto CT

272K views 919 replies 187 participants last post by  dreampow 
#1 · (Edited)
Review part 2 here with David's take on the board as well:

aGNARchy Proto CT Review

Introduction

For the past two years, I've slowly been getting sucked into the Never Summer hype around these forums. I wondered, "Can a line of boards really be that good?". Well, earlier last month, I was presented an opportunity of a snowboarding lifetime. Vince and Tracey from Never Summer contacted me and offered me a position in their online design team. What does that entail exactly? Well, they wanted my input on their products present and future. If I have any ideas/input regarding all aspects of their boards, then I am more than welcome to provide them. What's the catch? I have to ride and review a board of my choice. I chose the Proto CT because the tech specs sounded to be a perfect compliment to my riding style.

So you might be wondering what I thought about the board now. Well, I am a little angry at snowboardingforum to be honest. All that hype... all that talk... for what? A board that did not meet my expectations... THE NEVER SUMMER PROTO CT EXCEEDED MY EXPECTATIONS. So why the anger? Because now I have to add another brand of boards to my want list. Now I want to ride them all! Thanks guys. This is not a good thing for a gear whore like me.

So here it is, my initial review of the excellent 2012 Never Summer Proto CT 157:

Setup
Board: 2012 Never Summer Proto CT 157
Bindings: 2011 Rome 390 Boss L/XL
Boots: 2011 Burton Restricted Hail 9.5 US
Stance: +18/-12 Regular @ 23.5"

I am 5'9, 180lbs.

Handling
The Proto CT really shines in this department. The snow conditions was as good as it gets for Michigan at a generous 10-12". The Proto absolutely loves the snow. It held a solid edge when initiating carves and was more than easy to engage the sidecut. I did a series of short to medium to long carves and it was superbly stable and smooth. The Proto rode like a 160ish board, but handled like a 155ish. I attribute these characteristics to the longer effective edge and light weight (the blunted tips reduce the swing weight as well).

As the day progressed, the good snow had been pushed off to the side leaving the hardpack exposed. The Proto didn't have a single problem eating through it all. In fact, I felt so confident on this board, that I still rode aggressively even though there was crazy wind gusts with snow that made it hard to see. Of course, I didn't mach down the run in fear of hitting another rider, but I sure was carving it up on terrain I could barely see.

I didn't take the Proto into park jumps yet, but I definitely will soon. I was hitting some pow build ups though and it was super stable on those little jumps. On one occasion, I leaned forward too much and was sure I was going to eat snow. Much to my joy, I was able to ride it out. Come on, I got away with landing on my nose. That's pretty good. Not sure if this will be the case on an actual kicker, but I'll take it.

The only cons I could find about the handling is the edge to edge quickness and speed. It wasn't quite as fast as other boards I ride. This is because the board's width is a little wider than what I normally ride. The Proto CT 157 has a waist width of 25.3". My other boards are under 25". But to be honest, that is nitpicking and someone with even a size 10 boot won't likely have this problem. As for the speed, I found it to be a bit slower than my other rides. However, this is on factory wax and I will surely have to see how it rides after I personally wax it.

Pop
Very satisfying. One of the more poppy boards out there. Load up on either the nose or tail and off you go. I was having a ton of fun just ollieing over branches and clumps of snow.

Flex/Camber Profile
I'd give this board a 6 rating flex-wise. Just over middle-of-the-road. Perfect for all-mountain freestyle in my opinion. Torsionally, it is a bit stiffer which is one of the reasons why this board carves so well for a mid-flex.

I was very curious about Never Summer's now famous Rocker Camber profile. Love it. I'm going to say it... I like it more than my previous favorite, C2 BTX. While the C2 is in fact more playful, it doesn't lend to carving and stability (stable C2 boards are good deal stiff like the T.Rice). Never Summer got things right with their hybrid camber and this is probably another reason why a board of this flex can handle like a bigger, stiffer board. I like that their camber section feels like it has more bite. I haven't compared it next to a C2 yet, but I'd hazard a guess that NS's camber zone is a little more pronounced. Although there wasn't a ton of pow, I did take the Proto on the sides of the runs where everyone was neglecting the untouched snow build-up. The NS held up really well and gave me a glimpse of what riding actual pow would be like. Obviously, there are better pow boards out there, but the Proto CT does well enough.

