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Review 2014 Never Summer Proto HD

118K views 301 replies 81 participants last post by  dreampow 
#1 · (Edited)
About me

I mostly ride in Nagano although I make trips to various spots around Japan throughout the winter.
I am 6ft tall and weigh 175lbs (78kilos) in my birthday suit. I wear size 11 boots. I consider myself an advanced rider and this year I started doing some professional guide work, mostly just learning from and helping the experienced guide who I am working with.
I spend most of my time free riding in powder and trees and this is where I am most comfortable. I ride with a strong freestyle element and look to get little spins and grabs off natural hits. Since last year I have started getting into the park a little more.

This is where I ride the most, Nozawa Onsen in Nagano.









2014 Never Summer Proto HD


The Proto HD used in this review was given to me by Never Summer for product testing and improvement as well as for the review itself.

I rode the 157 with 2013 restricted cartel bindings. I rode the board on a number of trips and in pretty much all possible snow conditions.


To me this is the closest to a quiver of 1 board I have ridden. Park, pipe, carving, ground tricks, powder, steeps, tree runs, simply put this board does everything very well.

I have been riding the 2012 Proto CT since last year and stepping onto this I immediately noticed some differences.

1) More pop. The 2012 is poppy, but I was boosting higher and feeling the board snap up into the air more aggressively. Really satisfying and gives that little bit more time to tweak out the grab. You can get solid air time of little transitions and features around the mountain.
The only downside of this pop is that with a very bumpy icy surface the board tends to send you up in the air off the bumps and bounce you around a little. Still I only experienced this in extremely bad conditions with a very uneven surface (ice debris).






2) Smoother at speed on hard pack. Definitely less chatter in the tip and tail at speed and an all round smoother feel, that will be due to the HD or harmonic dampers which are a new tech that aims to lessen tip and tail chatter while keeping the lively feeling under foot. I like it and its not just a gimmick, there is a genuine difference when riding the 2014 Proto HD and the 2012 CT back to back.

3) Easier to press and ollie. This is the new profile at work. The new profile is hard to describe in words, when laid flat next to each other what I noticed is the 2014 has slightly less rocker so the tip and tail are closer to the ground and the camber section seems to end a touch earlier. This creates a more solid platform for ollies and presses.

Those are the main differences I noticed from the 2012 model. All in all I really liked the 2012 and the new board is quite familiar with some significant improvements.

As with all the Never Summer decks I have ridden the build quality and durability is excellent, it holds up extremely well to bumps with trees and rocks compared to the other boards I have ridden. Its a light board just like the 2012.

I rode some 4 kilometer long stretches of 50~60cm deep pow on this board. I would say the pow performance is just like the 2012, very very good for such an all round board. It floats better than the 2012 at low speeds thanks to the new low profile tips which don't push against the snow as much and tend to glide over the snow better. Of course this board requires more work than a more pow specific deck, but its nice to be able to throw a 180 and stay afloat switch. For me the board has good enough float that I wouldn't bother with a pow specific deck unless there is more than 30cm of fresh. I used to ride everything on posi camber and compared to that this board floats with ease.


In one area I had to do a long traverse below which is a nasty drop onto rocks. Absolutely solid grip and I felt planted and locked in to the surface. The grip on ice is right there when you need it but its not intrusive when you don't.

In the park board slides on tables were dialed from the start, 180's and 3's were easy and smooth to throw and land. This board loves to spin and I find I can throw 3's all over the mountain off little hips into the powder at the edge of the pistes.
The pop that I already mentioned is key here. I landed my biggest most stylish tweaked out mutes, stales and methods ever. I really think this is a stand out feature and it felt like the board was popping up into that tucked position where I can choose my grab at ease and have plenty of time to get set up to land.





Carving is smooth and predictable regular or switch, long or short carves. The camber zone locks in when up on edge and with good technique you can carve very aggressively. For the jack of all trades that the Proto HD is it does superbly in this department. It is smoother than the 2012 which is noticeable when the surface is a bit chopped up. As I mentioned earlier it does bounce up when there is uneven ice or debris.

As with the 2012 you get lots of feedback from the snow, the 2014 is a touch more damp in my opinion, but I prefer that since I take it through some quite serious terrain. I wouldn't like to see it get any damper though.
I would say that if you ride somewhere where conditions are regularly icy and bumpy get a damper board than this, especially if you want to ride at speed in those conditions. In general it handles speed very well, better than the 2012 Proto CT, but if you live to ride at over 50mph and carve up the piste there are much better tools for the job.

What I would change about this board
More camber please. I like the amount of rocker, just right IMO, but more camber in the two camber zones would provide still more pop and energy in a carve.
If there is a way to make the boards hold their prime snap for longer I would like to see it implemented here. I didn't feel this was worse than the other 10 brands or so I have ridden in terms of loosing snap, still longer lasting snap has to be a bonus for any rider. Premium boards like this represent a serious bundle of cash for most riders and should be made to last as long as possible, R and D to prolong longevity further would be most welcome.

Conclusion

All round this is a super versatile deck. The new extended transition profile is an improvement on traditional R/C in my opinion. Its more stable when carving on hard pack and gives you a better platform for ollies and presses. The new profile also gives better float because the low profile tips don't push against the snow as much, they glide over it. The Proto HD is super playful and fun, but with the right technique very capable of shredding technical terrain. This is the board I would choose to ride in most conditions. If there has been a big dump I will be on a powder deck, but it would have to be 30cm or more to tempt me off this board.
I personally prefer not to change out boards in the middle of a day, I like to shred some steep and deep tree runs and maybe do some top to bottom carving runs as well as some passes through the park. I don't like to ride a deck thats too specialized because it limits what I can do that day. With this board I can do everything and do it very well.
 
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#41 ·
Get something more powder oriented for Japan, especially if you are going to Hokkaido/Japan. Even the more powder focused NS boards like the Cobra are basically groomer/jib sticks in Hokkaido.
I agree with this, if Japan is your main riding location and you come here in the peak season for snow you should think about getting a board that is more powder specific.

Japans powder is some of the best and most consistent in the world. The terrain tends to be gentler especially in Hokkaido.

Although lighter riders tend to float much easier (weight please?) having at least a powder focused all mountain type of deck (like the K2 Ultra dream) is a good move in Japan.

I find the Proto HD to be very good in powder for what it is, a non task specific all mountain deck that will be good at everything without specializing at anything.

I actually prefer to ride it over a powder deck on days when there are smaller powder dumps, that way I can play around in the powder riding switch and doing spins of lips.

If there is a bigger dump I want something more powder focused and capable.

If I only had one deck to ride here in Japan I would go with something that is a more powder focused all mountain deck, something with setback (a little) and longer more gently rising rockered tips. At my weight (78 kilos) I would also move up to a 160 or 161 in this scenario.

If I only had one deck to ride and I rode sometimes in Japan and sometimes in other less powder blessed places (or times of year) I would be very happy with the Proto as my only board.

Ideally two boards will always be better, one for serious powder dumps and one for all round riding (or a park focused deck if thats your thing).

I am very happy with the proto as my do it all deck, but I have a longer powder deck for those special days when the powder is on.

In mid winter here you will want to ride the right deck on a deep day. That could make it a day you will remember for the rest of your life. Sounds dramatic, but its very real.

Unfortunately that might also turn you into a powder junkie and then you will spend hours thinking about powder and boards even though winter is months away:giggle:.

For more suggestions or help please give us more info.

What is your weight?

Foot size?

Where will you ride in Japan?

How long will you be here and when?

How much park?

How much tree runs and free ride?
 
#47 ·
Demoed this board this past spring at Whistler for about 2-3 runs. I'm 5'5" 140lbs, 4 seasons of snowboarding. I tried the Proto HD in a 154.

BY FAR, the best board and the funnest board I've ever tried (and this is with bad bindings, some Flux that are too big). Blows my T.Rice and Pick Your Line away just for resort crusing, side hits, carving, etc. Funny, because I demoed an NS Evo 154 last season and I didn't like it. The flex is perfect, a little past medium but not stiff. You can butter around and hold the press easily without washing out on the tail. This board is also the poppiest board I've ever tried when doing ollies off rollers and surprisingly in and out of carves. It is lively but also damp enough. The side cut is awesome on this board, by just using different radius on different sections of the board it grips almost as well as a regular cambered board or boards with mag. Carving is a blast on this board. All in all, if I'm still in Vancouver next winter this will be my next board for sure. I will probably still go to my PYL for powder days but this board is just sick. I sound like a Never Summer fan boy now, but this is truly super awesome board, can be a quiver killer too.
 