Other Thoughts
I have to mention that I had a crash on the Proto. I was riding behind a skier and wanted take a path to the right. I did not realize that he had the same path in mind and he made an abrupt right turn. We ended up colliding causing him to lose his skies and me to go into a tuck and roll. Don't worry, I admitted fault and apologized and we both had a good laugh about it. Anyway, back to the point. I was sure I was going to find some damage on my board. Absolutely sure of it. Needless to say, I still can't find it and I want to give it another look over next time I ride. I guess Never Summer isn't kidding about the Carbonium topsheet being durable.

That brings me to my other point. The Carbonium topsheet not only looks good, but makes for a damn handy stomp pad. As in, you don't need one with this board. The whole topsheet acts as a stomp pad thanks to that cool looking texture.

Conclusions
Boy oh boy did Never Summer deliver. Trust me, I wanted every bone in my body not to like this board as much as I did just so I can have a different opinion than the rest of the crowd. But now, I realize that this Never Summer hype has a solid foundation. Is it the perfect board? Well, no. No board truly will be perfect. But for an all-mountain freestyle shredder, it comes pretty darn close.

Who do I recommend the Proto CT for? The intermediate-advanced rider that is looking for a do everything ride.

Big thanks to Vince and Tracey for giving me this opportunity. The Proto CT is definitely an excellent board that exceeded all my expectations.
 
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#496 ·
I think I would have preferred the white base actually, but I guess a plus with the black is that it's easier to see the wax.

It seems like a very well built board. Some people say they don't like the top sheet, but I think it looks great. The topsheet also seems like it will resist scratches very well. It's a really light board, noticeably lighter then my current 10' Burton Custom. As people said it is a bigger board than the sizes would have you believe just because of the blunted ends and how long the effect edge is. My 158 seems like it's more of a 162 with a short tip and tail to bring it down to 158. Makes me wonder if I should have gone with the 155 since I was in between at 180lbs. If your using it for more park I would go a size smaller then you normally would. I'm using it for all mountain so the extra 'length' will be a bonus. Everyones been right on with the flex. NS says 5, but I'd say a little more. This is my first reverse camber board so while the flex is in the 5-6 range it does flex more then camber boards I've been on with a 5 rating.

My only regret is that now I'm going to be totured for 3 months until the season starts here.
 
#498 ·
Size question

I am 6'2 190lbs. I ride 70% groomers and backcountry, 30% park (mostly jumps). I wear a size 11-11(1/2) boot. I wanted to know if a 157 Proto or a 160 would be recommended for me. Also, does anyone have any recommendations for bindings for all mountain riding to pair with this board? (Flux or Union)? Thanks for the help guys.
 
#499 ·
I am 6'2 190lbs. I ride 70% groomers and backcountry, 30% park (mostly jumps). I wear a size 11-11(1/2) boot. I wanted to know if a 157 Proto or a 160 would be recommended for me. Also, does anyone have any recommendations for bindings for all mountain riding to pair with this board? (Flux or Union)? Thanks for the help guys.
My stats are somewhat similar (5'11", 190 lb). For future reference, I wouldn't group groomers and backcountry together... very different kinds of riding. I'm in a similar predicament. I actually have the 157 in my possession but may opt for the 160 instead. My gut feeling is that if you want zippier board for short radius turns in trees, probably the 157; if you're looking more for long drawn out carves, probably the 160. I go back and forth by the day, but I'm leaning 160.

If your boots are 1:1 lasted (some companies use 1 size shell for 2 sizes, some companies have a different size shell for every half size), I'd lean go 160 or the 158 CTX Wide if you end up 11.5s. That's barring getting a more low profile boot, in which case you can rock either.
 