#51 ·
Awesome reviews and many thanks! Damn now I'm torn. I currently use my 156 Capita BSOD and absolutely love it. The profile of the BSOD is awseome. The camber is just right to keep it stable and the points lifted to keep me from catching. I'm now looking to going back to Neversummer to try a new board.

The Proto HD has really struck my interest. Few questions from those that have ridden the board.

1) Is the board very squirley (for lack of a better word)? I remember my old Neversummer SL-R (like 4 or 5 years ago) the board felt very squirley or slippery (which I didn't like). I like the more locked in feel when it's needed (especially and fast speeds).

2) I'm 5'6" and 165 lbs. I use a 156 BSOD now. Should I go with 154 Proto or 157? I ride mostly West Coast (Mammoth, Big Bear) and Utah mountains. I rarely get the luxury of nice deep pow. I don't do much park (will go occassionally for smaller type jumps) and mostly freeride the mountain cruising with friends and playing around. Oh and I consider my self an intermediate/advanced rider (although definitely not an advanced park rat..haha)

Thanks much for your opinions/advice!
 
#55 ·
The Proto HD has really struck my interest. Few questions from those that have ridden the board.

1) Is the board very squirley (for lack of a better word)? I remember my old Neversummer SL-R (like 4 or 5 years ago) the board felt very squirley or slippery (which I didn't like). I like the more locked in feel when it's needed (especially and fast speeds).

2) I'm 5'6" and 165 lbs. I use a 156 BSOD now. Should I go with 154 Proto or 157? I ride mostly West Coast (Mammoth, Big Bear) and Utah mountains. I rarely get the luxury of nice deep pow. I don't do much park (will go occassionally for smaller type jumps) and mostly freeride the mountain cruising with friends and playing around. Oh and I consider my self an intermediate/advanced rider (although definitely not an advanced park rat..haha)

Thanks much for your opinions/advice!

I have never ridden the BSOD so I can only look at the specs, since it has camber through the bindings it is going to be more stable at high speed than the Proto.

The Proto is going to be a lot more fun and playful though and in my opinion is also very capable at carving as long as you get it up on edge so you might need to adjust your riding style a little.

Is the board very squirley (for lack of a better word)?

If you ride with a high edge angle, no its not, but if you ride flat based or near flat based it will feel loose.

You could go either way with the 154 and 157. If you plan to keep and continue to ride the BSOD get the 154 and look for it to be a more playful deck.

If you are looking to replace the BSOD get the 157.

I would primarily recommend the Proto for someone who wants a playful all mountain deck with an emphasis on freestyle. It will do everything well, but this is where it shines.

If your emphasis is on fast hard carves with some freestyle thrown in the BSOD looks to be more in the sweet spot.

Are you looking to build a quiver of boards with different feel or just replacing?
 
#56 ·
Hey Dreampow i've been pretty sure about getting the proto this season and your recommendation in the last post sealed the deal. ("I would primarily recommend the Proto for someone who wants a playful all mountain deck with an emphasis on freestyle.") Now my question is which size to get. I will be pairing it with a 158 cobra. Im 5'9" 155-160. Thanks for the help.
 
#59 ·
I'm 6'3 and about 200lbs and the 160 Proto HDX was playful. Much more so than my 163 Heritage X. Donutz, you'll notice the difference for sure. Paddy, at your height and weight, and since you have a 158 Cobra, I'd suggest the 154 Proto.
 
#71 ·
2014 Never summer Proto HD Sizing

Howdy y'all,

I happened to run across this thread as I was looking for advice on sizing for the Proto HD. I've been using rentals for a few seasons now and finally decided I should invest in a board. This will be my first board and I was hoping to get some suggestions since I can't decide between the 154 and 157.

Height: 5ft 7.5inches tall
Weight: 170lb nude
Boot size: 9.5

Ride 90% groomers, 10% park as of this past season. But plan to pick up more on the park action. Jibbing and riding rails don't really interest me but then again, I have never tried. I just started doing small jumps and would enjoy eventually doing larger jumps.

I saw OzSno's post but I was wondering if I can get away riding the 154 while bombing down the mountain? I rode my friend's '12 Proto CT and it felt a bit squirrely/chattery and was wondering if the Harmonic Dampeners would fix that?

My buddy is the same height/weight and he told me he regretted not sizing up to a 157 because of the squirreliness when bombing, but he enjoys the board in the park though.