#501 ·
Generally, no more than 1 and 1/2inch overhang on heel/toe is acceptable. If you are doing a lot of trees and groomer, I would do the 157. If you spend more time in the backcountry, 160 for sure. Actually, if you do a ton of backcountry, you might want to look at boards like the SL or Heritage.
 
#502 ·
Just pulled the trigger on a black based 157.

Hoping my 10.5-11 boots don't hang over too much, but should be ok.

Can't wait to ride this in a few months.

Just need to decide on Targas vs 390s for her and I'm rocking.


PS
To any unfamiliar with NS customer service, its awesome. Vince at Never Summer is very helpful with questions.
 
#507 ·
I'm 5'8", weigh about 135 lbs and usually ride a 155 '08 SL. I got a chance to demo a 154 Proto earlier this year and was totally blown away by how much fun it was to ride, such a responsive, poppy and fun board!

Long story short: I'm leaning towards getting a 154 Proto. What do you guys think, does that size sound about right?
 
#508 ·
Under normal circumstances, I'd recommend a 152 for your weight. However, you already demoed a 154 and loved it. So going with a 152 would be a gamble for you.

If things pan out, you might love the 152. Right now, the question is, do you think you'll love it THAT much more than the 154? Because you see, if you end up disliking the 152, you just lost out on a lot. If you end up liking the 152, it'll more than likely be a small gain over the 154.

I always say stick with what you have demoed. If there was nothing wrong with what you demoed, then you should definitely stick with the 154.

/twocents
 
#509 ·
Thanks for the speedy input man!

I think I'll just stick with what I demoed, I was considering going a bit bigger as I do ride a some of my season on a 160 '07 Summit/155 '98 Premier and the 154 Proto seemed a bit small. That was probably due to just how much lighter and playful it is compared to what I'm used to riding.

I did seem to keep on washing out when I tried to rail longer turns on the Proto though. I think it was because I wasn't used to how deep the sidecut was, but it probably was because I wasn't used to the new tech, who knows.

I know there's not much difference in sidecut, (if that was even my problem), between the 157 and 154 and due to your input and a review I recent read, I think a 157 would be too much for me to handle due to how light I am.


Anyways, 154 it is, thanks again dude!
 
#510 ·
Hey Sawney,
I wrote the review you linked to, so I thought I'd just join in the conversation with you. I think you'll be stoked with the 154. Not that you couldn't ride the 157...of course you could, and would probably rip on it. My critique of it was that I couldn't manipulate it to do what I wanted for jibbing/butters/etc. The 157 felt like way too much board for how I ride most of the time.
If you're riding a 155 SL right now, you will feel right at home on the 154 Proto CT.
just my .02
-hanna
 
#511 ·
Thanks for writing that review, it was well written and I enjoyed reading it! The thing I don't like about my SL is that it's not playful enough, I never understood how everyone else made buttering look so damn easy until I tried the Proto, it seriously blew my mind! I think the 157 would be too much board for me due to how I plan on using it.
 
#513 ·
I'm 6'2 about 92kgs (200lb) and looking at the proto in either the 157 or 160. I ride about 30% park and 70% the rest. Looking to get more in the park these days. Have size 11 boots ( have ions, keen for something softer like hails). Do you guys think a 157 will be sweet?
 
#515 ·
I'm 6'2 about 92kgs (200lb) and looking at the proto in either the 157 or 160. I ride about 30% park and 70% the rest. Looking to get more in the park these days. Have size 11 boots ( have ions, keen for something softer like hails). Do you guys think a 157 will be sweet?[/QUOTE

I had the same question when i bought my board earlier this year. You have to be careful with the Proto because although it may be a 157cm board in length, the edge is actually similar to a 162. I am 6'5 and riding the 157 so i think you should be fine. It may feel short but the long edge will make up for it. :thumbsup:
 
#518 ·
Can people chime in about bindings, because I just ordered the 157 and I can't decide on bindings. I figured it keep it on this thread and not start yet another Proto thread.