Any and all suggestions are welcome. TIA
 
#72 ·
Howdy y'all,

I happened to run across this thread as I was looking for advice on sizing for the Proto HD. I've been using rentals for a few seasons now and finally decided I should invest in a board. This will be my first board and I was hoping to get some suggestions since I can't decide between the 154 and 157.

Height: 5ft 7.5inches tall
Weight: 170lb nude
Boot size: 9.5

Ride 90% groomers, 10% park as of this past season. But plan to pick up more on the park action. Jibbing and riding rails don't really interest me but then again, I have never tried. I just started doing small jumps and would enjoy eventually doing larger jumps.

I saw OzSno's post but I was wondering if I can get away riding the 154 while bombing down the mountain? I rode my friend's '12 Proto CT and it felt a bit squirrely/chattery and was wondering if the Harmonic Dampeners would fix that?

My buddy is the same height/weight and he told me he regretted not sizing up to a 157 because of the squirreliness when bombing, but he enjoys the board in the park though.

Any and all suggestions are welcome. TIA
Overall the HD is a little smoother than the Proto CT so less chatter, the squirely feeling is probably more to do with technique. This profile likes to be on edge and if you ride flat based it can feel loose and squirely.

You will get used to how to ride the board with time, once dialed in I don't find it squirely at all, when you want to flat base just shift your weight back a little and it solves the problem.

Having said that I don't flat base much.

You could go 154 but I would only do that if you are planning to get like 40% or more park. The 157 will do park just fine and will do everything else better.
 
#73 ·
At 6'3" and over 200 lbs, I did ride a 157 Proto CT for much of last season and was 90% satisfied with it. I felt that it did fine when bombing the hill on groomers, but it did feel a little loose while going through the chunk. My main issue was that while it did float pretty well, I think to make it a real quiver killer I wanted the next size up for more float. I'm going to up size to the 160 this year (per earlier post in this thread), and hope that the HD tech doesn't make the board ride like a different animal.

For you, I'd go 157 since it is your first board and want it to handle everything. I'd only say 154 if you really wanted to start going crazy in the park or ride exclusively on a small east-coast hill.
 
#74 ·
At 6'3" and over 200 lbs, I did ride a 157 Proto CT for much of last season and was 90% satisfied with it. I felt that it did fine when bombing the hill on groomers, but it did feel a little loose while going through the chunk. My main issue was that while it did float pretty well, I think to make it a real quiver killer I wanted the next size up for more float. I'm going to up size to the 160 this year (per earlier post in this thread), and hope that the HD tech doesn't make the board ride like a different animal.
You and I are about the same weight (I'm actually slightly below 200). I don't really need to worry about float because A) we don't get deep new stuff often enough, and B) when we do I have the Heritage 160 which has a setback. So taking the float issue off the table, would you be happy with the 157 overall? Or would you still upsize?
 
#77 ·
fwiw you guys are all making me seriously consider a 57 for my next one.

If anything I'm scared it will ride like a '60 and I've never been on anything past the mid-50s.

I've also never been this old and fat. Paradoxically I've never ridden better.....
 
#90 ·
The HD tech smoothes out the ride and reduces chatter in the tip and tail whilst keeping the snappy feel underfoot. It does not make the board more stable like adding length will.

In the end its personal preference, but I certainly wouldn't ride a 154 Proto for what I like to do and I am 175lbs.
 
#92 ·
Rode this board on the Icy/Rocky/Wet/grassy/pow Australian slopes this season. Amazing board, held an edge quite well, playful enough for me to hit those natural jumps but stable enough for me to bomb it down ice sheets. Floated well in what we would call pow here, probably 30-40cm of the soft stuff.

Glad i bought it.
 
#94 ·
Nice, I forgot to mention that in my review, the vario grip works really well and allows you to negotiate ice without fear of washing out. I prefer it to the magnatraction which digs in to the ice too hard IMO (for resort riding).

Would like to try the mellow mag which seems to be more popular these days.
 
#98 ·
I'm very interested in this board this season. I've ridden a proto ct in a 154 and it rode awesome but was a little hard to butter. Being 5'8, 9.5 boots and about 145-150 lbs what size would you guys recommend for this board? Mostly all mountain, small jumps, and very little park. thanks!
 
#102 ·
I'm about ready to order mine... I'm only 150 lbs so I was reluctant to go with a 157, but considering how I like to go off trail in fresh snow and how playful it is I'm not worried about it. Should be the perfect board for progressing further and having a blast.
 
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