Basically, are Targas going to be too stiff? I love their cap strap more than the 390 Bosses, or should I just stick with the 390s and be done with it?

I am not hitting the park, just the kickers. But I do want a fun lively ride on the slopes, butters, presses, hitting rollers etc.. Think all mountain frisky.

Or are Fluxes that good? Because the DMCC Lights look killer but are so damn expensive compared to the 390 Bosses. I'm guessing the DS30s are probably too soft?

Help me out please!
 
#522 ·
The 2012 Burton Restricted Malavita. I think these are shop only editions though. So if the shop has access to other Restricted Burton products, then they should be able to get their hands on these. Excellent all-mountain freestyle bindings. One of my few favorites in Burton's line.
 
#528 ·
Very nice pmoa! Thats exactly how I requested mine when I pre-ordered earlier this year. Mine should be in the shop in the next couple of weeks. Cant wait to have it in hand and get my 2011/2012 setup squared away! I'll be rocking Rome 390's. Have you had a chance to ride on the SF45's yet? I'd looked at those... I'd like to hear how you think they feel and pair up with the Proto.
 
#530 ·
Alright guys, I'm needing some help on determining the final size I'm going to go with for my Proto CT. I'm 6'1" and weigh about 200 lbs, size 11 boots (large Nike Zoom Forces, no shrink tech). I ride a little of everything, mostly just like hitting jumps in the park and riding the whole mountain. This will be my do everything board since I can't afford more than one, so no matter what the conditions, powder or groomers, I'd like to be able to ride this thing there. I'm looking at either the 160 or 157. I have been leaning toward the 160, because of my larger boot, and I'm thinking I will probably go back up to around 205-210 for my weight in the future.

What do you all think?
 
#532 ·
Keep in mind the effective edge is equal to one size up. So the 154 has the same effective edge as a regular shape (non-blunt tip) 157.

So a 157 would be pretty much equal to a regular 160 shape, and a 160 like a 162 or 163.

Cheers
 
#533 · (Edited)
David: I'd like to stay with the regular size Proto for the narrower width and maneuverability, that's why I'm trying to stay away from the CTX.

Verb: that's something I am aware of, which is why I'm looking at this so hard. The 157 Proto is almost the same effective edge length as the 161 SL. That's the major thing that's making me rethink my consideration of the 160. The boot size is the only thing that has me wondering, waist width being 25.3 on the 57 and 25.5 on the 60. And the 160 would handle powder better more than likely, and possibly be more stable? But the 57 would be the more playful and maneuverable choice. I ride all mountain, dabble a little in the parks, and mostly just like hitting jumps rather than rails and such. And I do like to charge down runs and in powder as well.
 
#538 ·
Another what size to get post..... I've picked out my board (Proto CT), boots and bindings, just need to pick the size. I'm between 6' and 6'1" and 170lbs with a 10.5 boot. I ride pretty much everything (probably 30% park, 35% groomed, hard pack, soft pack and 35% all mountain terrain including powder, trees, etc). Some of my buddies and wife included are not very good so I do fine myself playing around on the flatter runs (buttering and such) so I want something playful and fun, but can still handle the bigger stuff when I head out with my other group of buddies. I am having a hard time deciding between the 154 and 157 CT. I like the idea of a shorter board since it still has a long effective edge for trees, buttering and the park, but not sure how the 154 would handle the bigger stuff and powder. Anybody in the same boat that can offer their 2 cents? I ride a 158 cambered board now and its great for freeriding and bombing the groomers, but its not very fun at all in the park or for buttering around.
 
#539 ·
Well, if you're riding a 158 now, the Proto 154 has almost the same effective edge. With the RC base and flex you should have fun buttering etc.

The Proto 157 will be more like a 160 - not what you want I think from reading your post
 
#541 ·
one vote 154, one vote 157....

The 154 has the same effective edge as my current 158 hence the dilemma. I'm guessing the 157 is the right size for me, but I'm curious if anyone my size is rocking the 154. crispynz1 where do you ride in a indoor snowdome - pretty cool idea.
 
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